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Thursday Schedule |
| 8:30AM |
Opening Keynote
8:30AM
Opening Keynote
Track: Keynote Sessions
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
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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 and Community Development
471
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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
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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
|
Name, Image, Likeness reforms on paying athletes
9:35AM
Name, Image, Likeness reforms on paying athletes
A variety of proposals are in play- from federal legislation governing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policies, to the unionization of players, to the payment of players in some conferences. What does this mean for athletes at Iowa universities and how might this change the landscape?
Track: Higher Education
474
|
Policy- Building the new structure for behavioral health care
9:35AM
Policy- 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
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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
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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 and Community Development,Diversity, Equity, and 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
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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
|
School Safety
10:40AM
School Safety
The tragedy in Perry was another reminder that schools aren’t immune to gun violence. What’s being done to make the buildings as safe as possible and is there more that should be done? This session will discuss infrastructure, police and school resource officers, mental health resources and the variety of ideas raised, like arming school staff.
Track: K12 Education
483
|
10:40AM
Track: Bonus Sessions
|
| 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, and 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 and 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, and 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
|
Policy- Innovating when restricted by policy
11:45AM
Policy- 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
|
| 12:50PM |
Curious Iowa: Thursday
12:50PM
Curious Iowa: Thursday
What was Iowa like 100 years ago?
Track: Curious Iowa
491
|
| 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 and 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, and 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
|
| 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 and 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
|
DEI on college campuses
3:00PM
DEI on college campuses
Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have met significant head winds at both the federal and state levels in recent months as national and state efforts have led to reduced DEI programming, reining in of diversity statements and increases in philosophical and ideological diversity on campuses. How are these changes impacting day-to-day operations, academic accreditation and image of Iowa's colleges and universities?
Track: Higher Education,Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
503
|
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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Friday Schedule |
| 8:30AM |
Friday Morning Keynote: Christina Moffatt
8:30AM
Friday Morning Keynote: Christina Moffatt
Track: Keynote Sessions
507
|
| 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 and 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, and 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, and Inclusion
514
|
Potential in good conflict
9:40AM
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, and Inclusion
515
|
| 10:45AM |
Curious Iowa: Friday
10:45AM
Curious Iowa: Friday
What can an effective Iowa lobbyist do for the state?
Track: Curious Iowa
516
|
The value of local news
10:45AM
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
|
| 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 and 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
|
Nursing home oversight in Iowa
11:50AM
Nursing home oversight in Iowa
More than 40 percent of Iowa's nursing homes do not meet upcoming federal mandates on staffing levels, while more than 30 centers across the state have closed because of staffing and financial duress. State legislative efforts to address the staff shortages and provide other protections failed to advance last session, while the struggle to keep up with annual inspections remain. How does Iowa balance these interests in ways that keep residents safe, control costs and provide adequate levels and training of staff?
Track: Health Care
521
|
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 under legislation being advanced by Iowa lawmakers
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, and Inclusion
524
|
Righting the wrongs in the world of civil rights
11:50AM
Righting the wrongs in the world of civil rights
Over the last five years, the number of civil rights complaints and investigations in Iowa has dramatically increased. What are some common themes in the current caseload? This session will look at how agencies are handling the surge, local government response, and possible impact when addressing civil rights violations for protected classes.
Track: Bonus Sessions,Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
525
|
| 1:00PM |
Friday Afternoon Keynote: Jen Loeb
1:00PM
Friday Afternoon Keynote: Jen Loeb
Track: Keynote Sessions
526
|
