10 Tracks Representing Key Topics in Iowa
One of the greatest values identified by past conference attendees is the variety of topics and issues represented throughout, encouraging attendees to build a personalized experience based on unique Iowa interests. Iowa Ideas has identified nine key areas (“tracks”) for the 2024 program.
Arts & Culture
Rural, urban and regional benefit to arts, culture and entertainment in Iowa.
Economic & Community Development
Pathways to financial success for urban and rural Iowa.
Energy & Environment
Healthy and efficient means to protecting Iowa's energy and environmental resources.
Health Care
Physical and behavioral need for generations.
Higher Education
An exploration of the learning experience from higher education.
Policy
The foundation that got us to current state and big picture strategy.
Human & Social Services
In-demand needs, resources, and gaps in access.
K12 Education
An exploration of the learning experience from pre-k and unique certifications.
Curious Iowa
If there’s something you’ve seen or heard around the state and thought, “I wonder what’s that all about?” That’s what Curious Iowa aims to answer.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Invited. Heard. Understood. Addressing DEI issues through solutions-driven, open conversation.
Conference Schedule • October 10 - 11, 2024
Filter sessions:
| Time | Arts & Culture | Economic & Community Development | Energy & Environment | Health Care | Higher Education | Human & Social Services | K12 Education | Bonus Sessions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday Schedule | ||||||||||||||
| 8:30AM |
Curious Iowa: What is Iowa's environmental history?
8:30AM
Curious Iowa: What is Iowa's environmental history?
Iowa's prairies began growing around 9,000 years ago, after the last glaciers melted. By the 1850s, Iowa had 23.3 million acres of prairie, which supported countless species of insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. Since then, Iowa's environment has drastically changed, and native prairies are a rare find. Plus, Iowa's wetlands have been reduced by over 95%. In this session, we will walk through history to discover why Iowa's environment looks how it does today. Along the way we'll answer questions like "Why are hogs and corn king in Iowa?" and have opportunities for audience questions.
Track: Curious Iowa
469
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| 9:35AM |
Collaboration among arts and culture organizations
9:35AM
Collaboration among arts and culture organizations
What are some examples of successful collaborations? This session will explore ways to make partnerships between arts organizations work-in small towns, cities and metro areas. How are organizations pooling resources to launch (or revive) events?
Track: Arts & Culture
470
|
Addressing the needs of homeless populations
9:35AM
Addressing the needs of homeless populations
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it legal for cities to cite activities necessitated by homelessness, such as sleeping in public, as punishable offenses. How do we balance the needs of those who are unsheltered while addressing challenges in plain sight? This session will explore what communities, cities and the state could be doing to address these issues.
Track: Economic & Community Development
471
|
The biggest bang for the environmental buck
9:35AM
The biggest bang for the environmental buck
Anaerobic digesters. Agrivoltaics. CO2 pipelines. Climate-smart agriculture. These are just a few of the buzzwords floating around in discussions about climate change mitigation. This session will ask about the bottom line, which climate tech is worth the hype, and which ones are greenwashing?
Track: Energy & Environment
472
|
Addressing long-term care challenges in Iowa
9:35AM
Addressing long-term care challenges in Iowa
Iowa nursing homes face heightened scrutiny after reports of deaths, abuse and neglect in recent years. This session will look at the issues and challenges facing Iowa’s long-term care facilities, from staffing, to training, family access, and security.
Track: Health Care
473
|
Changing landscape of collegiate athletics
9:35AM
Changing landscape of collegiate athletics
The transfer portal and athletes' ability to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL) have marked the first chapter of a rapidly changing landscape of collegiate athletics. More changes are on the way, especially in the wake of the massive House vs. NCAA settlement. What does this mean for the four Division I athletic programs in the state of Iowa?
Track: Higher Education
474
|
Building the new structure for behavioral health care
9:35AM
Building the new structure for behavioral health care
In early 2024, the Iowa legislature passed a bill to unify mental health and substance abuse treatment programs in the state by disbanding and redefining service areas for behavioral health care. This session will review the new system, in comparison to previous attempts at restructuring, as well as the possible benefits, challenges, and impact.
