The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) has announced that Katie Milton Jordan, founder and CEO of SimpleEDO.ai, will deliver a keynote and moderate a panel at the 2026 PDI Fall Conference, scheduled for September 23-25 in Burlington, Iowa. The conference theme, "Flowing at the Speed of Change: Economic Development, AI, and Community Readiness," underscores the critical need for economic development professionals to understand and adapt to technological shifts while maintaining a focus on community well-being.
Jordan's participation brings a unique perspective on the intersection of artificial intelligence and economic development. Her work centers on helping mission-driven organizations move beyond AI experimentation and implement governed workflows that support better decisions, stronger teams, and measurable results. This approach is particularly relevant for economic development professionals who operate under real public, budget, and capacity constraints, as highlighted by her background as a former economic development executive and certified business intermediary.
The conference agenda will address a range of pressing topics, including downtown redevelopment, AI's impact on economic development, disaster preparedness, data-center growth, childcare solutions, legislative updates, and community readiness. Jordan's keynote and panel are expected to provide attendees with actionable insights on integrating AI into their strategies without compromising the human relationships and local judgment that are essential to successful development.
In a statement, Jordan emphasized the human element of AI 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." This philosophy aligns with the conference's goal of equipping Iowa's economic development professionals to navigate the complexities of rapid change.
The event will take place at a time when communities nationwide are grappling with similar questions about how to harness new technologies while preserving the human touch that underpins economic growth. For more information about the conference, visit pdiowa.com. To learn more about Jordan's work, see katiemiltonjordan.com.
The 2026 PDI Fall Conference represents a key opportunity for economic development professionals to engage with thought leaders like Jordan, gaining practical knowledge to apply in their own communities. As AI continues to reshape industries, events like this are crucial for ensuring that development efforts remain both innovative and community-focused.
