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 address the forces reshaping local economies and the practical steps needed to prepare communities for future challenges.
Jordan, founder and CEO of SimpleEDO.ai, brings a unique perspective to the intersection of artificial intelligence, economic development, and human-centered execution. Her work emphasizes moving beyond AI experimentation to build governed workflows that support better decisions, stronger teams, and measurable results. With a background as an economic development executive, Certified Business Intermediary, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, she has become an authority on AI execution for mission-driven organizations operating under real public, budget, and capacity constraints.
The conference agenda covers a wide range 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 participation positions her in conversations with professionals grappling with similar questions across the nation: how to adopt new technology without sacrificing local judgment, institutional knowledge, or the human relationships that are vital to development work.
Jordan's keynote will underscore a critical message: “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 sentiment reflects her focus on helping leaders integrate AI in a way that enhances—rather than replaces—human decision-making and community engagement.
For more details about the conference, visit pdiowa.com. To learn more about Jordan's work, visit katiemiltonjordan.com.
