One event. One region. So many ideas.
TEDxJohnsonCity is an annual event of curated local speakers and performers from across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Our speakers take the stage to share ‘ideas worth spreading’ and highlight the inspiring voices and transformative ideas in our region. Here we are able to create a space where curiosity thrives, creativity is celebrated, and connections are made that last well beyond the stage.
Save the date! TEDxJohnsonCity returns to the region on Fri., June 26, 2026.
Check out our lineup below.
TEDxJohnsonCity Announces 2026 Speaker Lineup
BRIDGE Regional recently announced the return of TEDxJohnsonCity, a
community event showcasing inspiring voices and transformative ideas. Taking place at 6pm on June 26, 2026, at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, the event will feature 7 speakers bringing their unique passions, stories, and ideas to the stage.
TEDxJohnson City, an independent, community-led event, was introduced to the region in the Summer of 2023. The annual event aims to highlight real change agents in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, encourage residents to be loud and proud of who they are and where they come from, and draw more attention to our region from across the country and the world through TED’s international platform.
“We are excited to see our TEDxJohnsonCity community and events continue to grow every year,” said McKenzie Ketron, Director of Development at BRIDGE and TEDx organizer. “It’s an honor for our organization to put together this program every year. We have incredible voices here in our region and beyond that deserve to be amplified on our stage. These individuals are doing innovative work that will spark positive conversation amongst current residents, visitors, and those who view these talks online.”
This year’s speakers are as follows: Alexandra Battle, Kate Craig, Dr. Sarah Long, David Nelson, and Jessica Stollings of Johnson City, TN; Joshua Britt of Tucker, GA; and Dr. Karah Sprouse of Lebanon, TN.
These individuals were selected through a highly-competitive application process with 100+ submissions from 25 states and 2 additional countries. The event will also showcase local artists and performers.
Tickets will go on sale on the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts website on March 2nd at 10am.
Inquiries regarding performing at TEDxJohnsonCity, sponsorship opportunities, and media interviews should be directed to event organizers via email below.
A recap of our 2025 event
Our event highlighted real stories and passions of individuals who have lived, currently reside, or plan on relocating to the Appalachian Highlands. In a region boasting of humility and resiliency, our residents hit the big stage and gave enlightening talks on a variety of topics - ones that spark curiosity, get them out of bed in the morning, or keep them up at night.
Having all been shaped by Appalachia, they encouraged residents to be loud and proud of who they are, where they come from, and what they stand for, and showcased why we all have called this region home at one point or another: our region's people.
At TEDxJohnsonCity, it's about what drives us.
