Contact:
Bill Menner
Executive Director
Director@iowardc.org
(February 23, 2026) – The Iowa Rural Development Council will host the 2026 RISE: Iowa Rural Summit in Dubuque on April 9 and 10. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the summit will convene rural leaders and community builders from across Iowa.
“The Rural Summit brings together the people who are advancing Iowa’s future,” said Madison Burke, board chair of IRDC. “When rural leaders connect, share ideas, and support one another, entire communities move forward. I look forward to helping elevate the partnerships that keep rural Iowa thriving.”
Rural communities are encouraged to attend as teams of three, with a discounted combined registration rate available, while individuals may also register. Bringing a team allows communities to divide and conquer breakout sessions, gain a wider range of insights, and return home with multiple perspectives to share. The summit offers an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and strengthen your community alongside fellow leaders, economic developers, local government representatives, nonprofit partners, business owners, and others passionate about rural Iowa’s future.
Participants are invited to experience the Dubuque area during their stay. On Wednesday, April 8, an optional Field of Dreams Tour in Dyersville will be offered at 3:00p.m. (pre-registration required), followed by a Welcome Reception at 5:00p.m. The evening will be open for attendees to explore Dubuque’s restaurants and downtown attractions.
The RISE: Iowa Rural Summit will officially begin on Thursday, April 9, with a keynote address from Dr. Jeff Stamp of the University of Minnesota. Dr. Stamp, known for leading the team that innovated Baked! Lays(r), will speak on the theme of “Entrepreneurship, Curiosity, and Creativity.”
Next up: “30 Questions in 30 Minutes”, a rapid-fire session where communities share their biggest challenges. This fast-paced session helps attendees connect with others experiencing similar issues and identify which breakout sessions will be most valuable to them.
The day will feature a variety of breakout sessions focused on key rural priorities, including housing, business development, education, arts and culture, emergency services, tourism, philanthropy, advocacy, rural resources, and news media. Gary Dolphin, the voice of the Hawkeyes, will provide lunch remarks, and a vendor fair will be open throughout the event to connect participants with organizations and businesses supporting rural communities.
Friday, April 10, will include a keynote session from Gabi Torres, an artist and creative placemaker from Clinton, Iowa. Then the popular, “45 Ideas in 45 Minutes” session will allow communities to share their success stories. The summit will conclude with a closing keynote address by Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority before adjourning at noon.
To learn more or register for the RISE: Rural Summit visit https://iowardc.org/summit/.
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