Theme 2026

Beyond The Obvious

A youth TEDx stage for the ideas, questions, and stories that shift how we see what feels familiar.

Date September 1, 2026
Time 12:00 to 18:00 China Standard Time
Venue Wuhan, Hubei, China
Format Talks delivered in English or Mandarin, maximum 18 minutes
Explore the Event

What Is TEDx?

The official TEDx framework behind this event

TEDx is a program of local, independently organized events created in the spirit of TED. TEDxWHHW Youth brings people together for a TED-like experience that combines live speakers and carefully selected TED-style programming. TED provides the overall TEDx framework, while this event is organized independently by the local team at Wuhan haidian foreign language Shi Yan School.

Learn more about the TEDx program

About The Event

The first TEDx at Wuhan haidian foreign language Shi Yan School

TEDxWHHW Youth is built around one invitation: look past the obvious answer. We are curating talks that reveal hidden patterns, challenge common assumptions, and make everyday ideas feel newly alive.

We welcome applications from students, parents, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, and industry leaders in China and around the world. What matters most is not your title. It is the clarity, originality, and usefulness of your idea.

Every shortlisted speaker will work with the organizing team to refine structure, timing, and delivery so each talk lands with precision on stage.

18 Minutes max for every talk
2 Talk languages: English or Mandarin
14 Days or less for shortlisted speaker replies

Event Brief

A clearer operational snapshot of what this event is

01

Audience

TEDxWHHW Youth is designed for students, parents, educators, researchers, founders, and guests who want a serious ideas-driven event rather than a casual school showcase.

02

Format

The event combines live TEDx talks in English or Mandarin, host-led framing, live singing performances between talks, intermission time, and an organized audience flow across a full afternoon program.

03

Access

The venue supports a much larger audience, but the first release focuses on a smaller public ticket group so guest experience, accessibility coordination, and production control stay tight.

Speaker Lineup

An expanding lineup of student, adult, and cross-disciplinary voices

Stephanie Liu in discussion during a debate event
Student leader · Founder · Competitive debater

Stephanie Liu

A student organizer and debate leader whose work sits at the intersection of communication, youth leadership, and initiative building.

Vice President of the Wuhan haidian foreign language Shi Yan School Student Union (2024 to 2025), Vice President and Chair of Events for the SKT-CBPA Student Council (2025 to 2026), President of the School Debate Society, and Captain of the School Debate Team. Founder of APSpark Project in 2025, with more than 10,000 views across Douyin and WeChat, and founder of the first debate competition on the CBPA Business Competition Platform.

Her achievements include a John Locke Essay Competition High Commendation and championship or top-speaker finishes across major NHSDLC and national debate tournaments.

Debate Leadership Entrepreneurship Education
Linna Huang speaking at a podium on stage
Confirmed student speaker

Linna Huang

A confirmed student speaker now added to the TEDxWHHW Youth lineup.

Bio placeholder

Full speaker biography and talk profile will be added here in a future update.

Barbara Wang speaking on the TEDxWHHW Youth stage
Confirmed student speaker

Barbara Wang

A confirmed student speaker now added to the TEDxWHHW Youth lineup.

Bio placeholder

Full speaker biography and talk profile will be added here in a future update.

Zhang Song Duo speaking on stage
Confirmed adult speaker · Chinese talk

Zhang Song Duo

Executive Principal of the South Campus of Wuhan haidian foreign language Shi Yan School, joining the TEDxWHHW Youth stage as a confirmed adult speaker.

Senior Teacher, Provincial Advanced Educational Worker, Haidian District Teaching Expert, and member of the National Alliance of Famous Primary and Secondary School Teachers. Awarded titles include Haidian District Outstanding Teacher, Haidian District Four-Good Teacher, and Haidian District Outstanding Grade Leader. He has participated in National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) marking multiple times and formerly served as principal of the middle school department of Wuhan haidian foreign language Shi Yan School.

Candy Tang speaking at a podium
Confirmed adult speaker · Likely English talk

Candy Tang

Principal of the International Department High School, joining the TEDxWHHW Youth stage as a confirmed adult speaker.

Bio placeholder

Full speaker biography and talk profile will be added here in a future update. This talk is currently expected to be delivered mainly in English.

More Speaker Photos

Explore the full lineup page

Additional speaker photos, confirmed profiles, and future announcements now live on a dedicated lineup page.

Open lineup page

Organizing Team

The people building TEDxWHHW Youth behind the scenes

Joshua Ding speaking at an event

Joshua Ding · Co-organizer

Director of the Study Abroad Center and Director of the Foreign Teacher Management Center at Wuhan haidian foreign language Shi Yan School; certified college counselor by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (PSG), UCLA, College Board, and Cambridge A-Level (CIE A-Level); member of China ICAC and IACAC; gold medal mentor in the ACT China Youth English Practice Ability Competition; outstanding mentor in the Hubei Division of the FBLA National High School Business Competition; ETS Certified TOEFL Teacher; IVLP nominee; and graduate of Renmin University of China with a degree in Business Economics and Management.

