Speakers Announced &
Tickets Available for TEDxChicago 2025

Our future feels uncertain, yet we are resoundingly called to what matters most: You and me. Us. Humanity, itself. At TEDxChicago 2025, we believe the most powerful force shaping tomorrow is our collective agency, imagination, desire for connection and laughter, dignity, and generosity. This year, our speakers and artists arrive on Chicago’s stage to share their ideas, showcasing their fierce commitment to unify science, technology, and sustainability with the essential principles of compassion, justice, and care.

This is our love letter to Chicago.

Join us at TEDxChicago 2025: The Future is Human.

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Event Details

Friday, September 26, 2025

TEDxGlobal Idea Search Session (Session 1) is at 12:30 PM
The first The Future is Human Session (Session 2) is at 3:00 PM, and final session (Session 3) ends at 7:30 PM

Your ticket includes all sessions. Registration is open prior to all sessions.
Attendees are highly encouraged to attend the TEDx Global Idea Search Session in addition
to the TEDxChicago: The Future is Human sessions.

Harris Theater, Millennium Park

205 East Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

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We’re excited to share that TEDxChicago is partnering with TED to co-host the TEDx Global Idea Search. TED is partnering with 9 TEDx events on 6 continents to hold idea searches with the goal of finding the most remarkable undiscovered ideas that could change minds, lives, or even the world. The first of these is happening at TEDxChicago, representing North America.

Learn more at TED

This Year’s TEDxChicago Speakers

Natasha Pearl Hansen

Comedian, Creator & Community Architect

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Dr. Hareder McDowell

Community Psychologist, Author, Sexual Activist and Researcher

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Dr. David Awschalom

Quantum Scientist and Engineer

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Dr. Hossein Zargartalebi

Scientific Innovator in Precision Medicine

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Tony Menias

Photodocumentarian

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Dr. Heather Zheng

Computer Scientist

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Professor Wendy Freedman

Astronomer, Observational Cosmologist

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Nisaini Rexach

Connectivity Conductor, AI Champion, Philanthropist

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Meg Whitty

Ecosystem Innovator

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This Year’s TEDxChicago Performances

Nikki Lynette

Social Impact Artist

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Red Clay Dance Company

Afro-Contemporary Dance Company

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Daniel Schlosberg, Pianist

KV 265 Science & Symphony Films
(Films produced by: José Francisco Salgado)

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The Experience

Every ticket is all-inclusive

Note: All tickets, no matter the “Round” or experience tier, offer you the full experience, including both speaker and performance sessions (including the TEDx Global Idea Search Session).

EAT: Hosted snacks, desserts, and appetizers
DRINK: Hosted drinks, including beer, wine, coffee, and tea
THE STAGE: The intimate and exciting onstage experience, including 9 professionally coached TEDxChicago talks and 3 exhilarating live performances, and 10 TEDx Global Idea Search speakers
THE EXPERIENCE: Immersive moments and a lively, connective experiences throughout the Harris Theater lobby spaces

Schedule

Friday, September 26th

11:30 AM | Registration

12:30 PM | Session 1 - TEDx Global Idea Search Speakers

2:00 PM | Registration & Social Hour

3:00 PM | Session 2 - The Future is Human Talks & Performances

Speakers: Natasha Pearl Hansen, Hossein Zargartalebi, Nisaini Rexach, Heather Zheng, Dr. Mac.

Performances: Multidisciplinary Artist Nikki Lynette, Red Clay Dance Company

5:00 PM | Intermission Party - Appetizers, Drinks, Experiences, and Connection

6:00 PM | Session 3 - The Future is Human Talks & Performance

Speakers: Tony Menias, Meg Whitty, David Awschalom, Wendy Freedman

Performance: Science and Symphony Films, featuring pianist Daniel Schlosberg

7:30 PM | Event Close

This Year’s Topics

Sustainable Travel / Aviation
The Art of Noticing, Intentional Travel, Photography
Future of Work, Quantum's Global Impact
Connection and Intimacy
Ethical AI, Protecting Our Privacy, Human Identity
Innovation in Health Tech
Humor in Hindsight, Connection, Life's Twists & Turns
Fostering Relationships Fuels Your Next Opportunity
Our Galaxy, Stargazing, Next Frontier

Exciting & Exclusive Opportunities

Premium Admission

Includes premium access seating to both sessions and invites to virtual meet and greets with speakers and TEDxChicago leadership.

Become a Patron

A limited number Patron experiences are available. Learn more about this exclusive experience here. Get a Patron pass here.

Get a Livestream Pass

Livestream passes are now availabe, learn more about the Livestream Experience Pass here, and purchase them here.

Venue Information

Our home at the Harris Theater is located in the cultural heart of downtown Chicago, against the spectacular backdrop of Millennium Park – the top tourist attraction in the Midwest. As the home venue of nearly 30 of Chicago’s not-for-profit arts organizations and a presenter of great artists from around the world, the Theater boasts some of the most diverse offerings of any multi-use venue in downtown Chicago.