Get ready to bring your rural energy and ideas to Dubuque for the 2026 Rural Summit on April 9-10 at the Grand Harbor Resort & Conference Center! This is the 10th Annual Iowa Rural Summit, and it promises to be a packed two days of learning, networking, and sharing!
Preliminary Agenda!
See the dates, times, keynotes and break-out session by clicking 2026 Iowa Rural Summit Agenda
Why Attend?
- Build connections with rural leaders and advocates.
- Explore topics like economic development, housing, workforce, and placemaking.
- Celebrate successes and learn from challenges.
- Take home actionable ideas and resources for your community.
Join the conversation and share your Rural Summit experience by using the hashtag #2026IowaRuralSummit! Let’s amplify the energy, ideas, and inspiration for Iowa’s rural communities!
Previewing Rural Summit 2026
- Innovations in Rural Housing Break-out Session
- Reimagining Rural Media Outlets
- Celebrating Towns Under 1,000
- Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awards
- 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes
- Networking with friends, colleagues, exhibitors and sponsors
Summit Speakers
Dr. Jeffrey Stamp
Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Minnesota
Iowa native Dr. Jeffrey Stamp is a Teaching Professor of Entrepreneurship in the Department of Applied Economics in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Stamp teaches courses in creativity, concept design, sales, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking skills to students from 14 majors across campus. Dr. Stamp’s love of creativity evolved over years of being a professional creative. He was the creator and director of the team that innovated Baked! Lays ® Potato Crisps, part of PepsiCo’s snack division, Frito-Lay. Dr. Stamp has won a coveted Edison Award silver medal for the Food and Beverage Category and was awarded the “George Land World-Class Innovator Award” from the Innovation Network and Fast Company magazine. Dr. Stamp has won numerous teaching awards, including the University of Minnesota 2024 Entrepreneurship Faculty of the Year.
Gary Dolphin
The Voice of the Hawkeyes
The radio voice of the University of Iowa football and men’s basketball since 1996, Gary Dolphin continues to provide the backing track to many great Hawkeye moments. Born in Cascade, Dolphin spent his childhood working at his parents’ convenience store. He started in radio in 1970 as the play-by-play voice for KDTH, covering Iowa's football and basketball games. He moved to KDUB-TV in 1978, where he spent eight years as sports director and ten seasons broadcasting Dubuque prep football, baseball, and basketball games. In December 1996, Gary beat out 63 other broadcasters to become the voice for Iowa Hawkeye football and men's basketball.
Gabriella Torres
Artist and Creative Placemaker
Gabriella Torres is an abstract painter and creative placemaker based in her hometown of Clinton, Iowa. Across Iowa, she is recognized for her community-based art projects, which transform underutilized spaces into vibrant social hubs. Her work not only fosters connection but also drives economic growth. In 2023, Gabriella was honored as an Emerging Arts Leader and selected as one of five Iowa Arts Fellows. Since then, she has presented at conferences and participated on panels discussing rural placemaking and public art throughout the region. Alongside her partner Chris Shannon, she co-founded Paint it Back, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to revitalizing spaces through public art, energizing communities, and spurring economic growth.
Nancy Van Milligen
President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Nancy has been president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque since they opened their doors in 2003. Since that time, she has established the Community Foundation as a trailblazer in community leadership and engagement initiatives, drawing the attention of funders across the nation. Through her direction, the Foundation has grown to support over 300 nonprofit partners and 4,000 donors, granting out $70 million to area nonprofits since inception. While rooted in Dubuque, Nancy extends her leadership to national organizations focused on rural community development. She serves on the Rural School Collaborative's Board of Directors and has previously served as chair of the Funders Network for Smart Growth, a member of on the Council on Foundations Public Policy Committee, and president of the Iowa Council on Foundations.Location
Grand River Center
Situated along the magnificent Mississippi River, adjacent to deluxe lodging, gaming and entertainment venues and within walking distance of historic downtown Dubuque, the Grand River Center features a diverse, intimate atmosphere where you will enjoy dedicated service and the finest cuisine.
Accommodations
The Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, adjacent to the Grand River Center and connected by a skywalk, has a Rural Summit Room Block at $129 per room. Secure a room in that block by calling 563-690-4000 and asking for the Iowa Rural Summit room rate.
Summit Sponsors
