2024 Conference

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Friday, November 8, 2024

Hyatt Regency Hotel & Conference Center
300 East 9th Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241

The Hyatt is a 100% smoke-free facility. See the hotel front desk for information about any outdoor smoking areas. The Hyatt offers wireless Internet access throughout the conference center.  

Parking - On-site city parking ramp - Free for conference attendees who are staying at the Hyatt; $5/day for local attendees; $8/day for overnight parking.  

The 2024 Way Up Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Conference Center, Coralville, Iowa.

You may wish to view the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Conference Center website.

A block of rooms is reserved at the Coralville Hyatt Regency.  To make your reservation, you may visit the Hyatt Hotel website page for The Way Up Conference:   Click on this link to make your reservation.    

Alternatively - go to the Hyatt website - select your November dates for your stay - Use Group Code is G-ZTA2 - to reserve a room

Rooms are only $126 a night through October 23, 2024.

The Hyatt Regency in Coralville offers wireless Internet access throughout the conference center.

Thursday, November 7, 2024

9:45-10:30 am: Opening Keynote Speaker

Dr. Gailda Pitre Davis - Assistant Vice President and Executive Director, ACE Connect, American Council on Education

“Leading with Integrity: Redefining Leadership through Authenticity and Core Values” - In a rapidly evolving world, the most impactful leaders are those who stay true to their values and priorities while boldly redefining the rules of leadership. This session will explore the power of authentic leadership for women, emphasizing the importance of leading with integrity and purpose. Attendees will discover how to align their leadership style with their personal values, harness their unique strengths, and navigate the challenges of leadership with confidence and resilience. Through inspiring stories and practical strategies, this session will empower women to embrace their authentic selves, foster growth, and persevere on their way up the leadership ladder. Join us to learn how leading with authenticity can transform not only your career but also the broader landscape of higher education.

About the Speaker – With over 20 years of higher education experience, Davis is an accomplished author and sought-after speaker and adviser on issues related to change management; diversity, equity, and inclusion; women’s leadership; and leadership development. Davis served as chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute Advisory Board at The College of Saint Rose. She served for 10 years on the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission, the regulatory body for all postsecondary institutions in Washington, DC, and she was chair of that body from 2014 to 2016. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member in the Higher Education Administration program at The George Washington University.

Currently, Davis serves as assistant vice president and executive director for ACE Connect. In this capacity, she leads ACE’s community engagement strategy with a focus on collective impact to transform higher education. Through ACE Connect, Davis helps communities to convene in meaningful and generative ways, identify shared challenges across the postsecondary landscape, and co-create the future of higher education. Davis supports ACE’s Annual Meeting as well as both emerging and long-standing communities such as the ACE Women’s Network and the Council of Fellows. Prior to this, Davis served as chief of staff to the senior vice president of the Education Futures division. She has led the ACE Women’s Network and developed several professional learning programs at ACE. Davis served as the principal investigator for the Creating Global Citizens initiative as well as its accompanying report, Creating Global Citizens: Exploring Internationalization at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and she was the co-leader of the At Home in the World initiative. 

Davis’s academic credentials include an EdD from The George Washington University in higher education administration, an MEd from Texas State University–San Marcos in counseling and guidance with a focus on student affairs, and a BS from The University of Texas at Austin in child development and family relationships. She also holds a certificate in coaching from the Association of Talent Development. 

12:00-1:30 pm:   Luncheon & The Way Up Scholarship and Recognition Awards

• Carol Rocklin Kay Memorial Scholarship
• Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship
• Iowa Community Colleges Support The Way Up” Scholarship
• Recognition Award

5:30 - 7:30 pm:  Evening Banquet with Dinner Speaker

Bernadine Douglas - Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Grinnell College

“Power of Perseverance: Lessons Gleaned from the Collateral Beauty of Life” - There is so much beauty in that which we thought would break us" With vulnerability, passion and poise, Bernadine talks about dealing with Disappointment. What do we learn from these experiences?  How do we integrate the lessons? And what do you do when you're in the middle of the muck?  Resilience as we all know is not an overnight phenomenon but a series of unexpected and sometimes painful stories that as a collective help us to grow, appreciate our strength, stand in our courage, and always find the joy.

About the Speaker – Douglas has a wealth of experience and expertise in all areas of leadership, with a particular focus on fundraising and operational objectives within higher education.  Her distinguished career includes serving as director of major gifts at the University of Central Florida and vice president of external relations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her leadership continued at Berea College in Kentucky where she served as vice president for alumni and college relations. Douglas led a team of professionals and oversaw an annual operating budget of $4 million. During her tenure, Berea College achieved consecutive years of fundraising growth, raising over $41 million in 2018, the highest in the College’s history at that time.

