In 2024, when UNI employee relations coordinator Jesse Heath was looking for ways to offer leadership development at the University of Northern Iowa, hosting a TEDx event seemed like a longshot. 

One year and many planning meetings later, the longshot is becoming a reality. TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa will take place in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on Oct. 25 and is being held as a signature event during the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.

"This event is best described as a convergence of innovators and some of the brightest minds across various industries, coming together to exchange ideas that have the power to transform everything," Heath said. "It aligns perfectly with UNI's commitment to forward-thinking values. It's an opportunity to celebrate the groundbreaking work being done — not only by professionals, but also by students and community members who are reshaping their fields and paving the way for future generations."

When Heath realized the event could coincide with UNI’s 150th anniversary, he was further motivated to make it happen. 

“With this event, we have the opportunity to look at where we've been over the past 150 years, and we can cast a vision for where we're going to go for the next 150,” said Heath. “That pushed me a little bit and really made it feel like now is the right time for a TEDx event.”

This will be UNI’s second time hosting a TEDx event. The first was held in 2015, something Heath did not know when he first pitched the idea. But UNI holding a successful event in the past is one of the reasons the TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa event will be allowed to sell an unlimited number of tickets, as opposed to capping attendance during the previous event. Tickets will go on sale to the public on June 27 at 10 a.m. 

After the event was announced, the group amassed 225 applications for speakers. Ultimately, the applicants were whittled down to 16 presentations including speakers from California and Japan. The complete speaker lineup has already been announced.

“I want to expose attendees to new concepts in science, technologies, arts and social change, to make sure we're highlighting what we are doing well in the Cedar Valley, but then also showing how we can continue to grow and borrow from other people's playbooks as well,” said Heath. He is excited about the breadth of topics that will be covered.

“I think this is one of the best ways to get a lot of development from all different areas and industries at one event. It's the appetizer sampler of leadership development.”

Organizers want TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa to be much more than just listening to presentations. In between two sessions of speakers, guests will be given the opportunity to mingle and network during TEDx Fest. 

“Whether you’re a seasoned professional within the business world or a student or someone who is retired, this is a really great way to build those relationships and stay connected,” said Heath. 

The TEDx Fest portion of the day will also feature yard games, music, performances and interactive exhibits as part of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration. This also gives attendees a chance to eat, whether at food trucks on campus, in the dining centers or somewhere in Cedar Falls before coming back, reinvigorated and ready to hear more inspirational messages.

Heath notes that presentations from the 2015 TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa event have amassed 3.1 million views online. He is excited to see the reach and impact of this year’s event.

“It's an event that really caters to anybody and everybody.”

To view more details as they are announced, follow tedxuni.com.