Events
Come and gather
We aim to make our events as inclusive and accessible as possible.
TEDxQUT is proud to be constantly working towards inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility.
In 2022, we were awarded the QUT Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion.
If you require Auslan interpreting for any of our events, or any other accessibility requirements, please let us know.
Upcoming Events
TEDxQUT 2026 | Catalyst, Crossroads and Change
TEDxQUT 2026 | Catalyst, Crossroads and Change
Aug 25, 2026 5:00 pm
Queensland University of Technology is proud to host its thirteenth TEDxQUT annual event.
Tickets now available, book yours today.
TEDxQUT 2026 | Catalyst, Crossroads and Change
This year, TEDxQUT explores Catalyst, Crossroads and Change with people and perspectives that challenge how we think, and who we become.
Our speakers will share powerful stories and ideas born from moments of uncertainty, discovery, and reinvention. They come from different backgrounds and disciplines, but each has encountered a turning point that challenged them to see the world differently and inspire change.
Join us for an evening of ideas worth spreading. Be challenged by new perspectives, and leave with questions and conversations that stay with you long after the event ends.
The event includes live TEDx talks, networking opportunities, and refreshments.
Content Warning: Some of the stories shared may touch on sensitive topics, including child sexual abuse, childbirth trauma, death, anxiety and depression. These experiences are shared with courage and the hope of inspiring understanding and change.
TEDxQUT propagates the TED ethos by providing a platform for the sharing of unique ideas, development of curiosity, and inciting a deeper engagement with the world. TEDxQUT inspires our community to stimulate conversation and be part of solutions which make a positive change.
Logo design by QUT student Emma Castle
2026 event program available soon.
Past Events
TEDxQUT Salon | Mind Your Head: How to Manage Headaches | 2026
TEDxQUT Salon | Mind Your Head: How to Manage Headaches | 2026
May 6, 2026 5:00 pm
With over 30 years’ experience in healthcare and education, Luka delivers specialised training in headache, migraine, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction across TAFE campuses. You’ll leave with clear explanations, practical insights, and gentle techniques you can use to help reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
TEDxQUT Salon | World Wildlife Day 2026
TEDxQUT Salon | World Wildlife Day 2026
Mar 3, 2026 4:30 pm
Get ready for an up-close experience with Australia’s vulnerable and endangered species on World Wildlife Day at our first TEDxQUT Salon of the year. Hear fascinating real-world stories behind the animals that hold our ecosystems together and have the rare chance to interact with them.
Presented by Geckoes Wildlife’s Martin Fingald, who has spent years on the frontline of conservation and wildlife education, this session blends science with great storytelling. You’ll walk away not only seeing Australia’s ecosystem differently, but also rethinking your own place within it.
TEDxQUT 2025 | Unbreakable: Stories of Strength and Becoming
TEDxQUT 2025 | Unbreakable: Stories of Strength and Becoming
Sept 17, 2025 5:00 pm
Queensland University of Technology is proud to host its twelfth TEDxQUT annual event.
TEDxQUT 2025 | Unbreakable: Stories of Strength and Becoming
This year at TEDxQUT, we explore the strength in resilience, transformation through adversity, and the courage to exceed expectations. Join us for a day of bold ideas, remarkable stories, and transformative moments that redefine human spirit and perseverance.
Be inspired by speakers whose journeys not only survive hardship but grow from it. TEDxQUT fosters curiosity, deepens engagement, and encourages conversations that drive positive change.
The event includes live TEDx talks, a photographic exhibition on the theme, and light refreshments.
Content Warning: Some of the powerful stories shared may touch on sensitive topics, including violence and abuse. These experiences are shared with courage and the hope of inspiring understanding and change.
TEDxQUT propagates the TED ethos by providing a platform for the sharing of unique ideas, development of curiosity, and inciting a deeper engagement with the world. TEDxQUT inspires our community to stimulate conversation and be part of solutions which make a positive change.
Logo design by QUT student Erisu Ngyuen.
View the 2025 event program here
TEDxQUT Salon | Artful Minds: Drawing for Mental Health, Version Two | 2024
TEDxQUT Salon | Artful Minds: Drawing for Mental Health, Version Two | 2024
Nov 21, 2024 1:45 pm
TEDxQUT Salon | Artful Minds: Drawing for Mental Health
Due to popular demand, TEDxQUT are excited to announce a second iteration of our Neurographica Salon with Art Therapist and Mental Health Clinician, Kirsty Mitchell.
Arts and creative practices have been used throughout human history to explore, process and understand the world around us, providing a broad range of psychological, emotional, physical and social benefits.