Track: Human & Social Services,Policy
475
|
Attendance and classroom behavior
9:35AM
Attendance and classroom behavior
School attendance is at an all-time low, with many educators attributing chronic absenteeism to the pandemic-a time when students were learning online and not required to attend school in person. Behavior in classrooms is also increasing, as teachers struggle to keep students on-task with social and emotional tools and trauma-informed care to help them learn. How are educators working toward solutions on these issues? How should teachers and families collaborate to help children succeed?
Track: K12 Education
476
|
9:35AM
Track: Bonus Sessions
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| 10:40AM |
Public Art: Is it here to stay?
10:40AM
Public Art: Is it here to stay?
Walls are the new canvases and statues are the new stop signs. All public pieces empower viewers to pause, consider, and enjoy the fruits of the laborers among us. Is public art here to stay, or have we hit a wall in employing artists to beautify our main streets, green spaces and urban exteriors?
Track: Arts & Culture
477
|
Putting out the (authentic) welcome mat
10:40AM
Putting out the (authentic) welcome mat
Welcoming newcomers, especially ones from diverse backgrounds, can look different on paper than it does in practice. Who is leading the work to help everyone feel like they’re part of a community? This discussion will explore how local resources are working to build inclusive, accessible space for people new to Iowa, and how lack of effort may counteract less welcoming tones all the way to the state level.
Track: Economic & Community Development,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
478
|
The debate over public land in Iowa
10:40AM
The debate over public land in Iowa
Iowa is among states with the lowest share of public land. As more Iowa land is planted with corn and soybeans or developed for houses or commercial space, native plants, animals and insects have been crowded out. This panel will dig into how land-use planning affects wildlife and creative solutions.
Track: Energy & Environment
479
|
Protecting Iowa's health care workers
10:40AM
Protecting Iowa's health care workers
Health Care and social service workers face some of the highest rates of workplace violence. Current Iowa law makes it a crime to assault health care providers. This session will discuss whether that’s enough, and what more can be done.
Track: Health Care
480
|
Changing perception of higher education
10:40AM
Changing perception of higher education
Americans' confidence in higher education has suffered steep losses in recent years, per a recent Gallup poll, dropping from 57 in 2015 to 36 percent in 2023. At the same time, workforce needs are changing, demographics are shifting, and COVID opened new pathways toward degree attainment – all of which are compelling meaningful changes across the higher education landscape, including Iowa.
Track: Higher Education
481
|
Food Insecurity
10:40AM
Food Insecurity
Once tucked into closet-sized spaces on upper floors or basements, away from watching eyes, food pantries now play a prominent role in public space and across a variety of nonprofit offerings. How has food insecurity evolved into a high priority need when considering an individual's total wellness?
Track: Human & Social Services
482
|
10:40AM
Track: K12 Education
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10:40AM
Track: Bonus Sessions
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| 11:45AM |
The Arts in a period of polarization
11:45AM
The Arts in a period of polarization
How does polarization have an impact on the arts in Iowa? How can presenters and makers show that Iowans embrace art from other places and spaces? How are arts organizations approaching risqué topics while planning programming? How can presenters and makers counteract?
Track: Arts & Culture,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
484
|
The property tax tug of war
11:45AM
The property tax tug of war
State property tax reform has challenged local government budgeting and limited the amount of growth communities can capture from a growing tax base. Communities must figure out how to extend public services to more people without being allowed to fully tap into that same growth to pay for themselves. This session will discuss how communities can move forward to offer services that attract and retain residents,despite constraints.
Track: Economic & Community Development
485
|
Environmental justice in Iowa
11:45AM
Environmental justice in Iowa
Climate change disproportionately impacts some groups- including low-income communities and people of color — and exposes them to climate-related hazards. They also have higher rates of existing medical conditions, and have limited financial and social resources, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This session will explore which communities are most vulnerable to climate change in Iowa and what solutions exist.
