2026 innovationIOWA Unveiling and Connection Event

Date: July 9, 2026

Time: 3-5 p.m. | 3 p.m. – Network with top leaders in innovation, 3:30 p.m. – Program and unveiling

Location: Krause Gateway Center, 1459 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

What does practical innovation look like among various industries, locations and organizations of all sizes? How could you collaborate with or take inspiration from other leaders to put your ideas into action or grow existing efforts?

At our annual innovationIOWA Unveiling and Connection Event, we will explore these questions and more with entrepreneurial Iowans who can help you solve unanswered problems. Tables at this year’s event will be organized into five sectors of the entrepreneurial ecosystem: risk capital and investors, entrepreneurs and startups, corporate innovation, education and community. We will prompt groups with thought-provoking questions that will help you share your passions, learn from others and spur ideas for growth. A group of innovation leaders from across the state will serve as conversation facilitators, guiding guests as they discuss unique solutions to the challenges you’re facing. The facilitators will share key takeaways from the conversations so that we can transform Iowa.

Come connect with like-minded innovators from across the state and get your copy of the 2026 innovationIOWA Magazine. Plus, you’ll help honor this year’s innovationLEADER award winner.

Facilitators:

• Risk capital and investors: Liz Keehner, partner, Next Level Ventures
• Entrepreneurs and startups: Jill Wilkins, executive director, NewBoCo
• Corporate innovation: James Altamirano, business innovation director, EMC Insurance Cos.
• Education: Paula Kueter, director, Larry & Joan Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, Morningside University
• Community: Frederick Newell, founder, Dream City

As a media company, we believe our products should mirror our community both in the ways we celebrate diversity and in the way we facilitate meaningful conversations about equity. We understand this is essential to supporting a strong and growing community.

In registering for this event, you agree to the Privacy Policy of Business Publications Corporation (BPC) as disclosed on our website, and as it might be amended from time to time, and to sharing and disclosure of registration data and information to the event sponsors for their use.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Business Publications Corporation