Our Story
TEDxAmes exists because this community has stories worth telling and ideas worth sharing - not just with each other, but with the world.
TEDxAmes is an independently organized event operated under license from TED. We exist to surface the ideas, stories, and perspectives that are already living in our community - and give them the platform they deserve.
As a first-year event, TEDxAmes is an invitation to build a platform with care: rigorous talks, thoughtful production, and a room designed for real exchange.
We produce events that honor the TED standard - rigorous, original, idea-driven - while staying rooted in the specific soil of Ames. The strongest ideas may come from a lab, classroom, studio, startup, farm, nonprofit, neighborhood, or unexpected personal journey.
TED is a global nonprofit dedicated to the power of ideas. Since 1984, TED has hosted some of the world's most inspired thinkers and doers, challenging them to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes or less. TED talks are watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. TEDx events are community-driven, independently licensed, and held to the same content standards as TED itself. TEDxAmes is one of thousands of TEDx events held around the world each year.
A small, committed team of volunteers, professionals, and community builders - working to put Ames on the global stage of ideas.
Organizer & TEDx Licensee
Frank is the licensed organizer of TEDxAmes and the driving force behind bringing the TEDx platform to this community. His vision is simple: every community has ideas worth spreading. His job is to make sure the world hears them.
Executive Producer
Ade is an entrepreneur, fractional CTO/CMO, and TEDx speaker coach with over 20 years in technology and business. As Executive Producer, he supports strategy, speaker development, production planning, and the overall experience of TEDxAmes 2026.
Speaker Coach
LaSandra works with selected speakers to transform their ideas into polished, compelling talks - from first draft to final delivery. She brings rigor and care to every coaching session.
Speaker Coach
LeKisha guides speakers through the emotional and structural work of finding their authentic voice on stage. Her coaching approach is built on clarity, confidence, and connection.
Partnerships & Sponsorship
Jessica leads the effort to connect TEDxAmes with the organizations and brands that believe in the power of ideas. She builds relationships that make the event possible.
Marketing & Communications
To be updated once role is filled.
Maximum attendees - by design. Every seat in this room matters.
Maximum talk length, in minutes. Every idea must earn its time.
How long the talks live on YouTube - free, for anyone in the world.
Partner with TEDxAmes and help launch a first-year platform for local ideas with global reach.