Iowa Ideas 2023 | The Gazette

9 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 identified nine key areas (“tracks”) for the 2022 program.

Arts & Culture

Rural, urban and regional benefit to arts, culture and entertainment in Iowa.

Community

The changing Iowa landscape through the lens of geography and people within.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Invited. Heard. Understood. Addressing DEI issues through solutions-driven, open conversation.

Economic Development

Pathways to financial success for urban and rural Iowa.

Education

An Exploration of the learning experience from pre-k, higher education, and unique certifications.

Energy & Environment

Healthy and efficient means to protecting Iowa's energy and environmental resources.

Health Care

Physical and behavioral need for generations.

Human & Social Services

In-demand needs, resources, and gaps in access.

Policy

The foundation that got us to current state and big picture strategy.

Conference Schedule • October 13 - 14, 2022

Filter sessions:

Time	Arts & Culture	Community	Economic Development	Education	Energy & Environment	Health Care	Human & Social Services	Policy
	Thursday Schedule
8:30AM	Opening Keynote Speaker: Simon Estes 8:30AM Opening Keynote Speaker: Simon Estes Panelists: Simon Estes Watch Recap Track: Keynote Sessions 308
9:15AM	DEI: Making the arts accessible to all 9:15AM DEI: Making the arts accessible to all Panelists: Lindsay Keast, LD Kidd, Mia Buch, Cavan Hallman, Adam Knight How are Iowa advocates connecting pathways within the arts to under-represented communities? How are we recruiting artists of diverse backgrounds and perspectives? Watch Recap Track: Arts & Culture 258	Aging Infrastructure in Smaller Communities 9:15AM Aging Infrastructure in Smaller Communities Panelists: Alicia Vasto, Eldy Miller, Theresa Greenfield What can be done to preserve and protect the physical elements of a small community? A look at unfunded projects, what factors are delaying or preventing action and how communities are getting creative to move projects forward. Watch Recap Track: Community 253	Access to Mental Health Resources 9:15AM Access to Mental Health Resources Panelists: Okpara Rice, Barry Schreier, Alissa Doobay Across k12 and colleges/universities, Iowa has seen a significant increase in the demand for mental health resources. How are administration offices handling demand and associated expense? Watch Recap Track: Education 254	Carbon Dioxide Pipelines: Do they have a public benefit? 9:15AM Carbon Dioxide Pipelines: Do they have a public benefit? Panelists: John Satterfield, Charles Stanier, Bill Caram A discussion on the science, evidence and potential impact of CO2 sequestration. Watch Recap Track: Energy & Environment 255	Worker Shortages in Health Care 9:15AM Worker Shortages in Health Care Panelists: Jen Boyd, Carmen Kleinsmith, Teri Vos Iowa’s continued challenges in recruitment and retention in the health care industry. What are the latest strategies and incentives? Watch Recap Track: Health Care 256	Iowa and 988 9:15AM Iowa and 988 Panelists: Adrianne Korbakes, Joe Smarro, Peggy Huppert, Emily Blomme (Foundation 2) 988 was launched nationwide in July 2022 as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. What is Iowa’s status when it comes to crisis intervention training and emergency response for individuals using 988? Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 257	Local Control 9:15AM Local Control Panelists: Bill Peterson, Alan Kemp, Ross Wilburn While the Iowa Constitution grants local governments “home rule” powers, local communities have accused the state of infringing on those powers in recent years – on issues from fireworks, masks, rental housing and more. Is this partisanship or are impacts deeper? Why does this matter? What impact does this have on political representation? Watch Recap Track: Policy 259	The Evolution of Incentives 9:15AM The Evolution of Incentives Panelists: Julie Moss, Peter Orazem, Jasmine Almoayyed What are employers doing to create excitement and action? How are Iowa employers (including small businesses) faring with the rapid increase in employee wages? What truly works? Watch Recap Track: Workforce 260
