TEDxParkCity Women announces new speakers, focusing on environmental issues and entrepreneurship at the Feb. 10 event.
PARK CITY, Utah — TEDxParkCity Women is set to host its annual daylong event on February 10, 2026, at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Park City. This year, the event promises to be particularly impactful with the addition of two distinguished speakers who bring a wealth of experience and insight into pressing issues affecting Utah and beyond.
The newly announced speakers are Abby Ellis, a Peabody- and Emmy-nominated director known for her compelling storytelling, and Phyllis Robinson, a confectioner-entrepreneur and founder of Tandem Chocolates. Ellis is set to share her documentary film, "The Lake," which premiered at the renowned Sundance Film Festival. This poignant documentary delves into the environmental challenges associated with the shrinking Great Salt Lake and the deteriorating air quality in the region. Organizers highlight that the film raises critical concerns about the potential for toxic dust to become airborne from the exposed lakebed, posing significant health risks to local communities.
"Abby’s film strikes at the heart of our very existence in Utah," said Terri Orr, co-organizer of the event. "The air, the water, and the land. She takes a gimlet-eyed view of the most serious environmental crisis in this state that also affects all our surrounding neighbors." By shedding light on these urgent issues, Ellis aims to spur conversations around environmental stewardship and community resilience, making her presentation a must-see for attendees.
Robinson, a former Park City resident, brings a unique perspective as she recounts her professional journey from her early work with nuns to her strategic roles in urban development. Ultimately, she founded Tandem Chocolates, now based in Reno, Nevada, which has garnered awards for its innovative approach to confectionery. Her story is not just about business success; it encapsulates the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, particularly for women in the industry. Robinson’s return to her roots in Park City promises to resonate with local attendees who may find inspiration in her journey.
These two speakers join previously announced speaker Tatyana Kanzaveli, the chief executive of OpenHealth. Kanzaveli will address how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare in underserved communities, highlighting the intersection of technology and social equity. "Tatyana and I met through the TED community decades ago, and her influence and interests expand far beyond the vast world of tech and AI," Orr noted. "Her early success as a chess master in her youth and her continued support of women in all workplaces is amazing." Kanzaveli’s presence at the event underscores the importance of inclusive innovation in healthcare, making her insights particularly relevant to the ongoing discussions about equity in medical access.
The TEDxParkCity Women event is designed to foster deep conversations and personal connections among attendees, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers that reflect the TED ethos of "Ideas Worth Spreading." Co-organizer Bari Nan Rothchild expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, "The program will have much food for thought and the soul—TED’s signature mix of smart conversation and surprises. These three speakers offer a variety of perspectives, representing Technology, Entertainment, and Design."
In addition to the live presentations, the event will include recorded talks curated from TEDNext, breakout activities, and small-group discussions aimed at fostering engagement and collaboration among participants. The day will kick off at 9 a.m., with check-in beginning earlier, allowing guests to enjoy beverages and light bites before the program starts.
The gathering is exclusive, limited to 75 guests aged 18 and older, and tickets are priced at $125. This intimate setting is designed to enhance the interaction between speakers and attendees, promoting a deeper understanding of the subjects presented.
Event sponsors include the Park City Chamber/Bureau, Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley, and local philanthropists Heidi and Peter Gatch, among others. Their support is vital for the success of TEDxParkCity, which has been fostering dialogue and innovation since its inception in 2008. In addition to the annual event, TEDxParkCity plans to expand its programming in 2026, which will include TEDxDiscovery sessions, TEDxSalons, and TEDxParkCity Youth initiatives, under the nonprofit umbrella of the Utah Film Center.
For those interested in attending this thought-provoking event, tickets and sponsorship information can be found on the official website at www.tedxparkcityut.org. As TEDxParkCity Women gears up for a day filled with inspiration and groundbreaking ideas, it invites the community to join in the exploration of how individuals can make a difference in their environments and industries.