This event is brought to you by the International Economic Development Council, Southwest Initiative Foundation, and Elevate Rapid City. 

Join us in the heart of the Black Hills for a one-of-a-kind regional gathering celebrating milestone moments in economic development and community leadership; The Centennial Summit: The Future of Midwest Economic Development - An Official IEDC Centennial Event  

Together, we will mark three historic anniversaries: America’s 250th, Rapid City’s 150th, and IEDC’s 100th. Set in the City of Presidents, this mini-conference brings Midwest economic development professionals together for two days of context, conversation, and centennial celebration. 

What to Expect: 

• Forward-looking plenary and breakout sessions focused on rural innovation and economic resilience  

• Interactive tours of Rapid City’s assets, including the innovation district  

• Evening reception at the Dahl Arts Center  

• A visit to Mount Rushmore for the nightly lighting ceremony  

• Networking, local experiences, and time to connect with peers across the Midwest

  ---

Location: 

Hosted at the historic Hotel Alex Johnson, a landmark originally envisioned in 1927 as a “Showplace of the West.” Built alongside the early days of Mount Rushmore, the hotel reflects the culture, history, and character of the Black Hills. 

Hotel Accommodations: 
We have secured room blocks at two downtown locations within walking distance of event activities: 

• Hotel Alex Johnson (Host Hotel): 
  https://group.curiocollection.com/57lfef 
  Reserve by June 13  

• Hyatt Place Rapid City Downtown: 
  https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/RAPZR/G-CENT 
  Reserve by June 15  

Agenda At-A-Glance: 

Monday, July 13

  12:00 PM – Check-in Begins

  1:00–2:30 PM – Plenary: The State of Economic Development 
            A centennial reflection on how the field has evolved and what communities need next  

  2:45–3:45 PM – Breakouts: Rural Innovation, Talent Pipelines, and Rethinking Incentives 
            Peer-driven discussions on emerging challenges and opportunities  

  4:15–5:15 PM – Plenary: Workforce as Infrastructure 
            Employer-led strategies and building resilient workforce systems  

  6:00–7:30 PM – Reception at the Dahl Arts Center  

  7:45 PM – Transportation to Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony  

Tuesday, July 14 

  8:30–10:00 AM – Plenary: Leadership for the Next Century 
              Navigating uncertainty, community impact, and economic mobility  

  10:00–10:15 AM – Networking break 

  10:15–11:15 AM – Breakouts: Bold Collaboration and Measuring What Matters 
              Rethinking impact, partnerships, and what the field should leave behind  

  11:30 AM–1:15 PM – Plenary Lunch: The Future of the Profession 
             Exploring the next 25–50 years of economic development  

  1:30 PM – Guided tours and excursions  

  3:30 PM – Closing Reception at Elevate Rapid City DLAB Accelerator

  5:00 PM – Event concludes 

Registration closes on July 6!

If you have a food intolerance or allergy, please email events@elevaterapidcity.com so we can accommodate this ahead of time.

 Thank you to our Partners! 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Black Hills Energy

Economic Development Professionals Association

LIV Hospitality

South Dakota Basic Economic Development Course 

South Dakota Chamber

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event! Please reach out to events@elevaterapidcity.com if interested.

By signing up for an Elevate event, I agree to comply with and be bound to the Elevate code of conduct.