Here it is. The speaker lineup (so far!) for TEDMonterey 2021: The Case for Optimism, which is just seven weeks away. At this very special TED event, we’ll celebrate the clear-eyed and the bold of heart, those who don’t shy away from the most intractable-seeming problems but rather step toward them to make the case that, even now, hope is possible.

Check out the speakers for TEDMonterey 2021 >>

The lineup includes singer and rapper Lizzo, former NFL quarterback Alex Smith, podcaster Hrishikesh Hirway, Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, speculative fiction writer Chen Qiufan and quantum astrochemist Clara Sousa-Silva, among many others.

After a year of upheaval, people everywhere are angry, suspicious, distrustful … often with good reason. And yet, might it be possible to emerge from the current fiery moment stronger than before? Wiser? Happier? With the careful combination of visionary ideas, strategic planning, hard work and lucky timing, we think so. Together, we’ll host the conversations that matter, focusing on building a brighter future for everyone.

As always, we can’t announce everything right now, so stay tuned for some delightful surprises.