State of Iowa Manufacturing

Date: August 27
Location: Virtual
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The coronavirus pandemic has turned conventional wisdom on its head in the first half of 2020, and Iowa’s manufacturing industry proved it could quickly retool and improvise. Many manufacturers across the state have pivoted to serve immediate needs by shifting to make personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and other critical items.  Now, with the realization that the public health emergency could continue well into 2021, how will Iowa’s largest industry adapt to the new environment? How will the state’s economy and manufacturers’ roles shift as companies work to restart and continue business amid COVID-19? What will the state of Iowa manufacturing be in the weeks and months ahead? 

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Date: Sept. 10
Location: Virtual
Time: 8-9:30 a.m. program | 9:30 to 10 a.m. post-event networking

Start the day with a compelling conversation and discussion by expert panelists tackling the business community's pressing issues. With three events a year, this event is highly anticipated and timely in business topics covered.

THE TOPIC
The coronavirus pandemic has drastically shifted the economy, and with it views of how communities and states should shift regional plans for the future. Business Insider named Des Moines one of the top 20 cities to live in after the pandemic. What planning needs to happen to ensure that the region will come out strong, but also incorporate lessons learned for future economic downturns? This discussion will focus on how regional planning will move forward in regard to transportation, sustainability, community development, downtown density, public health and more.

Among the questions we plan to tackle:
How do we continue to plan as a region when we’ve had such a major disruption that will require long-term recovery?
What lessons has the region learned from the pandemic that will be part of community development going forward?
What things can the region do to be even better prepared for economic turmoil in the future whether or not it’s related to a pandemic?
The pandemic has magnified inequities that exist in our communities -- how can we position ourselves to do more for those with the least?

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Date: October 1
Location: TBD
Time: TBD

The Business Record is bringing back our 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes event again this year. At the event on Oct. 1, nine leaders from Central Iowa businesses will share 10 of their company's internal programs and initiatives - both big and small - that can be applied to any business. In a fast-paced discussion, each leader will present their top ideas, and field questions from the audience.

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Date: November 4

Location: Virtual

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Iowa feeds the world, yet many in our state do not know where to turn for their next meal. Join the Business Record, dsm Magazine and ia Magazine as we continue our Iowa Stops Hunger event series presented by Hy-Vee.

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