The 2026 PDI Fall Conference, hosted by the Professional Developers of Iowa, is set to feature Katie Milton Jordan as a keynote speaker and panel moderator. The conference, scheduled for September 23-25 in Burlington, Iowa, will focus on the theme “Flowing at the Speed of Change: Economic Development, AI, and Community Readiness.” This gathering aims to bring together Iowa's economic development professionals to explore the forces reshaping local economies and the practical steps needed to prepare communities for future challenges.
Jordan's participation underscores the conference's emphasis on the intersection of artificial intelligence, economic development, and human-centered execution. Her work is dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations move beyond mere AI experimentation, establishing governed workflows that enhance decision-making, strengthen teams, and deliver measurable outcomes. Her insights are particularly relevant as communities across the nation grapple with how to incorporate advanced technology while preserving local knowledge and the human connections essential to development efforts.
The conference agenda covers a broad spectrum of topics, including downtown redevelopment, AI's impact on economic development, disaster preparedness, data-center growth, childcare solutions, legislative updates, and community readiness. Jordan's involvement places her in direct conversation with professionals confronting these same issues, offering a perspective that emphasizes readiness as the key to successful technology adoption.
“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,” Jordan stated, highlighting her core message.
Jordan, who holds an MBA and certifications as a Business Intermediary and Exit Planning Advisor, is the founder and CEO of SimpleEDO.ai. Her background as a former economic development executive lends practical weight to her guidance for teams operating under public, budget, and capacity constraints. She is recognized for steering leaders away from “AI theater” toward accountable workflows that produce real results.
The event will occur in Burlington, Iowa, from September 23-25, 2026. For more details, visit the conference website at pdiowa.com. Additional information about Jordan's work can be found at katiemiltonjordan.com.
