Santa Barbara has always been a city of ideas. From environmental activism to technological innovation, we’ve led conversations that shape the future. However, when public discourse is often divided, and big ideas get lost in the noise, we need spaces where thoughtful dialogue and new perspectives can thrive. That’s where TEDxSantaBarbara comes in.
Over the past decade, TEDxSantaBarbara has brought together visionaries, entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists to share groundbreaking ideas with our community and the world. Before COVID-19, we hosted over 100 in-person talks that have been viewed more than 35 million times. These ideas have sparked conversations and led to real-world change, from sustainability initiatives to advancements in mental health advocacy.
Then came the pandemic. Live events ceased as the world shut down, but that didn’t stop us. We launched the Making Waves Salon series, a virtual platform that kept meaningful conversations alive when we needed them most. These 175 salons, held over Zoom, became a lifeline for engagement, connecting people across Santa Barbara and beyond with essential ideas.