Centennial Summit: The Future of Economic Development 2026

Join us in the heart of the Black Hills for a one-of-a-kind regional gathering celebrating milestone moments in economic development and community leadership; The Centennial Summit: The Future of Midwest Economic Development - An Official IEDC Centennial Event. Together, we will mark three historic anniversaries: America's 250th, Rapid City's 150th, and IEDC's 100th. Set in the City of Presidents, this mini-conference brings Midwest economic development professionals together for two days of context, conversation, and centennial celebration. What to Expect: Forward-looking plenary and breakout sessions focused on rural innovation and economic resilience; Interactive tours of Rapid City's assets, including the innovation district; Evening reception at the Dahl Arts Center; A visit to Mount Rushmore for the nightly lighting ceremony; Networking, local experiences, and time to connect with peers across the Midwest. The agenda includes plenaries on The State of Economic Development, Workforce as Infrastructure, Leadership for the Next Century, and The Future of the Profession, alongside breakout sessions covering Rural Innovation, Talent Pipelines, Rethinking Incentives, Bold Collaboration, and Measuring What Matters.