The Event

A vibrant Saturday for the whole familia.

Familia Fest is a high-energy, family-centered activation built into the heart of the SHPE National Convention. Free and open to the public, it welcomes K–12 students, parents, educators, and the broader Indianapolis community for a day of hands-on exploration and meaningful connection.

Open to all families regardless of background — no one is turned away.

Already registered for the SHPE National Convention? Great news! STEM Familia Fest is included with your convention registration at no additional cost.

Want to bring your family? Learn more about family attendance and registration.

Date
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location
Indiana Convention Center
Admission
Free and open to all families
What you'll see and do

Featured Experiences.

From the main stage to hands-on zones, here's a look at the confirmed experiences waiting for families at Familia Fest.

It's Not Magic, It's Science

It's Not Magic, It's Science

Presented by Cummins

Join STEM educator Jay Flores for a live science experience featuring demonstrations, audience participation, and exciting STEM concepts.

FIRST Robotics Demonstrations

FIRST Robotics Demonstrations

See robots in action and meet teams demonstrating engineering, programming, and innovation.

College Exploration Pavilion

College Exploration Pavilion

Connect directly with admissions representatives and learn about STEM pathways and higher education opportunities.

STEM Activities

STEM Activities

Explore hands-on activities for students and families, provided in partnership with local organizations, educational institutions, companies, and community partners.

Confirmed Exhibitors

Organizations joining the exhibit floor.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis Confirmed
FIRST Indiana Robotics Confirmed
Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Confirmed
The Indianapolis Public Library Confirmed
TAG The Magazine Confirmed
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Confirmed

+ And more to come

Community Partners

A hall full of community.

Familia Fest brings together the organizations that serve Indianapolis families every day — from schools and libraries to nonprofits and local employers. Families will meet representatives from across these community spaces, with additional partners joining as participation is confirmed.

Youth-serving nonprofits & mentorship groups
Local food & hospitality partners
Family wellness & mental health
K–12 STEM enrichment programs
Indianapolis Public Library
Colleges & undergraduate admissions
Corporate STEM employers & workforce partners

Have a partnership idea that isn’t on this list? Reach out — we're always open to community-driven ideas.

Universities Attending

College Exploration Pavilion.

The following institutions are confirmed to attend. Meet their admissions representatives in person and explore STEM pathways.

Carnegie Mellon University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Florida International University
Iowa State University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York University
Purdue Northwest
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University of Maryland
University of New Mexico
University of Georgia
Pennsylvania State University

Additional institutions will be added as participation is confirmed.

Convention-wide program

A pipeline from curiosity to college.

Familia Fest is the Saturday centerpiece — but it sits within a larger week of community programming designed to meet families where they are.

Equipando PadresReal event photo
Saturday · Familia Fest

Equipando Padres

Practical guidance for parents on supporting STEM education and navigating academic and career pathways. The event will be on Saturday at Familia Fest.

College Exploration PavilionAI-generated image for pilot year concept
Saturday · Familia Fest

College Fair

An on-site undergraduate admissions pavilion places leading universities directly in front of future scholars and their families — a direct pathway to higher education.

Projected reach & impact

Igniting potential. Building futures.

1,500+

Community attendees — students, families, educators

30+

Community and education partners engaged

K–12

Direct pipeline into college & STEM career pathways

100%

Free and open to the public

Help us power the pilot year.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available now.

Some images are AI-generated illustrations for our pilot year. The Equipando Padres photo is a real event photograph.