On Saturday, September 27, 2025, TEDxABQ will return with a bold new theme: Curiosity. This year’s event will be held at Albuquerque’s immersive Electric Playhouse, transforming the traditional TEDx experience into a multi-sensory journey of ideas, perspectives, and human connection. And one of the speakers will be Gail Rubin!
From 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM, 15 speakers will share thought-provoking talks that challenge assumptions, spark dialogue, and inspire change. Between sessions, attendees will experience interactive breaks, local food, and opportunities to connect. For those who want to continue the conversation, a VIP After Party from 7:00–9:00 PM will offer a more intimate setting for reflection and discussion.
Facing Life’s Final Chapter with Curiosity and Compassion
Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist and The Doyenne of Death
Among this year’s presenters is Gail Rubin, widely known as the Doyenne of Death®. Rubin is a Certified Thanatologist and award-winning educator who has spent years reframing how we approach life’s final chapter.
Her work blends research, practical planning, and a deep understanding of human emotion, guiding people to face death not with fear, but with informed preparation and empathy. Through her talks, writing, and media appearances, she has been a national voice for death literacy and thoughtful conversations about Medical Aid in Dying.
“Curiosity didn’t kill my cat, the vet gently relieved her suffering with injected medications,” Rubin says. “We offer our pets a good death, why not our people?”
She believes that by talking openly about death—through personal stories, cultural touchstones, and honest dialogue—we can remove the stigma that often prevents meaningful preparation. “We’re all on this journey,” she adds, “and curiosity can light the way forward.”
This is her second TEDxABQ talk. Gail Rubin presented “A Good Goodbye” on the Red Dot in 2015. See the video of that talk below, or watch the video here.
A Gathering of Voices
Rubin joins an extraordinary lineup of speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the theme of Curiosity—from aerospace innovation and environmental science to art, education, and community resilience. Together, these talks will offer a panoramic view of how curiosity shapes lives, solves problems, and bridges divides.
Why Attend TEDxABQ
TEDxABQ 2025 offers more than an afternoon of inspiring talks—it’s an invitation to engage deeply with ideas that matter. In the spirit of curiosity, attendees will be encouraged not only to listen but to ask questions, exchange perspectives, and consider new possibilities.
For those ready to explore topics that challenge, inspire, and expand the mind, this event promises a day of meaningful discovery.
Details & Tickets: tedxabq.com
