TEDxSavannah — an independently organized celebration of ideas, based on the international TED talk phenomenon — is thrilled to announce the full line-up of speakers, live music and youth poetry for the inspiring TEDxSavannah 2026 event, which will take place on Friday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fine Arts Auditorium at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus, located at 11935 Abercorn St. in Savannah, Ga. Doors will open at 8 a.m.

The theme for the highly anticipated 15th annual TEDxSavannah event is Shaping the Future. Speakers will address the 2026 theme from a range of perspectives in inspired talks designed to resonate with the greater Savannah community. 

“From the impact of AI to the importance of collaborative leadership, TEDxSavannah 2026 speakers will explore a wide range of topics as a way to understand, prepare for and affect the future,” said TEDxSavannah organizing committee member and former TEDxSavannah speaker Mickie McNamara. “We can’t wait for our speakers and live entertainers to take the stage and spark discussion at our 15th annual event on May 15th.”

TEDxSavannah 2026 will feature thought-provoking talks by local experts as well as compelling live performances. Featured 2026 TEDxSavannah speakers include:

• Kate Blair — Executive Director, Brightside Child & Family Advocacy
• Dr. Maxine Bryant — Award-winning journalist and educator
• Tyler Cobbs — Founder, GoAssistantly
• Steve Curran — CEO, Khaki Consulting
• Jamey Espina — Vice President of Development and Community Services, Hospice Savannah
• Gracen Garceau — Savannah Country Day School student
• Dr. SallyAnn Gray — Transition Specialist, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
• Wade Herring — Partner, HunterMaclean
• Jason Marshall — President and CEO, Goodwill Southeast Georgia
• Kareem McMichael — Award-winning filmmaker, writer and media professional
• Olga Seredyuk — Executive Director, The Whitefield Center
• Dominique Treadwell — Founder and Chief Flavor Maker, Spoonlight Ice Cream
• Kimberly Waller — President and CEO, United Way of the Coastal Empire   

Full bios for the TEDxSavannah speakers, along with photos, are available at tedxsavannah.com.

In between speaker blocks, live music will be provided by Matt Deal, an alternative singer and multi-instrumentalist who has been entertaining audiences for 20 years. To date, Deal has released three albums and, most recently, released two EPs “Sad Dad Dance Party” and “Sad Dad Baggage” in 2025.

TEDxSavannah is also honored to welcome local students from Deep Center to the stage on May 15th to share their original poetry throughout the 2026 event. A popular local nonprofit organization, Deep Center offers award-winning youth programs that deliver high-quality arts, cultural and advocacy education across the greater Savannah, Ga. area.

For the third consecutive year, talented local actress and Thomas & Hutton Principal/Marketing Director Cecilia Arango will serve as the TEDxSavannah emcee.  

General admission tickets are currently on sale for $70, which include seating, onsite parking, lunch, snacks, coffee and admission to the speaker meet-and-greet immediately following the main TEDxSavannah event. Special discounts are available for educators, students, nonprofits, active-duty military and first responders. 

A limited number of VIP/Friends of TEDxSavannah tickets are also available for $125, which include premier seating, priority lunch access, backstage access and a special VIP badge.

Groups of more than eight attendees can receive a 10% discount on the price of their tickets by contacting [email protected].

To purchase tickets or learn more about TEDxSavannah, please visit tedxsavannah.com or follow TEDxSavannah on Facebook, X or Instagram.

TEDxSavannah 2026 Gold Sponsors include Georgia Southern University’s College of Arts and Humanities, Staci Donegan/Seabolt Real Estate and Inky Brittany. Silver Sponsors include Savannah Economic Development Authority, Thomas & Hutton, Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company, Parker’s Kitchen, Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business, Best Business Brokers, Starlandia, Horne Law Firm, Savannah Magazine, Big Bon Bodega, The 5 Spot, Red Eye Films, eTHREE Media and Michael Gaster + Associates.