Former Aberdeen Football Club central defender turned mechanical engineer and business development manager, Mark Reynolds, has made a new signing as he joins the lineup for TEDxAberdeen 2026.
Reynolds, who made over 230 appearances for the Dons and lifted the Scottish League Cup with the club in 2014, is one of 12 local speakers selected from more than 200 applicants who will to take the iconic red dot stage at the Aberdeen Arts Centre on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
Stepping away from tactical game plans and onto a very different kind of stage, Reynolds will join a diverse cohort of educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and community leaders tackling this year’s theme: ‘Minds Wide Open’.
Commenting on his selection for the TEDxAberdeen stage, Mark Reynolds said: “Aberdeen has been a huge part of my life. It’s where I spent much of my football career, where I now live and work, and where my family call home, so being chosen to speak at TEDxAberdeen feels really special.
“I have had an unusual career path, so to have the chance to share some of it on a TEDx stage, in a city that means so much to me, is a real privilege.”
Mark Reynolds
Now in its sixth year, TEDxAberdeen brings together voices from across the North-east to share transformative ideas worth spreading. Speakers undergo an intensive development programme, devoting more than 70 hours of rehearsal and preparation before stepping into the spotlight.
Moray Barber, TEDxAberdeen Licensee, welcomed the full lineup, commenting: “For new ideas to thrive, minds have to be open. There will always be space at TEDxAberdeen for inspiration and it’s our job to nurture ideas, support people tell their stories, and champion those who have something new that’s worth saying.
“This year, TEDxAberdeen celebrates the importance of open minds. The theme for 2026 – Minds Wide Open – was chosen to give ideas room to breathe.
“Whether you are an academic, an educator, or someone who spent years on the pitch at Pittodrie like Mark, everyone brings a unique story that unites our city. We can’t wait for our audience to experience the depth and diversity of this year's speakers.”
Moray adds: “We couldn’t deliver TEDxAberdeen without local partnership, and I continue to be over-whelmed by the support of the companies and organisations who help us bring this very special event to the city. Also, the amount of interest from those who wish to tell their stories on Aberdeen’s red dot continues to humble.”
The full lineup of 12 speakers for TEDxAberdeen 2026 includes:
- 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 Leaner
- 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
To be part of the TEDxAberdeen experience, book your tickets via: tedxaberdeen.com