At Elmwood Country Club

1734 Country Club Ln, Marshalltown, IA 50158

At the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center (MACC)

709 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158

Speaker: Shelly Greving

Location: Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center

Does your community lack the spark to truly stand out in the sea of sameness? This hands-on branding workshop presented by Emerge Marketing Solutions empowers YOU to emerge from your comfort zone, unlock your community's unique identity, and craft a powerful brand that not only represents your community but also resonates with prospective visitors. Through interactive exercises and collaborative discussions, you'll gain the tools to define your core values, target audiences, and develop a message AND cohesive identity that sets you apart and leaves your community unforgettable!

Location: Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center

Dive into a night of culinary and creative delight at Canvas & Carnitas - the kickoff to the 2024 PDI Fall Conference in Marshalltown! We’re thrilled to present an evening where art meets flavor at our lively arts center. Indulge in a delicious taco bar featuring La Carretas’ renowned offerings—savor every bite of their mouthwatering carnitas, fresh toppings, and zesty salsas. 

While you enjoy the delectable spread, immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic atmosphere, engage in stimulating conversations, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. It’s an evening where every canvas tells a story and every taco adds to the flavor of our social scene. Join us for an unforgettable fusion of art and cuisine!

Note: Breakfast opening at 8:00 a.m. and session starting promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Speakers: PDI Board of Directors &  Marshalltown Mayor

Opening Fall Conference Kickoff

Annual Meeting

2024 Legislative Outlook Announcements

Moderator

• John Hall 

Speakers

• Gabriella Torres
• Amber Danielson
• Akwi Nji

Session Description

This session will focus on how arts, culture, and creativity can drive community innovation, resilience, and talent retention. It sets the stage for reimagining community narratives by integrating cultural elements into civic planning, even in resource-scarce environments.

Session Objectives

• Highlight the Power of Arts in Community Resilience: Explore how arts and culture can aid communities in overcoming challenges, such as natural disasters, by fostering hope and engagement.
• Showcase Innovative Arts and Culture Initiatives: Provide real-world examples of creative spaces like Poetry Park and community-driven projects that activate public spaces and reshape local narratives.
• Debunk Myths and Shift Perceptions: Address common misconceptions about integrating arts into civic planning and demonstrate how arts and culture are essential to community growth and talent retention.
• Inspire Action in Resource-Limited Communities: Share practical steps and success stories to help communities with fewer resources start and sustain their own arts initiatives.
• Encourage Cross-Sector Collaboration: Promote the idea that arts and culture are not standalone efforts but require partnerships across sectors for effective implementation and long-term impact.

During this time, attendees will load busses for the PDI Fall Conference Community Tour portion of the day.

During this time, attendees will load busses for the PDI Fall Conference Community Tour portion of the day.

Join us for an immersive Community Tour of Marshalltown where guides on each bus will introduce you to the unique spaces and initiatives driving development in our area. This tour includes: 

• 13th Street District
• Main Street Courthouse
• Orpheum 
• Roundhouse

Don't miss this opportunity to see firsthand how creativity and collaboration are driving community development!

Speaker: Susan Donkers

Co-Founder and COO of Strata Platforms

Session Description: 

We all know that completing a site selection request for information (RFI) can be a daunting task that often has a very short deadline, and the final output isn’t always as expected. The future of RFI information & data management is now here!  Introducing Lasso, the first-of-its-kind property data collection application that provides corporate location decision makers the tools to streamline RFI responses. Lasso standardizes property data collection and accelerates the data assembly process to help efficiently distribute RFIs to its stakeholders.

If you are new to Lasso or a seasoned pro having experienced using it, you don’t want to miss this special breakout session of Lasso presented by Susan Donkers, COO Strata Platforms who will provide a fresh review of the features and functionality.

Speakers: Amber Rodgers, Amy Kuhlers, Jim Thompson, Ashley Jared, Robin Bostr0m, and Jon Berg.

Session Description: 

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is undergoing a significant reorganization, reshaping how it serves communities across the state. This session will provide an insider's view of the restructuring, highlighting key changes, new initiatives, and the implications for local economic development professionals. Attendees will hear directly from IEDA leadership about the rationale behind the reorganization, the expected benefits, and how these changes will streamline processes and enhance support for community projects. This is a must-attend session for anyone involved in economic development in Iowa, offering valuable insights and guidance on how to effectively engage with the new IEDA structure.

Speaker: Chief Tupper, Julie Hitchins, Mike Miller, and Cheri Monahan

Session Description: 

Disasters strike unexpectedly, but your community's recovery doesn't have to be left to chance. This session will explore the critical intersection of disaster recovery and economic development, focusing on strategies to rebuild stronger, more resilient communities. Learn from experts who have navigated the complexities of post-disaster recovery, and discover how proactive planning, resource coordination, and innovative economic development practices can accelerate recovery efforts. Whether facing natural disasters or economic shocks, this session will provide actionable insights and tools to help you lead your community through recovery and build a more resilient future.

Location: Warward Social

1101 S 6th St, Marshalltown, IA 50158

Join us for an Open Mic Night!

Get ready to turn up the volume and let your inner rock star shine at our upcoming conference! We’re thrilled to announce that Jefferson Fossbender, economic developer from Greater Fort Dodge, will be taking the stage at our Thursday night social. 

Whether you’re a guitar hero, a keyboard wizard, or a percussion powerhouse, we want you to bring your instrument and jam with fellow PDI members. The theme for the night is classic rock, so if you’ve got a soft spot for the timeless sounds of "Drift Away" by Uncle Kracker or are ready to belt out some iconic classics, this open mic is made for you. 

So, how can you get in on the action? Simply bring your instrument and your best classic rock vibes. If you or someone you know is itching to join the jam session, shoot an email to Karli at karli@capturemngt.com. We want to make this night unforgettable with fantastic music and great company!

Take a peak at the Marshalltown Activities and Restaurants tab to view all the great places to grab a bite for dinner!