Join us as at the MINK 4-State Conference!
The MINK Conference brings together regional leaders from Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas for one impactful multi-state event. Attendees will benefit from valuable learning, cross-state collaboration, and networking, while sponsors and exhibitors have unique opportunities to connect with councils of governments and showcase their services.
Date: August 31- September 2, 2026
Location: Mid-America Center
Address: 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Registration Deadline: August 10
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
This agenda is a draft and is subject to change.
We're excited to offer three dynamic breakout session categories for this event:
- Management/HR
- Community Development
- Economic Development
Monday, August 31
- 9:00 AM - Executive Director/New Executive Director- Roundtable
- 12:00 PM - Registration & Exhibitor Tables open
- 1:00 PM - Welcome & NADO 101: Where We Are, Where We're Going, and Opportunities for Districts
- Speakers: Joe McKinney and Michael Matthews
- 2:30 PM - Breakout Sessions
- 1: Keep It, Toss It, or Archive It? Records & Retention Strategies
- Speakers: Josh Bush and Jamie Mohrman
- 2: Lessons from the Field: Managing Projects, Contracts, and Federal Requirements
- Speakers: Laura Leite
- 3: Revitalizing Communities: Sustainability, Historic Preservation, & Brownfields
- Speakers: Blase Leven, Frank Uhlarlk, and Avery Branum
- Facilitator: Kathy Hahn
- 3:45 PM - The New Ruralism: Planning for Vibrant, Connected, and Resilient Communities
- Speakers: Bonnie Johnson and Jason Ray
Monday Evening Details
After the conclusion of Monday's sessions, there are several opportunities to network with attendees and enjoy delicious food at local restaurants!
Dinner is on your own. We hope you'll take this time to explore the great
dining experiences available in the area.
Tuesday, September 1
- 8:00 AM
- Breakfast &
Exhibitor tables open
- 8:30 AM - Welcome & Adaptive Collaboration: A New Pathway Forward for Economic Development
- Speakers: Dell Gines
- 9:45 AM - Breakout Sessions
- 1: HR Essentials: Hiring, Performance Management, Separation & More
- Speakers: Pam Bourne, Stacey Cowan, and Christina Brownell
- 2: Revive, Restore, Renew: Creating Thriving Downtown Districts
- Speakers: Pete Franks
- 3: Land Development Essentials: Navigating Zoning, Codes, & Growth
- Speakers: Brian Schoon and Chris Whitaker
- 11:00 AM - Breakout Sessions
- 1: Operations Roundtable: Payroll, Benefits, & Fiscal Management
- Speaker: Josh Bush and Katelyn Lambert
- 2: The Future of Grant Writing: Leveraging AI for Success
- Speakers: Kelly Sink, LeAnn Jochum, Laura Leite, and Deb Ohlde
- 3: From Vision to Reality: Corridor, Gateway, & Long-Range Planning Case Studies
- Speakers: Brian Tapp
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & Exhibitor Dessert Mingle
- 12:30 PM- Transportation Projects Done Right: DOT Best Practices & Lessons Learned
- Speakers: Scott Marler, Garrett Pedersen, Samuel Hiscocks, Travis Halm, Jenna Habegger, Trevor Tutt & Shawn Wesner
- 1:45 PM - Breakout Sessions
- 1: From Application to Impact: Revolving Loan Funds in Action
- Speakers: Chad Eggen and Patrick Waggoner
- 2: From Vision to Destination: Parks and Trails Success Stories
- Speakers: Nate Kistner, Kansha Tiwari, and Anne Freand
- 3: Building Housing The Works: Workforce Housing & Housing Trust Fund Success Stories
- Speakers: LeAnn Jochum, Keegan Bailey, Derek Weber & Brent Pendgraft
- 3:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
- 1: Navigating the Numbers: Budgets, Audits, & Cost Allocation
- Speakers: Josh Bush
- 2: Comprehensive Planning in Action
- Speakers: TBD
- 3: NADO Legislative Update: What Matters Now
- Speakers: Michael Matthews
- 4:15 PM - Reception & Networking
Dinner is on your own. We hope you'll take this time to explore the great dining experiences available in the area.
