Fast Forward

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

Join us on Friday, October 17th, 2025 at the University of Northern Iowa for Fast Forward 2025, our annual media conference— a day designed to inspire and connect future media professionals like you!

You’ll have the chance to:

  • Network with industry professionals
  • Learn the art of composition in cinematography
  • Explore how creativity and strategy connect with audiences
  • Hear from an award-winning filmmaker about finding your own unique path

This FREE event is sponsored by the UNI Department of Communication and Media with support from the Iowa Broadcasters Association Foundation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in your media journey!

REGISTER NOW

Communication and Media

Conference Schedule

Fast Forward logo

8:30 - 9:00 

Arrival / Registration
Plan to arrive in the north entrance of Lang Hall (off of W 23rd St.) to the ground floor lobby to pick up registration materials. 

  • All sessions will be in Lang Hall Auditorium: 117; Networking Lunch will be in Maucker Union Food Court

9:00 - 9:50    

Session 1: Media Professionals Panel Discussion and Networking
Connect with professionals in various fields as you break into small groups, network, and have your industry questions answered.

The following media industries will be represented at this session:

  • Television Stations
  • Radio Stations
  • Advertising and Marketing Agencies
  • Newspapers
  • Social Media Specialists
  • Photo and Video Professionals
  • Graphic Design Artists
  • Podcast and On-Air Talent

10:00 - 10:50

Session 2: Austin Hansen - “Blending Creativity and Strategy to Connect With Audiences”

In his role as Assistant Athletics Director for Content Development and Broadcast Operations at Loyola University Chicago, Austin provides leadership in the creation, production, and management of content overseeing all aspects of broadcast services for digital platforms, ensuring productions for Loyola’s digital broadcasts, promotional platforms, and social media channels. He develops innovative digital content strategies to enhance the visibility of Loyola Athletics through various social media outlets. He also has experience working for Tulane University, UNI Athletics and the Chicago Cubs. Hansen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Leadership from UNI.

11:00 - 11:50 

Session 3: Hannah Rosalie Wright - “Finding Your Way”

Hear how a very unique journey has pushed Hannah and her creative storytelling. Her films have screened at Filmapalooza International Film Festival, Snake Alley Festival of Film, Alternating Currents Film Festival, Sioux City International Film Festival, Kansas City Underground Film Festival, Iowa Independent Film Festival, among others. Her film, Labor of Love, was a finalist for Best Short Film at the Twin Cities Film Festival 2022. She was a recipient of the Greenlight Grant through the Iowa Arts Council, supporting her project, DAUGHTERS.

12 NOON - 12:50     Networking Lunch

Meet students and media professionals from across the state as we gather at the Maucker Union Food Court for food and engaging conversations.  If you registered for lunch, Conference Cards will be handed out in the auditorium at the end of session 3.

1:00 - 1:50    

Session 4: Prushia Golden - “The Art of Framing and Composition in Cinematography”

An experienced documentary filmmaker, Prushia is the lead Project Manager at Around The Corner Productions where she can be found on set directing and coordinating clients and cameras, conducting interviews, and working with clients throughout every step of the video production process. A talented cinematographer and editor, she is a UNI alum who earned the Purple and Old Gold Meritorious Award for demonstrating outstanding academic success as a Digital Media student at UNI.

 

 

Round table discussion.

Sponsors and Planning Committee

Thanks to the generosity of the Iowa Broadcasters Association and the IBA Foundation for sponsoring this event.

Thanks to our Fast Forward planning committee & UNI Communication and Media:

  • Eric Braley, Instructor, Digital Media/Leadership, Communication and Media, UNI
  • Dr. Anelia Dimitrova, Digital Media/Journalism, Communication and Media, UNI
  • Professor Mary Black, Dean, College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, UNI
  • Professor Philip Hopper, Digital Media/Production, Communication and Media, UNI
  • Dr. Christopher Martin, Digital Media/Journalism, Communication and Media, UNI
  • Dr. Ryan McGeough, Head, Communication and Media, UNI
  • Michael Rueber, Broadcast Engineer, Communication and Media, UNI
  • Professor Francesca Soans, Digital Media/Production, Communication and Media, UNI