TEDxUF strives to connect the bold ideas of both the University of Florida and the greater Gainesville community. The University of Florida is rising as a current top ten public institution, producing cutting edge research and students entering the workforce at highly competitive levels. Combining this energized, top-tier research community with the vibrant artistic and cultural community of Gainesville creates a unique audience for TEDxUF. TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event, is a program created by TED to bring communities together by sharing TED-like experiences locally. At a TEDx event, hand-picked live speakers combine with TED Talk videos to spark deep discussions and human connection. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized and subject to certain rules and regulations.