Douglas began her role as Grinnell College’s vice president for Development and Alumni Relations in August 2023.

Douglas earned a Master of Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida. As a first-generation college graduate, Douglas embraced the philosophy that colleges should be strongly committed to increasing access and affordability for every student.

Friday, November 8, 2024

11:30 - 1:30 pm:  Luncheon & Closing Speaker

Dr. Ani Yazedjian - Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Illinois State University 

“Person-First Leadership: Women as Organizational Change Agents” - When leaders focus first on people, they become agents of change who challenge an institution’s tendencies to maintain the status quo. Dr. Yazedjian will leave attendees with actionable strategies (knowledge) that will build their skill sets (growth) and give them the confidence (perseverance) to transform the communities in which they work.

About the Speaker –Yazedjian is an accomplished scholar, with 60 publications and 170 invited and peer-reviewed presentations. Her primary research areas have focused on relationship education, adolescent ethnic identity development, college student adjustment and achievement, and evidence-based practice. She has been awarded over $7 million in external funding to support her scholarship. In 2023, she was selected as a Fellow of the National Council on Family Relations and in 2021, she received the Marie F. Peters Award, also from the National Council on Family Relations, a biennial recognition of a distinguished scholar, researcher, or practitioner who has made significant contributions to the area of racial and ethnic diversity in families. 

Dr. Yazedjian was named vice president for academic affairs and provost in May 2024 after serving as acting provost since February 2023 at Illinois State University.  She served as Associate Provost from 2019 to 2023. Prior to arriving at ISU, Dr. Yazedjian served as Presidential Fellow and Special Assistant to the Provost for International Student Services at Texas State University where she spearheaded a number of new internationalization initiatives aimed at improving and increasing the support services provided to international students. 

Dr. Yazedjian holds doctorate and master’s degrees in Human and Community Development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Florida. 

Thursday, November 7

10:45 – 12:00: Contributed and Invited Presentations I

Unlocking Career Advancement: Harnessing DiSC for Skill Development
Oakdale Ballroom I,II

     Wendy Knight, Founder and Collaborative Strategist, Focus Forward LLC

Unlock Career Success with DiSC: This workshop offers professionals insights into their behavioral styles via DiSC assessments, empowering them to enhance communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Ideal for all career stages, participants will learn practical strategies for personal growth, effective teamwork, and advancing their careers. Complete this free DiSC Personality Test online prior to the session: https://discpersonalitytesting.com/free-disc-test.
 

Women of Color in Higher Education – Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
Oakdale Ballroom III,IV,V

     Moderator:
     Rashandra Oatis, Operations Administrative Assistant, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

     Panelists:
     Tera Jordan, Assistant Provost for Faculty Success, Iowa State University
     Keniese Evans, Assistant Dean Leadership & Engagement, Dean of Students. University of Iowa
     Jennifer Tran-Johnson, Associate Provost for Student Success, Drake University 

This panel session is a focus on issues impacting women of color in historically white institutions in Iowa. Discussion will evolve around identity, gender, class and policy implications influencing the lived experiences of black and brown women in higher education administration. Attendees are encouraged to engage the panelists in conversation to learn about best practices and strategies of practicing inclusive leadership through an equity lens.  Panelists will also share recommendations for self-care, work/life balance and being an advocate for your own professional journey in higher education.
 

Empowering Women Educators: Nurturing Growth, Resilience, and Success in Higher Education
Coral Ballroom D

     Emily Mason, Instructional Coach, Indian Hills Community College

This session will provide actionable strategies for women educators to enhance their professional growth, build resilience, and achieve success in higher education. The focus will be on identifying the right kinds of development opportunities, empowering women to find growth areas, and fostering resilience. Additionally, the session will cover strategies for effective conversations, relationship-building outside their institutions, and networking.
 

Six Principles: Informing Interactions, Leadership, and Change in Student Services
Coral Ballroom E

     Mollie Willis, Advising and Outreach, University of Iowa

Empathy, suspending judgment, culture, powerlessness, reflecting on the moment, and considering time/place may not be new concepts. However, what if we were to discover new applications for these familiar ideas? How could our everyday interactions change if we look at these principles in a new and thoughtful way? How could each inform and pertain to our differing professional roles? In this engaging and interactive session, participants will be asked to reflect upon familiar concepts in a new way… and, we will have some fun doing so!
 

1:45 – 3:00 Contributed and Invited Presentations II

The Sometimes Elusive Spark:  Finding Ways to Motivate Students, Yourself & Colleagues
Oakdale Ballroom I,II

     Myranda Hadley, Academic Coach, Kirkwood Community College

Many days working in Higher Education are rewarding, but what do you do when you lack energy or you see burnout among your colleagues? How do you encourage students to stay motivated to continue when the mid-semester slump occurs or when they face a particularly tough challenge? This session will help participants to discover ways to motivate themselves along with students and colleagues. Come join to learn about motivation, work through actual scenarios, engage in hands-on activities, and leave inspired with practical ideas and skills to try at your institution, such as  the “Sammy’s Secret Support Team” I started at Kirkwood!
 

