Creating Tomorrow
TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa is coming to Cedar Falls—and you’re invited to be part of a day that could change how you see the world. A TEDx event is a locally organized, independently run version of the world-renowned TED conference. It brings together bold thinkers, powerful storytellers, and curious minds for a high-energy experience of “ideas worth spreading.” This year’s theme, Creating Tomorrow, explores how innovation, vision, and collaboration can shape a brighter future—starting now.
You’ll hear from inspiring speakers like Mitch Matthews, motivational speaker and success coach; Dr. Angela Franklin, president of Des Moines University; Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart; and musical sensation The B2Wins—Brazilian twin brothers known for their electric performances and uplifting message. Plus, with Ron Steele as the event emcee, the day will be onw to remember.
From dynamic talks to meaningful connections, TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa offers a chance to engage with ideas that matter and people who care. It’s not a conference—it’s a catalyst. Join us in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for a one-of-a-kind event that will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to create tomorrow.
October 25, 2025
Schedule
Social Hour: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Session 1: 2:30-5 p.m.
TEDx Fest: 5-7 p.m.
Session 2: 7-9:30 p.m.
Speaker Meet & Greet: 9:30-10:30 p.m.
Location
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
8201 Dakota St, Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Early bird sale runs now through August 30
Early bird tickets are $15 for a single session or $25 for both speaker sessions.
Speakers
Zach Lillquist
The Power of the Uber Conversation: Why Small Talk Matters More Than You Think
Sarah Helleso
A Case for Meaningful Work: Social Enterprise as a Tool to Equip Youth for What’s Next
Meet the Emcee
The emcee for TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa 2025 will be legendary KWWL news anchor Ron Steele. Ron is a a Hall of Fame broadcaster who for 49 years reported on global events like the Persian Gulf War, the Iran hostage crisis, and 9/11; interviewed US presidents, including George H.W. Bush aboard Air Force One; and as anchor of KWWL News and The Steele Report, interviewed hundreds of notable figures from politicians to Nobel laureates. His award-winning Iowa’s Child series helped over 200 children find homes. A dedicated community leader, he has continued to support numerous charities and fundraising efforts since his retirement in February of 2025. A lifelong athlete and heart surgery survivor, Ron continues to inspire through public speaking and service.
The TEDx Fest Experience
5-7 p.m., Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
During the 2-hour intermission between TEDx Talk sessions, we invite you to connect with fellow audience members and our special guests through interactive experiences, outdoor games, and informative exhibits from our sponsors.
Choose on-site dinner options from food trucks or campus dining centers. Snacks will also be provided in the GBPAC lobby.
Find Your X Factor with Tina B
You’ll find Tina Bakehouse amping up the TEDx energy and creating a fun but safe space for learning and listening. Chat with Tina about finding and asserting your authentic voice as a speaker or leader, crafting an engaging signature talk, publishing a book, embracing Yes-And leadership, understanding temperament, mastering storytelling, or making progress toward any creative idea you’ve imagined but haven’t yet fulfilled.
Experience SHARP: Film Screening and Creative Team Meet and Greet
Meet the team of UNI alums from Morning Run Productions who competed and won first place in the Iowa edition of the international 48-Hour Film Project. Their additional awards for the short film SHARP included Cinematography and Audience Choice. They will present the 9-minute film, reflect on the team’s creative process under intense time pressure, and answer questions from the audience.
Experience Timeless Journeys
TheatreUNI students, in partnership with Western Home and Fortepan IA, teamed up to create a documentary film called Timeless Journeys. You’ll see how they used historical images of Iowa life drawn from UNI’s Fortepan IA Photographic Portal in “Creative Care” practices with older adults at the Western Home community. The students and their partners in this work, including those with dementia, created deeply moving stories based on inspiration from the historic photos.
TEDx offers a platform for ideas worth spreading
TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organized by passionate individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas that spark conversations in their communities. TEDx events include live speakers and recorded TED Talks, and are organized independently under a free license granted by TED. These events are not controlled by TED, but event organizers agree to abide by our format, and are offered guidelines for curation, speaker coaching, event organizing and more. They learn from us and from each other. More than 3000 events are now held annually.
Sponsors
