Get connected!
Fill out the interest form to register your interest in attending, sponsoring, or helping with our event. Completing the form will also subscribe you to our mailing list to get updates on the event.We are now accepting speaker applications! Click here to see details and apply!Be sure to also follow us on social media to stay in the loop!
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.Our event is called TEDxCongaree Vista, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxCongaree Vista event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
Theme: ChangeMakers
Celebrating visionary individuals who are transforming communities through bold ideas, meaningful action, and a commitment to driving positive change
TEDxCongaree Vista’s theme honors those who are already making a difference--whether through innovative research, health equity, education, technology, the arts, nonprofit organizations, or grassroots organizing. These are the changemakers whose work sparks local impact with the potential to inspire global transformation. We're shining a light on community-rooted ideas that push boundaries, challenge norms, and shape a better, more connected future.
Speaker applications now open!
We are now accepting applications for speakers!The link to the application can be found below. The first page of the application includes everything you need to know about the process, evaluation criteria, deadlines, and speaker expectations. Be sure to read it all carefully before submitting your responses.Key Dates:Deadline to Apply: September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT
Final Speaker Selection & Announcement: Notified by October 15th
Event Date & Location: February 2026 -- Downtown Columbia, SC
Theme: ChangeMakers
When applying, keep this theme in mind
At TEDxCongaree Vista, we aim to celebrate visionary individuals who are transforming their communities through bold ideas, meaningful action, and a relentless commitment to positive change.Our theme honors ChangeMakers. Those already making a difference or aspiring to, whether through innovative research, health equity, education, technology, the arts, nonprofit work, grassroots organizing, or any avenue of meaningful impact. These are the voices driving local change with the potential to inspire transformation far beyond their communities.We’re shining a light on community-rooted ideas that push boundaries, challenge norms, and shape a more connected, inclusive, and forward-thinking future.
What we look for
We’re not seeking polished speakers. We’re looking for bold, authentic voices with ideas worth spreading.Here’s what we’re looking for:Storytelling Ability
Can you clearly and compellingly share your idea in a way that connects?Uniqueness & Authenticity
Is your message original, thought-provoking, and true to you?Lived Experience
Does your idea come from real experience or deep understanding?Passion
Do you genuinely care about what you’re sharing?Relevance to Theme
Does your idea reflect “Changemakers” -- people driving meaningful change?Clarity of the Core Idea
Can your message be distilled into a powerful, shareable insight?All talks must comply with TED’s speaker content policies. Please review the guidelines at the following link to ensure your idea aligns with these standards. Any submissions that violate one or more of these policies will be removed at the discretion of the TEDxCongaree Vista Production Committee.
Speaker Selection Timeline
Application Deadline:
Submit your application by September 15th at 11:59 PM EDT.Interview Notifications:
We will review all written applications and notify selected candidates by September 22nd. Around 40 applicants will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with our curation panel.Interview Period:
Interviews will be conducted between September 23rd and October 10th.Final Speaker Selection:
Approximately 20 speakers will be selected and notified by October 15th.Speaker Development:
All selected speakers will receive individualized coaching, participate in curation workshops, and receive comprehensive training to prepare for their TEDx talk.
Now accepting sponsorships!
Our team has put together a comprehensive sponsorship package offering organizations of all sizes the opportunity to support our event and connect with our passionate, thoughtful, and intellectually curious audience. Available tiers, pricing, benefits, and more information are available in the full document linked below.TEDxCongaree Vista is operated by ChangeMakers Events, a South Carolina 501(c)3 nonprofit and 100% volunteer-driven organization. Our team dedicates time, energy, and creativity to build a platform that brings people together through the power of change. Funds raised through sponsorships and
ticket sales stay right here in the local community, helping cover essential costs like printing, signage, promotion, audio/visual needs, food, and venue expenses.
About TEDx
x = independently organized event
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.Follow TED on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
Why TEDxCongaree Vista?
TEDxCongaree Vista reflects not just the location of Columbia, but a spirit of connection, creativity, and growth that aligns with the mission of TEDx. Our theme, “ChangeMakers,” showcases local visionaries already making a difference and transforming Columbia through health education, innovative research, tech startups, or grassroots initiatives. We’re spotlighting community-driven ideas that have shown real impact and carry a clear vision for the future.We’re reaching out to you because you represent an organization that values innovation, community, and conversation — the core values of TED and TEDxCongaree Vista. This is an opportunity for your organization to not only show support for this important event but to align itself with a powerful brand, one that resonates both locally and globally.The name reflects both the cultural identity and geographic heart of Columbia, South Carolina. Together, they symbolize a spirit of connection, progress, and innovation.TEDxCongaree Vista will expose attendees to new ways of thinking, unique viewpoints, and an interactive atmosphere filled with rich dialogue and activity. We aim to feature thought leaders from diverse fields—artists, designers, scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs—and foster meaningful exchanges not only between speakers and the audience, but also among community members themselves.By sharing ideas in this powerful and collaborative format, we will spark local and personal transformation, inspire change across communities, and celebrate how far we’ve come and where we’re going. By supporting us, you become part of a global movement while helping build something deeply local and lasting. You're not just funding a single event—you’re investing in a platform for innovation, inclusion, and impact.Help us bring the most meaningful TEDx experience to life in the heart of Columbia.