10:20AM	Long-term sustainability and funding streams 10:20AM Long-term sustainability and funding streams Panelists: Tiffany Nagel Spinner, David Schmitz, Laura Manatt, Jeff Chelesvig A market by market review of methods for individual, foundational or grant based support for the arts in Iowa. Watch Recap Track: Arts & Culture 266	Child Care in the Public & Private Sector 10:20AM Child Care in the Public & Private Sector Panelists: Brian Melhus, Angie Rae Duncan, Dawn Oliver Wiand Strategy of state credits from the business community to open more pre-k opportunities to address workforce challenges. What are the benefits and challenges to this concept? Watch Recap Track: Community 261	Open 10:20AM Open Panelists: Track: Education	Myths vs. Reality on Solar Energy 10:20AM Myths vs. Reality on Solar Energy Panelists: Sara Alden, Justin Foss, Sean Kennedy A conversation for those in favor and opposed to the use of solar energy in Iowa with a focus on utility and industrial scale. Watch Recap Track: Energy & Environment 263	DEI: Tracking Iowa's Health Care Disparities 10:20AM DEI: Tracking Iowa's Health Care Disparities Panelists: Max Mowitz, Anne Carter, Mary Charlton, Henny Ohr Analysis of the latest data from public health reports with a specific look at under represented populations and their access to care in Iowa. Watch Recap Track: Health Care 264	DEI: Availability of beds for those in crisis 10:20AM DEI: Availability of beds for those in crisis Panelists: Steve Johnson, Anne Starr, Mark Sertterh, Marissa Eyanson (DHS) What are the challenges for adults and kids who need a place to heal in times of crisis? A look at how necessary closures deepen the gaps, challenges in Iowa’s patient bed tracking system, insurance hurdles and who is working to better the system. Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 265	Open 10:20AM Open Panelists: Track: Policy	Apprenticeships 10:20AM Apprenticeships Panelists: Tim Ruth, GT Karr, Kristine Bullock, Tascha Brown, Jerry Orr How are students discovering career pathways through apprenticeships? Are employers finding and keeping solid business hires from this approach? Watch Recap Track: Workforce 315
11:30AM	Lunch Break 11:30AM Lunch Break Panelists: Track: Featured Speakers 309
1:15PM	Featured Speakers: Director Durham, Director Townsend 1:15PM Featured Speakers: Director Durham, Director Townsend Panelists: A moderated discussion with Director Debi Durham (Iowa Economic Development Authority) and Director Beth Townsend (Iowa Civil Rights Commission). This session is pre-recorded. Watch Recap Track: Keynote Sessions 311
2:10PM	Bringing the arts and business communities closer together 2:10PM Bringing the arts and business communities closer together Panelists: Cody Jandik, Chris Johnson, Katie Hallman Consider the economic impact of the arts in neighborhoods, business districts, and main streets. How can Iowa business leaders incorporate the arts in their recruitment and retention strategies for workforce? Watch Recap Track: Arts & Culture 273	Promoting Iowa in 2022 2:10PM Promoting Iowa in 2022 Panelists: Julie Stow, Jacque Rahe, Keith Rahe Iowa’s focus on road trip itineraries and creative ways to appreciate the state. How does making Iowa a popular visitor destination have benefit to the marketability of our state for permanent residents? How does the change in population impact promotional effort? Watch Recap Track: Community 268	DEI: Cultural Proficiency & Inclusivity 2:10PM DEI: Cultural Proficiency & Inclusivity Panelists: Monic Behnken, Ken Morris, Nathan Wear From curriculum to censorship issues, educators are in a state of uncertainty with what's allowed and not allowed in the classroom. Who is keeping these issues top of mind and how are our systems ensuring accountability? Watch Recap Track: Education 269	Electric Vehicles and Utility Grids 2:10PM Electric Vehicles and Utility Grids Panelists: Adam Jablonski, Marc Franke, Stu Anderson Hear from early adopters, suppliers and industry components. What are registration numbers and how is Iowa in resource capcacity, charging stations, and supply chains? Watch Recap Track: Energy & Environment 270	Prescription Drug Prices 2:10PM Prescription Drug Prices Panelists: Juliette Cubanski, Robert Nichols, Andria Seip, Matt Osterhaus, Darlene Schmidt From legislation to the consumer, an update on income cap, over the counter drug coverage and more. Watch Recap Track: Health Care 271	The next phase of Iowa's Managed Care organizations: A Conversation with Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia 2:10PM The next phase of Iowa's Managed Care organizations: A Conversation with Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia Panelists: Kelly Garcia (Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Department of Public Health) Join Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia in a conversation about the realignment of multiple departments into a new division, upcoming changes to the state's Medicaid program as well as work the department is doing with community providers following a Department of Justice investigation into the Glenwood and Woodward Resource Centers. The session will be moderated by Gazette Executive Editor Zack Kucharski. Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 272	Name, Image and Likeness Laws for Student Athletes 2:10PM Name, Image and Likeness Laws for Student Athletes Panelists: Brad Heinrichs, Lyla Clerry, David Harris The ability for college players to earn money from their name image and likeness has led to a number of collectives and opportunities for athletes and fans to forge new relationships. Meanwhile, Iowa became the 15th state in August in which high school athletes could begin to earn money from use of their name, image or likeness. We’ll discuss what this means for athletes, programs and fans as the era of NIL takes hold. Watch Recap Track: Policy 274	DEI: Hiring Process and Onboarding 2:10PM DEI: Hiring Process and Onboarding Panelists: Nick Ford, Miranda Swafford, Elizabeth Buch, Anthony Arrington Understanding employer and prospective employee goals in matching skillsets to a workplace culture that will position all parties for long-term success. From recruitment strategies, an accepted offer and onboarding. Watch Recap Track: Workforce 275
3:15PM	The role of arts and culture in community place making 3:15PM The role of arts and culture in community place making Panelists: Christopher Hunter, Jon Berg, Tiffany Tauscheck, Monica Leo How can the arts help inform or tell the stories of Iowa neighborhoods? What steps do communities consider when building a distinct, welcoming space? Watch Recap Track: Arts & Culture 281	An Update on Broadband 3:15PM An Update on Broadband Panelists: Quentin Hart, Curt Eldred, Patrice Carroll, Matt Behrens, Casey Peck In the last year, Iowa has seen an additional $300 million more in broadband investment to encourage stronger connection regardless of geographic location. Is it working? Watch Recap Track: Community 276	Factors of Enrollment in Liberal Arts Colleges 3:15PM Factors of Enrollment in Liberal Arts Colleges Panelists: Douglas Shapiro, Cornelia Lang, Jennifer Rathje, Jonathan Brand (Cornell College) Is the public opinion of higher education changing? A look at existing conditions that may impact the traditional college experience. Watch Recap Track: Education 277	Siting Decisions for Animal Feeding Operations, Solar, & Wind 3:15PM Siting Decisions for Animal Feeding Operations, Solar, & Wind Panelists: Ben Lipari, John Robbins, Wally Taylor, Shannon Roesler Addressing challenges and balancing needs when it comes to CAFO's, wind, and solar locations. Track: Energy & Environment 278	The Future of Telehealth 3:15PM The Future of Telehealth Panelists: Sue Gehling, Jessica Lovrien, Jen Amis, Doug Van Daele At the close of the emergency declaration, what's next in telehealth from an indsutry, insurance and community perspective? Watch Recap Track: Health Care 279	Suicide Ideation among adults and younger 3:15PM Suicide Ideation among adults and younger Panelists: Dr. Kelly Wood, Keri Neblett, Drew Martel, Dr. Gerta Bardhoshi A discussion on the range of stressors that can put individuals at mental health high risk. How is Iowa working through spikes and who is leading in resources? Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 280	The Links of Domestic Abuse and Homicide 3:15PM The Links of Domestic Abuse and Homicide Panelists: Jodi Bowden-Fuentes, Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, Lisa Ambrose, Nick Maybanks, Laura Hessburg Domestic violence homicides continued an upward trend in 2021 to the highest levels seen in at least 10 years. More than half of all Iowans killed in a domestic violence incident were killed with a gun. What is – or could – be done to lower domestic violence deaths? Why are they spiking now and what can Iowans do to reduce domestic violence across the state? Watch Recap Track: Policy 282	DEI: Challenges in Business Ownership 3:15PM DEI: Challenges in Business Ownership Panelists: Diana Wright, Scott Swenson, ReShonda Young, Mohamed Nasraddin, Jesse Thoeming The dream of owning a successful business is often hit with a world of unknowns. How is Iowa providing pathways for overcoming barriers and connecting prospective business owner to the resources needed to succeed? Watch Recap Track: Workforce 283
4:20PM	The Big Idea: Rebuilding the Arts Audience 4:20PM The Big Idea: Rebuilding the Arts Audience Panelists: Jason Anderson, Jeff Capps, Sean Ulmer Regardless of past success, arts and culture organizations across Iowa need to find new ways to build and engage their audience. How are organizations getting creative after several seasons of audience pivots? Best practices and lesssons learned wil be shared in this roundtable session. Track: Arts & Culture 289	The Big Idea: Leading in Iowa 4:20PM The Big Idea: Leading in Iowa Panelists: Jade Ploessl, Jessi McQuerrey, Jessica Komisar A roundtable offering of resources available to develop leadership skills throughout Iowa. What’s available and what’s missing? Watch Recap Track: Community 284	The Big Idea: A Look at Classroom Structures 4:20PM The Big Idea: A Look