September 20 - 22
Cost:
Early Registration through July 31
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 United States
Contact:
Phone
319.368.8962
Email:
elizabeth.kimmel@thegazette.com

Additional Information

The Gazette has announced New York Times Best Selling Author & Former Senior Advisor for Innovation Alec Ross is confirmed as keynote for the Iowa Ideas opening celebration scheduled for Wednesday, September 20 at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Details of the opening reception along with registration information for the full Iowa Ideas conference September 20-22 can be found at www.iowaideas.com

An accomplished entrepreneur, Ross served as Senior Advisor for Innovation to the Secretary of State and advised President Obama on the intersection of technology and geopolitics during his first presidential campaign. Most recently, Ross has announced his run for Governor of Maryland in the 2018 elections. Ross’s best-selling book, The Industries of the Future, explores the technological and economic trends and developments that will shape the next decade. Issues addressed range from cybersecurity, big data, the commercialization of genomics and the code-ification of money, markets and trust.

Drawing from his book along with experience in government and industry, Iowa Ideas participants will hear from Ross on the next big drivers of change that will impact our future, for good and ill, along with the geographic and cultural contexts out of which they are emerging.

"We feel that Alec's work around the globe showing a variety of paths to success and opportunity made him an ideal person to keynote the Iowa Ideas Conference," Gazette Executive Editor Zack Kucharski said of Ross' selection of keynote. "Alec's ability to draw connections across a variety of emerging industries stood out to us because he sees common ground. With the way that things like the Internet are rapidly influencing change, we thought Alec's message would be a great way to set up the two days of sessions looking at Iowa's future opportunities and challenges."

The Iowa Ideas opening celebration at the Paramount on September 20 will provide patrons an opportunity to hear from Alec Ross and get a high energy preview of what to expect in the days to follow. The multiday conference will present 8 tracks representing issues that continue to impact the economics and people of Iowa. Over eighty sessions will feature panel discussions and keynotes while encouraging connection among various parts of the state to understand perspectives, build on ideas and offer opportunities to interact.

Early registration and track details for the September 20-22 Iowa Ideas conference is now available at www.iowaideas.com

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