TEDxCongaree Vista is more than an event. It’s a reflection of who we are—and who we have the potential to become.Let’s create something powerful, together.
Our Organizing Team
Shyam Ganesh Babu
Lead Organizer
Shyam Ganesh Babu is a student at the University of South Carolina pursuing a career in healthcare. A Columbia native, he takes pride in the incredible people and ideas emerging from the city.He is the founder of MedElem, a program that delivers hands-on health education to underserved communities, and PhysiLink, a mentorship platform that connects pre-health students with physicians. Shyam’s work is driven by a passion for healthcare education, leadership, and service. He believes in innovation, impact, grassroots action, and breaking barriers.
Darssan Eswaramoorthi
Executive Producer
Darssan L. Eswaramoorthi is a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Computer Engineering, with research spanning Hybrid AI and hardware cybersecurity. Passionate about creating opportunities for others, he leads initiatives that spotlight people’s strengths, from co-organizing TEDxCongaree Vista to founding and growing organizations that connect students with industry, service, and leadership experiences. His work bridges technology, community, and creativity, aiming to empower individuals to share ideas, develop skills, and make a lasting impact.
Luke Jannazzo
Event Manager
Luke Jannazzo is a junior Computer Engineering student at the University of South Carolina, with professional experience spanning state government, startups, and small businesses. He currently serves as Event Manager for TEDxCongaree Vista, overseeing day-of logistics, ticketing, venue procurement, and catering.
He is an introductory physics teaching assistant, and serves on the executive board of Kappa Theta Pi, connecting nonprofits with students to provide technology consulting free of charge. He is passionate about the intersection of technology, business, finance, and world issues, and strives to have an impact on these areas.
Sai Varun Nallu
Sponsorships & Budget Director
Sai Varun Nallu is a Pre-Medical student at the University of South Carolina Honors College and a Neuroscience major. He currently serves as the Sponsorships and Budget Director for TEDxCongaree Vista. Passionate about connecting vision with impact, Sai wants to help bring transformative ideas to life by ensuring the resources behind each TEDx talk match the power of its message.
He is highly involved both on campus, throughout the city of Columbia, and in the state of South Carolina. Sai is committed to building stronger, more informed communities. Through a combination of service, collaboration, and advocacy, he wants to create spaces where voices are amplified and change takes root.
Owen Coulam
Curation Director
Owen Coulam is a student at the University of South Carolina, where he is pursuing a career in the tech industry. He currently serves as the Editorial and Communications Director for TEDxCongaree Vista. Passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, Owen is focused on creating space and support for changemakers who turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
On campus, he leads Kappa Theta Pi, a philanthropic organization that provides tech solutions to nonprofits, helping mission-driven groups expand their reach through innovation and collaboration. He believes changemakers are defined not by titles, but by the problems they choose to solve, and through this TEDx event, he hopes to elevate voices building smarter systems, reimagining industries, and driving meaningful change.
Vaishali Allibada
Associate Curation Director
Vaishali Allibada is a freshman Engineering student at the University of South Carolina – Columbia. She serves as the Associate Director of Curation and Sponsorships & Partnerships Manager for TEDxCongaree Vista, where she helps spotlight innovative voices in STEM and create platforms for students and changemakers to share their work.
On campus, Vaishali is a STEM Signing Day Honoree, University Scholar, and undergraduate researcher in the ARTS-Lab. She is active in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Engineers Without Borders, contributing to projects that apply engineering to real-world challenges. Passionate about using technology to drive innovation, she seeks to empower others to think creatively, solve problems, and make meaningful contributions to STEM and the wider Columbia community.
We are looking for additional volunteers to join our team! Fill out the interest form below to express interest in one of our open roles:
Sponsorship Representative, Social Media Lead, Website & Digital Presence Lead, Copywriting & PR, Branding & Promotions, Communications & Engagement
TEDxCongaree Vista is operated by ChangeMakers Events, a South Carolina 501(c)3 nonprofit and 100% volunteer-driven organization. Our team dedicates time, energy, and creativity to build a platform that brings people together through the power of change. Funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales stay right here in the local community, helping cover essential costs like printing, signage, promotion, audio/visual needs, food, and venue expenses.
Contact Us
We can be reached by email at [email protected] or by filling out the form below.