at Classroom Structures Panelists: Dan Devore, Laura Williams, Vicki Hyland A review of traditional and innovative structures in physical space and curriculum in k12 learning. Track: Education 285	The Big Idea: Iowa and the Mississippi River 4:20PM The Big Idea: Iowa and the Mississippi River Panelists: Chris Jones, Michael Schmidt, Tegan Wendland The Mississippi River travels 2,350 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. What is Iowa's contribution to the water quality of the basin and how is our state perceived by others? Watch Recap Track: Energy & Environment 286	The Big Idea: Iowa's Weight Gain 4:20PM The Big Idea: Iowa's Weight Gain Panelists: Robert Kruse, Dara Lieberman, Jami Haberl, Cindy Fiester Obesity has been on the rise since the start of the pandemic. What is the state and severity of this diagnosis? How is this trend having an impact on health related resources? Watch Recap Track: Health Care 287	The Big Idea: Nonprofit Response to Inflation 4:20PM The Big Idea: Nonprofit Response to Inflation Panelists: Brittany Scanlon, Katherine Harrington, Joe Quick As extra national and state funding streams are shifting or ending, how are non-profits getting creative to provide service and support for their communities? What collaborations are working? Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 288	The Big Idea: Keeping Balance in the Judiciary 4:20PM The Big Idea: Keeping Balance in the Judiciary Panelists: Connie Ryan, Chief Justice Susan Christensen, Henry Hamilton A fair and independent judicial branch is a key piece of a democratic form of government. The independence – including free from outside influences – helps judges stick the facts of the case and ignore other influences. Once hailed as a gold standard in judicial selection, there have been challenges in the judicial selection process, significant wave of retirements meaning Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed the majority of the court. A global pandemic also impacted how the courts have done business. How is the court doing at managing against outside influences and working to preserve its balance? Watch Recap Track: Policy 290	Open 4:20PM Open Panelists: Track: Workforce
	Friday Schedule
8:30AM	Speed Networking 8:30AM Speed Networking Panelists: Track: Featured Speakers 312
9:05AM	Featured Keynote Speaker: Michele Shelton 9:05AM Featured Keynote Speaker: Michele Shelton Panelists: Michele Shelton Watch Recap Track: Keynote Sessions 313
10:10AM	Preserving the Arts in Public Education 10:10AM Preserving the Arts in Public Education Panelists: Sarah Fairfield, Jon Welch, Leon Kuehner, Karoline Meyers How are the arts and culture community leaders working with school administrators to ensure continued representation and engagement with students? A look at the challenges as well as programs that continue to thrive. Watch Recap Track: Arts & Culture 297	An Emphasis On Outdoor Recreation 10:10AM An Emphasis On Outdoor Recreation Panelists: Maggie McClelland, Greg Edwards, Matt Phippen, Joe Horaney, Mary Joy Lu The pandemic has put extra focus on year round outdoor recreation in Iowa. What is the strategy behind local and visitor appeal? How are we utilizing our natural assets and embracing the outdoors? Watch Recap Track: Community 292	DEI: Changing Demographics in Students 10:10AM DEI: Changing Demographics in Students Panelists: Laurie Phelan, Dr. Mary Grinstead, Roy Salcedo, Becky Smith How can the unique perspective of every student impact the overall educational experience? A look at socioeconomic, trans, non-English speaking, behavioral and more. Watch Recap Track: Education 293	Bitcoin Mines & Data Centers: How large energy users affect Iowa's power grid. 10:10AM Bitcoin Mines & Data Centers: How large energy users affect Iowa's power grid. Panelists: Kerri Johannsen, Jim Martin-Schramm, JP Baric Impact on data centers and energy used by larger consumers and corporations. What is the value to the public/state of these data centers? Watch Recap Track: Energy & Environment 294	The Surge of STI's in Iowa 10:10AM The Surge of STI's in Iowa Panelists: George Walton, Heather Meador Public health officials have reported a recent rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). What is causing the surge? What communities are most at risk and what ongoing care is available in Iowa? Watch Recap Track: Health Care 295	DEI: Immigrant and refugee long-term success in Iowa 10:10AM DEI: Immigrant and refugee long-term success in Iowa Panelists: Alison Hoeman, Robin Clark Bennett, Stephanie Moris, Minouche Bandubuila, Mugisha Gloire (United We Forward) When an influx occurs, how do community resources respond? What is the starting point to understand individual or family needs such as education, job training and job access? Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 296	School Choice 10:10AM School Choice Panelists: Trish Wilger, Melissa Peterson, Drew Klein, Margaret Buckton (Urban Education Network of Iowa) While multiple school choice measures stalled in the Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature last year, they’re expected to again be a major theme when lawmakers return to Des Moines in January. What’s fueling the push? What do the proposals mean for students, public and private schools? What will these measures mean for Iowa’s rural districts? Watch Recap Track: Policy 298	The Push for Automation 10:10AM The Push for Automation Panelists: Jeff Spadaro, Hank Norem, Michael O'Donnell Businesses are seeking to preserve employees by automating repetitive manufacturing tasks and shifting bodies inot the more unique roles. Earlier this year, Iowa distributed more than $4 million in automation grant funding. Will this level of investment have a positive impact on employer demand? Watch Recap Track: Workforce 299
11:15AM	Unlocking Successful Public Art Programs 11:15AM Unlocking Successful Public Art Programs Panelists: Robin Anderson, John Englebrecht, Mat Greiner, Teva Dawson, Nick Ludwig Exploring partnerships and development programs that support the arts. Track: Arts & Culture 305	DEI: Barriers to Home Ownership 11:15AM DEI: Barriers to Home Ownership Panelists: Stephanie Murphy, Sarah Thompson, Karey Chase The process to purchase a home is complex. What are the greatest challenges to ensure access to resources, education and support for all who want to make this investment? Watch Recap Track: Community 300	Practical Coding & Tech in the Classroom 11:15AM Practical Coding & Tech in the Classroom Panelists: Sean Roberts, Corey Rogers, Kate Moreland How has the evolution of computer science as a required part of curriculum impacted the classroom and students within? How have Iowa educators embraced what was once an innovative add-on to the expected skill sets ahead? Watch Recap Track: Education 301	Extreme Weather on agriculture, infrastructure, and people 11:15AM Extreme Weather on agriculture, infrastructure, and people Panelists: Gabriele Villarini, Aaron Graber, Dennis Todey, Mark Licht, Tamara Marcus (Linn County) How does weather impact the lives of Iowans and the future of our communities? Watch Recap Track: Energy & Environment 302	Oral Health 11:15AM Oral Health Panelists: Suzanne Heckenlaible, Elizabeth Matney, Howard Cowen Maintaining oral health in all phases of life is essential, but long-term neglect can have serious impact and is cited as the leading cause of death in nursing homes. What contributes to poor dental health and how does this connect to other health-related issues? Watch Recap Track: Health Care 303	The Rise of Substance Abuse 11:15AM The Rise of Substance Abuse Panelists: Kelly Reitzler, Amy Doerrfeld, Dale Woolery, Shawn Dorius, Monica Wilke-Brown A discussion about the rise in use of substances and the weight of resource scarcity. What is happening in overdose prevention and educating people on addiction? Watch Recap Track: Human & Social Services 304	Protecting our elders: Iowa's new Elder Abuse law 11:15AM Protecting our elders: Iowa's new Elder Abuse law Panelists: Brad Anderson, Robyn Mills, Larry Kudej, Chantelle Smith Elder abuse became a specific criminal offense under a new law that took effect July 1. The new laws – which establish criminal penalties -- also address theft, assault and financial exploitation of those over age 60. We’ll talk about the impacts the laws are expected to have as well as why the laws were necessary in the first place. Watch Recap Track: Policy 306	DEI: Building the foundation for employer DEI strategies 11:15AM DEI: Building the foundation for employer DEI strategies Panelists: Angelica Vannatta, Tim Carty, Stefanie Munsterman, Erin Pottebaum, Robin Therme, Jennifer Banta A look at Iowa tools and resources in building an effective DEI strategy. How are available tools balanced with the goal of an authentic means to understand the critical need to understand an organization's history and current state? Inclusive ICR will review their dEI index offered to Eastern Iowa employers and the building of a DEI resource library. Watch Recap Track: Workforce 307
12:20PM	Closing Keynote Speakers: Clarissa Chun and Dan Gable 12:20PM Closing Keynote Speakers: Clarissa Chun and Dan Gable Panelists: Dan Gable, Clarissa Chun Two Olympians will share their experiences and talk about the future and growth of one of Iowa's most iconic collegiate sports. Watch Recap Track: Keynote Sessions 314

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Iowa Ideas Conference Schedule 2022

9 Tracks Representing Key Topics in Iowa

Conference Schedule • October 13 - 14, 2022

Iowa Ideas
Conference Schedule 2022