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,” will gather Iowa’s economic development professionals to explore the forces reshaping local economies and the practical steps needed to prepare communities for future challenges.
Jordan’s participation underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence in economic development. Her work focuses on helping mission-driven organizations move beyond AI experimentation, implementing governed workflows that enhance decision-making, strengthen teams, and deliver measurable results. This approach is particularly relevant as communities nationwide grapple with integrating new technologies while preserving local context, institutional knowledge, and the human relationships essential to development.
The conference agenda covers a broad spectrum 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 sessions will place her in direct conversation with professionals facing similar questions about adopting technology without sacrificing local judgment. As she notes, “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.”
Jordan brings a unique blend of experience to the stage. As a former economic development executive and a Certified Business Intermediary and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, she has firsthand knowledge of the constraints faced by public, budget-limited organizations. Her company, SimpleEDO.ai, specializes in AI execution for economic development organizations, chambers, regional partnerships, and other mission-driven teams. Her thought leadership emphasizes moving beyond what she calls “AI theater” to implement governed, human-accountable workflows that produce tangible outcomes.
The choice of Burlington as the host city is fitting, as it reflects the conference’s focus on community readiness. Burlington, like many mid-sized cities, faces the dual challenge of revitalizing its downtown while positioning itself for future economic shifts. The conference will provide practical strategies for such communities, with Jordan’s insights serving as a catalyst for discussion.
This event arrives at a critical time for economic development professionals. With AI rapidly transforming industries, the need for clear frameworks and ethical guidelines has never been more urgent. Jordan’s keynote and panel will offer attendees actionable approaches to integrate AI into their work, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for human-centered growth rather than a replacement for it. The conference will also address legislative updates, childcare solutions, and data-center growth, all of which are key components of a resilient local economy.
For more information about the 2026 PDI Fall Conference, visit pdiowa.com. To learn more about Katie Milton Jordan’s work, visit katiemiltonjordan.com.
