Friday, October 10

2025 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference

By Young Professionals of Iowa (YP Iowa)

Marking two decades of empowering young professionals across the state, attendees will gain a clearer vision for their work and community.

Date and time

Location

ISU Alumni Center

429 Alumni Lane Ames, IA 50011

Agenda

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Pre-Conference Social (Thurs., Oct. 9)

AREA Young Professionals

In collaboration with our local YP organization, AREA Young Professionals, join us Thursday evening to kick-off the conference and network with other attendees at Sweet Carolines (316 Main St, Ames, ...

8:15 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Breakfast & Headshots (Optional)

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Welcome

Ames Regional Economic Alliance

We'll start our day with welcoming remarks from the our community host, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, President & CEO, Dan Culhane.

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Learning from the Best: A Panel of Early 2000s Young Professional Founders

Moderated by a former chair of YP Iowa, Jessi McQuerrey, this panel will feature the young professionals who came before, when there were no young professional organizations in our state. How did the...

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Breakout Sessions #1

Attendees will have the option to attend one of three engaging, interactive breakout sessions during this timeframe provided by Iowa professionals.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Breakout Sessions #2

Attendees will have the option to attend one of four breakout sessions. Our first breakout options will be repeated, plus the chance for those who are engaged in leading a community YP organization t...

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Networking Lunch & Speaker

Enjoy lunch with other attendees while hearing from our lunch speaker, to be announced.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Mission Possible: Shaping Our Futures

This conference-wide activity will have you using today's takeaways so you're ready to take action.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Take Off!

We'll conclude our day with closing comments and a special announcement as we look ahead to the 2026 YPIowa Conference!

Good to know

Highlights

6 hours, 30 minutes
In person

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

The 20th Anniversary of Young Professionals of Iowa is shown through our 2025 Conference theme, "Back to the Future: Launching Leaders." It's been two decades of empowering young professionals and fostering changemakers across the state. During our one day together, we will get a chance to look back on YP's impact on Iowa while moving forward in our own work and communities through networking, small group learning sessions, and hands-on activities. Get a sense of your trajectory: What can we do today that will make a difference 20 years from now?

Frequently asked questions

Who attends the conference? What is your definition of a "young professional?"

Those who attend the conference are starting or rising in their careers in all industries (business, finance, government, manufacturing, agriculture, etc.). Young professionals are typically ages 20-40 and have completed or are completing higher education or specialty training.

Is there a deadline to register by? What is the cost of registration?

Registration will close September 25. The cost to register is $50. Late registrations may be arranged by emailing oungprofessionalsiowa@gmail.com.

What is the dress code?

Business casual. Jeans allowed!

Is food provided?

Yes, a light breakfast and full lunch will be served, plus a snack table of salty and sweet options will be available all day. Allergy restrictions are collected in the registration form and will be accomodated.

Organized by

Young Professionals of Iowa (YP Iowa)

Followers

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Hosting

$50

Oct 10 · 9:00 AM CDT