In the heart of Asheville
ideas come alive
Photo: Curve Theory
The TEDxAsheville team is behind the scenes, putting the pieces into place for an unforgettable event on Friday, March 2026 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Asheville.
We will feature local speakers with big ideas around the theme: Embrace the Mess, exploring the power of vulnerability, the creativity born from disorder, and the strength found in life's unpredictability. WNC experienced Hurricane Helene — in that devastating destruction, we found strength, a willingness to help, and built connections from the rubble. This spirit of resilience and community embodies our theme, reminding us that even in turmoil, there is an opportunity for unity and growth.
Through compelling talks and shared experiences, we'll discover life is beautifully chaotic, and growth often emerges from the messiest moments.
Tickets will go on sale starting in January 2026.
Speaker applications open Monday, September 8, 2025 •
Speaker applications open Monday, September 8, 2025 •
Speaker applications open Monday, September 8, 2025 •
Speaker applications open Monday, September 8, 2025 • Speaker applications open Monday, September 8, 2025 • Speaker applications open Monday, September 8, 2025 •
Featured talks.
DAVID LAMOTTE
You Are Changing the World – Whether You Like It or Not
SPENCER SIMRILL, Jr
A Blueprint for Racial Healing
MADAM NSELAA WARD
Finding Unapologetic Self-Worth in Sex, Shame, & Secrets
Get involved.
At TEDxAsheville, we bring together an elusive, yet incredibly valuable audience - authentic, passionate people in the Asheville community who are interested in change, for the better.
As a potential sponsor/partner of TEDxAsheville, we will collaborate with your business or organization to enhance the experience of TEDxAsheville, while also highlighting the services and products that your organization provides.
LEARN MORE >>
Learn more.
TEDx Asheville 2025-26 is a personal, collective, and global invitation to explore our new theme: Embrace the Mess – where we'll discover that life is beautifully chaotic, and growth often emerges from the messiest moments.
While we are busy planning and developing the next TEDxAsheville event, please enjoy our video collections of the many amazing speakers who have spoken at past events!
Some of our 2024 sponsors.
… psst, this could be you too! Join us as a sponsor of our thriving TEDxAVL community!
By the numbers
16
years of TEDx Asheville
102
total speakers
5+
million views
What is
TEDx?
x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)