Leadership Beyond Academia: Insights from Women Vice Presidents
Oakdale Ballroom III,IV,V

     Moderator:
     Zoë Thornton, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Community College Leadership Development Consortium and Associate Professor of Practice, Iowa State University 

     Panelists:
     Jasmine Almoayyed, Vice President, Continuing Education and Training Services, Kirkwood Community College
     Monica Chavez-Silva, Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning, Grinnell College
     Suzette Radke, Vice President of Finance & Administration, Buena Vista University
     Kristen Constant, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Iowa State University

This session will highlight the work and stories of vice presidents in areas such as Information Technology, Continuing Education, Finance, and Outreach. While the mission of any college or university is centered on the education and development of students, there are multiple other organizational areas necessary for institutional success. This panel of women vice presidents leading in spaces other than academic and student affairs offer interesting leadership stories and lessons to share. Their prior experiences in businesses and industries outside of education contribute to their styles and effectiveness as leaders. This session will begin with a few scripted questions, and then open to questions and interaction with the audience.
 

Digitizing your Classroom: Google Suites and Gaming
Coral Ballroom D

     Dr. Kyrie Borsay, Distinguished Professor of Communications, Iowa Central Community College
     Jennifer Sales, Science Teacher, Choice Charter School

The main objective of this presentation is to demonstrate how digital technology can enhance teaching and student's learning experience. It will not only empower educators but also prepare students for the digital age. This session will guide educators who may be overwhelmed with emerging digital technology available for classroom use. We will also be discussing the use of Google Suites and the many resources that often are underutilized within the app. This material may be useful to anyone in education, whether they are an in-class or online instructor or an administrator who may want to encourage or assist their employees in utilizing these resources. Please bring your personal device to the session.
 

Brave Hearts, Open Minds: Unlocking Extraordinary Leadership Through Empathy and Courage
Coral Ballroom E

     Emily Logan, Ph.D., Dean, Programming - Continuing Education and Training Services, Kirkwood Community College
     Erin Shaw, Ph.D., Curriculum Consultant and Title III Project Manager, Northeast Iowa Community College

Leaders in higher education face unique challenges and barriers that call for a distinctive set of leadership capabilities. This conference session will explore concepts of empathy, vulnerability, and professional courage situated in higher education leadership. Participants will practice key strategies when leading with empathy to help their employees feel heard, valued, and empowered. Through blending research insights, personal stories, and practical exercises, participants will explore empathic listening, staying curious, perspective-taking, power with/to/within, and creating/sustaining a psychologically safe environment.
 

3:15 – 4:30 Contributed and Invited Presentations III

A+ Attitude: Making the Grade with Gratitude
Coral Ballroom A,B,C

     Jill Hansen, Assistant Vice President Distance Education Recruitment, Upper Iowa University
     Theresa Rademacker, Center Director-Des Moines, Upper Iowa University

Focus will be made on ways to share gratitude and appreciation in the workplace. We focus on mindset, understanding personalities, and a wide variety of ways to implement this in your own work style and culture. Our goal is for attendees to walk away with actionable items right away.
 

You Are Not Alone: Unknotting the Double Bind for Women
Oakdale Ballroom III,IV,V

     Dr. Lindsay Jarratt, Visiting Instructor of Sociology, University of Iowa
     Maria-Victoria Perez, University of Iowa

Women and marginalized leaders face a "double bind": to be seen as competent, they must adopt assertive, masculine traits, yet to be likable, they must embrace communal, feminine traits. Balancing these conflicting expectations is challenging. Failing to meet either standard can lead to resistance. This dilemma stems from deeply ingrained societal norms.
 

Navigating the Multitudes: Practical Strategies for Faculty Well-Being
Coral Ballroom D

     Kimberlee Gregory, Program Coordinator, Iowa State University

As faculty members, we often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, balancing numerous priorities with little appreciation. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and frustration. In this interactive session, the presenter will share her personal journey as a full-time faculty member navigating the challenges of a new institution, teaching priorities, and committee responsibilities. Drawing from her own experiences and employing practical optimism and solution-focused strategies, she will guide you in creating a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of higher education, including faculty duties, administrative tasks, and professional development. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and leave with practical strategies to develop daily routines, set realistic boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This session goes beyond mere self-care; it's about soul-care. Join us to explore actionable techniques for fostering well-being and resilience in your academic and personal life.
 

