MOLINE, ILLINOIS (May 30, 2024) — Over 500 business leaders throughout Iowa will gather in the Quad Cities for the 2024 Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Taking Care of Business Conference on June 4-6. Taking Care of Business is Iowa's premier business conference, bringing together industry leaders to learn, network and share ideas on how to grow and strengthen Iowa's business climate.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and professional team, we are thrilled to host the Iowa ABI annual conference,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “As the largest business organization in Iowa, working alongside ABI to create a positive environment for its members and showcase the Quad Cities regional destination is a privilege. The conference aligns with the momentum and energy in the QC as group business for tourism continues to drive meaningful results for our region’s visitor economy.”
The conference, hosted in downtown Davenport’s RiverCenter, boasts an exciting two days of networking opportunities, professional development, and workshops focusing on a variety of topics such as crisis communication, cybersecurity, talent attraction and retention, artificial intelligence, and more.
2024 Mainstage Speakers include:
- Lesa France Kennedy is the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR and previously served as CEO of International Speedway Corporation, leading major development and revitalization projects in the motorsports industry.
- Tommy Spaulding is the founder and president of Tommy Spaulding Companies, a bestselling author, and former CEO and President of Up with People, recognized globally for his leadership development work.
- Frank Kelly is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Wall Street and senior government roles, currently serving as Deutsche Bank's first Chief Political Strategist and involved in various philanthropic endeavors.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will serve as a special speaker on June 5, 10:30AM, in the Great Hall of the River Center.
Platinum sponsors for the event include MidAmerican Energy and Weaton Companies. New to the programming this year is the announcement of the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa. Iowa-made products have been competing since early April to receive the honor.
In addition to the conference activities, attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience unique offerings of the Quad Cities through various Community Experiences and Industry Tour outings.
Organized by Visit Quad Cities, these outings are designed to showcase the best of what the Quad Cities region has to offer, from world-class golfing to engaging industry tours. Experiences include:
- Golf at TPC Deere Run: Experience a best-shot tournament on a championship golf course.
- Spirits and Sweets: An interactive mixology class at the J Bar followed by a chocolate-making demonstration at Chocolate Manor.
- Iowa American Water: A walking tour of a water treatment plant.
- Arconic: A tour of Arconic’s facility producing aluminum sheet and plate for various industries.
- Quad Cities Treasures: A tour of Living Lands and Water floating classroom and a tour of historic Arsenal Island.
- John Deere Davenport Works: A factory tour of John Deere Davenport Works.
If interested in covering any portion of the event, please contact Kelsey O’Connor for additional details. Interviews may be available upon request. For full event information please visit: iowaabi.org/events/annual-conference/.
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region's official destination management and marketing organization (DMMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, tells and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place.
About Iowa Association of Business and Industry
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI is comprised of member companies representing all industries and sizes in Iowa’s 99 counties. ABI members employ more than 330,000 Iowans.
