TEDx Conferences in Vancouver

Metro Vancouver is host to several inspirational TED and TEDx conferences as well as the well-known annual TED conference itself.

TED-related conferences are events with high-quality speakers that educate, inspire and motivate their audiences.

In 2025 the TED Conference happened the week of April 7th to 11th. It costs thousands of dollars to attend the conference in person. Fortunately, you can watch parts of the event for free at a few venues most years, including at some libraries.

See our article about Free TED Conference Screenings for details about where you can watch the conference’s talks for free. Continue reading to learn about the big international TED Conference as well as some local TEDx events.

TED and TEDx Conferences In Vancouver

The official annual international TED Conference has been held in Vancouver most years since 2014. It was back in town in 2025. This year, the event ran from April 7th to 11th. The theme was “Humanity Reimagined.” See the official TED Conference 2025 website to learn more.

TED events feature short talks and presentations about technology and design, as well as other scientific, cultural, and academic topics. TEDx events, like TEDxWhistler and TEDxSFU, feature local leaders, inspirational public speakers, change makers and people who make their audiences think. International TED conferences usually sell out months in advance.

TED Conference in April

The 2025 TED Conference took place from Monday, April 7th to Friday, April 11th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Typically, more than 70 speakers take to the stage over the course of the event, at least, that was the case last year.

Along with the standard TED Talks during the five days, there are also various workshops, exhibits and other more interactive experiences on offer. In addition, TED is an opportunity to connect with a wide range of experts in various fields.

Because there is so much demand to attend this event, each person who wants to go must submit an application to do so which is reviewed by TED. It’s also quite expensive! The cheapest tickets to the event cost $6,250, with some ranging up to $25,000. For those who don’t have the means to attend this event, there are multiple other TEDx events that usually run in Vancouver and the surrounding area.

Visit the official TED website for more information about the TED Conference.

TEDx Conferences

Sometimes local mini TED events take place that showcase local thought leaders. TEDx conferences are similar to the giant international TED Conference, but much smaller, with a local focus and lasting typically just one day.

TEDx events that have taken place in past years include TEDxStanleyPark, TEDxEastVan, TEDxVancouver, TEDxWhistler and TEDxSFU. Some of these haven’t happened for a number of years. Others take place fairly regularly. Sometimes a new one starts up, either as a one-time event or as a new annual one.

About TED and TEDx Events

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design, and has been an annual conference since 1984, bringing together the world’s leading thinkers and doers to share ideas in a wide range of disciplines. Topics presented include science and technology, entertainment, motivation, social issues, health, entrepreneurship and the economy.

TEDx events, like TEDxStanleyPark and TEDxWhistler, are smaller and independently organized local TED-affiliated conferences that bring local speakers, thinkers and talent together for a day of mutual learning.

Other Information

Click TED Conference for more information about the international TED event.

Most years there are venues around town where you can watch the talks from the TED Conference recorded live. Click Free TED Conference Screenings for a list of places to watch free screenings.

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