The Story Behind Our Big Red X

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If you've ever wondered about the little "x" in TEDx, it carries a big meaning. The "x" signifies that TEDx events are independently organized under license from TED, bringing the spirit of TED to communities around the world through locally curated ideas, speakers, and experiences.

For TEDxAmoskeagMillyard, the story our X began in 2015, when we organized our very first TEDx event in conjunction with the global TEDWomen conference. As our team prepared for the big day, someone posed a simple question:

"What if we had a big X of our own to use at our event?"

That spark of an idea quickly became reality.

Our 2015 communications lead, Kerry Cotter, teamed up with her father, David, a talented finish carpenter, to bring the vision to life. Together, they handcrafted the now-iconic Big Red X, which made its debut that May in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Since then, our X has become much more than an event prop. It has become a symbol of curiosity, innovation, and community—a familiar sight throughout Greater Manchester. Over the years, it has traveled to schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community celebrations, providing countless photo opportunities, inviting people to pause, connect, and share ideas worth spreading.

As we prepare for another unforgettable TEDxAmoskeagMillyard event, our Big Red X continues its journey, reminding us where we started and what TEDx is all about: empowering local communities to spark conversations, inspire action, and celebrate the power of ideas.