2024 PDI Fall Conference
Beyond: Redefining Your Community Narrative
FALL CONFERENCE AGENDA
Agenda
2024 PDI Fall Conference Program
Our comprehensive online conference program is your go-to guide for navigating the event with ease.
What’s Inside?
- Detailed Session Info: Browse through sessions, speakers, and tracks to plan your schedule.
- Event Highlights: Discover keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities you won’t want to miss.
- Real-Time Updates: Stay up-to-date with any last-minute changes or additions.
Access Anytime, Anywhere
View the program from your computer, tablet, or smartphone—so you can stay flexible and prepared throughout the event.
Plan Your Experience
Take control of your event journey by reviewing the sessions and customizing your agenda in advance.
Click the image to view and download the program! If you would like to have a hard copy during the conference, please print and bring along with you!
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024
Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center
709 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
List of Services
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9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | PDI Annual Golf OutingList Item 1
At Elmwood Country Club
1734 Country Club Ln, Marshalltown, IA 50158
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1:00 - 5:00 p.m. | PDI Registration Desk OpensList Item 2
At the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center (MACC)
709 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
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2:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Rebranding Workshop - Emerge from your Shell and Bring Life to your BrandList Item 3
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!
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4:30 - 5:00 p.m. | New Member/First Time AttendeesList Item 4
This session is optional.
Speakers: Nick Glew | PDI President
Location: Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center
Join us for a warm welcome to the Professional Developers of Iowa! This special session is designed to help new members and first-time attendees get the most out of their experience with our organization. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in development, this orientation will provide valuable insights and connections to enhance your participation and professional growth.
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5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception - Canvas & Carnitas
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!
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7:00 p.m. | Dinner on Your Own 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.
Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Iowa Valley Community College
3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
List of Services
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8:00 a.m.. - 3:00 p.m. | PDI Registration Desk Open/Exhibits OpenList Item 1
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8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Note: Breakfast opening at 8:00 a.m. and session starting promptly at 8:30 a.m.
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8:30 a.m. | Opening Kickoff | Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
Speakers: PDI Board of Directors & Marshalltown Mayor
Opening Fall Conference Kickoff
Annual Meeting
2024 Legislative Outlook Announcements
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9:15 a.m. | Creative Pulse: Sparking Community Transformation through Arts & Culture
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.
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10:15 a.m. | Networking & Exhibitor Break
During this time, attendees will load busses for the PDI Fall Conference Community Tour portion of the day.
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10:35 a.m. | Load Busses
During this time, attendees will load busses for the PDI Fall Conference Community Tour portion of the day.
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10:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Marshalltown Community Tour
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!
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2:15 p.m. | Breakout A - Mapping Success: Using Lasso & LOIS to Drive Community Growth
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.
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2:15 p.m. | Breakout B - Navigating Change: Understanding the IEDA Reorganization for Future Success
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.
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2:15 p.m. | Breakout C - Beyond the Disaster: Effective Recovery Tactics for Stronger Communities
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.
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3:15 p.m. | Networking & Exhibitor Break
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3:30 p.m. | Final Keynote - Site Selection Readiness
Speaker: Phil Schneider
Session Description:
In the competitive landscape of economic development, being site selection ready is crucial for attracting and securing business investments. This keynote session will provide actionable insights into what makes a community truly site selection ready. From infrastructure and workforce to incentives and data accessibility, our expert speaker will explore the critical factors that site selectors prioritize. Attendees will learn best practices for positioning their communities as top contenders in the site selection process and gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving expectations in this dynamic field. Whether you're looking to attract new industries or retain existing businesses, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies to succeed.
Session sponsored by Alliant Energy and ITC Midwest
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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. | Evening Reception at Wayward Social
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!
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7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Dinner on Your Own
Take a peak at the Marshalltown Activities and Restaurants tab to view all the great places to grab a bite for dinner!
Friday, September 27th, 2024
Iowa Valley Community College
3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
List of Services
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8:00 - 10:00 a.m. | PDI Registration Desk Opens & Exhibitor OpenList Item 2
Note: Breakfast opening at 8:00 a.m. and session promptly starting at 8:30 a.m.
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8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Light Breakfast & Salary/Benefits Analysis Survey ResultsList Item 3
Speaker: James Hoelscher
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9:00 - 9:45 a.m. | Unlocking Potential: Maximizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Community GrowthList Item 4
Speakers: Jenna Sabroske
Session Description:
Unlock the potential of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a powerful tool for economic development in your community. This session will provide a deep dive into the mechanics of TIF, its strategic applications, and how it can drive growth and revitalization.
Session Objectives:
- Understand the Fundamentals of TIF: Provide a clear explanation of Tax Increment Financing, including how it works, its benefits, and its role in economic development and community revitalization.
- Explore Successful TIF Projects: Review case studies of communities that have successfully used TIF to stimulate development, focusing on project outcomes, strategies employed, and lessons learned.
- Address Common Challenges and Solutions: Discuss potential challenges associated with TIF, such as financing issues, legal considerations, and community impact, and explore practical solutions to address these challenges.
- Maximize TIF for Community Benefit: Offer strategies for optimizing the use of TIF to align with broader community goals, including infrastructure improvements, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization.
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10:00 - 10:45 a.m. | How to Respond to Site Visits
Moderator: Dennis Jordan
Speakers:
- John Hall
- Andy Sokolovich
- Dan Culhane
- Emily Kaiser
Master the art of responding to site visits and showcase your community's potential for economic growth. This session will emphasize the critical role of economic development and provide actionable strategies to make a lasting impression during site visits.
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11:00 a.m | IEDA Executive Director Durham
Speaker: IEDA Executive Director Debi Durham
Join us for an engaging session with Executive Director Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). This session will provide a detailed overview of the recent IEDA reorganization, focusing on how these changes will impact economic development across Iowa.
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12:00 p.m. | Art Unveiling & Adjourn
As we conclude the conference, join us for the unveiling of a new art piece that symbolizes the spirit of growth and innovation in our communities.
