The TEDx program was launched in 2009 at the University of Southern California. TEDxUSC sparked a massive interest from individuals all across the globe to host TEDx conferences in order to spread and experience innovative ideas and projects. TEDx was launched as an opportunity for local community members to host official TED conferences because they wanted to spread and share their ideas. With this purpose in mind, there have been:

1,583 Events Held
924 Events Planned
270 University Events Held
116 University Events Planned

Lara Stein is the Director of TEDx and is responsible for programming TEDx conferences at TED. TEDx prides itself to showcase "ideas worth spreading", and Lara's efforts have allowed many innovative individuals to provide their ideas and projects. She shares stories of amazing human connections that are manifested from TEDx events and, most importantly, explains the importance of cross-cultural exchange of ideas.

About 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.*