2025 PDI Spring Training:
Amplifying Economic Development with Generative AI
March 25-26, 2025
The Heritage Center - Des Moines, Iowa
Training Agenda
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025
List of Services
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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
Angela Rheingans, President & CEO, DeWitt Chamber and Development Company - PDI President
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12:45 - 4:00 p.m. - Amplifying Economic Development with Generative AIList Item 3
Keynote Speaker: Christopher Porter
Description: In this training session, we will equip economic development (ED) professionals from across Iowa with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully leverage generative AI to amplify their work. We will cover the fundamentals of generative AI, with a special focus on the state of generative AI in 2025 as well as the basics of prompting. We will also discuss ethical and legal challenges and strategies for using generative AI responsibly. Lastly, we will work through practical examples and case studies relevant to a wide range of contexts from the small town to the big city, ensuring that participants can easily translate the knowledge gained into actionable strategies for their own communities.
Lunch and Breaks:
Lunch will be provided, and breaks will be scheduled throughout the training sessions to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience for all participants.
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4:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Legislative Priorities OverviewList Item 4
The PDI Legislative Committee advocates for policies that strengthen Iowa’s economic future.
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. - 2024 PDI Legislative Reception
The AC Hotel - Downtown Des Moines
All PDI members are invited to join us for our Spring 2025 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 26th, 2025
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
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9:15 - 10:15 a.m. - Roundtable/Discussion GroupsList Item 2
Following the keynote from Day #1, PDI members will be put into groups to discuss a series of case studies and topics that will better understanding of Generative AI in an economic development role.
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10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Advocacy Training
Led by the PDI Legislative Committee
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11:30 a.m. - Training Adjourns & Visits to the CapitolList Item 3
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12:30 p.m. - Iowa State Capitol Tour
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.