Track: Energy & Environment,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
486
|
Cancer in Iowa
11:45AM
Cancer in Iowa
Iowa has the second highest cancer rate in the nation and the fastest growing rate of new cancers. What’s behind that rate, and what’s being done to address it? Iowa legislators on both sides of the aisle have proposed bills aimed at cancer prevention in the state. This session will look at access to treatment, insurance, and testing used to diagnose, treat, manage or monitor cancer.
Track: Health Care
487
|
FAFSA changes
11:45AM
FAFSA changes
The long-awaited rollout of the new and simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been a mess. Students were delayed in being able to apply, creating a chain reaction of delayed requests to campuses, which then were stalled in making offers to students. What will be the trickle-down effect of lower enrollment, fewer low-income students, and even fewer trained graduates coming out of college?
Track: Higher Education
488
|
Innovating when restricted by policy
11:45AM
Innovating when restricted by policy
As policies shift or government programs expire, some nonprofits must scramble to find ways to continue to provide the offerings that are critical to their clients. What happens when the government pulls back on high-demand social services, and nonprofits are forced to pick up the slack? How far can nonprofits flex and still be sustainable?
Track: Human & Social Services,Policy
489
|
School Infrastructure
11:45AM
School Infrastructure
A new law in Iowa allows school districts to take general bond referendums to voters during a November election. This means more voter turnout and two fewer opportunities each year to put a bond on a ballot. In November 2023, the vast majority of bond proposals in Iowa failed, but this funding is vital to school districts maintaining their infrastructure as schools continue to be underfunded and the cost of construction rises with inflation. How are school districts seeking to overcome these challenges as some prepare to retake bonds to voters in November 2025? Many schools in 2024 are also asking voters to renew their PPEL. What is this and why is it critical?
Track: K12 Education
490
|
11:45AM
Track: Bonus Sessions
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| 12:50PM |
Empower Hour
12:50PM
Empower Hour
Refuel after a morning of Iowa Ideas! Grab some lunch and connect with fellow conference attendees on the Whova community boards and chatrooms.
Track: Break
491
|
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| 1:55PM |
Iowa's peculiar attractions
1:55PM
Iowa's peculiar attractions
Iowa is home to some pretty unique tourist stops. This session will explore some of the fun, frivolous,and fabulous sites across the state. What keeps people interested and how can we can get more people to visit them?
Track: Arts & Culture
492
|
Creating age diverse communities
1:55PM
Creating age diverse communities
A recent University of Iowa study shows Iowa now has the highest percentage of residents over 80. By 2030 those 65 and older could outnumber people 18 and younger. How are social service providers across the state adapting to ensure the state can accommodate an aging population? How are communities working to engage elderly residents without neglecting the needs of other age groups?
Track: Economic & Community Development
493
|
Green your home and yard
1:55PM
Green your home and yard
What can you do to help the environment in your own backyard? This session will explore ways to make your home and garden more eco-friendly by looking at ways to reduce use of energy and water and lessen the load on the environment and wildlife.
Track: Energy & Environment
494
|
Equitable treatment and services in health care
1:55PM
Equitable treatment and services in health care
For immigrants who have just arrived in Iowa, emergency dental care may be one of the first issues that leads to seeking out medical treatment. But language barriers and cultural differences can make it difficult for refugee families to navigate the limited options. This session will discuss the barriers, resources and supports needed in Iowa for a growing diverse population.
Track: Health Care,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
495
|
Uncertain enrollment
1:55PM
Uncertain enrollment
An enrollment cliff is looming, with a birthrate decline manifesting in fewer high school graduates in coming years. While Iowa's population remains on track to do better than some regionally, the state won’t be spared entirely – especially given Illinois, a key supplier of out-of-state students to Iowa’s regent universities, could be among the hardest hit.
