Events

Carrie Kruse is the Economic Development Administrator for the City of Des Moines, where she conducts negotiations with developers, businesses, and others regarding the public participation necessary for desired economic development outcomes within the City of Des Moines.  Carrie proactively leads efforts to attract investment to the City of Des Moines through real estate development opportunities, the retention and existing of existing businesses, and increasing Des Moines' housing supply, while promoting Des Moines as an opportune place to do business.

Innovating for the Future at the Science Center of Iowa:
Since opening its doors in 1970, the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) has been a leader in science communication throughout the state. With a mission to engage and inspire Iowans on their lifelong journey of science learning, SCI continues to evolve alongside the rapid advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, medicine, agriculture, and space exploration. Discover how SCI is embracing these innovations to help visitors stay curious, informed, and connected to the changing world around them.

Jolie Pelds is the Director of Innovative STEM Teaching at the Science Center of Iowa. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Science Education both from the University of Iowa. She has taught at both the secondary as well as collegiate levels. She joined SCI in 2014 and her current work at SCI allows her to strengthen STEM education across the state through professional development and the creation of educational programming for early learners, homeschoolers, parents, and teachers.

Rob Taylor is the Owner, Founder, and Master Distiller of Revelton Distilling Company, an international award-winning craft distillery located in Osceola, Iowa. 

Rob grew up on his family's farm in central Clarke County, where he raised Limousine cattle and grew corn, hay & soybeans. Rob's professional background includes extensive experience in the automotive industry as an ASE Certified Diesel mechanic, service director, and fixed operations consultant. He also managed a family-owned petroleum company for many years, specializing in synthetic lubricants and biofuels. In 2012, Rob was elected to the Iowa State House of Representatives, serving three terms before leaving politics in 2018 to focus on building and operating Revelton Distilling Company.  Rob is married to Dr. Christi Taylor, a practicing physician who serves as his partner and Gin Distiller at Revelton. Together, they have 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren who all had a part in building their business and actively help at the distillery on a regular basis.

Revelton Distilling Company first opened its doors to the public in December of 2020, after spending the previous 11 months building during the COVID pandemic.  It is now celebrated for its exceptional spirits, including Bourbon & Rye Whiskey, Mulberry & American gins, vodkas, and flavored liquors. The distillery sources ALL its grains (for the purpose of making whiskey) from southern Iowa and gives back 100% of its spent mash to its local farm partners as a high-quality feed source for livestock.  Revelton is now recognized as the fastest-growing distillery in Iowa and truly reflects the “buy local, support local” philosophy in everything they do.

...Here's to Good Times & Great Spirit

EembarJeffries,  a journey through the treetops and conquer new heights with our passionate team of outdoor enthusiasts. Each staff member brings a   of expertise and enthusiasm to ensure an unforgettable experience for every adventurer who steps foot on our course. Get to know the faces behind the adventure and discover the heart and soul of Stowe Heights Challenge Course. on a journey through the treetops and conquer new heights with our passionate team of outdoor enthusiasts. Each staff member brings a   blend of expertise and enthusiasm to ensure an unforgettable experience for every adventurer who steps foot on our course. Get to know the Embark on a journey through the treetops and conquer new heights with our passionate team of outdoor enthusiasts. Each staff member brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to ensure an unforgettable experience for every adventurer who steps foot on our course. Get to know the faces behind the adventure and discover the heart and soul of Stowe Heights Challenge Course.faces behind the adventure and discover the heart and soul of Stowe Heights Challenge Course.Embark on a journey through the treetops and conquer new heights with our passionate team of outdoor enthusiasts. Each staff member brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to ensure an unforgettable experience for every adventurer who steps foot on our course. Get to know the faces behind the adventure and discover the heart and soul of Stowe Heights Challenge Course.

Kids Operating Room began in 2018 and was founded by Garreth and Nicola Wood, a well-known family in Scotland. The KidsOR USA branch was formed in 2023 to build awareness in the US and expand our mission in Latin America. 

There are two differentiating factors to Kids Operating Room’s mission and approach: we build local healthcare capacity instead of relying on medical missions and harness solar energy to power our operating rooms. In just over 8 years, we have installed and equipped 99 pediatric operating rooms in 35 countries around the world to deliver safe surgery to children in some of the most challenging and hard-to-reach areas of the world, including Haiti, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Afghanistan. We also built the world’s first pediatric OR in a refugee campaign in Kenya. Our work has highlighted in a BBC short film Kids OR | Smile Train and we were honored to receive the .ORG Impact Award last fall in Washington, D.C. in the Health and Healing category. 

Natalie is not only a powerhouse innovation strategist and CEO of Innovation Meets Leadership, but she’s also the host of a top innovation podcast. She’s passionate about helping leaders like you bring creativity and purpose into your work-and she’s got some incredible stories and insights to share.