At TEDx University of the Sunshine Coast, we’re all about sparking innovative ideas and building meaningful connections with diverse fields and communities. Our goal is to unite innovate thinkers across disciplines and inspire attendees to connect new concepts with their personal and professional development.
We're here to shine a spotlight on UniSC and create a vibrant culture of curiosity, connection and growth for all our students. Join us in this journey of inspiration and discovery!
Thursday 20 November 2025, UniSC Sunshine Coast campus
Stay updated via our LinkedIn page
About TEDx
TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organized by passionate individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas that spark conversations in their communities.
Theme: INTERCONNECTION
INTERCONNECTION brings together people from diverse fields, backgrounds, and communities to explore how different ideas and experiences intersect to create meaningful impact.
This theme invites us to reimagine connection as a powerful catalyst for creative, innovative, and sustainable ideas.
Apply to present a TEDx Talk
We welcome applications to present from anyone who has an innovative idea to share that relates to the theme ‘Interconnection’. Talks will be in person on the Sunshine Coast and our primary attendees will be current UniSC students.
We will be curating a program of TEDx speakers that may include a mix of:
- UniSC Students
- UniSC Staff
- UniSC Graduates / Alumni
- Community or industry innovators
Interested presenters were asked to complete an online application form by 31 August 2025. Applications are now closed, and shortlisted applicants will be contacted and interviewed in September.
What makes a Great TEDx Talk
A TEDx talk:
- Presents a a clear, evidence-based idea. It draws on facts, experience, or observation to reach a compelling conclusion.
- Introduces innovative concepts. It could be a surprising insight, a novel perspective, or an invention your audience has not encountered before.
- Offers a fresh perspective on a familiar topic. Even if the idea is not entirely new, a great TEDx talk reframes it in a way that challenges assumptions and sparks curiosity.
What a TEDx Talk is not
To assist you in your application, here are some points regarding what does not align with the essence of a TEDx talk:
- It is not a motivational speech. TEDx talks aim to inspire ideas, not just enthusiasm or encouragement.
- It is not solely a personal story. While individual experiences can be impactful, they should lead to a broader idea worth sharing - something that is new, insightful, or thought-provoking.
- It is not a pitch. TEDx talks provide a platform for sharing ideas, not for promoting businesses, brands, products, or services.
- It is not religious or partisan. TEDx events are non-denominational and non-political spaces.
Speakers are asked to:
- Commit to a preparation process over a 3 month period, which includes an audition, two rehearsals (one online and one in person) and presenting live at the event on 20 November
- Attend the event in person and be entirely self-funded
- All talks should comply with TEDx Content Guidelines and Copyright Guidelines.
- Adhere to the TEDx rules such as no pseudoscience, no commercial agenda and no talks with an inflammatory political or religious agenda. Read the full rules here.
- Give consent for TEDx talk to be filmed/live streamed and uploaded to the TEDx platform (provided it meets TEDx guidelines)
- Meet with and communicate regularly with the TEDx University of the Sunshine Coast Organisers and Curators
- Be open to feedback and coaching where relevant to refine presentations to meet the event vision and TEDx guidelines
- Talk no longer than 18 minutes
- Commit to contributing to a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants
- Comply with ethical standards and that obtain any necessary approvals and consents or ethics approvals for content involving people, personal data, or sensitive material
Attend
There will be limited tickets available to attend the event in person, with UniSC students being our primary audience.
Tickets will go on sale in October.
Follow our LinkedIn page to stay updated.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:
Interested in partnering with our TEDx event? We are seeking interest from organisations who align with our event vision. Please get in touch via TEDx@usc.edu.au to learn more.
This event is run by students, for students, with the support of the UniSC Students as Partners Team.
QUESTIONS?
Email: TEDx@usc.edu.au
Cel | Co-Organiser
Cel is an author, advocate for student success, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Her work has been featured by TEDx, Prospects UK, and the Business Graduates Association. She’s completing a Master of Social Work at UniSC and won the AASW Social Work Student of the Year 2024. Cel serves as Co-chair of the ISG, a Wellbeing Ambassador, and member of the UniSC Education Committee, equipping students with confidence and skills to thrive.
Belinda | Co-Organiser
Belinda is the TEDx staff liaison and has 12+ years in Higher Education, focusing on student engagement and employability. She’s the Student Partnerships Coordinator at UniSC, and also coordinates the Student Voice Australasia Network at UniSQ, empowering students through advocacy and leadership. Belinda is passionate, organized, and committed to inclusive environments that enhance the student experience and amplify student voices.
