• Thursday, July 23 from 8:00–10:00 a.m. (in person): Technology Association of Iowa's Catalysts: Ideas Driving Iowa Forward

  • Event Description: Catalysts celebrates the people and innovations driving Iowa’s progress. In a dynamic, TED-style format, presenters share the why behind their work and the how behind their impact. These powerful stories highlight how technology—paired with bold ideas—can break down barriers and expand opportunity. Each talk demonstrates how one idea can catalyze broader change and inspire others to lead.

    Come ready to leave inspired, connected, and equipped to bring these ideas back to your organization and community. We invite anyone interested in innovation, inclusion, and shaping Iowa’s future to be part of the conversation. These presentations are preserved in a post-event publication, ensuring these ideas continue to inform and influence what comes next.

• Tuesday, July 28 from 4:00–5:30 p.m. (in person): Des Moines Data for Good Meet-Up
  • Event Description: The Des Moines Data for Good group has been utilizing their talents to help our community over the past several years. We will get to hear about their work and impact, a deep dive into a recent project and hear about opportunities to join the group. This is an event you don't want to miss!
• Thursday, July 30 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. (in person): Business Record's Women of Influence

  • Event Description: For over 25 years, the Business Record has recognized women who have made outstanding contributions to the community in a variety of areas with the Women of Influence awards. Awards will be presented at a reception on Thursday, July 30.

    The Women of Influence awards celebrate the work of women who have made a difference. They have devoted their lives to doing things most wouldn’t. They have spent countless hours on various boards and are role models with impeccable ethics. They have blazed a trail either personally or professionally for other women to follow.

    The Women of Influence event will recognize Central Iowa women for their contributions in the public or private sector. Winners are chosen based on the impact they have made in their chosen field or for their contributions through civic and philanthropic organizations. This event will also award the Woman Business Owner of the Year and Emerging Woman of Influence.

• Saturday, August 1 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. (in person): Young Professionals Connection Confluence Beer Tour + Q&A
  • Event Description: Join us for an exclusive beer-making tour at Confluence Brewing Company! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and discover how locally crafted beers go from grain to glass. During the tour, attendees will explore the brewing facilities, learn about the ingredients and techniques that create Confluence’s signature flavors, and hear directly from the brewers who bring each batch to life.
• Wednesday, August 5 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. (in person): Bridge DSM Clear 2 Close Home Buying Trivia & Education

  • Event Description: Bridge DSM is collaborating with Blueprint to Homeownership for Clear 2 Close, a trivia-based competition that tests your knowledge and simulates the experience of closing on a home. This engaging format demonstrates how real-world scenarios can shape your approach to becoming a homeowner. It's perfect for those with limited knowledge of the home buying process.

    Join us for a fun and informative look at home ownership, led by nonprofit housing counselors. As a treat, all participants get their first drink at Confluence on Bridge DSM!

• Thursday, August 6 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT (virtual): Made in Iowa: 2026 Manufacturing Forecast
  • Event Description: As Iowa manufacturers confront evolving economic dynamics and technological growth, a successful future relies on adaptation in all aspects of the organization. A focus on reinvention and being proactive across workforce, automation and succession strategies are key to keeping pace with the industry. This year’s Manufacturing Forecast will feature conversations with leaders in three of Iowa’s largest manufacturing sectors. We’ll ask them to share their stories of adaptation and the results and lessons from those efforts, and we’ll look ahead at expectations for the manufacturing economy in the next year.
• Friday, August 14 from 7:30–9:30 a.m. (in person): Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines 2026 National Nonprofit Day Celebration
  • Event Description: National Nonprofit Day is commemorated in August each year to recognize nonprofit organizations’ ongoing efforts to serve the local community. Join us to celebrate YOU – the organizations making a difference in Greater Des Moines. Stop by for delicious treats, coffee, networking opportunities and some amazing door prizes! Don’t miss this chance for connection, collaboration and community!
• Greater Des Moines Partnership Entrepreneur Field Days Event Series
  • Friday, August 21 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. (in person): Reimagining Place - North DSM City Townhall
    • Event Description: Join real estate developer Kuuku Saah for an exclusive field day at the historic North City Hall redevelopment site. Experience first-hand how a landmark building is being transformed into a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization through innovative financing, thoughtful housing development, and community-centered design.
  • Tuesday, August 25 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (in person): Transforming Agriculture with Autonomy - Sabanto Ag

