The countdown is officially on as TEDxAberdeen makes its highly anticipated return to the Aberdeen Arts Centre on Saturday, October 24 2026.
Organised entirely by local volunteers, the full-day event will bring together the community to explore fresh perspectives, challenge long-held assumptions, and celebrate ideas worth spreading.
Under this year’s theme, ‘Minds Wide Open’, the audience will hear from a carefully curated lineup of 12 speakers selected from more than 200 applicants. Their talks will span a wide array of topics—from navigating the pitfalls of the digital world and online safety, to personal resilience, the dynamics of disagreement, confusing confidence with competence, and questioning narratives that seek to divide us.
Moray Barber, TEDxAberdeen Licensee, commented: "TEDxAberdeen 2026 will be a full-day immersive experience. In the true spirit of TED, the event combines dynamic live talks with curated video content and interactive spaces designed to foster meaningful conversations among attendees.
“The speakers have put themselves out there, submitting an application and then committing to an intensive 15-week coaching programme to be TEDx ready. This process requires grit, determination, and conviction. I was fortunate to attend one of the speaker rehearsals and they are going to be brilliant. You need to get yourself a ticket for 24 October.”
Every talk delivered on the stage is recorded and later published on the global TED platform. Previous TEDxAberdeen talks have accumulated over 350,000 views worldwide, providing local speakers with a massive global reach.
L-R Aayan Khan, Mirabel Obiekezi & Angel George
Leila Neshat Mokadem, CEO, doctoral researcher at RGU, and TEDxAberdeen 2026 speaker, said: "It's such a privilege to have the opportunity to share my story, work with a wonderful TEDx team, and learn from all the inspiring cohort. As someone who grew up as a shy kid afraid to speak up, the journey to becoming a TEDx speaker is hugely meaningful on a personal level—and professionally, as I get to speak about connecting with, creating with, and celebrating our diverse communities."
Sharing their talks on the day are:
- Annabel Turner – Director, Non-Profit Founder & Cyber Security Expert
- Caroline Laurenson – Technology Entrepreneur & Managing Director
- Dr. David S. Smith – Psychology Lecturer
- Finlay Hendry – Social Media Co-ordinator
- George McGillivray – Author & Lifelong Learner
- Jamie Mowatt – Learning & Development Specialist
- Leila Neshat Mokadem – Co-Founder, CEO & Educator
- Margaret Brown – Leadership & Executive Coach & Artist
- Mark Reynolds – Former Professional Footballer & Business Development Manager
- Professor Nir Oren – Academic & Researcher
- Simone Coetser – Secondary School Teacher & Community Advocate
- Steven Harris – Managing Director & Entrepreneur
The first phase of tickets sold out fast however, there are still tickets to be snapped up before the big day.
Event details and booking information
- Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
- Time: Doors open at 08:30 | Event concludes at approx. 16:30
- Venue: Aberdeen Arts Centre, 33 King St, Aberdeen, AB11 5AA
- Ticket Price: £45 (Includes full-day access, lunch, refreshments, and an official goody bag)
- Tickets: Final remaining tickets can be booked online at tedxaberdeen.com