2026 Founding Circle · open now
Founding happens once.
On September 19, Issaquah gets its first TEDx event.
When
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Where
The Fleming Arts Center, Issaquah
Levels
$500 to $2,500, or in-kind
Why this needs you
A TEDx event does not arrive in a town. Somebody builds it.
This September, 125 people will fill the Fleming Arts Center for an afternoon of talks from people who live and work here. Most of them have never stood on a stage this size.
TED does not fund TEDxIssaquah. Our speakers are not paid, and the event is organized by volunteers. Ticket sales cover part of it.
Partnership builds the rest: the room, the production, the recording, and the experience that bring TEDxIssaquah to life.
125
seats, on purpose. A room small enough that attention actually lands.
1st
TEDx event in Issaquah. There will never be another first year.
All
talks professionally recorded and published, so the ideas keep traveling after September 19.
Ways to partner
Join the 2026 Founding Circle
Help build Issaquah’s first TEDx, and we will find a meaningful way for your organization to be part of the experience.
Founding Partner
$2,500
The name at the top of the list, in the first year.
- Top recognition across approved event materials
- Logo recognition on the published talk videos, where TEDx guidelines permit
- Four reserved event seats
- Four seats at the Friday reception
- Invitation to a small partner + speaker gathering
- Opportunity to create an approved audience experience or activation with us
- First conversation about returning for 2027
Founding Partner recognition remains attached to the inaugural 2026 event.
Become a partnerBuilder
$1,000
For organizations that want a meaningful role in bringing year one to life.
- Your logo here, in the printed program, and on approved signage
- On-screen recognition during the event, where permitted
- Two event tickets with reserved seating, two reception seats
Supporter
$500
For organizations that want their name behind the first year.
- Your name here, in the printed program, and in our social thank-you
- One event ticket, one reception seat
Reception Sponsor
$2,500 · cash, in-kind, or a combination
Host the room where the TEDxIssaquah community meets before the stage lights come on.
On Friday, September 18, the speakers, volunteers, and partners gather — the most intimate part of the weekend. This partnership underwrites the evening: space, food and beverage, and hospitality, with recognition as the official Reception Sponsor.
If you are a venue or restaurant: hosting the space and food in-kind, paired with cash toward Saturday’s production, is the version of this we would most like to build.
Sponsor the receptionIn-kind & pro bono
Recognized at agreed value
Not everything we need is money.
If you print, cater, photograph, build, design, or produce, you may be able to partner with what you already do. Still open:
- Printing & signage
- Speaker & volunteer shirts
- Event photography
- Audience refreshments
- Reception food
- Green room food
- Stage build, decor, florals
- Badges & name tags
Something different in mind? Tell us. We are happy to build a partnership that fits both your organization and what the event needs.
Why partner
What being there at the beginning means
01
You are part of the room.
This is not a trade show audience or thousands of anonymous impressions. It is 125 people spending an afternoon together around ideas, followed by the conversations those ideas create.
02
Your support becomes part of the first-year story
The speakers will change. The audience may grow. New partners may join. But the organizations that supported it at the beginning will always be part of the story of how it started.
03
Year one only happens once
After September 19, everyone who joins is joining something that already exists.
Right now, you have the opportunity to help create the thing they will be joining.
The Founding Circle
Thank you to our 2026 partners
These are the organizations helping build the first TEDxIssaquah. The 2026 Founding Circle will only exist once.
Partnership
What partnership means at TEDxIssaquah
Partners help make the experience possible and can be recognized through approved event materials, hospitality, audience experiences and activations, tickets, social recognition, and other opportunities we develop together.
TEDxIssaquah retains independent editorial control over speakers, talks, and program content, as required by TEDx.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?−
Contributions are processed through our fiscal sponsor, InWorthy, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Eligible contributions may qualify for charitable tax treatment, and appropriate documentation can be provided. Because treatment depends on the type of contribution and any benefits received in return, please consult your tax advisor.
Is TEDxIssaquah a nonprofit?+
TEDxIssaquah is an independently organized TEDx event operating under license from TED, supported by InWorthy as our fiscal sponsor.
Does TED fund the event, or pay speakers?+
No to both. TED licenses independently organized TEDx events but does not fund TEDxIssaquah, and TEDx speakers are not paid for their talks. Ticket revenue, partnerships, contributions, and in-kind support make the event possible.
Can we contribute something other than money?+
Yes. We welcome in-kind and pro bono partnerships, valued and recognized at the agreed value of the support.
Partner benefits are subject to current TEDx guidelines.
Next step
There is only one first year.
If your organization wants to be there at the beginning, we would love to talk.
TEDxIssaquah 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · The Fleming Arts Center · Issaquah, WA