The 2026 PDI Fall Conference, hosted by the Professional Developers of Iowa, will feature Katie Milton Jordan as a keynote speaker and panel moderator. Scheduled for September 23-25 in Burlington, Iowa, the conference theme, “Flowing at the Speed of Change: Economic Development, AI, and Community Readiness,” aims to equip Iowa economic development professionals with insights on navigating the rapid transformations in their field.
Jordan, founder and CEO of SimpleEDO.ai, is recognized for her expertise in helping mission-driven organizations implement AI in a governed, human-accountable manner. Her session will focus on moving beyond AI experimentation to establish workflows that enhance decision-making and deliver measurable outcomes. The conference agenda covers topics such as downtown redevelopment, AI's impact on economic development, disaster preparedness, data-center growth, childcare solutions, legislative updates, and community readiness—issues that resonate nationwide.
According to Jordan, “The most important AI conversations are not really about software. They are about readiness—whether leaders have the systems, judgment, and shared language to turn change into community advantage.” This perspective underscores the conference's emphasis on practical strategies for adopting new technology while preserving local knowledge and relationships.
The event provides a platform for professionals to discuss how to integrate AI without losing the human elements critical to economic development. Jordan's participation highlights the growing importance of aligning technological advancement with community needs.
For more details about the conference, visit pdiowa.com. Information about Jordan's work is available at katiemiltonjordan.com.
