ABI annual conference to draw hundreds to Dubuque

February 15, 2017 | View a PDF of this release.

ABI annual conference to draw hundreds to Dubuque

Hundreds of business leaders from Iowa and the Midwest will travel to Dubuque, June 6-8, for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s (ABI) annual Taking Care of Business Conference.

The Taking Care of Business Conference is Iowa’s premiere statewide business conference featuring world-class speakers, including Robert Richman, culture strategist and co-creator of Zappos Insights, and author and leadership coach Tommy Spaulding.

The conference also provides relevant and impactful educational offerings and the chance to network with hundreds of executives with decision-making authority. This year, the event will highlight ways in which Iowa companies give back to their employees, communities, the state and even globally.

“Typically we’re pretty soft-spoken about what we’re out doing in our own communities and I think this message about how we give back across the board will resonate,” said ABI Chair Lori Schaefer-Weaton, president of Agri-Industrial Plastics in Fairfield. “We are excited to bring the Taking Care of Business Conference back to Dubuque to show off the success of the business community here as well as the magnificent Mississippi riverfront.”

ABI last hosted its annual conference in Dubuque in 2011. Attendees at the Taking Care of Business Conference will fill about 250 hotel rooms over the three-day event and take advantage of regional gems, including the Hotel Julien, Grand River Center and Diamond Jo Casino.

“As a business owner here in eastern Iowa, the ABI Taking Care of Business Conference is a must attend event,” said Jack Hasken, President and CEO of Jackson Manufacturing in Maquoketa and a member of the ABI Board of Directors. “It is Iowa’s premier business conference that brings together various industry leaders to be educated, network and share ideas on how to grow and strengthen Iowa’s business climate.”

Attendees will also have a chance to participate in exclusive industry tours at local businesses and learn about the community through a historic tour and a tour of redevelopment throughout the city.

“This is an excellent opportunity to shine a spotlight on Dubuque and the progress being made here, all while providing local leaders unique access to the networking, speakers and learning opportunities this event has to offer,” said Tim Conlon, President of Conlon Construction in Dubuque and a member of the ABI Board of Directors.

Those interested in attending this event can learn more and register by visiting www.abitakingcareofbusiness.com. Registration opens Wednesday, Feb. 22.