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.

The applications are in, the reviews are done, and we are proud to announce our semifinalists for TEDx Third Ward Salon 2026. If your name is on this list, congratulations. Your idea stood out and you've earned your spot in the next round. [Semifinalist List Here] 📩 Already a semifinalist? Check your email including spam. We sent you a direct email with your next steps, including how to join the private semifinalist hub and your final submission deadline of April 3rd. If you don't see it, check your spam folder or message Durrel Douglas directly here on Skool. If you weren't chosen, we plan to have two other Salon opportunities this year before our next Main event. Not being chosen wasn't necessarily because of the strength of your submission, other factors like the quantity of similar submissions often plays a role. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. 🎙️ Want to walk into your final submission with confidence? We're running the Virtual Speaker Lab, a 3-day live intensive designed to help you flesh out the foundation of your big idea before the final round. March 16 – 18 • 6:00 – 7:30 PM CST each evening • $397 This is open to semifinalists and anyone serious about developing a talk worth putting on a stage. You'll get daily lessons, exercises, feedback from a TEDx curator, and peer practice sessions. 👉 [Register for the Virtual Speaker Lab] Questions? Message Durrell Douglas here on Skool or email [email protected]

After receiving 786 applications to speak at TEDxThirdWard 2026 (June 14th in Houston), our team has officially selected this year’s 155 Semifinalists. HERE'S THE LINK: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q4-1AFI1i1tgZr4yXxv8AVM12hLOrJkgTfuKSD3bUO4/edit?usp=sharing All applicants received an email today, Monday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time notifying you of your status. Check your spam. Here are a few interesting facts about this year’s semifinalist pool: • ~22% have previously attended a TEDxThirdWard event • ~8% have given a TEDx talk before • ~59% are based in Texas • ~41% are based outside of Texas • Representation from 15+ U.S. states • International semifinalists from 2+ countries Over 91% of this year’s semifinalists would be first-time TEDx speakers. Thank you again to everyone who applied.

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.