Three Reasons This Year's ABI Conference Is a Must-Attend

On behalf of ABI Board Chair Kellan Longenecker (General Mills) and our board of directors, we look forward to welcoming members from across the state to the 2026 Taking Care of Business Conference in Coralville and Iowa City June 2-4. 2026. This year’s conference programming is built around a key theme: business is a team sport. Success doesn’t happen in isolation, and this event is designed to bring Iowa’s business community together to learn, connect and move forward—together. This year’s conference features one of the most jam-packed agendas we have ever put together, with more opportunities than ever to learn, connect and engage with Iowa’s business community. From start to finish, attendees will find plenty to be excited about.  

 Each year, this conference brings together Iowa’s business community in a way that is hard to replicate anywhere else. It is time intentionally spent away from the day-to-day to focus on your business, your network and the future of our state. 

If you are still deciding whether to attend, or if you have never experienced our annual conference before, let me share three reasons why so many Iowa business leaders make this a priority on their calendar. 

1. Relationships that move your business forward. 
   At its core, the ABI Conference is about connection. What makes this event special is the depth of those relationships. The conversations that happen over coffee, between sessions and at our evening events are where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and business gets done. Time and again, members tell me this is where they build the relationships they rely on throughout the year. 
2. A main stage that brings perspective you can’t get anywhere else. 
   From keynote speakers to industry conversations, the main stage is built to challenge and inspire. This year’s lineup includes Donna Orender, former WNBA President and business leader, and Shawn DuBravac, futurist and economist known for his insights on innovation, technology and economic trends. Their perspectives will challenge how we think about leadership, growth and the future of business in a rapidly changing environment.  
3. New Thursday programming that brings Iowa’s future into focus. 
   For the first time, we are introducing new Thursday programming focused on leadership, industry and public policy shaping Iowa’s future. These sessions are new to the conference and have not been included in past agendas.  

We will host a gubernatorial candidate forum where attendees will hear directly from candidates as they outline their priorities for Iowa’s employers, workforce and long-term economic growth.

In addition, we will feature a CEO panel on Iowa’s leading industries, moderated by Director Debi Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. The panel includes Scott Jean of EMC Insurance, Tim Bianco of Iowa Spring Manufacturing and Ben Vallier of The Iowa Clinic. These leaders will share insights from across their sectors and what they see ahead for Iowa’s economy.

We are especially grateful to our 2026 Platinum Sponsors: MidAmerican Energy, Google, the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and General Mills, whose support helps make this conference possible. We also extend our appreciation to all our sponsors and partners whose continued investment strengthens this event year after year and helps us bring together Iowa’s business community in such a meaningful way. 

From signature moments throughout the agenda to the continued celebration of Iowa innovation and leadership, this year’s conference will once again showcase the strength of our business community and the momentum happening across our state. That celebration also includes the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa, with the 2026 winner being announced live at conference on June 3rd. 

If you have not yet registered, I encourage you to do so. I look forward to seeing you at conference, where we come together to share ideas, strengthen relationships and advance Iowa’s business community. Because at the end of the day, business is a team sport.

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