Be Ready to Represent at our 4th Annual Convention & Tradeshow: An Overview of our 2026 Theme, Tracks, and Timing

Community Colleges for Iowa’s Convention & Tradeshow is coming back for our fourth consecutive year, even bigger, better, and brighter in 2026. This year’s theme is “Lighting the Path: Staying Grounded, Sparking Opportunity,” inspired by the ways every person and position at our community colleges illuminates our state. Here’s to the ‘lightbulb moments’ that make us excited to wake up each morning and dive into our vocation! 

Just like how commencement always surprises us with how quickly it swings around again, this event will feel like it’s here in the blink of an eye. That’s why we want to touch base now for campuses to start conversations and make plans on how you would like to participate, shape, and make the most out of this year’s convention and tradeshow. 

  

Theme-Inspired Customized Impact Tracks 

Explore specialized breakout sessions designed to provide actionable takeaways: 

• Lighting the Path (Vision + Strategy): Engage with the big-picture forces shaping our colleges. Topics include state policy, funding, workforce alignment, and using data and emerging trends (including AI) to inform long-term strategy. 
• Grounded in Purpose (Mission + Students): Reconnect with the heart of our work. Focus on student success and retention strategies, supporting adult and nontraditional learners, and removing barriers across Iowa communities. 
• Sparking Opportunity (Innovation + Action): Discover creative solutions you can implement right away. This track highlights innovative programs, short-term credentials, employer partnerships, and new approaches to teaching and outreach. 

 

Collaboration at the Core  

We know that valuable insights happen between sessions as much as they happen in sessions. That’s why the 2026 schedule prioritizes: 

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues from all 15 Iowa community colleges to share what’s working (and what isn’t) in a high-energy, supportive environment. We start and end the conference in full-group settings – our opening reception and closing brunch – to lean into our dynamic of statewide resources, local impact. 
   
• Collaborative Tech: Each year has brought new ways to use technology at the convention and tradeshow. Curating personalized schedules turned into ways to share contact information, then connect directly–then one thing led to another– and suddenly there was a leaderboard for attendees to compete for those getting the most out of the event and our tech. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to make this year the most integrated experience yet! 
   
• Our Tradeshow: Meet with industry partners to explore the latest tools, technologies, and services curated for the Iowa community college landscape. Many of our tradeshow partners return because of their ongoing work with any number of our colleges. Keyed into the nuances of our state and system, it’s a great way to dive into what would need to happen to get a truly tailored solution. 

Mark your calendars for key dates! 

This is the rhythm you can expect for the many ways your campus can represent. Communication with exact dates and direct links will be provided through email, newsletters, social media, and campus leadership. These reminders will be time sensitive, so please be sure to complete them at your earliest convenience when they come to you! 

June-August:  

• RFPs are collected for speakers/sessions (available here). 
• Registration to attend opens with early-bird deals (coming soon). 
   

September-October:  

• Registration to attend increases in cost. 
• Nominations are collected for Outstanding Community College Awards. 
• Keep on the lookout for entertainment teasers! Favorites of years past include Dueling Pianos, Christmas Carols, ice sculptures, bingo, and more. 
   

November: 

• Registration closes. 
• Speakers/sessions are announced/schedule is shared. 
• Honorees are announced for the Outstanding Community College Awards. 
• Keep on the lookout for event announcements! We will be sharing how to use our convention app, what to expect, and other items that will help you get the most out of the experience. 

Convention and Tradeshow: Dec. 1-3, 2026 

Who should attend? This convention and tradeshow remains the only statewide professional development opportunity for community college professionals in Iowa. Whether you are faculty, staff, or administration, this is your space to connect with colleagues who share your mission and your challenges! Campuses are encouraged to think outside the box and invite new staff or positions–we are open to any Iowa community college professional attending who are looking to exchange ideas and leave equipped with practical strategies to spark progress across their institutions and communities. 

We can’t wait to see the brilliant ideas you’ll bring and reflect with you as we look toward the horizon. 

For real-time updates on all things Iowa community colleges year-round, be sure to follow Community Colleges for Iowa on social media!