Experience, production, and partnerships

Introduce the people shaping staging, audience experience, communications, and sponsor relations.

Additional team roles can be added here as the organizing team is finalized.

Session Schedule

A draft program structure ready to tighten as speakers are confirmed

11:15

Guest arrival and check-in

Registration, seating, and the opening welcome experience.

12:00

Opening session

Host introduction, TEDx framing, the first sequence of talks, and live singing moments between talks.

14:00

Intermission

Break, conversation time, and transition into the afternoon.

14:45

Afternoon session

Additional talks, live singing interludes, audience reflection, and deeper discussion.

17:30

Closing remarks

Final message, acknowledgments, and event closeout.

What To Expect

An event designed to feel rigorous, generous, and memorable

Curated ideas

We are looking for talks with a clear central idea, evidence behind it, and a perspective people will continue discussing after they leave the room.

Speaker coaching

Shortlisted applicants will receive support on story arc, pacing, transitions, and how to sharpen their idea without losing their voice.

Global perspective

A bilingual-friendly stage allows ideas from students and speakers across backgrounds to meet in one shared conversation.

Live singing

Live singing performances will create breathing space between talks and give the program a more memorable rhythm.

Choose Your Path

Three clear ways to engage with TEDxWHHW Youth

Open now

Speak

Share an original idea, story, or perspective shaped for a TEDx stage in English or Mandarin.

Open now

Attend

Reserve a seat for the live event and receive your attendee confirmation by email after payment.

See ticket details
Details soon

Volunteer

Volunteer roles for production, hospitality, documentation, and guest support will be announced on this site.

Meet the team first

Applications Open

Bring an idea worth rethinking in public

If your idea changes how people understand a familiar topic, we would love to hear it. Applications are open to students, parents, researchers, founders, and professionals who can offer an original, well-shaped talk.

  • Talks may be delivered in English or Mandarin.
  • Each talk must stay within 18 minutes.
  • All required application fields must be completed.

The China-friendly WPS form and the international Google form both route to the same application review flow.

Attend TEDxWHHW Youth

Choose the ticket tier that fits your event experience

Early Bird $35 / ¥245

Full event access, digital agenda, and group networking.

For early supporters and young professionals.
Standard Regular $42 / ¥294

All talks, on-site snack and drink, plus official e-certificate.

For the main public audience.
VIP Exclusive $65 / ¥455

Front row seat, speaker roundtable, exclusive gift bag, and after-party access.

For enterprise guests, sponsors, and influencers.

Loading availability...

  • Four access tiers from Early Bird to VIP Exclusive
  • USD and RMB pricing supported in the checkout flow
  • Premium Main remains the recommended target tier
  • Every tier includes access to the live TEDx program
Review the venue

Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. Contact the organizing team if you need to transfer your ticket to another guest.

Guest Information

What attendees should know before event day

Arrival and check-in

Doors are planned to open at 11:15. Guests should arrive early enough for check-in, seating, and any last-minute venue guidance before the 12:00 opening session.

Accessibility and seating

The auditorium includes accessible seating areas. Guests who need accommodation can coordinate with the organizing team after registration so seating support is ready in advance.

After ticket purchase

Each paid order receives a confirmation flow and ticket access by email. Tickets are transferable if plans change, but they are not refundable.

FAQ

The practical details speakers and attendees usually ask first

Who can apply to speak?

Students, parents, researchers, founders, educators, artists, and professionals are welcome to apply if they have a clear, original idea worth sharing.

What language must talks be delivered in?

Talks for TEDxWHHW Youth may be delivered in English or Mandarin.

How long can a talk be?

Each talk must stay within the TEDx limit of 18 minutes.

When will speakers hear back?

Shortlisted applicants should expect a response within two weeks of applying.

Are attendance and volunteer details final yet?

Audience tickets are now available. Volunteer role details are still being finalized and will be added to this site once confirmed.

Where can I find sponsor information?

Sponsor acknowledgments are kept off the homepage in line with TEDx guidance. Visit the Sponsors page for updates.

Why are only 100 audience tickets available if the venue is much larger?

The venue can support a much larger audience, but the first public ticket release is intentionally capped so the event team can manage the guest experience, check-in flow, and production standards carefully.

Is accessible seating available?

Yes. The venue includes accessible seating areas, and accommodation needs can be coordinated with the organizing team after registration.

What happens after I buy a ticket?

After payment is confirmed, you receive ticket access and confirmation by email. Keep that message available for event-day check-in and transfer requests if your plans change.

How can I contact the organizing team?

For public inquiries, ticket transfer requests, or accessibility coordination, email team@tedxwhhw.com.