EDC, SDTA, Convention Center secured TED’s flagship conference move to San Diego

COMPANY

CHALLENGE

TED sought a host city for its annual flagship conference that could go beyond venue and infrastructure. It required a globally relevant innovation ecosystem, strong civic and private-sector alignment, and partner capable of supporting long-term growth and impact.

San Diego faced competition from other global cities and needed to clearly differentiate itself as a collaborative, future-facing hub where ideas translate into real-world impact.

EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

In early 2024, the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) and the San Diego Convention Center initiated the pursuit and invited EDC to join mid-year to lead regional positioning and business attraction strategy. EDC applied its proven attraction model: Articulating a compelling value proposition, convening regional leaders, and aligning partners around a shared goal.

EDC presented San Diego’s binational innovation ecosystem directly to TED executives through multiple site visits and briefings, highlighting the region’s strengths in life sciences, defense, climate, computing, and cross-border collaboration and culture. EDC also curated high-level convenings with corporate, civic, academic, and military leaders to demonstrate both depth and connectivity across the region’s economy.

To ensure long-term alignment, EDC joined delegation visits with SDTA to Vancouver to better understand TED’s flagship conference requirements, values, and operating model. Throughout the process, EDC served as the strategic connector, translating regional strengths into a cohesive narrative and aligning public and private partners around a shared vision.

VALUE DERIVED

In December 2025, TED announced San Diego as the host city for its flagship conference beginning in 2027. The multi-year conference is estimated to generate more than $20 million in direct regional economic impact over its initial contract period, supporting between 800 and 1,000 hospitality, event, and professional services jobs annually during the conference.

Beyond direct economic impact, the conference is expected to deliver significant long-term brand value, including millions of global media impressions, expanded international visibility for San Diego’s innovation ecosystem, and strengthened relationships with global leaders, investors, and institutions. This reinforces San Diego’s position as a world-class destination for ideas, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

This outcome reflects a coordinated, long-term business attraction strategy led by San Diego Regional EDC, the SDTA, and the San Diego Convention Center.

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“San Diego stood out for its extraordinary convergence of innovation, talent, and purpose. The collaboration with EDC, alongside civic and industry partners, demonstrated not only the region’s capacity to host TED, but a shared commitment to advancing ideas that matter.”

—Monique Ruff-Bell, Chief Strategy and Programs Officer, TED

“Bringing TED to San Diego is a testament to the region’s global relevance and collaborative spirit. EDC played a critical role in articulating our innovation story and aligning partners around a shared vision that resonated deeply with TED’s leadership.”

—Daniel Kuperschmid, President and CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority

“In addition to the direct economic benefits of the conference, hosting TED presents a unique opportunity to bring an influential international audience to our building and showcase our region as a hub for research and creativity. We appreciate the close partnership of EDC and the San Diego Tourism Authority in highlighting the value of our destination and attracting this prestigious event to San Diego.”

—Rip Rippetoe, President and CEO, San Diego Convention Center

Connect with TED:

• Website: TED.com
• Social media: LinkedIn

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