As mentioned in one of our previous articles, all TED events and talks require certain guidelines and rules in order to keep them organised and in line with TED’s values. Content, licencing and funding are just some of the rules all volunteers and participants must adhere to, but one of the most important is the naming and branding of your event.
It’s important to avoid promotion of products or people at TED talks, as their main function should be to inspire, not sell. By following these strict rules, TEDx events can provide wisdom to the town in which they are located and isn’t just seen as a gimmick to promote and sell products. TED has always had the vision that technology and knowledge can be combined in order to expand the horizons and minds of all kinds of people. We need to honour this, and therefore, rules must be followed. Read our latest article surrounding naming and branding below
Naming
TED events can concern a topic of your choice, though there are limits. TED talks usually encompass a topic that has significant meaning, such as the human condition, climate change and technological advancement. With TEDx, your events are targeted at the communities in a specific town. For example, we are named TEDxDoncaster because that’s where we’re located. All TEDx brands should be named in association with their audience, but there are a list of instances that your events cannot be named after.
You must always refer to the event in your branding, for example, on logos or in copy. You should avoid referring to your event as simply “TEDx.” TED should always be capitalised with the “x” non-capitalised. This is enforced in order to keep the events uniform and in line with TED guidelines, but you have more freedom with your content!
Branding
When communicating the details of your event, you should always make clear that it is on brand with TEDx, not TED. Although they’re the same in theory, TEDx applies simply to the cities and towns of which it is targeted. You should avoid communicating that “TED is coming to my city,” as the TEDx brand is the staple. You are an organiser of a TEDx event, not an employee, and that should be made clear. Your TEDx logo should be used in place of the traditional TED logo, and all other individuals involved in the organisation of the event should follow these guidelines too.
You should also avoid co-branding with your TEDx event; this is in the same ballpark as content. No other organisation, whether it be commercial or non-profit, should be associated with the TEDx branding. Your event is entirely your own, and although you are allowed sponsors, you cannot thank external organisations for the structure and order of the event.
Your TEDx event is bound to be an insightful and exciting event, full of knowledge and opinions that set out to influence and inspire. If you would like to volunteer with us, please get in touch today by filling out our online form.