This workshop is an invitation to learn a technique called Neurographica (neuro=brain; graphica=line) - a creative tool to help support your mental health and wellbeing. Neurographica is a scientifically validated form of guided drawing that uses line, shape and colour in an art process that transforms thoughts, feelings, and experiences as energy onto your page. This session will provide you with an overview of the technique and an opportunity to create your own artwork.
It is a therapeutic process that provides a tangible and accessible flow state experience where you can de-stress and reflect, allowing you to create and enjoy.
Whether you love drawing, need some space to nurture your mental health, or are a TEDx enthusiast, this event is for everyone!
Montana White, Kirsty Mitchell
TEDxQUT 2024 | ILLUMINATE: Shaping a Brighter Future
TEDxQUT 2024 | ILLUMINATE: Shaping a Brighter Future
Oct 27, 2024
Queensland University of Technology is proud to host its eleventh TEDxQUT annual event.
TEDxQUT 2024 | ILLUMINATE: Shaping a Brighter Future
Prepare yourself for a day of transformative talks and conversations which incite forward-thinking, ethical and community-focused discussions, and inspire our next generation of thinkers and doers.
With these ideas and topics, we can ignite change and encourage current and future generations to shape a brighter future.
Topics are as diverse as our community, including AI, journalism, filmmaking, education, p*rn literacy and so much more!
TEDxQUT propagates the TED ethos by providing a platform for the sharing of unique ideas, development of curiosity, and inciting a deeper engagement with the world. TEDxQUT inspires our community to stimulate conversation and be part of solutions which make a positive change.
The event day livestream can be accessed here.
Logo design by QUT student David Huynh.
View the 2024 event program here
Montana White, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT Salon | Artful Minds: Drawing for Mental Health | 2024
TEDxQUT Salon | Artful Minds: Drawing for Mental Health | 2024
Oct 10, 2024 4:45 pm
TEDxQUT Salon | Artful Minds: Drawing for Mental Health
Join TEDxQUT for their last Salon of 2024!
In celebration of Queensland Mental Health Week, TEDxQUT invites you to you to take part in a hands-on and creative workshop, led by qualified Art Therapist and Mental Health Clinician, Kirsty Mitchell.
Arts and creative practices have been used throughout human history to explore, process and understand the world around us, providing a broad range of psychological, emotional, physical and social benefits.
This workshop is an invitation to learn a technique called Neurographica (neuro=brain; graphica=line) - a creative tool to help support your mental health and wellbeing. Neurographica is a scientifically validated form of guided drawing that uses line, shape and colour in an art process that transforms thoughts, feelings, and experiences as energy onto your page. This session will provide you with an overview of the technique and an opportunity to create your own artwork.
It is a therapeutic process that provides a tangible and accessible flow state experience where you can de-stress and reflect, allowing you to create and enjoy.
Whether you love drawing, need some space to nurture your mental health, or are a TEDx enthusiast, this event is for everyone!
Montana White, Kirsty Mitchell
TEDxQUT Salon: Specialty Coffee 101 | 2024
TEDxQUT Salon: Specialty Coffee 101 | 2024
May 16, 2024 4:45 pm
Join us for an interactive and tastebud-tingling event, TEDxQUT Salon: Specialty Coffee 101.This event will feature:Several tastings on offer form multiple roasters
- Coffee brewing demonstrations
- Opportunity to learn from key industry players
- Light snacks to accompany the coffee tasting
We are so excited to announce the following coffee roasters who will be joining us for this incredibly unique and interactive event;
☕ @dibscoffee.au
☕ @industrybeans
☕ @talocoffeeroasters
☕ @single_o
Whether you’re an experienced barista, or love using your plunger at the office, this event is for anyone. We can’t wait to see you there!
Montana White, Kym Cooper
TEDxQUT Salon: International Women's Day, A Conversation | 2024
TEDxQUT Salon: International Women's Day, A Conversation | 2024
Mar 7, 2024 4:45 pm
Join our first event in the TEDxQUT Salon Series for 2024, International Women’s Day: A Conversation. Held the day before International Women’s Day, this event will be an opportunity for attendees to actively contribute to important and topical conversations.
The event will feature conversation cards for attendees to explore in group discussion, student club executives to meet, and light refreshments. Join us in TED’s mission of starting conversations and sharing ideas.
Special thanks to our collaborators;
- @womenintech_qut
- @qutwomeninfilm
- @qutwib
- @qutgems
- @qutrealworld
- QUT Pride Staff Network
Montana White, Claudia Steiner, Kym Cooper
TEDxQUT 2023 | Double Take
TEDxQUT 2023 | Double Take
Oct 15, 2023 9:00 am
TEDxQUT 2023: Double Take
To have to look twice to make sure that one really saw correctly.