Wednesday, September 2
- 8:00 AM
- Breakfast and
Exhibitor tables open
- 8:30 AM - Best Practices in COG Cooperation
- Speaker: Bonnie Prigge and Michelle Bostinelos
- 9:45 AM - Breakout Sessions
- 1: Covering Your Assets: Essential Ethics, Compliance, and Personnel Practices
- Speaker: Josh Hughes
- 2: From Waste to Resource: Innovations in Solid Waste & Landfill Planning
- Speakers: Kansha Tiwari, Shelly Codner, and Paige Alesch
- 3: From Strategy to Action: CEDS, Annual Work Plans, & Technical Assistance
- Speakers: Stefan Heron and Bess Wolterman
- 11:00 AM - General Session
- 12:30 PM
- Adjourn
Explore Council Bluffs!
During your free time, consider checking out the local area by accessing the
Unleash Council Bluffs
website for what's going on and where to visit.
HOTEL INFORMATION
There are two options for your hotel stay for this event.
The Country Inn & Suites is connected to the Mid-America center. There is also a room block reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn & Suites just across the street.
Complimentary parking is available at both hotels for guests staying overnight.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Location: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Address: 17 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA, 51501, US
Pricing: Standard King/Standard Double Queen $109/night
Reservation Deadline: Friday, July 31
Hotel Phone: 712-318-5706
NOTE: Rooms are also available here for Sunday night, if needed.
Hilton Garden Inn & Suites
Location: Hilton Garden Inn & Suites
Address: 2702 Mid America Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Pricing: Standard King/Standard Double Queen $109/night
Reservation Deadline: Saturday, August 1
Hotel Phone: 712-309-9000
SPONSOR AND EXHIBITOR OPTIONS
Join leaders and professionals from across four states for one of the region’s premier events. As a valued sponsor, your organization gains visibility, access, and recognition among top decision-makers, industry experts, and community influencers in the rural regions of America’s heartland.
If the sponsorship includes multiple complimentary registrations, the main registrant will receive a separate message with a discount code to register additional team members.
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
Exclusive Top-Tier Visibility
Position your company as an industry leader with premier exposure throughout the conference.
Benefits include:
- Premium exhibit space in a high‑traffic area
- Four (4) complimentary conference registrations
- Logo featured prominently on all event materials—website, signage, program, and digital promotions
- Full‑page ad in the conference program
- Opportunity to address attendees during a general session or meal (up to 3 minutes)
- Recognition across all event‑related social media promotions
Gold Sponsor – $3,000
High-Impact Recognition and Engagement
Showcase your organization as a key supporter and connect directly with attendees.
Benefits include:
- Standard exhibit table in a prime location
- Two (2) complimentary conference registrations
- Logo featured on all event materials—website, signage, program, and digital promotions
- Half‑page ad in the conference program
Silver Sponsor – $1,500
Build Connections and Gain Valuable Exposure
An excellent option for organizations seeking visibility and networking opportunities
Benefits include:
- Exhibit table at the conference
- One (1) complimentary registration
- Logo included on all event materials—website, signage, program, and digital promotions
- Quarter‑page ad in the conference program
A-la-carte Options
- Meal Sponsor – $1,000
- Includes signage displayed during sponsored meal
- One (1) complimentary registration
- This lower price point is intentionally designed to allow multiple meal sponsors.
- Reception Sponsor – $1,000
- Includes signage at the networking reception
- One (1) complimentary registration
- This lower price point is intentionally designed to allow multiple reception sponsors.
- Beverage Sponsor – $1,000
- Includes signage at beverage stations
- One (1) complimentary registration
- This lower price point is intentionally designed to allow multiple beverage sponsors.
- Name Badge Lanyard Sponsor – $500 - SOLD OUT
- Logo displayed on attendee name badges and lanyards
- One (1) complimentary registration
- Wi‑Fi Sponsor – $500- SOLD OUT
- Includes signage recognizing your support
- One (1) complimentary registration
- Exhibitor Only – $750
- Includes exhibit table and company name listed in the conference program
- One (1) complimentary registration