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2026 Regional Summit to Spotlight Trends Shaping Greater Des Moines

On October 8, 2026, a pivotal gathering will take place at the EMC Expo Center in Downtown Des Moines, where leaders from various sectors will converge for the Greater Des Moines Regional Summit. This event promises to be a significant forum for discussing key trends that are set to influence the region's future, including economic growth, workforce development, housing, tourism, and community health, among others.

A Collaborative Approach

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is organizing this summit to foster collaboration among leaders from rural, urban, and suburban communities. Tiffany Tauscheck, the President and CEO of The Partnership, highlighted the importance of sharing diverse perspectives. She remarked that bringing varied voices to the discussion nurtures learning, strengthens connections, and inspires collective action toward regional advancement.

Dominic Williams of McKinsey & Company will deliver the keynote address, which will focus on the implications of artificial intelligence for the regional economy. Williams’ insights into how emerging technologies are reshaping various industries and influencing the future of work promise to be enlightening for all attendees.

Engaging Programming

The summit will feature a robust lineup of programming designed to dive deep into several critical issues. Attendees can participate in interactive breakout sessions covering topics such as AI, housing strategies, economic development, and talent support for small businesses. Notably, discussions will also include insights from key regional players. Among those speaking will be Debi Durham, the Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, who will share valuable perspectives on Iowa's economic landscape.

A panel discussion with regional leaders will provide a platform for ongoing dialogues about the challenges and opportunities facing Greater Des Moines today. Water quality issues will also be addressed, reflecting the community's commitment to environmental stewardship in its growth strategy.

Sponsorship and Support

The success of the Regional Summit is underpinned by the generous support of several sponsors. Platinum sponsors Deloitte and Prairie Meadows, alongside Gold sponsors Estes Construction and Musco Lighting, have committed resources to help facilitate this significant event. Chris Terhark, Deloitte's Des Moines Marketplace Leader, mentioned that the summit presents a unique opportunity for regional leaders to exchange ideas and learn from each other, asserting the importance of collaboration in navigating the challenges of today’s evolving economy.

Similarly, Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for unity among community stakeholders to lay a strong foundation for a shared vision of the region’s future.

Looking Ahead

As Greater Des Moines continues to evolve with the integration of new technologies and workforce adjustments, the 2026 Regional Summit aims to facilitate in-depth discussions that will shape actionable strategies for the years ahead. This event is more than just a meeting; it’s a commitment to fostering a bright and collaborative future for Greater Des Moines.

To discover more about the summit and register for the event, please visit DSMPARTNERSHIP.COM.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership stands as Iowa's largest regional organization focused on economic development and talent growth. With over 400 investors and a network comprising more than 7,200 regional chamber members, The Partnership's mission is to drive business growth and enhance the quality of life in Greater Des Moines. Recognized nationally with awards like Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), The Partnership is dedicated to uplifting its community and fostering a vibrant economic environment.