Track: Higher Education
496
|
Mass Shootings: Reaction vs. Action
1:55PM
Mass Shootings: Reaction vs. Action
Minutes, hours, and days after a mass shooting occurs, shock will erupt and call for action ensues, yet attention to the issue of gun violence often fades. This session will explore why strong community reaction to loss doesn’t always translate to legislative action. What needs to change for Iowa to move toward a future with less violence?
Track: Human & Social Services
497
|
Charter Schools
1:55PM
Charter Schools
Eight charter school applications were approved in January 2024, for proposed schools in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines that could open by next fall. What needs are these charter schools trying to meet? How could this impact, and what is the response from traditional public-school leaders? Are charter schools being held to the same standards as traditional public schools? Are they able to exclude students?
Track: K12 Education
498
|
1:55PM
Track: Bonus Sessions
|
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| 3:00PM |
Traditional vs. new programming
3:00PM
Traditional vs. new programming
How do you introduce new concepts in the arts while balancing the interest and support of seasoned supporters? This session will talk about the process in how leaders in the arts community approach mapping out their seasons while considering such as audience short and strategic goals.
Track: Arts & Culture
499
|
The future of public transit
3:00PM
The future of public transit
Iowa lacks the robust public transit options that are essential for Iowans without cars and to reduce carbon emissions amidst a climate crisis. From micro-mobility to bike trails to free-fare transit, this session will explore what Iowa communities are offering for getting around, and what more sparsely populated rural communities can do to get better connected.
Track: Economic & Community Development
500
|
Utility Costs Explained
3:00PM
Utility Costs Explained
How are electricity rates set? Why are some customers paying more than others for similar energy use? This session will dig into those questions, and look at how wind and solar energy are changing the equation.
Track: Energy & Environment
501
|
Bolstering Iowa's maternal health system
3:00PM
Bolstering Iowa's maternal health system
Iowa's maternal death rate and infant mortality rate have spiked as birthing units have closed in recent years. A 2023 report from the March of Dimes found a third of Iowa's counties are "maternity care deserts." This session will explore how state policies have and have not worked to improve outcomes for moms and babies, and what's missing in efforts to bolster Iowa's maternal health system.
Track: Health Care,Policy
502
|
3:00PM
Track: Higher Education
|
Caring for an adult in mental health crisis
3:00PM
Caring for an adult in mental health crisis
Families caring for their adult loved ones who are in mental health crisis often face unique challenges from those of a minor. This session will explore the legal and social barriers Iowans face when it comes to helping an adult family member navigate the mental health care system.
Track: Human & Social Services
504
|
Recruiting and attracting educators to Iowa
3:00PM
Recruiting and attracting educators to Iowa
With increased attention on K-12 education in the Iowa legislature and 20 percent fewer people going to college for education degrees, Iowa school districts – especially in rural areas -- are in desparate need of teachers and other education professionals. How does this create challenges in teaching and learning? What are school districts offering to attract and retain educators and diversify their workforce? Is it working?
Track: K12 Education
505
|
3:00PM
Track: Bonus Sessions
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| 4:00PM |
Thursday Afternoon Keynote: Harper Steele
4:00PM
Thursday Afternoon Keynote: Harper Steele
Harper Steele is an Emmy-winning veteran comedy writer and producer, most known for her thirteen years with Saturday Night Live where she eventually became the head writer. After leaving Saturday Night Live, Steele took over as Creative Director of the comedy website Funny or Die, started by her friends Adam McKay and Will Ferrell. While at Funny or Die, Steele wrote the films, Casa De Mi Padre, Deadly Adoption, and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
Up next, Steele is the subject of the new Netflix documentary Will & Harper, which chronicles her evolving relationship with longtime collaborator and friend Will Ferrell. The documentary centers around a road trip the two friends take across America for the first time since Harper’s transition, and nearly thirty years after they first met on the set of SNL. Will & Harper premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and will debut September 27 on Netflix.
Track: Keynote Sessions
527
|
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| Friday Schedule | ||||||||||||||
| 8:30AM |
Friday Morning Keynote: Christina Moffatt
8:30AM
Friday Morning Keynote: Christina Moffatt
It was a battle to the end when Christina Moffatt appeared on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, living a live television experience that opened her up to both an entrepreneurial passion and facing a challenging personal journey.