    • Event Description: Join Craig Rupp, who grew up on a northwest Iowa farm and became an electrical engineer before founding Sabanto, to learn how he's bringing practical autonomy to the field. Rather than replacing tractors, Sabanto upgrades existing equipment with autonomous technology, enabling safer, more efficient operations and extending productive hours without the cost of buying new machinery.

      Discover how autonomy is reshaping modern farming and why smarter - not just bigger - equipment is the future of agriculture.

  • Tuesday, September 1 from 12:00–2:00 p.m. (in person): Baking a Sweet Success - Thelma's Treats

    • Event Description: Step behind the scenes at Thelma's Treats to discover how a family recipe became a beloved brand that's warming hearts across the country. Built on Great-Grandma Thelma's original cookie recipe, Thelma's has transformed a simple ice cream sandwich into an unforgettable customer experience where every treat is made with premium ingredients - and a whole lot of love.

      During this Field Day, you'll hear how Thelma's has grown from a local favorite into a nationally recognized brand while staying true to its mission of creating moments of joy and connection.

  • Thursday, September 10 from 12:00–2:00 p.m. (in person): Creating Spaces that Inspire with Liz Lidgett
    • Event Description: Go behind the scenes at Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design to learn how a contemporary gallery connects artists with collectors and businesses to create meaningful spaces. From private homes to hospitality and corporate environments, discover how original artwork can elevate communities, workplaces, and everyday experiences while making art collecting welcoming and accessible for all.
  • Tuesday, September 15 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. (in person): Transforming Youth Sports - Bound

    • Event Description: It began with a simple question: How can we solve communication challenges in youth and high school sports? Bound has used that mission to grow into one of the nation's leading sports technology platforms, serving more than 300 high schools across Iowa and 1,700+ schools in 14 states.

      During this behind-the-scenes experience, attendees will learn how Bound develops technology that connects schools, coaches, athletes, parents, and fans through scheduling, statistics, communications, and event management. Hear directly from the leadership team about building and scaling a software company, creating products that solve real customer problems, and continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of communities.

  • Thursday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (in person): From Soil to Stone Mill - Early Morning Harvest

    • Event Description: Step behind the scenes at Early Morning Harvest, a regenerative organic farm where history, sustainability, and innovation come together. Learn how a century-old family farm evolved from a dairy operation into one of Iowa's leading producers of fresh, stone-milled organic flour. During this Field Day, guests will tour the farm, explore the stone milling process, and discover how regenerative farming practices create healthier soil, better grains, and exceptional flour.

      You'll also visit the farm's aquaponics greenhouse and learn how That Iowa Girl distribution supports local food systems by connecting consumers with more than 150 Iowa-made products. Experience how one family's commitment to stewardship continues to nourish communities—one harvest at a time.

• Tuesday, August 25 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. (in person): 2026 September/October dsm magazine Unveiling Party
  • Event Description: Join us as we unveil the September/October issue of dsm magazine. Networking at 5 p.m., and program at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, September 10 from 5:00–10:00 p.m. (in person): Des Moines Charity Hackathon - Hack Away Hunger: Food Insecurity Challenge

  • Event Description: Join us for the Hack Away Hunger: Food Insecurity Challenge Kickoff Event on Sept 10 to learn from community leaders on the front lines of food insecurity and discover how your tech skills can help build lasting solutions to common problems.

    Then, turn your ideas into action during our 48-hour Accelerator Hack on Sept 24–26, where you'll collaborate with fellow innovators and receive expert guidance to build a solution with real community impact.

Check out the Greater DSM Partnership page for more upcoming events in the area.