Crowther | Curator
Crowther is the 2025 TEDx UniSC Curator. With a person-centred approach and background in health, leadership, and communication, he builds spaces for powerful ideas. He’s led diverse teams and organized events across university, health, and coaching sectors. For Crowther, TEDx is about more than speakers—it’s a platform for shared humanity, challenging perspectives, and inspiring audiences through meaningful connection and authentic storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.
Danna | Curator
Danna, originally from San Francisco, moved to Australia to pursue a PhD in Health at UniSC. Her research focuses on reducing dementia risk in rural communities. She joined TEDx believing UniSC holds remarkable research and unique qualities. Danna sees TEDx as a powerful platform to showcase these innovations to a wider audience, helping bridge the gap between academic insight and public understanding through storytelling and community engagement.
Katelin | Designer
Katelin is studying a Bachelor of Business/Design at UniSC, majoring in Visual Communication and Marketing. As an aspiring graphic designer and lifelong learner, she joined TEDx for its focus on creativity, growth, and powerful ideas. Katelin is excited to step outside her comfort zone and help spark positive change in the community by contributing her skills and passion to a team that values innovation and meaningful collaboration.
Aliyah | Comms Leads
Aliyah is a communications and marketing professional based on the Sunshine Coast, with experience in content strategy, social media, email marketing, and brand storytelling. She’s worked on campaigns for both consumer and B2B audiences and loves creating meaningful, community-focused content. Currently, she’s the Executive and Marketing Assistant at Thrive Tallow and studying Communications. Aliyah joined TEDx to support purpose-driven storytelling and share ideas that inspire, connect, and make a difference.
Kylie | UniSC Marketing Liaison
As the Marketing Liaison for TEDx University of the Sunshine Coast, Kylie brings strong expertise in partnerships coordination. She supports the development and delivery of the event through brand management, community engagement, and partnership strategy. Kylie is passionate about empowering students to create a world-class TEDx experience that reflects the spirit, creativity, and innovation of the Sunshine Coast community.
Fiona | Event Manager
Fiona is a strategic communication and design professional with over 15 years’ experience shaping inclusive, high-impact events and initiatives. As TEDxUniSC Event Manager, she draws on a deep background in cultural programming, stakeholder engagement, and research-led storytelling. Her work spans visual communication, political trust, and accessible design. Fiona is the founder of Claveo, a studio dedicated to translating complex ideas into clarity and connection. She sees TEDx as a catalyst - when thoughtfully designed, it transforms ideas into experiences that move people and spark change.
Sue | Event Manager
Sue began her IT career in 1999 working across various corporate business functions, delivering projects locally and internationally. She completed her MBA and is now studying her Master’s in ICT while also teaching business and technology courses at UniSC. She has managed many technology-based events and conferences on a global scale over the years, enjoying the challenge of creating well planned and engaging experiences.
Taylor | Executive Producer
Taylor is a research student, casual academic, speaker, and writer. He’s a former Warner Records songwriter with multi-platinum credits. Taylor has presented at TEDx events in the U.S. and guest lectured at Penn State, Georgetown, and Minnesota State University. His creative and academic work bridges storytelling and education, helping audiences connect with ideas that inspire, challenge, and transform through music, writing, and public speaking.
Noomi | Sponsorship and Budgeting Manager
Noomi is a Bachelor of Business student at UniSC and TEDx Sponsorship and Budgeting Manager. She’s passionate about creating experiences that connect and inspire. Noomi loves learning from new perspectives and believes TEDx sparks meaningful change. With curiosity and a love for community building, she’s excited to shape an impactful event that challenges thinking, encourages growth, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Steph | Video and Production Lead
Steph is studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries at UniSC. Passionate about creativity and film, she began making trailers and music videos in high school. Now, she’s focused on bringing her creative visions to life. Steph joined TEDx to explore storytelling, grow her skills, and contribute to a team that values imagination, collaboration, and ideas that make a difference in the community and beyond.
Max | Video and Production Lead
Max is a freelance videographer studying Creative Industries at UniSC, majoring in screen media and theatre/performance. He films and edits creative and corporate content and enjoys volunteering his videography skills. Max joined TEDx to support storytelling through visual media, collaborate with a passionate team, and help bring powerful ideas to life on screen in ways that resonate with audiences and inspire change.
Isaac | Video and Production Lead
Isaac is a communication student at UniSC with a background in football and fitness. His passion is storytelling through video, helping people and brands express authentic narratives. In a noisy digital world, Isaac believes real stories make a difference. That’s why he’s excited to be part of TEDx—to help people share their stories and ideas in a way that feels intentional, creative, and truly impactful.