TEDSports hosts inaugural conference in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — We’ve all seen TED Talks on YouTube, covering topics like health, business, and technology. Now, TED is ready to play ball.

“This is the first time that TED has done a sports-specific TED event,” said Dan Gliot, senior director of marketing communications for Indiana Sports Corp. 

The biggest names in sports are coming together in Indianapolis for a three-day conference all about athletics.

From MLS to the WNBA, dozens of speakers from across the globe will be giving presentations surrounding athletics.

“TED Talks are kind of the gold standard for combining social and science, right?” said psychologist and professor at Indiana University, Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt.

“They’re scientific, they’re legitimate, but they bring it down into layman’s terms.”

Indy leaders are stepping up to the plate to be a part of the conversation.

Steinfeldt is a part of one of the panel discussions surrounding mental health.

Up on the stage with him will be owner and Chief Brand Officer of the Colts Kalen Jackson and World Cup Champion Hope Solo.

“There’s a sports fan part of me that’s super psyched, and then there’s a professional me who’s pleased to contribute, but then there’s a person who’s just honored and humbled to be part of this, you know, really unique and amazing process,” said Steinfeldt.

Along with TED Talks, the hundreds of attendees will be immersed in the world of sports here in Indy, like attending the last Fever game of the regular season.

“There are discovery sessions where you can learn how to kick field goals with an NFL kicker,” said Gliot.

“You’re going to go to IMS, and you’re going to be able to get in the pit crew and learn what everybody does.”

Organizers hope that this event will put Indy even higher on the international playing field and spur future sporting events here in the Circle City.

“It really just solidifies Indianapolis. It’s not just a great event host city. I think we’ve shown that time and time again, and we continue to evolve with events like WNBA All-Star and with swim trials last year, but it really puts us on the pedestal of a global sports hub,” said Gliot.