Throughout her career, Moffatt has committed to a balance of her own success with offering support for entrepreneurs, with a focus on women and minority business owners. In addition to owning her business Crème Cupcake + Dessert, she served as the Regional Director for Mid Iowa SBDC, and the Director of Small Business Development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
A baker since she could hold a measuring spoon, Christina combined her culinary skills with her management and marketing experience to create a dessert and cocktail lounge which expanded from a home-operated bakery to a commercial kitchen in less than a year and a national leader in the baking industry within two years.
Before selling the Crème business in 2022, Christina and her team worked tirelessly to cater for celebrities and politicians, creating a strong team dynamic affectionately known as the Crème’ Crew. She currently is focusing on customer growth strategy in a Fortune 500 business in the financial industry with a special focus on the small to midsized businesses.
Moffatt is a graduate of DMACC, Iowa State University and University of Toledo Certified Business Advisor Program. Christina has been honored with several community leadership accolades, publications, and industry-focused award recognition for her business including DSM Top List for Best Bakery, Cityview’s Best Dessert, Sweet Equality Best Dessert, Runner up for the Iowa Mixology Competition and runner up on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Throughout her journey, Christina continues to give her time and talent to several Iowa boards.
Christina’s true joy in life is her family. She is partner to Ryan Moffatt and their beautiful ten-year-old son Evan.
Track: Keynote Sessions
507
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| 9:40AM |
The economics of the arts
9:40AM
The economics of the arts
What are successful arts councils doing that others can model? How can data support pathways to support and build Iowa's reputation as a great place to build local, regional, national and international artists?
Track: Arts & Culture
508
|
New life in old buildings
9:40AM
New life in old buildings
Finding alternate uses for aging public or private buildings can prevent an eyesore and even lead to a win-win for the developers and the community. We'll talk about how developers, community leaders and others have worked together to find ways to put new life into old buildings across the state.
Track: Economic & Community Development
509
|
Climate Change: Are we future ready?
9:40AM
Climate Change: Are we future ready?
How can we better protect our communities from the effects of climate change? The Midwest is often billed as a haven from climate change, but the inland region faces its own hazards. What do we know about projections for Iowa, and existing vulnerabilities?
Track: Energy & Environment
510
|
Solving the health care worker shortage
9:40AM
Solving the health care worker shortage
Iowa’s hospitals are facing a perfect storm. About 70 percent of medical facilities report struggling to find qualified nurses, while at the same time nursing schools are turning away prospective students because of capacity issues. What are Iowa institutions and state officials doing to address this industry challenge?
Track: Health Care
511
|
Shortening the stay
9:40AM
Shortening the stay
Balancing the cost of higher education with the need to complete academic courses has led Iowa colleges and universities to look at a variety of ways to manage expenses and reduce time needed to get a degree. The moves come as legislative proposals are introduced seeking to reduce the number of course hours needed to graduate. How are campuses balancing learning with time and affordability?
Track: Higher Education
512
|
Income and access to housing
9:40AM
Income and access to housing
A state law that went into effect in 2023 now makes income discrimination legal across the state. This session will explore the impact of the new law during the past year and the impact it’s had on Iowa’s more vulnerable communities.
Track: Human & Social Services,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
513
|
Measuring effectiveness of special education and individual education plans
9:40AM
Measuring effectiveness of special education and individual education plans
The achievement levels of special education students were cited as a primary reason the state’s AEA system should be reimagined. What does Iowa’s special education look like and what are best practices when it comes to determining the achievement and effectiveness of individual education plans?
Track: K12 Education,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
514
|
Bonus Session: Potential in Good Conflict
9:40AM
Bonus Session: Potential in Good Conflict
Civil conversations can be the starting point to understand perspective across cultures. Why does anxiety often accompany the efforts? How can various positions on an issue engage constructively and respectfully? Is it possible to stir up "good trouble?" This session will explore effective, solutions-focused practices to bridge challenging conversations.
