Panels at SXSW don't tend to be as buzzy as entertainers and day parties, and they're not as affordable to attend. Thankfully, Austinites who want to get their intellectualism fix have another world-renowned event series coming to town.

The University of Texas is hosting its largest TEDx event (essentially the local denomination of TED Talks) so far on March 23. It will feature a range of local speakers from chefs to dance teachers, all laying down their best wisdom on their professions and life in general.

TED Talks have become famous for their mid-length, no-frills presentation style and accessible inspiration. TEDx Talks use basically the same format, but the "x" denotes that the presentation is "independently organized." This is good for local stages because it allows lesser-known, more fringe, and often younger speakers to contribute. Popular topics from the past have included the scientific analysis "Sleep Is Your Superpower" and the meta, irreverently funny "How to sound smart in your Tedx Talk."

Most important, TED and TEDx talks assume that audience members are brand-new to the topic, ensuring that the message gets out to the world at large rather than circulating only in academic circles.

This time, 10 Ausitnites or locally influential leaders are handing out bits of their expertise. The theme, "Mosaic," emphasizes the many different communities represented on the list. Adding to the diversity, the talks this year will include two performances (not yet announced) and an interactive showcase for networking among startups and other orgs.

"A mosaic is a system," the conference's website muses. "Each image is crafted with an array of many different pieces: Some may be sharp; others may be smooth. Some may be elaborate; others may be simple. However, when put together, these different shapes can create something entirely new. ... This year’s conference is a celebration of the remarkable and complex pieces that shape the world around us, as well as the incredible outcomes that we can create as we come together to form a new mosaic."

The TEDx "Mosaic" speakers are as follows:

• Alexis Kashar: Civil Rights Attorney, Entrepreneur, UT Alum
• Heather Morgan: Chief of Staff and Strategy at Alamo Drafthouse
• Richard Reddick: Dean of Undergraduate Studies at UT Austin
• Nahid Siamdoust: Assistant Professor at UT Austin
• Kareem El-Ghayesh: Founder of KG BBQ
• Melody Afkami: CEO of Melody DanceFit
• Caroline Rose: UT Austin Alum (not to be confused with the Austin musician)
• Bavu Blakes: Musical Artist, UT Austin Alum
• Merlin Tuttle: American Ecologist and Conservationist
• Kathy Terry: Co-Founder of P. Terry's

Most of these talks will be a surprise, but CultureMap caught up via email with four of the speakers to find out more about their topics.

Dr. Richard Reddick
The university of Texas dean has been featured in CultureMap before thanks to his work on Black Austin Matters, a KUT podcast that examines the local Black experience conversationally, but through renowned academic voices. In his talk, Reddick will again focus on community, but this time through a mentorship lens.

Reddick says: "I’ve always admired the TEDx concept — but working with TEDx UT Austin has given me a whole new appreciation for the curation and speaker support that our team has invested in us. And, I might add, they do this on top of being students and leaders on campus! I’m inspired by my fellow speakers and I have learned so much from listening and watching them.

"The theme of 'Mosaic' is apt in so many ways, as our presenters represent a broad swath of the UT and Austin/Central Texas community among so many axes of identity. There truly is something for everyone; I think everyone in our community will find commonality and connection with our talks – some expected, and some will be a surprise. When I consider my talk on the power of mentoring, I was amazed how I immediately drew connections to my fellow speakers and their talks. It’s a testament to the curation team in their selection of such interesting speakers with passions for their topics."

Kareem El-Ghayesh
This KG-BBQ pitmaster has had a very Austin journey. He started in the corporate world, visited Texas, and fell in love with a more creative way of living. Through his commitment and unique background for a barbecuer, El-Ghayesh created a fresh, new style of barbecue that has earned him much praise, including a semi-finalist spot for Best Chef in the 2023 James Beard Awards.

El-Ghayesh says: "I've done a lot of things that I'm proud of in my journey; things that I never imagined I would do. But being a TEDx Speaker is, by far, the most honorable of them all.

"I'm really excited to share the story of how following my dreams led me to the most successful place I've ever been. From a corporate banker in Cairo, to a BBQ pitmaster in Austin, Texas. A journey fueled by passion, love for food and barbecue."

Caroline Rose
The only speaker without a job title attached to their name, Caroline Rose is representing her personal experiences, especially as they pertain to her multiple stage IV cancer diagnoses. Rose thanked the team, including UT students, for their dedication and inspiration while planning.

Rose says: "Between the team behind the scenes and the phenomenal speakers on stage, this year’s theme of 'Mosaic' seems to be a perfect fit as the event itself is a beautiful example of many different individuals representing a different piece of a much larger puzzle and coming together to create something more significant than any one of us.

"I look forward to sharing my talk, 'The Power of Releasing Expectations.' After completing my second bone marrow transplant for my third stage IV cancer diagnosis, I came to realize the role that expectations can play in our lives and how, when misused, expectations can rob us of the absolute joy of the moment. It is when we are able to release certain expectations that we then discover the real meaning and beauty of life that is found in the here and now."

Merlin Tuttle
This bat befriender (more formally an ecologist and conservationist) takes care of some of Austin's most iconic seasonal residents: the bats under the Congress Avenue Bridge. His work largely uses photography as a way to connect humans with bats in an affectionate — or at least respectful — way.

Tuttle says: "I've thoroughly enjoyed working with UT students who have made this TEDx format available in Austin. This event is run completely by UT students and they're doing an extraordinary job. It's an honor to be included in such a prestigious format as TEDx and share the stage with so many inspiring Austinites.

"I'm very much looking forward to sharing the Austin bat story; By 'winning friends not battles,' I was able to help others overcome needless fear. I'm so proud the bats have become a staple of Austin's culture and are now an example of living harmoniously with people. It helps others better understand and appreciate bats globally, which benefits all of us."

Tickets for TEDx "Mosaic" at the University of Texas at Austin are available via Eventbrite. The event will be held on March 23 from 9:30 am to 5 pm at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium (2300 Whitis Ave.).