A year ago, I stood in front of over 100 people, their applause echoing as a speaker wrapped up their TEDx Talk. At that moment, I knew I wanted to do this again, not just to organize another event, but to create a space where ideas could truly spark change.
My name is Dhruvi, and I am an international student in my third year of the Global Management Co-op Program with a minor in Economics. This past academic year, I had the privilege of serving as the President of TEDxTorontoMetU, a student-led group operating under the TEDx brand and affiliated with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
At TEDxTorontoMetU, our mission is to provide TMU students with meaningful experiences and invaluable insights through TEDx talks and events. We believe in the power of ideas to shift perspectives, inspire action and ultimately change the world. Beyond our annual conference, which features live TEDx talks, workshops and networking opportunities, we also organize various events and initiatives throughout the year.
Theme creation
Our biggest event of the year is our annual conference, which brings together like-minded individuals, fearless ideas and bold visions. One of the most defining aspects of our conference is its theme. Each year, we strive to craft a theme that is bold, transformative and visionary. A TEDx theme sets the foundation for every talk and discussion. It must be broad enough to invite diverse perspectives, yet focused enough to create a cohesive narrative. Striking that balance is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of organizing a TEDx conference.
This year, after months of brainstorming and refining our vision, my team and I settled on “The Why Equation.” At its core, this theme explores the fundamental question behind every decision and action: Why? Just as we solve for “y” in equations, our curiosity drives us to seek deeper meaning in our choices, identities and beliefs. We wanted our audience to question everything, challenge assumptions, spark transformation and shape a future driven by understanding rather than complacency.
Speaker selection
The next crucial step in organizing TEDxTorontoMetU is selecting our speakers. Once the theme and its synopsis are finalized, we launch our annual speaker recruitment process. Having operated for four years and built a strong reputation, we often receive inquiries from individuals eager to take the TEDx stage. Additionally, over the summer, our speaker relations team curates a list of potential candidates who align with our vision and invites them to apply.
This year, thanks to our marketing and outreach efforts, we received over 100 applications from individuals eager to share their ideas. After conducting in-depth interviews with more than 40 candidates, exploring their connection to our theme, their insights and their vision, I held a thorough selection meeting with my conference and speaker relations teams. Together, we carefully curated a lineup of six speakers whose stories and ideas best embody The Why Equation.
This year, our speaker lineup included Mercedes Gaztambide and Taylor Patterson (media experts from CBC Street Cents and BlogTO, respectively), Iain Christie (an aerospace leader who contributed to the development of the International Space Station), Dr. Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee (Associate Dean at the Ted Rogers School), Logan Wolfe (a cybersecurity CEO and investor) and Kesha Christie (a captivating African and Caribbean storyteller). Each speaker brought in unique insights that challenged assumptions, inspired transformation and drove us to question, challenge and evolve.
The next few months were spent having bi-weekly meetings with our speakers to help them curate their talks according to TEDx guidelines, ensuring there is resemblance to our theme and that their idea and vision is truly shining through. By now, we were also knee-deep in bringing together the various other aspects of our conference. Marketing also played a huge role in executing a campaign that was bold, immersive and meticulously crafted. The campaign’s branding was designed to intrigue and engage, with lock and key imagery symbolizing the unlocking of ideas and playing cards reflecting the diverse paths to discovering one’s “why” and much more.
Event weekend
After organizing an in-person speaker rehearsal with all our six speakers, and a full mock run-through of the event with the entire TEDx team, the long-awaited weekend had finally arrived. For the first time in four years, we were hosting our conference at an external location, which came with its own set of challenges. When I stood backstage on event day, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement.
As each speaker took the stage, sharing their stories with passion and vulnerability, I knew we had created something truly special. Watching the audience engage, reflect and even tear up reaffirmed why we had worked so hard. Every talk sparked conversations about innovation, purpose and growth, inspiring students to think deeper about their own paths and aspirations.
Beyond the talks, we designed an immersive experience for our attendees. Our persuasive communication workshop provided hands-on learning, equipping students with essential skills to articulate their ideas and make a lasting impact in professional settings. The industry networking session was another highlight, giving students the opportunity to connect with professionals and company booths across various fields. Unlike traditional delegate networking events, we made connections fun and interactive by hosting a scavenger hunt through an app, where attendees of all ages engaged in challenges that encouraged organic conversations and meaningful relationships.
This year, our conference also featured two captivating keynote speakers and two dynamic performances, each carefully selected to complement our theme, The Why Equation. Our first keynote explored how shifting our mindset toward stress and making it our ally can unlock resilience and personal growth. The second keynote delved into the unseen dynamics that shape the way we connect with others.
Alongside these thought-provoking speeches, we featured a live musical performance that set the tone for creativity and self-expression. To tie back to our theme, we also introduced a magician, whose performance challenged our perceptions of reality and invited the audience to question the why behind what they see, a perfect reflection of our journey to uncover the unknown.
Reflections
Organizing the TEDxTorontoMetU conference for the past two years has been more than just an event for me; it has been a journey of growth. I learned the importance of adaptability, teamwork and believing in a vision even when challenges arise. More than anything, it reinforced my passion for storytelling, leadership and creating platforms that amplify voices and spark change.
For anyone considering organizing a TEDx event, my advice is simple: embrace the challenges, trust your team and remember that ideas have the power to change everything. One idea, one conversation and one shared experience can spark a ripple effect, shaping perspectives, inspiring action and ultimately transforming the world far beyond the stage.
Written by
Dhruvi Dhami
Dhruvi is a third-year Global Management Co-op student at the Ted Rogers School of Management, with a minor in Economics. She is passionate about leadership, community-building and creating meaningful impact through her work. Dhruvi is actively involved in student initiatives and strives to inspire change by connecting ideas, people and opportunities. She aims to build a career that fosters growth, innovation and positive transformation in the business world.
