See you in Council Bluffs

On behalf of ABI Board Chair Chad Reece (Winnebago Industries, Forest City), we look forward to seeing many members in Council Bluffs next week! In talking to other members, and searching the ABI files, this appears to be the FIRST time in our association’s history that the annual conference will be held in the southwest Iowa city of Council Bluffs. Council Bluffs is a city rich with history that is consistently underrated. When you arrive in the city and participate in the events, I think you will be impressed with the investments made in the community and the pride of the local leaders. If you are still on the fence about whether to attend, or you’ve never been and don’t understand what the hype is all about; let me share with you a few top reasons for why Iowa business leaders attend… 

3. Workshops that provide real solutions for business challenges. Whether it’s improving employee culture, understanding your tax liability and how to leverage incentives or understanding the role of influencers in marketing of your products; the workshop presenters are the best in their field. You have the opportunity to hear from them and learn from your peers about how they are addressing those issues in their business. 

2. National Keynote Speakers. From the CEO of iconic brand Winnebago Industries to a national workforce expert to one of the first female Apache helicopter pilots. The conference secures top talent to not only share the lessons they’ve learned, but to also give you food for thought as you evolve your business, your future talent and yourself.  

1. Relationships. The ABI Conference isn’t another networking event filled with surface level conversations about the weather and summer plans. Of course those topics are covered because we are Iowans and what would any conversation be without the weather?! In all seriousness, what I hear about the ABI conference from members is they get work done at the conference. The people who show up year after year have gotten to know, like and trust each other. Breakfast before the main stage speaker, the breaks, the after-hours events—people are connecting with one another. The conference serves as your venue for the best two and half days of out of office business work with other Iowa executives.  

If those three things aren’t enough for you, don’t forget the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa will be announced on Wednesday. Thursday includes the Leadership for Iowa Award and the 2024-25 Leadership Iowa Graduation.  

You will see the work of your fellow ABI members showcased in the venue throughout the week. Thank you to Economy Advertising/TruArt Color Graphics and Universal Printing for the wonderful signage. Thank you to Trilix and Anthologic for the video support and thank you to Storey Kenworthy for the polos!  

I also want to say thank you to our platinum sponsors: Google, MidAmerican Energy and Winnebago Industries and all our sponsors who make this event possible.  

All of us on the ABI team are excited to welcome you to conference. We think it will be an experience you will remember. But don’t take my word for it. We all know I’m biased. Make 2025 your year to try out the conference. Register today and I’ll see you next week.