Central Iowa Business Conference 2026 to Feature AI, Leadership, and Civility Experts

The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce will host the Central Iowa Business Conference on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona, Iowa. The conference will feature keynote speakers Richard Bryan, Alexandra Hudson, and Brandon Carlson, offering insights into business growth, leadership, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

Keynote Speakers and Topics

The conference aims to inspire and educate business professionals, CEOs, executive teams, business owners, investors, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. The three keynote speakers will address critical themes for navigating the evolving business landscape:

• Richard Bryan: Bryan will share practical tools for growing businesses, drawing on his experience in business leadership and succession planning. He previously navigated a challenging transition when he took over his family’s business after his father’s illness.
• Alexandra Hudson: Hudson will explore the importance of civility and civic renewal in leadership and team dynamics. She is a recognized voice on these topics.
• Brandon Carlson: Carlson will discuss operationalizing artificial intelligence in the workplace, providing practical approaches for businesses looking to leverage AI technologies.

About the Central Iowa Business Conference

The Central Iowa Business Conference is designed to provide educational opportunities for all businesses in Central Iowa, regardless of Urbandale Chamber of Commerce membership. Registration details and further information are available on the conference website.

The conference theme, “Lead. Shift. Transform. – Empowering Change For A Better Future,” emphasizes proactive leadership, adaptation, and purposeful transformation in a rapidly changing world.

Urbandale Chamber of Commerce

The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, a five-star accredited Chamber, is a catalyst organization dedicated to serving, protecting, promoting, and providing opportunities to businesses in Central Iowa. More information about the Chamber and its services can be found on its website.