2026 Regional Summit to Spotlight Trends Shaping Greater Des Moines

Regional leaders to examine economic growth, talent and community priorities

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 3, 2026) – Leaders from across Greater Des Moines will gather to share perspectives on economic growth, workforce, housing, innovation, tourism, healthy communities and other priorities influencing the region’s future. The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host the Regional Summit on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the EMC Expo Center in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

Through keynote remarks, interactive breakout sessions, workshops and regional conversations, attendees will hear from business and community leaders representing rural, urban and suburban communities throughout the region.

“The Regional Summit brings leaders from across Greater Des Moines together to explore the trends and opportunities that will shape our region in the years to come,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of The Partnership. “By bringing different perspectives to the table, we can learn from one another, strengthen connections and find new ways to collaborate and move our region forward together.”

2026 Regional Summit Programming Highlights

Keynote: AI and the Regional Economy
Dominic Williams of McKinsey & Company will deliver the keynote address focused on artificial intelligence and its implications for the regional economy. Williams will discuss how emerging technology is shaping businesses, industries and the future of work. Read more about Williams’ keynote at DSMpartnership.com.

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

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
• 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
Examine succession planning through practical case studies and discuss ways business owners and communities can prepare for successful business transitions.

• 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, Director of Consumer Insights; Jeff White, Executive Vice President, 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 

Economic Impact Awards
The Partnership will present Economic Impact Awards to companies making significant contributions to the Greater Des Moines economy through capital investment, innovation and job creation. View this year’s Economic Impact Award winners.

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.

The Regional Summit is made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsors Deloitte and Prairie Meadows; Gold Sponsors Estes Construction and Musco Lighting; Silver Sponsors Federal Home Loan Bank, Meta and MidAmerican Energy Company; and Bronze Sponsors Alliant Energy, Grinnell College, Jennings Kallen Advisors, RSM and Zimpleman College of Business.

“Greater Des Moines continues to evolve as we navigate new technologies, workforce needs and opportunities for growth,” said Chris Terhark, Des Moines Marketplace Leader at Deloitte. “The Regional Summit creates an important opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas and learn from one another and Deloitte is proud to support those conversations.”

“Strong communities are built when people come together around a shared commitment to the region’s future,” said Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. “Prairie Meadows is proud to support opportunities for leaders from across Greater Des Moines to connect, share perspectives and strengthen our region.”

Additional speakers, session details and agenda information will be shared as the event approaches. Programming is subject to change.

To learn more about the Regional Summit and register to attend, visit DSMpartnership.com.

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About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.