TEDxSarasota

08/04/2026

Today marks a special milestone for TEDxSarasota.

The final talk from our 2026 event is now live: Kristen Cusato's "Why Everyone Should Learn the Language of Dementia".

We're especially honored that TEDx chose to feature Kristen's talk as an "editor's pick" - a testament to the importance of her message and its potential to reach audiences around the world.

Kristen challenges us to rethink how we communicate with people living with dementia, showing that empathy often begins by learning a different "language." It's a talk that will resonate with caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, and anyone who hopes to better understand those living with dementia.

📽️ Watch the talk: https://youtu.be/8iTpnzQOwYc?si=EAhteXwf0c5XS7tU

▶️ Full playlist with all TEDxSarasota 2026 talks: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMbAQxulCWv4

With today's release, every talk from 2026 is now available online. What started as a single day of ideas on stage is now a collection of ten talks that can continue to inspire, educate, and spark conversations far beyond Sarasota.

To our speakers, volunteers, sponsors, partners, attendees, and everyone who believed in bringing TEDx back to Sarasota - thank you. This milestone belongs to all of you.

Here's to the ideas that continue to spread.

One of the key ways to communicate with someone who has dementia is...

07/29/2026

One of the talks we've been eagerly waiting to share is finally live! 🎩

The editing for this one took a little longer than expected, but it was absolutely worth it. Watching Kostya Kimlat deliver "How To Read Anyone In 6 Seconds" live at hashtag was unforgettable. Four audience volunteers joined him on stage for a demonstration that had the entire theater captivated.

What makes this talk so compelling isn't just the magic, it's what the magic reveals. Kostya introduces a practical framework for quickly recognizing personality types using the four card suits (♥️♠️♦️♣️), and shows how understanding those differences can help you connect, communicate, and build trust more effectively with the people around you.

Whether you're leading a team, networking, negotiating, or simply trying to understand people better, this talk offers practical insights you'll start using immediately.

Watch it here:

Can you read a stranger in six seconds?Kostya Kimlat has spent 25...

05/29/2026

10 weeks ago, was at Florida Studio Theatre. Today, the first videos were posted to YouTube. 🌊
Couldn't make it in-person on March 16th, or want to re-watch your favorite talk? This is your chance! 🍿

In “Why We Should All Run Away With the Circus,” Betsy Golden Kellem explores how the circus challenged social norms around identity, reinvention, and performance. 🎪 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKbyba1o9QE

Catherine Karow's “The Invisible Machine: How America Monetizes Manipulation” exposes the hidden data economy shaping modern life through surveillance and behavioral influence. 💰 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWzSl5B2yN8

In “Who Gets to Heal?” by Dr. Rene Roberts, we challenge the traditional medical admissions system and argue for a more human-centered definition of who deserves to become a doctor. 🩺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22zSXrh0yvA

In “The Ecosystem that African Ingenuity Built,” Marsha Wulff shares lessons from decades of investing in transformative innovation across Africa and the power of long-term ecosystem thinking. 🌍 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8MECq5hn3I

“The Thinking Crisis: Why Great Leaders Lead Like Great Teachers” by Katie Trowbridge, examines how curiosity and psychological safety drive stronger leadership and collaboration. 👩‍🏫 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoD6Cb3tAt0

In “Let’s Save the Ocean’s Superpower,” retired Coast Guard Captain Martha LaGuardia Kotite shares why protecting our oceans may be one of humanity’s most urgent priorities. 🦐 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sGbjXmwIqA

In “The 3-Step Blueprint for Support,” Shaquem Griffin, the first one-handed linebacker in NFL history, shares how resilience, belief, and the right support systems helped him defy expectations at every stage of his journey. 🏈 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otocZiWGK98

A huge shoutout goes to Olivia D'Amico and her Kinspoke team for the amazing job filming and editing these videos. We couldn't be more excited about how these turned out 😍

We have 3 more videos coming shortly, stay tuned and make sure to follow this page to receive updates!

tedx-sarasota.com

03/17/2026

Last night marked the return of TEDx to Sarasota after 10 years… and what an incredible evening it was.

A huge congratulations to all of our speakers. The dedication, passion, and months of preparation you brought to that red dot truly paid off. We witnessed 10 unforgettable talks. You were genuinely Making Waves.

To our phenomenal MC, Robyn Faucy, thank you for guiding us through the evening with such energy, presence, and fun.

Thank you to Mayor Debbie Trice for opening the event and for her continued support of bringing ideas and community together in Sarasota. Thank you to all of our sponsors for your contributions. And a big thank you to Florida Studio Theatre for providing this amazing venue.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us. We intentionally designed this as a general admission experience to spark more than just great talks. The goal was connection. New conversations. Fresh perspectives.

And you delivered.

The energy in the theater was something truly special. We’re incredibly grateful to have shared that with all of you.

It will take a few weeks for the talks to be published on YouTube. Follow this page to stay updated, or subscribe to our email list: tedxsarasota.beehiiv.com

03/15/2026

is SOLD OUT!

Make sure you follow this page to stay in the loop about upcoming events, and to get notified once the talks get posted to the TEDx YouTube channel (anticipating sometime in May).

You can also subscribe to our email list, to make sure this info doesn't get buried in the social media algorithms: tedxsarasota.beehiiv.com

Thank you all for the huge interest in TEDxSarasota! This proves what an amazing community we have.

Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow.

Everything you need to know to stay up to date on TEDxSarasota

03/15/2026

Tomorrow night we bring TEDx back to Sarasota after 10 years.

The best part of events like this is the room: people who are curious, open-minded, and excited to hear new ideas.

If you’re joining us tomorrow at Florida Studio Theatre, here’s the schedule for the evening:

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Reception & networking
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM First session of talks
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM Intermission & refreshments
8:00 PM – 9:15 PM Second session of talks

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

03/14/2026

⛳️ Sponsor Spotlight: TPC Prestancia

A big thank you to TPC Prestancia for supporting TEDxSarasota.

TPC Prestancia is one of Sarasota’s premier golf and social destinations, known for its beautiful courses and vibrant member community.

We’re grateful for their partnership as we prepare for TEDxSarasota: Making Waves on March 16.

tpcprestancia.com

03/13/2026

Three days to go.

On Monday, the wait is over and TEDxSarasota returns after 10 years.

We are almost sold out and have less than 20 tickets left.

Grab yours here before they are gone: tedx-sarasota.com/tickets

We can’t wait to see you there.

03/12/2026

Sponsor Spotlight: POWERCONNECT.AI

A big thank you to POWERCONNECT.AI for supporting .

Based near Sarasota, POWERCONNECT.AI is an innovative AI startup transforming how utility and energy companies interact with their customers.

Their platform uses generative AI to power smarter customer service across chat, voice, and digital channels, helping utilities deliver faster responses, 24/7 self-service, and more efficient operations.

Thank you for helping bring TEDxSarasota to life.