SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A TEDx talk by a South Dakota marketing professional has been selected for TED.com, the organization’s flagship platform, reaching a global audience. The talk, “How Esports Are a Parenting Power-up,” was given by Hannah Boquet, marketing manager at SDN Communications.
“Being featured on TED.com is an incredible honor,” said Hannah Boquet, creator of the talk and Marketing Manager at SDN Communications. “Esports gave me a way to connect with my kids on their terms and I’m excited that more families and communities can learn how gaming can become a bridge to deeper connection and growth.”
SDN Communications has offices in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City, making it a key technology provider across South Dakota and the Black Hills region. This local connection gives Boquet’s message a unique resonance, showing how technology can foster connections even in a state with vast open spaces.
“Hannah’s message shows that technology, when embraced with intention, can bring people closer together,” said Ryan Punt, CEO at SDN Communications. “We’re proud to see her story elevated on TED.com and to champion the infrastructure that helps innovation thrive.”
In her presentation, Boquet details her personal journey of stepping into the world of her children’s video games. She discovered how competitive gaming, or esports, could serve as a valuable tool for building connections, teaching life skills, and redefining what “quality time” looks like in a digital age. She highlights how parents and educators can use esports to create inclusive spaces where kids feel seen and supported.
The selection of a TEDx talk for TED.com is a significant achievement. It involves a rigorous review process by TED’s curatorial team, which looks for talks that present powerful, universal ideas with a fresh perspective. The talks chosen for the main platform are often those that have the potential for widespread impact and can spark meaningful conversations around the world.
Boquet’s story, rooted in her experience as a parent in South Dakota, demonstrates how a seemingly niche topic can have broad relevance. It challenges the conventional view of gaming as an isolating activity and instead positions it as a bridge to deeper family connection and growth.
The talk will be published on Wednesday, September 17 and will be available to TED’s global audience.
Watch the talk on TED.com: go.ted.com/hannahboquet