See and Hear Ideas Worth Spreading
OFFICIAL ORGANIZATIONAL NEWSLETTER
TEDx Tinley Park Insider
EDITION #6 | SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Ideas Worth Spreading — From Our Community to the Stage
📣 A Message from the Team
The momentum from our August 20th Meet & Greet gathering has launched us into the next phase of preparation – and the energy is only building. With October 4 fast approaching, every committee is hard at work shaping an unforgettable inaugural TEDx Tinley Park experience.
🎬 Behind the Scenes A/V Highlights
We’re excited to share that breakfast will be crafted and served by the talented Tinley Park High School culinary students. Lunch details are in motion and will be announced soon — stay tuned for a delicious reveal.
Our Audio/Visual team, Digital Cocoa, Inc., is fully immersed in production planning, transforming the technical backbone of TEDx Tinley Park into an experience worthy of the TEDx arena. They are mapping out and testing Zoom connectivity across the green room, cafeteria, and Discovery Zone – first designing the routing, then configuring each feed, and finally running live simulations to ensure smooth communication in every space. This staged approach keeps speakers, volunteers, and attendees seamlessly in sync throughout the day. Behind the scenes, live editing workflows are being refined to capture every moment with clarity and intention – from the first speaker stepping onto the stage to the last spark of inspiration shared in the Discovery Zone.
Camera and video placement are being mapped with precision to create a dynamic visual experience that reflects the energy of the event. Every angle, every transition, and every technical detail is being thoughtfully engineered to deliver an immersive, polished, and truly TEDx-worthy production. As we move closer to October 4, the A/V team continues to elevate the event’s technical artistry, ensuring that what happens on stage resonates powerfully both in the room and across every connected space.
🎤 Speaker Coaching & Rehearsals
Speaker development is officially under way, and the energy in the rehearsal room is unmistakable. Under the guidance of Garrett Gray from Main Stage Productions, our speakers are diving into a coaching experience designed to sharpen their delivery, strengthen their storytelling, and elevate their presence on the TEDx stage. The first of four rehearsals have already been completed, with additional trial runs continuing to build confidence and refine each talk. Ideas are tightening, voices are growing stronger, and the excitement is rising with every session. Garrett’s expertise and dynamic coaching style are helping each speaker step closer to delivering a powerful, polished, and unforgettable TEDx Tinley Park performance.
✦ “If you have an idea you’re excited about and you don’t bring it to life, it’s not uncommon for the idea to find its voice through another maker. This isn’t because the other artist stole your idea, but because the idea’s time has come.” - Rick Rubin ✦
🤝 Sponsorship Cultivation
Sponsorship efforts continue to build momentum – and we are actively seeking additional partners who want to help elevate this landmark community event. With every new sponsor, TEDx Tinley Park is growing stronger, more dynamic, and more capable of delivering an unforgettable experience for our attendees.
This year’s event already features a standout community collaboration: the Tinley Park High School Culinary Students will be providing breakfast, showcasing local talent and adding meaningful, hometown touch to the day. Their involvement is just one example of how TEDx Tinley Park brings together creativity, education, and community spirit – and it’s the kind of partnership that inspires others to join in.
The same spirit of collaboration is powering our Discovery Zone, which is quickly becoming one of the most exciting elements of the event. A growing lineup of organizations is preparing to engage attendees, spark conversations, and share resources that strengthen our community. Currently our Discovery Zone participants include:
Ava’s Pathways
Cancer Support Center
Gilda’s Club
Main Stage Productions LLC
Moraine Valley Community College
Project Renew
Ratliff Accounting & Tax LLC
SSSRA (South Suburban Special Recreation Association)
Tinley Park High School
VFW
Each of these partners brings a unique perspective and mission, creating an interactive space where ideas, services, and community connections come alive.
Now is the perfect time for businesses, organizations, and community leaders to step forward. Becoming a sponsor means supporting bold ideas, empowering local voices, and helping shape an event that will leave a lasting impact on Tinley Park. The excitement is rising, the community is rallying, and we welcome new partners who want to be part of bringing TEDx to life in our village and surrounding areas.
Reserve Your Tickets Today – TEDx Tinley Park
October 4, 2026, 8:00am – 5:00pm
🔮 Stay Tuned for Edition #7
Edition #7 will bring even more updates as we finalize logistics, expand our Discovery Zone, and continue building excitement across the community. The countdown to October 4 is officially on – and the energy is electric. As we push into the final stretch, we are still actively seeking sponsors to help fund this landmark event and elevate the TEDx experience for everyone who attends. Each new partner strengthens our ability to deliver a powerful, polished, and inspiring day for Tinley Park and its surrounding areas. There is still time for businesses and community leaders to join us in bringing this inaugural TEDx vision to life.
TEDx Tinley Park | Tinley Park, Illinois
This event is independently organized under license from TED.
Questions or partnership inquiries? Contact us at tedxtinleyparkmarketing@gmail.com
Edition #6 | September 2, 2026