New, shocking, surprising, or significant ideas can, at times, take us a few moments to comprehend. We may not react instantly, that is, until the realisation that something significant or different from the norm has transpired.
Prepare yourselves for an amazing lineup of speakers who will share their ideas, stories, and perspectives, that compel us to do a double take on every day conversations and topics.
We will be joined by poets, drag queens and a dance troupe to keep us entertained throughout the day.
Logo design by QUT student @samdetailleart
TEDxQUT Salon: Guided Still Life Drawing | 2023
TEDxQUT Salon: Guided Still Life Drawing | 2023
Sept 14, 2023
TEDxQUT is excited to collaborate with Studio Maverik for our last TEDxQUT Salon event of the year!
Have you wanted to learn how to draw still life objects but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you are an experienced artist who likes to keep their canvases full. No matter your skill level, this event is for everyone.
Join us for an evening of Guided Still Life Drawing. Explore the shapes, curves and colours of botanicals and fruit, as seasoned artists Studio Maverik facilitate how to best home in on your artistic skills.
The event will begin with a brief overview of the history of still life drawing, before getting hands on.
Studio Maverik is a community-focused and inclusive art studio in Meanjin (Brisbane). They facilitate life drawing sessions, guided visual art workshops, maker markets and other creative events. Artists of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend our events. Come to chat, draw and learn in a vibrant and welcoming space. Studio Maverik is run by two local artists, Frances & Rhianna. They believe that art is for all, and it brings us together.
Drawing materials are supplied. Personal drawing materials such as iPads, graphite pencils and drawing paper are welcome. Due to the event space, paint is not permitted.
Buy your ticket here. View on the TED website here.
Montana White
TEDxQUT Salon: Tea, A Tasting Journey | 2023
TEDxQUT Salon: Tea, A Tasting Journey | 2023
July 27, 2023 4:45 pm
In collaboration with tea specialist Kym Cooper from The Steepery and East Forged, join us for a night of everything tea.
During this 2-hour event you will be introduced to tea botanicals, tea types and styles, and tea cultivation.
Join us on a journey for your tastebuds and enjoy several styles of pure leaf tea from a number of the world’s most significant tea growing regions. Each tea-tasting station will include a guided discussion around growing and production, how to taste tea, and learning about the tea flavour profile.
Kym will have some incredible products from The Steepery available to purchase on the night.
This is a limited event that you don’t want to miss!
Montana White, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT Salon: Healthy Sexual Relationships | 2023
TEDxQUT Salon: Healthy Sexual Relationships | 2023
Apr 20, 2023
In conjunction with QUT Respect Week 2023, we are proud to host this Salon on Healthy Sexual Relationships.
Join our panel of community experts as we explore topics including:
- defining 'healthy'
- stigma and shame
- consent
- pornography
- sex education
- queer community
- interpersonal violence
Thanks to Nadine Chemali, Naomi Hutchings, Michael Flood, and, Mariana Duce (QUT Discrimination Adviser).
This event will be discussing concepts of sex and sexual acts, inclduing violence. Panelists may choose to share personal experiences at the event. If any topics cause discomfort, attendees are encouraged to prioritise their psychological well-being.
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT Salon: Understanding Sense of Place | 2023
TEDxQUT Salon: Understanding Sense of Place | 2023
Mar 1, 2023
Join our deadly panelists for a night of learning, and sharing ideas.
Hear QUT's Elder-in-Residence Uncle Cheg speak about the history of the land on which QUT stands – the Country of the Turrbul and Yugara people. The panel features First Nation's students, staff and community members; learn as they discuss what sense of place and Country means.
- Uncle Cheg, Traditional Owner, QUT Elder-in-Residence
- Jessy Renouf, Gubbi Gubbi woman, TEDxQUT Speaker, Student Ambassador
- Owen Café, Whadjuk-Pindjarup man, TEDxQUT Speaker, Landscape Architect, Lecturer
- Melanie Saward, Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman, TEDxQUT Speaker, Lecturer
- With a performance from Pub Choir's Waveney Yasso, a First-Nations (Yuwi Burra and Tanna island) singer/songwriter.
This event was created in collaboration with Glenda Tanna from the QUT Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Australians).
Due to the cultural nature of the event, this will not be live-streamed or recorded. We decline any recording or note-taking during the event to preserve and respect the cultural tradition of knowledge-sharing in the First Nations community, as well as maintaining standards of cultural safety for the event.
