Saturday, May 16, 2026
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Leonard W. Rice Auditorium | Monmouth, Oregon
Our 2026 event theme is For the Common Good. We will be highlighting speakers and performers who have spent a lot of time thinking about and working on solutions to problems of the common good - things that impact all of us. Many of us work in or support or are preparing for careers in spaces that strive to make the world better and our communities stronger. This event is a chance to come together with fellow community strengtheners in Oregon and rest, be inspired, and make new connections to help refresh our energy.
Ticket price includes:
- 3 sessions of speakers and performers
- 2 hands on breakout sessions of activities to choose from
- Light breakfast + Snacks + Lunch + Closing reception
- Attendee gift
- Event program + custom name tag
- Opportunity to make new friends and connections
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxMt.Hood, where x = independently organized TED event.
At our TEDxMt.Hood event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
About TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events.
Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze $6.6 billion in funding for projects that support bold solutions to the world's most urgent challenges — working to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.
❊2026 Event
TEDxMtHood: Inspiring Since 2011
Ideas Worth Sharing
Each TEDxMtHood event features approximately a dozen speakers and performers who will address the theme chosen for that year’s event.
Attendees will attend 3 sessions featuring these live speakers and performers and get to see all of them deliver their talk featuring their idea worth spreading.
Each speaker spends several months preparing their talk with a dedicated speaker coach and all talks will be published online after the event.
Let’s Act Together
Each TEDxMtHood event features two Action Breaks during which speakers and attendees collaborate in small breakout groups on specific topics to further the ideas presented during the day.
These Action Breaks are hands-on interactive facilitated sessions which emphasize taking deliberate action and which strive to connect folks who have shared interests.
Community Driven
Every speaker, performer, member of the planning team, and event day staff member is a volunteer. Please be sure to thank them for making TEDxMtHood happen.
We are grateful and honored to be able to spend the day in community with you highlighting voices and ideas that can help us make Oregon an even better place to live and work.
Thank you for being part of the TEDxMtHood community.
For the Common Good: 2026 Speakers
Cathy Rowe
Artist in Residence
Chad Brown
Conservationist
Chrissy Marie
Vocalist
Gideon Freudmann
Cellist
Joseph Bull
Trailblazing Engineer
Kasem Rodriguez Mohsen
Capital Systems Architect
Laura Hilty
Growth Steward
Lindsey Wahlstrom
Rare Disease Champion
Sara Wolk
Voting Rights Champion❊2026 Speakers
Our Partners
A heartfelt thank you to the following organizations — without whose generous support TEDxMtHood would not be possible.
Platinum Level
Silver Level
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❊ FAQs
You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers
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Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. We will also be hosting some smaller Salon events throughout the year. To stay updated and get access to these events, follow us on LinkedIn.
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A full day of speakers and performers (3 sessions) - inspiration!
Hands on activity breaks to discuss or work on solutions in community p- action!
Meeting other Oregonians working on solutions to challenging issues - new connections! new friends!
Tasty food - snacks! coffee! tea! lunch! happy hour reception!
Spending the day on a quaint college campus and feeling like a lifelong learner
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Yep! We will have breakfast items available for you when you arrive, lunch in the middle of the day, and a happy hour type reception with appetizers and drinks at the end of the day.
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We will be looking for about a dozen volunteers to help with event day tasks. Send us an email at tedxmthood@gmail.com and let us know you are interested.
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Send us an email at tedxmthood@gmail.com and we will direct your question to the member. of our planning team best able. toreply.
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