Past Conferences

Take a look below to find more information on the previously held TEDx conferences here at Western University!

TEDxWesternU 2023: The Butterfly Effect

In 1963, Edward Lorenz, a mathematician and meteorologist, pioneered the Chaos Theory. According to his ideas, the flapping of a butterfly's wings might cause minute changes in the atmosphere, which could alter, delay, accelerate, or even prevent the occurrence of a tornado. Thus, was born the term "Butterfly Effect", the theme for TEDxWesternU 2023. “The Butterfly Effect” is a philosophy that a small change can have a profound global effect. Simple but powerful, it illustrates the power of our own hands to bring about meaningful change in our communities. As part of our TEDxWesternU event, we will explore opportunities for impact and inspire our audience to reflect on the future they are creating. What is your butterfly effect?

TEDxWesternU 2018: Colliding Worlds

We find comfort in the familiar and predictable. Venturing into interdisciplinary collaborations means to be confronted with opposing views and disruptive changes. Although it can be intimidating to go beyond our boundaries, it is through embracing collaborative experiences that we make room for a deeper understanding of the world. These encounters challenge us to empathize with one another, to question for more, and to look beyond what we already know. TEDxWesternU encourages us to share our stories and expand our views – to collide without fear.

TEDxWesternU 2015: The Human Condition

The Human Condition; a concept that is intimately intertwined with every single one of our lives. All of us subscribe to the human condition and the diversity of what that means makes humanity the enigma that it is. Together we will try to navigate its definition from the perspectives of a variety of professionals. From implications on healthcare to business to human rights, TEDxWesternU 2015 will explore what it means to be human.

TEDxWesternU 2013: Impact. Innovation. Insight.

Three powerful words that we wish to leave open to your interpretation today. What do they mean to you? This year’s theme was developed both to string consistency through our ten speakers, and to inspire and resonate within the minds of our community.

Impact is beyond physical; change that is felt rather than seen can create mountains of emotion and positive steps forward. To create a lasting impact is to shift something current in our world today, and this is exactly what we hope to do with today’s talks.

Innovation sometimes is born out of accidents. However, with heavy hearts and open minds, we have purposely selected speakers we believe embody the characteristics of any brilliant innovation: ground breaking, purposeful and full of potential.

Moving forward, it is our hope to create a stir in at least a part of the universe. And we need your help in doing this. We thank you for joining us today, and wish that at the end of your journey, you will take with you insights you never thought possible.

TEDxWesternU 2011: Own Your Passion

In fall of 2010, a team of students representing all undergraduate years and virtually every faculty at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) came together with the goal of bringing the esteemed Technology, Education and Design (TED) conference to London and UWO. Since then, this vision has been transformed into a project for spring 2011. Using the theme of “Own Your Passion”, several community speakers, with diverse experiences and novel ideas, have been confirmed to deliver a series of talks relating to their own passions. This will be the first major TEDx event in London, and will provide a unique opportunity to engage UWO, Fanshawe College, London-based high schools and the greater London community. The event seeks to be as inclusive as possible and to promote the dissemination of “ideas worth spreading.”