TEDxWilmette 2026
On September 26, 2026, TEDxWilmette will bring together brilliant minds to share their groundbreaking ideas centered around the theme Especially Now.
When the stakes are high, communities with big ideas and big hearts take action. At TEDxWilmette, we explore how, Especially Now, our community can innovate, inspire, and instigate meaningful change. We highlight ideas that prove civic engagement can be civil, generations can find common ground, and technology can create universal opportunity.
Let’s define a better future together, Especially Now.​
Be Part of the Conversation:
Apply to Speak!
We are now accepting speaker applications for our September 26, 2026 event. We encourage you to apply if you have an idea that can shed new light on the theme Especially Now. You may also recommend someone you believe should be considered as a speaker.
Speaker applications are due by January 31, 2026, and speaker recommendations are due by January 16, 2026.
The 2026 speakers will be announced in February.
Join us for a topical conversation about what local news makes possible, what happens when it disappears, and what we can do as a community to strengthen it. This will be a powerful, civic-minded evening with three voices representing national, regional, and hyperlocal perspectives.
Local News and the Civic Health of Communities
​
Featuring Kayce Ataiyero, Ryan Osborn, and Tracy Baim
Moderated by Heather Hehman (TEDxWilmette Co-Founder)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026,
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
1150 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091
Mark your calendar for our next Salon on Tuesday, February 24, 2026: Invisible Strengths, Invisible Struggles featuring Tara May and Stacey Woerhle.​
Inspired minds await — watch the newest TEDxWilmette talk or explore the full collection.
Want to learn more about how TEDxWilmette partners with our community?
Watch our latest partner video featuring one of our generous sponsors.