Track: Bonus Sessions,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
515
|
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| 10:45AM |
Curious Iowa: What does a lobbyist do?
10:45AM
Curious Iowa: What does a lobbyist do?
Every year, a flurry of bills are proposed in the Iowa Legislature on a vast range of topics. Lobbyists are a key part of the legislative process, presenting a case for why amendments should be made to these bills—or why lawmakers should vote against advancing them. In this session, we'll dive into what Iowans should know about lobbying.
Track: Curious Iowa
516
|
Bonus Session: The Value of Local News
10:45AM
Bonus Session: The Value of Local News
Local news organizations serve as key connectors, yet changes in the business model has led to a reduction in reporters across the country. This session will examine what's happening in Iowa's media landscape, and the impacts losses in local news have in a community: contributing to polarization, reduced citizen engagement and less government accountability.
Track: Bonus Sessions
517
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| 11:50AM |
Youth engagement with the arts
11:50AM
Youth engagement with the arts
The kids of today are tomorrow's artists and cultural patrons. This session will examine how various organizations are nurturing future doers and donors as well as examine if there are ways to grow relationships with other organizations to grow the market.
Track: Arts & Culture
518
|
Collaborative economic development
11:50AM
Collaborative economic development
Some communities are served by multiple economic development entities. How can they – or should they – work together to ensure a cohesive strategy? How does this change for local and state level organizations? This session will discuss the best way to get multiple entities moving in the same direction.
Track: Economic & Community Development
519
|
Protecting Iowans from the danger of lead pipes
11:50AM
Protecting Iowans from the danger of lead pipes
We know lead in drinking water can harm human health, but few Iowans know for sure whether their home, office or school is connected to lead pipes. This session will delve into how many and what types of Iowa homes are served by lead pipes and what steps homeowners and school leaders could take to reduce exposure to lead.
Track: Energy & Environment
520
|
11:50AM
Track: Health Care
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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education
11:50AM
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education
AI is bringing an era of disruption that could have profound impacts on higher education – both as benefits and risks. Will AI transform the way colleges and universities teach or how learning experiences are structured? Or will the technological advances increase the value of a degree even more?
Track: Higher Education
522
|
Opioid settlement in Iowa
11:50AM
Opioid settlement in Iowa
Changes in Iowa legislation now make it easier for the public to access naloxone, a medicine that reverses the effects of an overdose. Since the broadening of access, how has the number of Iowa overdoses changed? This session will also review the latest stats/ demographics, experiences, and progress in overdose training.
Track: Human & Social Services
523
|
Literacy and reading
11:50AM
Literacy and reading
Under legislation being advanced by Iowa lawmakers, Iowa elementary school teachers would be required to teach literacy using the techniques commonly known as the "science of reading." Multiple studies have shown that students who are not able to read by third grade face much greater challenges in future academic success. What are Iowa's literacy scores compared to other states? How do they differ between racial and socioeconomic demographics? How are teachers receiving professional development in literacy, and are they seeing these tools pay off in the classroom?
Track: K12 Education,Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
524
|
11:50AM
Track: Bonus Sessions
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| 1:00PM |
Friday Afternoon Keynote: Jen Loeb
1:00PM
Friday Afternoon Keynote: Jen Loeb
In 2021, Jen completed her dream of climbing the “7 Summits” and became the first woman from Iowa to climb the highest peak on every continent. Jen is also the only woman from Iowa to successfully climb Everest. She started mountain climbing in 2010 and since that time has climbed mountains all over the world.
Her published book “Shots From The Heart” includes 238 pages of photographs and journal excerpts from her travels both near and far.
Over the years Jen has made it a point to volunteer locally, nationally, and internationally. Her humanitarian work includes a variety of projects including construction of schools, homes, and hiking trails, along with river clean up and data collection of endangered species.
She currently lives in Marengo and works in Cedar Rapids.
Track: Keynote Sessions
526
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