12 Aug 2025
Tickets for the TEDx St Albans 2025 event are selling fast.
Taking place on Wednesday October 15 at the Alban Arena, this year’s event brings together a diverse line-up of speakers under the theme ‘Change and Continuity’.
The full-day programme will include talks from speakers addressing current social, technological and cultural themes.
Erica Stanford will examine the evolution of cybercrime and how online scams have become part of a sophisticated global industry: “I’m honoured to have been asked/selected. I’m also really grateful for all of the amazing coaching we’re getting into all of the parts of talking: scriptwriting, posture, tone and more. Still nervous though!”
Sophia Alexandra Hall, deputy digital editor at the Big Issue, will discuss how media headlines influence public perceptions of marginalised groups.
She said: “I became a journalist because I didn’t see my community (care experienced people) fairly represented in the media. As a teenager navigating the foster care system, I often felt like I didn’t have a voice. I didn’t see people like me in the news, and when we were, the reporting often felt full of stereotypes.
“Now, more than a decade on from aging out of the system, I get to stand on one of the biggest platforms there is and share my expertise on a TEDx stage. It’s an indescribable feeling. My talk explores ‘What makes a life newsworthy’ – it’s about whose stories the news chooses to tell, and why. I’ve sat on both sides of the table; I’m a journalist, but before my first national byline, I was an interviewee. My talk also explores media literacy and how you as news consumers, can decipher between articles that are meant to inflame, rather than inform you.”
Katherine Longhi, an international DEI consultant, will reflect on the backlash against diversity initiatives and consider what it might indicate about societal change, she said: “As excited as I am to share my idea on the red dot, I’m even more excited to hear the talks of the other amazing speakers. It will be an event you won’t want to miss.”
Founder of Friendship Lab, Sheridan Voysey will speak on the topic of the ‘friendship recession’ and the importance of meaningful connections.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s event. Adult friendship is our most overlooked relationship yet is key to our mental health and wellbeing. With an incredible venue, a compelling speaker lineup, and an audience ready for innovative ideas, TEDx St Albans is the perfect place to catalyse a new friendship movement.
The organisers said: “TEDx St Albans is supported for the third year by headline sponsor Debenhams Ottaway and Silver sponsor Northwood Estates, and we welcome St Albans BID and Redway HR whose partnerships help bring ideas worth spreading to the local community, and the St Albans Times as its media partner.”
Tickets are available at www.tedxstalbans.co.uk/tickets. Early booking is advised as remaining tickets are limited.
