TEDx community event returns to the stage in downtown Oshawa

A community-style TEDx is returning to Oshawa next month with a show dedicated to showcasing local voices on the global stage.

TEDxOshawa returns Saturday May 2 with ‘The Future Decoded,’ bringing together 16 speakers from the community for an afternoon of ideas, innovation and storytelling to the Biltmore Theatre stage in downtown Oshawa.

Licensed by TED, TEDxOshawa is a volunteer-run, non-profit initiative dedicated to creating a TED-style experience at the community level. This year’s event stands out not only for its growth, nearly doubling its audience to 300 in-person attendees – but also for its commitment to showcasing local voices on a global platform, noted lead organizer and official TEDx licensee Faris Mahoon Siddiqui.

“What makes TEDxOshawa truly special is that our speakers are from this community,” Siddiqui said. “These are individuals whose ideas, research, and lived experiences reflect the depth and diversity of Oshawa itself. Through TEDxOshawa, we have the opportunity to amplify those voices far beyond our city.”

The event will open with a keynote address by Durham College President Dr. Elaine Popp, underscoring the event’s connection to regional leadership and innovation, Siddiqui added.

The speaker lineup covers a wide range of topics, including resilience, leadership, ADHD, nuclear energy, autism, hormones and women’s health. All speakers have undergone an intensive preparation process, receiving weekly one-on-one coaching since January, along with early access to TED’s official public speaking course beginning in November.

TEDxOshawa maintains a strict commitment to accessibility and integrity: speakers do not pay to participate or receive training, ensuring that ideas are selected based on merit and impact rather than financial means.

“All of the talks from this event will be published on the official TEDx YouTube channel, which reaches over 44 million subscribers worldwide,” said Zehra Mahoon, speaker coach for TEDxOshawa. “This creates a rare opportunity for local speakers to contribute to global conversations and positions Oshawa as a hub for innovation and thought leadership.”

By combining local talent with global reach, TEDxOshawa aims to elevate the city’s profile while fostering meaningful dialogue within the community.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the program running from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., including an intermission with refreshments. Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://tickets.biltmoretheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=158

TEDxOshawa is an independently organized TEDx event, licensed by TED, dedicated to sharing ideas and fostering conversation within the Oshawa community. Operated entirely by volunteers, TEDxOshawa brings together local thinkers, creators, and leaders to explore ideas that matter, both locally and globally.