Ex-Dons centre back joins a 12-speaker lineup for the event at Aberdeen Arts Centre on Saturday, 24 October. Tickets are now on sale.
Former Aberdeen Football Club central defender Mark Reynolds, now a mechanical engineer and business development manager, has joined the lineup for TEDxAberdeen 2026.
Reynolds made more than 230 appearances for the Dons and lifted the Scottish League Cup with the club in 2014. He is one of 12 local speakers chosen from more than 200 applicants. They will take the red dot stage at Aberdeen Arts Centre on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
The speakers are a mix of educators, entrepreneurs, scientists and community leaders. They will tackle this year’s theme, “Minds Wide Open”.
Reynolds said: “Aberdeen has been a huge part of my life. It’s where I spent much of my football career, where I now live and work, and where my family call home, so being chosen to speak at TEDxAberdeen feels really special.
“I have had an unusual career path, so to have the chance to share some of it on a TEDx stage, in a city that means so much to me, is a real privilege.”
TEDxAberdeen is now in its sixth year. It brings together voices from across the North-east to share ideas worth spreading. Speakers go through an intensive development programme, with more than 70 hours of rehearsal and preparation before they take the stage.
Moray Barber, TEDxAberdeen Licensee, welcomed the full lineup: “For new ideas to thrive, minds have to be open. There will always be space at TEDxAberdeen for inspiration and it’s our job to nurture ideas, support people tell their stories, and champion those who have something new that’s worth saying.
“This year, TEDxAberdeen celebrates the importance of open minds. The theme for 2026 – Minds Wide Open – was chosen to give ideas room to breathe.
“Whether you are an academic, an educator, or someone who spent years on the pitch at Pittodrie like Mark, everyone brings a unique story that unites our city. We can’t wait for our audience to experience the depth and diversity of this year’s speakers.”
Barber added: “We couldn’t deliver TEDxAberdeen without local partnership, and I continue to be overwhelmed by the support of the companies and organisations who help us bring this very special event to the city. Also, the amount of interest from those who wish to tell their stories on Aberdeen’s red dot continues to humble.”
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The community event is sponsored and supported by locally based partners including Audura, EY, Mearns & Gill and TAQA.
The 2026 speakers
- Annabel Turner – Director, non-profit Founder & Cyber Security Expert
- Caroline Laurenson – Technology Entrepreneur & Managing Director
- Dr David S. Smith – Psychology Lecturer
- Finlay Hendry – Social Media Co-ordinator
- George McGillivray – Author & Lifelong Learner
- Jamie Mowatt – Learning & Development Specialist
- Leila Neshat Mokadem – Co-Founder, CEO & Educator
- Margaret Brown – Leadership & Executive Coach & Artist
- Mark Reynolds – Former Professional Footballer & Business Development Manager
- Professor Nir Oren – Academic & Researcher
- Simone Coetser – Secondary School Teacher & Community Advocate
- Steven Harris – Managing Director & Entrepreneur
Tickets are available at tedxaberdeen.com.