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT 2022 | Pause.Rewind.Reset
TEDxQUT 2022 | Pause.Rewind.Reset
Oct 15, 2022 9:00 am
TEDxQUT 2022 explored the theme Pause. Rewind. Reset.
In true TED fashion, our speakers this year ask us to re-evaluate and re-think the status quo. Whether this is calling out obsolete ideas, encouraging us to challenge the zeitgeist, or introducing concepts that disrupt our current rationale. We are asked to take a moment to stop, take a step back, and start anew.
View the program here.
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT Salon: Social Enterprise and the Future of Community | 2022
TEDxQUT Salon: Social Enterprise and the Future of Community | 2022
Sept 1, 2022
This salon explored the 101 of Social Enterprise, discussions what it is and how it can be used. Attendees broke into focus groups to explore community issues related to women, environment, youth, affordable housing, and community and inclusion. We were proud to have collaborated with QUT Entrepreneurship and QUT Impact for this program.
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT Salon: Disability. Beyond the Label | 2022
TEDxQUT Salon: Disability. Beyond the Label | 2022
June 9, 2022
A panel of health professionals, advocates, and every day humans sharing their experiences within the disability community. Having these conversations allows us to understand, normalise and break down the stigma around disability.
- Michael Shanahan: TEDxQUT Alumni, researcher, advocate, Vice President of AUSDOCC
- Natasha Alexander: founder of 'Consentability,' clinical psychologist
- Jeremy Muir: Disability Advisor with QUT Disability Services
- Rebecca Glover: TEDxQUT Alumni, founder of 'Ruby & Ollie's All Abilities Childcare'
- Savvy Hunt: Deputy Convenor of Disabilities Collective
- Melanie Rolfe: Moderator, TEDxQUT Alumni
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT Salon: Welcome Event and Pitch Night | 2022
TEDxQUT Salon: Welcome Event and Pitch Night | 2022
Mar 17, 2022
An introduction to the salon series, and opportunity for the TEDxQUT community to meet, a night to share ideas.
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT 2021 | Humanity
TEDxQUT 2021 | Humanity
Oct 23, 2021
For the first time ever, TEDxQUT did not set an initial theme for the speakers to abide by. For 2021, we selected the theme based on common elements from speaker applications. This year, we saw an overwhelming number of applications that referenced ideas of connection, community and inclusivity. Based on this, we are proud to announce that the theme for TEDxQUT 2021 is: Humanity
Montana White, Amy Burkett, Claudia Steiner
TEDxQUT 2019 | Innovate. Activate. Motivate.
TEDxQUT 2019 | Innovate. Activate. Motivate.
Oct 26, 2019
We celebrate those who think outside the box creating change through innovation, those who take an active part in change and those who motivate others to create their own change.
Yaw Kyei, Abbie Deegan
TEDxQUT 2018 | D.I.Y.
TEDxQUT 2018 | D.I.Y.
Sept 15, 2018
We celebrate the doers, the dreamers and the designers, and explore the myriad of self-driven approaches, advancements and opportunities shaping our natural world.
Caitlyn Dexter, Karlee Davies, Emily Wells
TEDxQUT 2017 | Time
TEDxQUT 2017 | Time
Apr 8, 2017
Time: where the past, present and future collide.
Caitlyn Dexter, Karlee Davies
TEDxQUT 2015 | Future Thinkers
TEDxQUT 2015 | Future Thinkers
Sept 5, 2015
Exploring innovative concepts, ideas and practices that are shaping our future.
Karlee Davies, Caitlyn Dexter
TEDxQUT Women 2015 | Momentum
TEDxQUT Women 2015 | Momentum
May 29, 2015
The conference explored bold ideas that create momentum in how we think, live and work.
Karlee Davies
TEDxQUT 2014 | Spark
TEDxQUT 2014 | Spark
Aug 2, 2014
Finding inspiration, turning inspiration into action and sparking a change in others.
Katherine Nickels, Sara Sheather
TEDxQUTChange 2013
TEDxQUTChange 2013
Aug 10, 2013
Over three sessions, our audience experienced performances and shared the experiences of 12 inspiring people who turned their ideas and values into action
Katherine Nickels, Helen Todd, Isaac Pursehouse
TEDxQUT 2013 | Ideas to Change the World
TEDxQUT 2013 | Ideas to Change the World
Aug 10, 2013
This event allowed us to be inspired by amazing people who despite obstacles to their ideas, they have made change possible through sustained determination and positive action. Their ideas have the power to change the world.
Katherine Nickels, Novella Moncrieff, Helen Todd, Sue Sweet, Sara Sheather