IEDC Summit Will Explore the Future of Midwest Economic Development

The celebration of milestone moments and forward-thinking community leadership will cap off the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Centennial Summit: The Future of Midwest Economic Development.

Held in Rapid City, South Dakota on July 13-14, 2026, the gathering will also mark the historic anniversaries of America’s 250th year of freedom, Rapid City's 150th anniversary, and the IEDC’s 100th.

Registration for the conference closes on July 6th! Please click here to secure your spot at this one of a kind gathering of economic development professionals from across the Midwest. 

A Focus on Rural Innovation & Economic Resilience

The two-day mini conference will culminate with a sharp focus on rural innovation and economic resilience. Attendees will also be treated to:

• Interactive tours of Rapid City’s innovation district  
• An evening reception at the Dahl Arts Center  
• A visit to Mount Rushmore for the awe-inspiring, nightly lighting ceremony  
• Plenty of networking and idea-sharing opportunities as you connect with peers

Conference Agenda

Monday, July 13

12:00 p.m. - Check-in

1:00–2:30 p.m.  - Plenary: The State of Economic Development
Speakers: Nathan Ohle, IEDC and Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun

2:45–3:45 p.m. - Breakout Sessions

• Session 1: Global Competitiveness & Trade
  Speakers: Chris Knight, FDI Intelligence for Financial Times, Joe Fiala, South Dakota Trade, and Kallie Ruland, Elevate Rapid City
• Session 2: Fostering Entrepreneurship & Small Business Success
  Speakers: TBD

4:15–5:15 p.m. - Plenary: How Job Quality Will Define Economic Development
Speakers: Todd Greene, Morehouse School of Medicine

6:00–7:30 p.m. - Centennial Reception at the Dahl Arts Center

7:45 p.m. - Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday, July 14

8:30–10:00 a.m. - Plenary: Leading with Impact: Measuring What Matters in Economic Development
Speakers: Nathan Ohle, IEDC and Josh Wright, Lightcast

10:15–11:15 a.m. – Breakout Sessions

• Session 1: Where Innovation Meets Place-Making
  Speakers: Garth Wadsworth, Elevate Rapid City, Mike Stanley, Dream Design Inc., David Hancock, Ridgeline Roasters, Dr. Jim Stone, South Dakota School of Mines
• Session 2: Activate Rural: Working with Artists to Transform Buildings into Creative Third Places
  Speakers: Sarina Otaibi & Courtney Bergey Swanson, Minnesota Department of Public Transformation

11:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m. - Plenary Lunch: Future Ready: What Communities Need to Compete in the Next Era of Economic Development
Speakers: Commissioner Bill Even, South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development and Courtney Dunbar, Burns & McDonnell

1:30 p.m. – Guided Tours

• Tour No. 1:  Building a Destination: How Rapid City Became the Gateway to the Black Hills
  Walking tour of Rapid City’s vibrant downtown with Black Hills Adventure Tours
• Tour No. 2:  - Innovation in Action: Exploring Rapid City’s Innovation District
  Windshield tour of Rapid City’s innovation district corridor

3:30 p.m. - Innovation After Hours: Closing Reception at David Lust Accelerator Building
                 
5:00 p.m. - Event Concludes

Please Sign Up By July 6th!

Registration closes on July 6th. Please click here to secure your spot.