TEDxAtlanta, Georgia's largest TED affiliate, announced today that tickets are now on sale for its 2026 conference and the inaugural TEDxAtlanta Youth event, scheduled for Oct. 2–3 at Atlanta International School's Sandy Springs campus. The expanded program, themed "Bold. Brave. Unbreakable.," introduces Explore Sessions and a dedicated youth platform, signaling a shift toward more participatory and intergenerational dialogue.
The debut of TEDxAtlanta Youth marks one of the Southeast's newest stages for speakers ages 16 to 23, offering a platform for young voices to lead conversations about the future. According to the organization, young people are often discussed but rarely invited to drive discussions on technology, social change, and economic shifts. "Some of the most important ideas about the future are coming from the generation that will live that future longest," said Jacqui Chew, TEDxAtlanta licensee. "TEDxAtlanta Youth creates a platform for young people to contribute their ideas, challenge assumptions, and help shape the conversations that will define the decades ahead." The youth conference will take place the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 3, immediately following the mainstage program, allowing attendees to experience both established and emerging voices in a single day.
Beyond the youth initiative, TEDxAtlanta 2026 introduces Explore Sessions, a new format designed to complement traditional TED-style talks with interactive workshops, guided conversations, and hands-on learning. The sessions include a second stage for facilitated discussions, interactive workshops, and the return of the Refresh Room—a space for introverts and those seeking mental rejuvenation through guided reflections. This shift transforms the conference from a passive viewing experience into an active participatory event, according to organizers.
The 2026 conference continues TEDxAtlanta's 16-year tradition of convening innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders around ideas that inspire action. With over 260 talks and performances to date, the platform has grown into a leading forum in the Southeast for innovation and meaningful dialogue. More than two dozen past speakers have been featured on the main TED stage.
Tickets are available now for TEDxAtlanta, TEDxAtlanta Youth, and Complete Passes covering both events. For more information, visit TEDxAtlanta.com. TEDxAtlanta is an initiative of the nonprofit Ideas into Action, planned by a volunteer team led by Chew.
