The decision follows a two-year site search focused on cities capable of supporting a dramatically expanded version of TED’s core mission. San Diego ultimately emerged as the leading contender due to its convergence of world-class research institutions, a thriving binational identity, and a long-standing reputation as a hub for biotech, engineering, defense technologies, creative industries, and international collaboration. TED leaders view the region as uniquely aligned with the organization’s vision for its next chapter.
Under the plan, the annual conference will anchor itself at the San Diego Convention Center, where TED intends to build a larger and more flexible campus than any used in its history. The organization is also exploring additional venues throughout the region for specialized programming, satellite stages, and immersive experiences. Early concepts include events on local university campuses, installations along the city’s coastline, programs within iconic cultural institutions, and even activations that highlight San Diego’s proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border.
The relocation is expected to bring new employment opportunities as TED builds a substantial operations presence in the region. The organization has more than 200 employees globally and will be hiring locally to support production, logistics, partnerships, storytelling, and community engagement. Past host cities have seen meaningful cultural and economic benefits from TED’s presence, and Vancouver’s hosting generated more than $16 million annually in regional impact during the past two years alone.
While TED will not rival the economic scale of San Diego’s largest conventions — such as Comic-Con or major biotech conferences — city and tourism officials view the move as strategically significant rather than purely financial. The organization’s global reach, its extensive digital audience, and its ability to convene world leaders, innovators, and emerging thinkers are expected to amplify San Diego’s visibility as a world-class center for research, creativity, and problem-solving.
San Diego’s selection also reflects TED’s growing interest in the cultural and creative potential of border communities. The Tijuana–San Diego region, one of the most interconnected binational corridors in the world, embodies the fluid movement of ideas, talent, and culture that the organization increasingly seeks to highlight. TED’s leadership sees the area as a natural fit for programming that examines global challenges through a local lens.
The last TED conference in Vancouver will take place in April 2026 before the series officially transitions to San Diego the following year. Details about programming, ticketing, and satellite venues for the inaugural San Diego edition will be released after the 2026 event. With the move, San Diego now stands to host one of the world’s most influential forums for ideas at a time when the region is already shaping critical conversations across science, technology, arts, policy, and global cooperation.
Metadata / SEO Search Topics:
TED conference San Diego 2027, TED Talks relocation, San Diego Convention Center major events, innovation economy San Diego, Vancouver TED move, global conferences San Diego, tech and design gatherings, binational innovation corridor, San Diego tourism impact
Summary (under 150 characters):
TED will relocate its flagship conference to San Diego in 2027, expanding its programming and joining the region’s growing global innovation landscape. For more information, visit ted.com.
San Diego’s selection also reflects TED’s growing interest in the cultural and creative potential of border communities. The Tijuana–San Diego region, one of the most interconnected binational corridors in the world, embodies the fluid movement of ideas, talent, and culture that the organization increasingly seeks to highlight. TED’s leadership sees the area as a natural fit for programming that examines global challenges through a local lens.
The last TED conference in Vancouver will take place in April 2026 before the series officially transitions to San Diego the following year. Details about programming, ticketing, and satellite venues for the inaugural San Diego edition will be released after the 2026 event. With the move, San Diego now stands to host one of the world’s most influential forums for ideas at a time when the region is already shaping critical conversations across science, technology, arts, policy, and global cooperation.
Metadata / SEO Search Topics:
TED conference San Diego 2027, TED Talks relocation, San Diego Convention Center major events, innovation economy San Diego, Vancouver TED move, global conferences San Diego, tech and design gatherings, binational innovation corridor, San Diego tourism impact
Summary (under 150 characters):
TED will relocate its flagship conference to San Diego in 2027, expanding its programming and joining the region’s growing global innovation landscape. For more information, visit ted.com.
Originally published on December 3, 2025.
