TEDxJohnsonCity announces 2026 speaker lineup

TEDxJohnsonCity has announced its speaker lineup for its third annual return this summer. This year will feature seven speakers, with five from Johnson City, according to a press release. The line-up consists of the following: Alexandra Battle – Johnson City Kate Craig – Johnson City Dr. Sarah Long – Johnson City David Nelson – Johnson City Jessica Stollings – Johnson City Dr. Karah Sprouse – Lebanon, Tenn. Joshua Britt – Tucker, Ga. The release states the group was selected out of more than 100 submissions from 25 states and two other countries. Along with the speakers, the event will also showcase local artists and performers. "We are excited to see our TEDxJohnsonCity community and events continue to grow every year," said McKenzie Ketron, director of development at BRIDGE and TEDx organizer. "It's an honor for our organization to put together this program every year. We have incredible voices here in our region and beyond that deserve to be amplified on our stage. These individuals are doing innovative work that will spark positive conversation amongst current residents, visitors and those who view these talks online." TEDxJohnsonCity was introduced to the region in 2023 and is an independent, community-led event that aims "to highlight real change agents in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia." The release states it also draws more attention to the region from across the country and the world through TEDx's international platform. The TEDxJohnsonCity event will be held at the ETSU Martin Center of the Arts at 6 p.m. on June 26. Tickets will go on sale March 2 at 10 a.m.