2026 Programming
Throughout the day, attendees can choose from breakout sessions focused on economic development, housing, talent, innovation, small business, placemaking and regional collaboration.
The Power of Partnership: Advancing Iowa’s Economic Future
A conversation on Iowa’s economic development landscape will reflect on recent successes, including Vylor’s decision to establish its global headquarters in Greater Des Moines, and look ahead to opportunities for future economic growth.
- Fireside Chat: Debi Durham, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority; Tiffany Tauscheck, The Partnership
Breakout Sessions Include
AI in Action: Shaping the Future of Business and Work (Sponsored by Deloitte)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations operate, compete and create value. This breakout session will explore practical insights into how businesses and communities can navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
- Session Leader: Brennan Woodruff, Deloitte
Economic Development: The State of Site Selection (Sponsored by Estes Construction)
Discover what site selectors are looking for in 2026 and the factors influencing company location decisions. The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A.
- Moderator: Kathryn Kunert, MidAmerican Energy Company
- Panelists: Justin Erickson, Brookshire; David Schrock, NAI
The Cost of Growth: Housing Affordability and Workforce Access
Discuss the connection between housing affordability, workforce access and regional growth, including innovative approaches to addressing these challenges.
- Moderator: Kaity Patchett, Capital Crossroads
- Panelists: Toby O’Berry, Polk County Housing Trust Fund; Rachel Ong, Habitat for Humanity; Matt Daniels, Origin Homes; Steve Bruere, Peoples Company
Placemaking and Tourism: The Case for Making DSM the Destination
Rural, urban and suburban leaders will share perspectives on how tourism and placemaking can support economic development and talent attraction, followed by an interactive workshop applying best practices across communities.
- Moderator: Alicia Chilton, The Partnership
- Panelists: Trina Flack, Catch Des Moines; Brian Mulcahy, Des Moines International Airport; Karen Eischen, Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance
One Partnership: Healthy Communities
Health care, business and community leaders will discuss how cross-sector partnerships can improve health outcomes and contribute to healthier communities, followed by audience Q&A.
- Panelists: David Stark, UnityPoint Health; Vanessa Freitag, MercyOne; Laura Jackson, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Regional Small Business Support: Creating Pathways for Business Success in our Communities
In this session, small business owners, entrepreneurs and marketing managers can learn how to make their marketing efforts more effective, increase brand awareness and grow through customer discovery.
- Moderator: Emily McLain, The Partnership
- Panelists: John Hall, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce; Trica Rivas, Trixies Salon & Spa; Alie Muller-Heit, Thistles Flower Market
Skills-Based Hiring: Why it Matters and How Employers are Leading the Way (Sponsored by Federal Home Loan Bank)
Employers from the Employer Skills-Based Hiring Series will share regional workforce trends, practical hiring strategies and lessons from putting skills-based practices into action.
- Moderator: Nyra Bottley, Federal Home Loan Bank
- Panelists: Kim Bustamante, Goodwill of Central Iowa; Denise Lundberg, DMACC; Maddie Ruba, Kemin Industries
One Region: Core Functions of the Innovation Ecosystem:
Investigate innovation and its role in the regional economy, followed by audience Q&A.
- Moderator: Tej Dhawan, Plains Angels
- Panelists: Jim Lewis, University of Iowa; David Spalding, Iowa State University; Chase Spencer, Drake University
Regional Small Business Support: Customer Discovery in a Changing World
Small business owners, entrepreneurs and marketing managers can learn how to make their marketing efforts more effective, increase brand awareness and grow through customer discovery.
- Session Leaders: Mike Irwin, Flynn Wright; Jeff White, Flynn Wright
Global Talent: A Roundtable Discussion (Sponsored by Federal Home Loan Bank)
Evaluate the role of global talent in supporting regional workforce needs and how employers are successfully hiring, onboarding and retaining international and globally sourced talent. The session will feature a moderated fireside chat followed by small-group discussions focused on practical strategies, peer learning and shared experiences.
- Moderator: Mak Sućeska, Global Neighbors, Immigrant and Refugee Welcome Center
Mayors' Panel
A panel discussion moderated by Tiffany Tauscheck featuring Carlisle Mayor Dan Carver, Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld, Panora Mayor Curt Thornberry and Pleasant Hill Mayor Sara Kurovski, who will share perspectives from communities across the region.
Additional speakers, breakout sessions and agenda details will be announced in the coming weeks. Programming is subject to change.
Economic Impact Awards
As part of the Regional Summit, The Partnership’s annual Economic Impact Awards recognize companies for their contributions to the economic vitality of Greater Des Moines through investment, job creation, innovation and workforce development.
The Economic Impact Award recipients are:
- American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company®
- Elevator (Jennings Kallen Advisors Entrepreneurial Award)
- Holmes Murphy
- Lawmark Capital Inc.
- Merchants Bonding Company
- Tension Envelope & Print
- United Mutual Insurance Association
Learn more about the 2026 Economic Impact Award recipients and how their investments are strengthening Greater Des Moines.
Join Us at the 2026 Regional Summit
Connect with leaders from across Greater Des Moines, gain insights into the trends affecting the region and be part of conversations about what's next.