This year’s TEDxQueensU conference promises to be bigger and better than ever and a quick look at the lineup of speakers certainly backs that claim.

​CBC radio host Anna Maria Tremonti, Chef Michael Smith of the Canadian Grilling Company and broadway director and iPad app entrepreneur Jeff Whiting head the list of 11 speakers that also includes Laura Anderson, a Queen’s student who initiated the social media campaign ‪#MyBodyMyBusiness last year.

In its sixth year, TEDxQueensU, an event dedicated to talks about technology, entertainment and design, is the largest student-run conference at Queen’s and the third-largest TEDx event in Canada.

Being held at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Feb. 7, the event offers an opportunity for community members to find inspiration from the diverse range of speakers as well as fellow delegates.

“TEDxQueensU is so much more than sitting down and listening to talks. It’s about what we do with the ideas shared on this day that build the TED and TEDx community into what it is today,” says co-director Lucy Chen (Sc’16). “The applicants can expect to easily mingle with fellow delegates, speakers, speaker coaches, community members, as well as the organizing team in a very light-hearted and open environment. The Start-Up Space is bigger and brighter this year with exhibitions of new and upcoming projects, art, and innovation waiting to be showcased.”

This year’s theme is “Uncharted,” and each speaker will incorporate the theme into their talks based on what it means to them.

Before moving to the Isabel last year, TEDxQueensU was held at Theological Hall and only had space for 100 delegates. Today there are 500 delegate spots available, divided between two pools of applicants – Queen’s students and general tickets for alumni, faculty and staff, and Kingston community members.

Last year’s conference was a watershed moment for organizers and they are looking to keep the momentum going.

“On the day of the event last year we had many delegates showing up at 8 am when we had told them that doors open at 9 am. It was quite a frenzy because, at that moment, we were still setting up, but it just goes to show how ambitious and eager the TEDx community is,” says Ms. Chen. “We’ve also had great feedback with attendees being impressed with not only the caliber of speakers and ideas spread, but the professionalism of the production and stage design. So many people wanted to get a picture with the life-size TED sign to tweet, snap and Instagram that they became a part of this event, community, and collaboration.”

Deadline for applications is Friday, Jan. 15 and are available online. Successful applicants will be emailed a link to purchase their tickets, which are $45 for Queen’s students and $70 for general. A catered lunched is included in the ticket price for the all-day event.

For more information visit tedxqueensu.com.