About
What Makes Us Different
TEDxSouthlake isn't built like a typical TEDx event. Here's how.
One stage, every generation.
From 9-year-olds to C-suite executives, TEDxSouthlake puts every generation of idea-makers on the same stage, not as a gimmick, but as the core of how the event is curated.
TED Main Stage
Dr. Jessica Kriegal
A TEDxSouthlake speaker went on to earn an invitation to the TED main stage. Full story and talk link coming soon.
Our Approach
The GEM Framework
We don't just select speakers, we build them. Every confirmed speaker moves through a 3-round evaluation and is matched with a dedicated coach.
Selection
A blind evaluation model
Ideas are evaluated on merit, not name recognition, title, or connections.
Leadership
Student co-organizers, not student volunteers
Every co-organizer in TEDxSouthlake's history has been a high school student. This isn't a junior program, students run departments, curate speakers, and lead the event itself. Learn more on our Student Leadership Track page.
Compare
TEDxSouthlake vs. a typical TEDx event
| Typical TEDx Event | TEDxSouthlake | |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker development | Select and stage | Select, coach (GEM), and stage |
| Leadership | Adult-run | Student co-organized every year |
| Age range on stage | Typically single-generation | 9 years old through C-suite |
| Evaluation | Varies by team | Structured, blind, 3-round |