How a TEDx Event Comes to Life: Insights from Pranjali Badkundri
TEDx events have become a global stage for inspiring ideas, revolutionary insights, and unforgettable moments. But what does it take to make these events happen? After attending my first TEDxUniMelb Conference last month, themed Intersecting Horizons, I was truly inspired!
Curious to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes, I had the chance to sit down with Pranjali Badkundri, the marketing coordinator for the 2023 TEDx event and President of TEDxUniMelb for 2024. Pranjali is not only an impressive leader but also a TEDx enthusiast who generously shared her journey from TED audience member to event organizer.
In this behind-the-scenes chat, Pranjali takes us through the dedication, challenges, and ultimate rewards of organizing a TEDx event, offering a glimpse into what it takes to bring inspiring ideas to life.
“Inspiring stories and ideas change the world.”
Pranjali Badkundri, President of TEDxUniMelb
From Audience to Organizer
Q: How did you first get involved with TEDx, and what drew you to it?
Pranjali: "I’ve always been a huge fan of TED Talks. Growing up, they really helped shape my perspective on so many things. I remember watching them during moments of confusion, and suddenly everything would just click. TED gave me those 'Eureka' moments. So, when I heard about the opportunity to be part of a TEDx organizing team, I jumped at it. It felt like the perfect way to give back to something that had given me so much."
Building the Team
Q: What’s the first step in organizing a TEDx event?
Pranjali: "Building the right team is crucial. You need people who are as passionate about TED’s mission as you are. In student clubs, there’s no external reward—it’s all self-motivation. We weren’t getting paid or receiving any material rewards; it was just pure passion. That shared love for ideas worth spreading brought us together. We had late nights, sometimes working until 3 a.m., because we were all driven by the same goal: making this event a success."
The Art of Choosing Speakers
Q: What’s the process like for selecting speakers?
Pranjali: "There’s an application process. We also reached out to some big names, people we admired, thinking they’d never respond, but to our surprise, some did. For example, we got Kishwar from MasterChef, who I’ve loved since I was a kid. We sent her a direct message, and she agreed to speak. But once you get a yes, it’s just the beginning. You have to make sure the talk aligns with TED’s strict guidelines—no controversial topics like politics or religion, for example."
Q: So, there’s a lot of strategy behind picking the right speakers?
Pranjali: "Absolutely. It’s not just about admiration. We had to find speakers who fit the theme and could bring something fresh to the table. Plus, as organizers, we were like the bridge between TED and the speakers. We guided them through crafting their talks to make sure it aligned with TEDx’s values while still allowing their authenticity to shine through. That balance is key."
The Power of Storytelling
Q: TED is known for powerful storytelling. How do you help speakers capture that?
Pranjali: "Storytelling is huge in TEDx. It’s not just about sharing advice or data—it’s about connecting with the audience on a personal level. People relate to stories, especially when they’re raw and real. That’s something we worked on with our speakers, ensuring their talks weren’t just informative but engaging. When someone shares a personal experience, it has the power to move the audience in ways that plain facts never will."
The Behind-the-Scenes Grind
Q: What’s the most challenging part of organizing a TEDx event?
Pranjali: "The details! There are so many small things that go into it that people don’t realize. We were literally staying up until the early hours, fine-tuning everything. From coordinating with speakers, making sure the venue was set up perfectly, to ensuring that the technology was glitch-free. It’s stressful, but in the best way possible. You’re juggling so much, but knowing how impactful the event can be makes it all worth it."
The Moment It All Comes Together
Q: What was the most rewarding part of the experience?
Pranjali: "Definitely seeing it all come together on the day of the event. The pride I felt was unbelievable. After the talks, people came up to us, telling us how much a specific talk had resonated with them or helped them work through their own struggles. That’s when I realized we had done something truly meaningful. We weren’t just putting on an event—we were creating a space for ideas that could change lives."
Full Circle: From Audience Member to Organizer
Q: It sounds like organizing TEDx was a full-circle moment for you. Can you tell me more about that?
Pranjali: "It really was. I grew up watching TED Talks, and they helped me through some tough times. To be on the other side, helping to bring those kinds of talks to life, was an incredibly fulfilling experience. It felt like I was paying forward all the inspiration I’d received over the years. There was this one moment during the event where I just stopped and thought, ‘Wow, I’m a part of something that has the power to change how people think.’ It’s a feeling I can’t really put into words."
Lessons Learned
Q: What did you learn through this process that you’ll carry with you in your career?
Pranjali: "So much! I learned how to manage a team, how to bring a vision to life, and how to stay calm when things go wrong. But above all, I learned the importance of passion. TEDx runs on passion—from the speakers to the organizers to the audience. That’s what keeps the energy alive, and that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me. If you love what you’re doing, the hard work doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s what drives you."
Final Thoughts
Q: Any advice for someone looking to get involved in TEDx or organizing similar events?
Pranjali: "Do it! It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Be prepared for a lot of hard work and late nights, but if you’re passionate about spreading ideas and making an impact, it will all be worth it. And don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire—you’d be surprised at how many are willing to say yes."
Pranjali’s journey behind the scenes of TEDx is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the importance of storytelling. As she summed it up, "TEDx isn’t just about putting on an event—it’s about bringing ideas to life that can change the world."
Feel free to connect with Pranjali on LinkedIn.
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About the Author
Lidia Lae, Ph.D., is a writer, psychologist, and speaker, committed to empowering individuals and organisations to build healthier cultures for meaningful contribution.