Right now we’re in the semifinal round for Cohort 3, and the journey is just getting started. But if you make it to the finalist stage, one of the first big moments is Media Day. It’s one of the first time finalists get to meet each other in person. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what that looks like. At TEDxThirdWard, we don’t just announce speakers and hope people show up. We help our speakers market their ideas and build momentum for the event. Once finalists are selected, we host a dedicated Media Day where we bring in a studio setup, photographer, and videographer so each speaker can create polished content around their talk. This time will be even better than last time. I had to give my TEDx talk on the day media day was already scheduled, but we still made it happen. That content becomes the fuel for: • promoting their talk • building excitement for the event • encouraging their network to attend • helping us collectively drive ticket sales Think of it as the moment where your idea becomes real and shareable. Speakers record short promotional videos, take professional photos, and capture content they can post across LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms to invite their community into the journey. Because when speakers are excited and sharing their ideas with the world, it doesn’t just elevate them. It elevates the entire event. This clip is a small glimpse into that process. If you’re currently a Cohort 3 semifinalist, keep going. The road to the red circle is just beginning.

One of the things that makes TEDxThirdWard different is that we actually build community. This will be the first opportunity for semi-finalists and volunteers to meet each other in person, and honestly, that’s where a lot of the magic begins. The relationships and conversations that start here are part of what makes the big event so special. What we create together on June 14, 2026 doesn’t just happen on stage. It starts with moments like this. So we’re hosting two casual Meet + Hang opportunities. No formal program. Just conversation, community, wings or drinks, and a chance to get to know the people who may end up sharing the TEDxThirdWard stage together. If you’re feeling brave, we might even hear a few talk ideas in the wild. PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. Option 1 Sunday, March 22, 2026 3:00–5:00 PM STUFF’d Wings (RSVP HERE) Owned by Semifinalist Jarrod De’Von Rector Option 2 Sunday, March 29, 2026 3:00–5:00 PM The Mood Room (RSVP Here) Owned by Semifinalist @Carlos Hernandez Come to whichever works best for you. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at the link below so we have a rough headcount. Looking forward to seeing some of you there. Also, there are still a few slots left for the $397 Virtual Speaker Lab

If you are applying to speak at TEDxThirdWard Salon on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at MATCH Theater in Houston, this is where you introduce yourself. In the comments below, please share: • Your name • Where you’re from • Your big idea in one or two sentences This is how we begin building community beyond the application. We want to know who you are and what you hope to bring to the stage! Drop your intro below.

I’ve been sitting with last Thursday’s virtual event, and I’m grateful for the ideas shared 🙌🏾 The biggest takeaway I’m still holding is this: clarity travels faster than effort ⚡️ — and the people who stand out aren’t doing more, they’re doing the right thing consistently 🎯 Special thanks to @Durrell Douglas for leading the conversation so effectively and keeping the space moving with intention 👏🏾🧠 Here’s what I’m implementing this week based on what I heard ✅: 1. Clarifying the one problem I solve 🧩 2. Tightening the one sentence I want people to remember ✍🏾 3. Taking one uncomfortable action that moves the needle 🚀 Now I’m curious 👀: what’s one idea from last Thursday that you’re implementing in the next 7 days? Drop it below ⬇️ so we can hold each other to it 🤝🏾

@Dr. Ginny Baro gives advice to aspiring TEDx speakers. What questions do you have for her and others that’ve shared their idea on the big red dot?