Business Is a Team Sport: Takeaways from ABI Con 2026

By David Swartz, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

For over thirty-five years, I have attended and planned many business conferences, but my favorite conference over the last three years has been hosted by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry #ABICon26– and this year’s event was fantastic.

Fantastic for many reasons:

• Theme – Business is a Team Sport
  • Keynote speaker Donna Orender’s message was to “build belief where others don’t believe”. Check out her organization and programs at Orender Unlimited.
  • Coolest Thing in Iowa was awarded to a generator e-power station designed and manufactured by Mi-T-M beating 67 other innovative nominations from all over Iowa. I still stand by my vote for the Pella Windows Steady Set window installation system.
  • Inspirational leadership advice from Iowa CEOs and a gubernatorial candidate.

• Iowa City was the host town and there isn’t a better place to be a fan!
  • Kinnick Stadium – naturally
  • The Stead Children’s Hospital – inspirational
  • Outer space technological advancement – Futuristic

• Opportunity to reconnect and meet many fascinating business leaders.
  • Well planned receptions
  • Great break out topics led by members
  • Conference center space for all needs

Scheduled mid-year, this event helps re-energize my efforts and goals for meeting new prospects and generating creative ideas from speakers and other participants. I hope to visit with this group again in the second half of this year!

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!