From volunteer to main driver: The inspiration behind TEDxVitosha

How would you introduce yourself to people who are meeting you and your mission for the first time?

My name is Karina Tosheva and my journey with TEDxVitosha began in 2021 when I joined as a volunteer. This was right at the time when I was finishing my studies in “Molecular Biotechnology” in Germany. I got to know the platform, like most people, through videos on YouTube, and naturally, two years later, I became part of the main organizers. I consider myself to be an extremely curious person, always seeking new answers, both about the world around us and about myself. And when I learn something valuable, I feel the need to share it. This is the foundation of my mission: to make knowledge accessible, understandable, and diverse, and to give the stage to people who inspire with their personal example and experience. I strongly believe in the principle of lead by example and strive to follow it in everything I do.

How would you summarize the most significant results and lessons you have achieved so far through your work for the development of the format in Bulgaria?

One of the most significant results of our work is the opportunity for the format to provide real access for Bulgarian voices to an international stage. Over 9 years, the lectures of TEDxVitosha on YouTube have been viewed over 18.5 million times. After the speakers share their ideas on stage, we publish them on the official channel of TEDx Talks. This way, we not only promote the talents and ideas of people from Bulgaria but also contribute to the preservation and dissemination of our cultural heritage. An example of this is the video The Soul of the Bulgarian Bagpipes, which showcases traditional bagpipe playing to a global audience.

As for the lessons we have learned, one of the most important is that the TEDx format represents a different and still atypical way of communication for the Bulgarian environment. It requires clarity, focus, and respect for the time and attention of the audience – something that is often lacking in many events here, which instead of being a source of value turn into hidden self-promotion. That is why it is crucial for us to maintain high quality and meaning in the content. Although the term “TEDx-like lectures” is widely used, we believe that the essence of the format lies in the ability of the speakers to formulate a clear and impactful message.

How has your personal vision evolved from your first event to today, and how does this transformation influence the direction of TEDxVitosha?

At first, I approached the events with the idea that there is an established “recipe” that you just need to follow to achieve a good result. However, at TEDxVitosha, we as a team need to be surprised, intrigued, and inspired by what we create. If it’s not interesting and diverse to us, we simply don’t do it. This way of working undoubtedly makes the process more complex and unpredictable, but it is what keeps my energy and desire for the next one alive – “What will we come up with this time?”

Our aspiration is towards larger events, with stronger international participation and a variety of perspectives, but also towards something more long-term – building a community of curious, lifelong learners who are seeking their next challenge and never stop learning. This culture, which we call lifelong learners in English, is what we want to develop in Bulgaria.

Which moments in the development of TEDxVitosha do you define as turning points?

TEDxVitosha is a constant process of change. Every speaker who steps on stage has the potential to change our perspective on topics we have long perceived in a certain way. For example, to this day, when I hear the name Panos Tsimplis (physiotherapist, lecture “Will you treat back pain with garlic or with tomatoes?”), I stand up. In a humorous way, he presented us with several hacks to avoid body pain. I have many such examples of habits I have acquired from listening to certain lectures and which I consciously or subconsciously apply in my life.The format evolves along with the people who participate in it, both on stage and in the audience. After each event, we send surveys to the participants, inviting them not just to evaluate their experience but to share ideas and suggestions for future editions. This two-way connection adds value to the delegates, and we ourselves learn from them continuously.

What personally motivates you to keep moving forward, and how does this inner drive reflect on the team, volunteers, and audience?

I am driven by the passion to provide a platform for people who know, can, and are curious, seeking meaningful and energetic communities. This feeling keeps our team going even with the enormous work behind the scenes. One of our volunteers said: “In these years, I changed three jobs, but I haven’t changed the organization (TEDxVitosha).” Similarly, we have delegates who come to every event and become friends. This feedback inspires us to continue creating valuable and meaningful events.

What do you think distinguishes a TEDx-er from a classic event organizer?

For me, what distinguishes TEDx is the way of thinking beyond the lectures themselves. It’s not just about “organizing” an event, but about being aware of what you are creating and how this has a positive impact in the long run. TEDx is a community where delegates are no less significant and interesting than the speakers. This is not just another exchange of business cards or meaningless small talk, but a place where you connect with others on a human level. You need to be open to listen more, rather than enjoy your own voice in company.

How do new technologies influence how you tell ideas and engage the audience?

Emerging technologies like AI, XR, and interactive platforms definitely enrich the experience of our events. For example, on March 7, for the third time, we are including a session with workshops, noticing that people show the greatest interest in topics about what they can do with artificial intelligence.

Even ideas we thought we knew everything about gain a new definition. For example, the lecture by Matthew Blakemore explores how artificial intelligence “takes over” the love centers of our brain.

Despite technological innovations, we see that physical events remain extremely important. Every year we gather more delegates who need to exchange ideas face to face, and the essence of the experience remains in real human connections.

Can technology expand TEDxVitosha beyond physical events?

TED has a long history of expanding the stage beyond physical halls. The first conference 42 years ago was disseminated through CD recordings, and the first six TED Talks were uploaded online on June 27, 2006. After the unexpected success, TED launched its official website in April 2007 and gradually became a global platform for sharing innovative ideas across various disciplines. YouTube also played a key role early on, making knowledge accessible to people around the world.

Despite the technological possibilities and the potential for virtual stages, digital clubs, or hybrid communities, I believe that the most crucial aspect remains “here and now.” That’s why I see the development of TEDxVitosha in increasing physical meetings at more locations while maintaining the closeness and strength of the community.

What surprises and innovations are you preparing for 2026?

We have done activities that you wouldn’t expect at a conference, but we don’t do every day in our lives – we rode scooters at NDK when they were still entering the market in Bulgaria, or rollerbladed – just to feel like a child again.

The innovation for 2026 sounds more like “back in time,” when we didn’t have an internal bell to check what time it was or to notify our friends on social media where we were. As simple as it sounds, we will encourage people to free themselves for one day from their phones and focus on the present.

Everyone who will be with us must come with an open mind and senses. Be ready to hear, see, touch, get to know, challenge, or raise your voice. They will face challenges, activities, workshops, discussions, and the day will end… with a party in a tram.

How do you envision the “ideal speaker” and what do you think will change in the criteria that make a person suitable for the TEDx stage?

The ideal TEDx speaker remains one who is driven by the mission to “give” to their community, rather than just speaking for their own ego. TED provides guidelines to go beyond personal stories and focus more on know-how, on specific ideas and lessons that can be applied.

Of course, with the development of technologies and artificial intelligence, some might suggest that future lectures will be written or delivered by AI. But we will continue to seek the authentic human voice that has not been given a stage until now.

When you think about the future of TEDxVitosha, what excites you the most?

I am excited to understand how a person who has worked for 10 years as a garbage collector becomes certified as an accountant, consulting top executives and saving millions of pounds for some of the largest companies in the UK. How is it that the Roma are always blamed by society here? Or how Olympic champions are built, told from the first person by Iliyana Raeva. These topics and more will be addressed at the event TEDxVitosha: The Exceptions and the Exceptional on March 7, 2026.

What is your boldest vision for TEDxVitosha after 2026?

My boldest personal vision is to turn Bulgaria into a regional center for “ideas that change everything.” I want to show how many innovative and globally significant things are happening here, as well as attract foreigners to see the potential of the country and be inspired by our community.

For the 10th anniversary of TEDxVitosha, we are taking the event outside Sofia for a two-day experience between April 16-18, 2027, in Pravets. We are planning a whole weekend created for people like us beyond language, ethnic, and physical barriers with more space for activities, discussions, and bonding.