March 24-25, 2026
The Heritage Center
Des Moines, Iowa
Training Agenda
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
List of Services
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11:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Lunch on Your Own
Please Note: Lunch will NOT be provided for Day #1 of training. Please eat prior to coming. Snacks will be available.
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12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Registration OpensList Item 1
Registeration opens at The Heritage Center - East Village Des Moines
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12:30 - 12:45 p.m. - Welcome & AnnouncementsList Item 2
PDI President - Nicolas Hockenberry and IACC President - Barb Den Herder
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12:45 - 1:45 p.m. - ADAPTList Item 3
Speaker: Jordan DeGree
An engaging talk that explores the potential for local economic development organizations to encourage innovative strategies within their communities - with an emphasis on the opportunity to think creatively and experiment with new approaches to achieve new results. Jordan will share a bit about his background, various projects he’s involved in, and some of the lessons learned from those projects, in order to showcase how creative thinking and openness to new ideas can produce unexpected results.
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1:45 - 2:00 p.m. - Break
Meet with our exhibitors and enjoy a light snack
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2:00-3:15 p.m. - CONNECT
Speaker: Jordan DeGree
This will be an interactive, fast-paced session designed to help conference participants quickly meet each other, share information about their organization, and highlight 1-2 key ideas or strategies they're working on right now. As a close to this session, each table will discuss, identify, and then share 1-2 big opportunities or ideas for strengthening connections among economic development professionals within the state.
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3:15 - 3:30 p.m. - Break
Meet with our exhibitors
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3:30 - 4:15 p.m. - Legislative Priorities & TrainingList Item 4
The PDI Legislative Committee educate on how we can advocate for policies that strengthen Iowa’s economic future.
They will provide an update on key priorities include enhancing financial tools for economic growth, supporting workforce housing, and investing in infrastructure, including roads and water systems. PDI champions sustainable workforce retention and attraction solutions, focusing on job training programs and attracting diverse talent. Additionally, PDI supports initiatives that improve quality of life through housing, childcare, and quality-of-place investments. These efforts aim to build a competitive environment for Iowa's communities and businesses.
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4:30 p.m. - Adjourn Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Legislative Reception
The AC Hotel - Downtown Des Moines
All PDI & IACC members are invited to join us for our Spring 2026 Legislative Reception! This event is free to attend, and we encourage you to join us for an evening beverages, networking with your legislators and more! The reception will be held at the AC Hotel, Downtown Des Moines in the East Village.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
List of Services
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8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast & NetworkingList Item 1
Registeration opens at The Heritage Center for Day 2. Breakfast and Coffee will be available during this time.
Please Note: The roundtable session will not start until 9:15 a.m.
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9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. - Welcome to Day 2 & Annoucements
We'll provide an overview of Day 2 of the Spring Training and dicuss our Legislative Reception.
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9:15 - 11:00 a.m. - BUILDList Item 2
Speaker: Jordan DeGree
Description: This workshop is designed to help participants think about how they can create bigger, better impacts in the upcoming year by growing membership & influence. We'll discuss the importance of fostering personal relationships with stakeholders in the community, evaluating how they help members connect, and envisioning new opportunities for shared learning. Jordan will share some member-development case studies and some lessons learned, as well as provide opportunities for participants to reflect & share their own thoughts about their own strategies and ideas for engaging businesses within their communities.
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11:30 a.m. - Training Adjourns & Take a Group PictureList Item 3
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1:30 p.m. - Iowa State Capitol Tour (Optional)
UPDATED TIME: 1:30 PM
Tours start from the tour desk on the ground floor. Please check in at the desk when you arrive and bring a copy of your confirmation.
The west circle drive in front of the Capitol can be used for vehicle loading and unloading. Bus drivers may park along Finkbine on the west side of the Capitol. For cars and vans, please use the parking structure at the corner of Grand Avenue and Pennsylvania.
All visitors to the Capitol must enter through the security checkpoints on the ground floor. Continue to the center rotunda on the ground floor and the tour desk is located in the northwest corner.
Exhibit at Our Conference
Secure your exhibit booth at the PDI & IACC Spring Training Conference and connect directly with professionals from across Iowa who are committed to advancing their skills and strengthening their communities. This is your opportunity to showcase your organization’s products, services, and resources to a highly engaged audience while building meaningful relationships with decision makers and industry leaders. Join us during Shift Happens: Adapt, Build, Connect to increase your visibility and be part of the conversations shaping the future of our field.
