TEDx Fest
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, live music, outdoor games, and informative exhibits from our sponsors.
Pronounced B-Twins, this high-energy duo continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their unique renditions of crowd favorites and an engaging, uplifting live show that targets the masses. Led by charismatic Twin brothers from Brazil, they combine a plethora of genres into a feel-good performance that is equal parts rock concert, dance party, jam session, and vacation for the soul.
Growing up in the violent, impoverished slums of Rio De Janeiro, the Twins began playing classical music on violins their father had handmade. They used music as an escape from their reality and began teaching others in their neighborhood to do the same. After being featured on National Public Radio, the Twins were invited to the U.S. on full-ride music scholarships.
For the past 15 years, the Twins have toured the globe on a mission to make the world smile through music and share their heartwarming story of overcoming adversity. Hear their story on the TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa stage, and experience the magic of their music at TEDx Fest.
Step into the magic of the moment
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. As an intuitive communication coach, improv artist, two-time TEDx speaker, and author, Tina looks for the potential and possibility people sometimes don’t see in themselves. 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. Come with questions and be ready to join a popup mini-workshop on a topic of interest to you!
Experience SHARP: Film Screening and Creative Team Meet and Greet
Meet the team of UNI alumni 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.
Food Trucks
Try Pie Bakery
Try a slice of deliciousness from Try Pie Bakery! With a home base in downtown Waterloo, Try Pie is a teen employment program that uses work as a tool to engage and equip young women for their futures. Teens at Try Pie learn to manage their paychecks, prepare for future employment, understand their unique gifts, and recognize value in each other. Through working at Try Pie, teens are holistically prepared to pursue their goals as confident, contributing members of their community.
Plus, Try Pie Co-Director Sarah Helleso will be speaking at TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa — you'll get to hear the story of this local business and get to experience its tasty product.
Chick-fil-A
Get ready to bite into something bold at the Chick-fil-A food truck! Known nationwide for its craveable chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, Chick-fil-A brings fast, friendly service and a big flavor experience to campus. With a commitment to hospitality and community, this brand continues to make a positive impact far beyond the kitchen. Whether you're grabbing lunch at TEDx Fest or stopping by between speaker sessions, you’ll enjoy the warmth and quality that make Chick-fil-A a crowd favorite.
With deep roots in values-driven leadership, Chick-fil-A brings more than just delicious bites — it brings moments of connection, one meal at a time.
The Funky Pepperoni
Grab a slice from The Funky Pepperoni, where bold flavor meets local flair! Based in Ackley, Iowa, The Funky Pepperoni is more than just a pizza truck—it’s a creative culinary venture that brings handcrafted pies and playful energy to every event. Known for its inventive toppings, crispy crusts, and signature funk, this mobile pizzeria is a favorite among foodies and families alike.
Nacho Daddy’z
Spice up your day with Nacho Daddy’z, the food truck that’s redefining street eats with bold flavors and irresistible flair. Known for their legendary birria tacos—slow-cooked beef tucked into crispy, pan-fried tortillas and served with rich drip sauce—Nacho Daddy’z brings authentic Mexican comfort food straight to the heart of Iowa. From street corn to quesabirria and burritos the size of your dreams, every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition
Campus Dining
The University of Northern Iowa has two award-winning, all-you-care-to-eat dining halls conveniently located on the north (Rialto) and south (Piazza) side of campus. Both dining halls are open for students, faculty, staff and guests to the university and can be accessed by use of a meal plan, dining dollars or credit/debit payment. Each of the venues within the dining halls serves a variety of quality items to include made-from-scratch recipes, fresh bakery items and locally grown produce. Each location also offers allergy-friendly and vegan-specific venues.