2026 IACC Fall Conference!
Join us for the 2026 IACC Fall Conference, where chamber professionals from across Iowa will gather to elevate their strategies, strengthen connections, and explore innovative approaches to growing their communities. This year’s theme, Lead Like A Rockstar, is all about turning up the volume on your leadership, amplifying your impact, and taking center stage in your community.
When: October 14-15, 2026
October 14, 2026 | 1:00 -5:00 P.M. & Evening Reception (6:00-7:30 P.M.)
October 15, 2026 | 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Where: Surf Ballroom & Museum
460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Why Attend?
- Expert insights from top industry leaders
- Networking with chamber professionals from across the state
- Actionable strategies to take back to your community
- Fun social events and a chance to experience Clear Lake's vibrant community!
Hotel Information
Best Western Holiday Lodge
2023 7th Ave N, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Reservations will be made by individuals through the booking link or by calling the hotel directly at 641-357-5253. Individuals must identify themselves as being with the IACC- Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce Group Block at the time the reservation is made in order to receive the special group rate.
Room Block will close September 14, 2026
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, October 14th
12:00 p.m. - Exhibitor Set-Up
12:30 p.m. - Registration Open
1:00 p.m. - Official Welcome
Barb DenHerder, IACC Board Chair
Stacy Doughan, President & CEO, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce | Host Community
1:30 p.m. - Ask Like A Leader: Why the Best Leaders Stop Performing and Start Listening
Speaker: Lauren Ready
Description: Rock legends didn’t become iconic by memorizing a script. They practiced, learned to read the room, listen to their bandmates, and respond in the moment. Leadership works the same way.
In this energizing keynote, Lauren Ready invites Chamber leaders to shift from needing to have all the answers to asking the questions that bring clarity, trust, and momentum. Using her Question Lens™ method, Lauren connects storytelling, leadership, and community impact — to help teams find their rhythm, uncover blind spots, and lead with clarity. In the end, you'll be reminded how to lead with confidence that’s authentic, not performative.
2:30 p.m. - Ask Like A Leader: Workshop
Speaker: Lauren Ready
3:30 p.m. - Break
3:45 p.m. - Building up a Coalition
Speaker: Robert Medler
5:00 p.m. - Adjourn
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Evening Reception | Coordinated by the Host Community
Thursday, October 15th
7:15 a.m. - Registration Open
8:00 a.m. - Welcome
8:15 a.m. - Rock Your Ages: How Every Generation Defines Value, Connection, and Community
9:15 – 9:30 a.m. - Break | Break into Roundtables
9:30 a.m. - Roundtable
10:15 a.m. - Break
10:30 a.m. - Ethics
Speaker: Robert Medler
11:30 – 11:45 AM – Break
11:45 – 12:45 PM - Debi Durham
12:45 – 1:45 PM - Lunch & Roundtable
2:00 p.m. - End of Conference
