TEDxUTAustin 2026 - Polaris

TEDxUTAustin presents Austin's largest university TEDx event!

Join us for TEDxUTAustin’s 9th annual conference to experience eight bold TEDx talks, three incredible performances, view a curated art gallery, and engage in networking opportunities with startups and other Austin-based organizations through our interactive showcase!

WHEN + WHERE

Date: March 7th, 2026

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT

Doors open: 9:00 a.m. CT

Where: Hogg Memorial Auditorium

Address: 2300 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78705

2026 THEME: "Polaris"

Our 2026 Theme "Polaris". The North Star, has guided explorers, dreamers, and seekers for centuries. It represents direction, hope, and the pursuit of something greater. In a world filled with constant change, Polaris reminds us that even when the path feels uncertain, we can find our own guiding light.

TICKETS

Tickets for the full-day conference experience are $45 for community members and $25 for UT Austin students. All tickets include access to the talks, performances, showcase, and art gallery, as well as a free lunch, brand activations, and exclusive conference T-shirt.

SPEAKERS/PERFORMERS

Alberto Martinez: Professor and Writer in History & Science

Brian Wynne: Talent Acquisition Leader, Advocate, & Community Builder

Reese Saliceti: Entrepreneur, Baker, & Creative Leader

Keith Simon: Architect, Educator, & Sustainable Design Advocate

Aliza Norwood: Internal Medicine Specialist, Associate Professor, & Healthcare Leader

Reno Dudley: Entrepreneur, Professor, & Business Leader

Caitlin McFarland: Media Executive & Co-Founder of ATX Television Festival

Josh Babetski: Community Builder & Cultural Strategist

SHOWCASE

Our interactive showcase presents the unique chance to network with startups and other Austin based organizations, Our showcase partners will be listed on our socials in the weeks before our conference date.

ABOUT TEDxUTAustin

TEDxUTAustin is an independent, student-led TED event, founded in 2017 to spread new ideas and foster an intellectually curious community eager to grow their impact on the world. Based at UT Austin, a world-class campus in one of the leading entrepreneurial cities, TEDxUTAustin draws upon the unique students, professors, and community members of Austin to host a diverse, rich, and enlightening annual experience for all.

Please follow us on Instagram or Facebook @TEDxUTAustin for future updates about speakers, events, and other content!