The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Leadership is excited to announce a call for speakers for TEDxSouthern Miss, set to take place in October, at the Fleming Education Center on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. Applications to speak at the event are now open, with the selection committee beginning reviews on May 7.
TEDxSouthern Miss is an independently organized TEDx event hosted by USM’s School of Leadership. Dedicated to the spirit of “ideas worth spreading,” TEDxSouthern Miss seeks dynamic and thought-provoking speakers passionate about innovation, leadership, and addressing critical issues related to the coastal environment and the Blue Economy—a key driver of coastal communities along the Gulf Coast and beyond.
“TEDxSouthern Miss is a powerful platform to spotlight the Blue Economy as both an engine of innovation and a cornerstone of life along the Gulf Coast. By elevating voices from our community and beyond, we aim to inspire bold ideas that drive sustainable growth and strengthen the future of our coastal region,” said Dr. Jacob Breland, director of the School of Leadership.
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, support workforce development and enhance the well-being of coastal communities. Key sectors include aquaculture and fisheries, coastal tourism, shipping and port operations, national security, and coastal resilience.
Along the Gulf Coast, the Blue Economy plays a crucial role in enhancing regional quality of life and economic vitality. It fuels job creation and opens doors to expanding career pathways. Nationally, employment in coastal-related industries is expected to outpace average job growth over the next decade, underscoring the Blue Economy’s significance for workforce development and long-term regional prosperity.
Selected speakers will have the opportunity to present their ideas on a global platform, contributing to the TEDx mission of spreading powerful ideas. Talks should be engaging, original, and rooted in expertise or lived experience.
Those interested in speaking at TEDxSouthern Miss can click here to apply. For questions or more information, please contact the TEDxSouthern Miss team. Organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring TEDxSouthern Miss can also email the School of Leadership for additional details.