An inspirational series of talks is coming to town.

TEDxHoracePark, featuring speakers who have incredible stories, and intriguing thoughts about Austin and society, will take place Saturday, March 1, 2014, at The Hormel Institute.

“We’ll have a wide variety of speakers talking about big ideas for Austin, for life in general, talking about their life’s work in a new way,” said Ann Hokanson, executive director of the Austin Public Library.

Hokanson has spearheaded efforts to bring a TED talk, an internationally recognized lecture series made popular through social media, to Austin for the past year. Her efforts come as organizers throughout Austin focus on Vision 2020, the community improvement initiative.

“It’s a natural outflow to kind of hear a variety of different ideas in a different context,” Hokanson said.

Details are still in the works for the event, as several potential speakers have expressed interest but haven’t been confirmed. Hokanson said the TEDxHoracePark committee is looking for more speakers to contribute their ideas to the event.

The talk may be difficult to see live, however. TEDx talks as a rule must limit lecture crowds in the first year to between 60 to 100 people, according to Hokanson.

“The best way to get into the talk is to be a speaker,” she said.

Hokanson said speakers could include scientists and people who are passionate about agriculture and industry, among other subjects. The talks are meant to inspire through an intimate crowd, as people will be able to interact with speakers during the event.

Future TEDxHoracePark talks won’t have audience restrictions, according to Hokanson.

The idea to hold a lecture series in Austin dovetails with efforts to improve the city, and Hokanson said such talk is a necessity for creative ways to improve the community to come forth.

“It’s a chance to hear firsthand how someone sees the world,” Hokanson said. “I think when you are presented with a wide variety of new and interesting ideas that it stimulates other new ideas and creativity.”

For more information on the talk or to submit a proposal to speak at TEDxHoracePark, contact Hokanson at 507-433-2391.