Next Steps: Developing Ethical Exit Programs for Students
Coral Ballroom E

     Dr. Nichole Harken, Assistant Professor of Instruction, University of Northern Iowa

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and leave with practical strategies to develop daily routines, set realistic boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This session goes beyond mere self-care; it's about soul-care. Join us to explore actionable techniques for fostering well-being and resilience in your academic and personal life.
 

Friday, November 8

8:45 – 10:00 Contributed and Invited Presentations IV

The Pathway Planner: Promoting Holistic Student Development in Higher Education
Oakdale Ballroom I,II

     Sarah Wehner, Assistant Director for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Innovation Programs, Iowa State University
     Amarjargal (Amy) Mendee, Iowa State University, PhD Candidate in Higher Education; Graduate Assistant for College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

College students’ transcripts tell the story of their academic journey, but their experiences often reach far beyond the classroom. This interactive session will offer rich discussions around holistic student development approaches and implications of using a skill-building tool in student mentoring, advising, and career planning. The Pathway Planner is a supplemental tool to the traditional degree plan and helps students identify skills, opportunities, and benefits for participating in high-impact learning opportunities. The presenters will walk the audience through the process of developing, implementing, and assessing the tool and provide opportunities to apply it to various college environments and contexts.
 

Navigating the Path to Professional Excellence: Strategies for Advancing Your Career
Oakdale Ballroom III,IV,V

     Rachael Koehler, Associate Director of Financial Aid, Iowa Valley Community College District

In this engaging and informative work session, we'll delve into practical strategies and insights that will empower you to propel your career forward confidently and purposefully. From mastering the daunting task of writing a resume and cover letter to exploring networking techniques and honing your leadership skills, we'll equip you with the essential tools and skills necessary to thrive as women leaders in higher education. Come prepared to engage in enriching discussions, share experiences, and create an accomplishment-based resume. This workshop will inspire you to chart your path to professional excellence, instilling a sense of empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting in higher education, join us as we navigate the path to excellence and unlock new opportunities.
 

Empowering Learners: A Multimodal Approach to Universal Design
Coral Ballroom D

     Adriana Ojeda, Instructional Designer, University of Iowa
     Joanna M. T. Krajewski, Ph.D., M.P.H., Associate Director, Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, University of Iowa

Explore the transformative power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in fostering student agency. This session unveils a pioneering anti-anxiety course design, showcasing strategies that shift the traditional educational dynamic to a collaborative partnership, empowering students to tailor their learning experiences.
 

Empowering Personal Growth: The Importance of Self-Care for Staff and Faculty in Higher Education
Coral Ballroom E

     Ann Smith, Assistant Dean of Student Success & Director of Disability Services, Luther College

Do you find your cup of self-care and personal well-being full, half full, half empty, or empty?  This interactive presentation will discuss the theoretical framework of compassion fatigue while providing self-care tools to enhance your personal and professional growth that leads to compassion satisfaction.  Additionally, participants will be able to engage with colleagues experiencing similar challenges and share effective (and ineffective) strategies for maintaining their physical, emotional, and mental health.
 

10:15 – 11:30 Contributed and Invited Presentations V

The following four scholarships and awards will be presented at The Way Up Conference.  Click the links for more details about each recognition:

• Carol Rocklin Kay Memorial Scholarship
• Eunice A. Dell Memorial Scholarship
• The Way Up Scholarship Fund
• Recognition Award

The Way Up Conference Thanks You for your Sponsorship!

The 2024 Sponsors are being finalized.  Check back for updates.  

Delta Dental

Mission Statement: Delta Dental of Iowa is dedicated to improving the health and smilesof the people we serve.
Deltadentalia.com

TIAA

Mission Statement: A Fortune 500 organization that serves not-profit institutions & their employees. We've helped millions pursue financial well-being, and we haven't done that by standing still. We've innovated, evolved and expanded our business to become the recognized leader we are today.
www.tiaa.org

Iowa Coordinating Council

The Iowa Coordinating Council for Post High School Education is composed of representatives of the Presidents and Trustees of public and private colleges and universities in the State of Iowa. In addition, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, the Iowa Department of Education, and Iowa Public Television are members.
http://www.regents.iowa.gov/HigherEd/highered.htm

University of Iowa

Mission: In pursuing its missions of teaching, research, and service, the University seeks to advance scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; to use this research and creativity to enhance undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, health care, and other services provided to the people of Iowa, the nation, and the world; and to educate students for success and personal fulfillment in a diverse world.
http://www.uiowa.edu/

Iowa State University

Mission: Create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place. We must prepare the leaders of our nation and the world. To make the world a better place, Iowa State will call upon its great strengths in student-centered education, global collaboration, and transformational basic and applied research. Iowa State will lead in developing more sustainable ways to produce and deliver safe and nutritious food, water, materials, and energy; integrate the protection of plant, animal, and human health; and care for our environment. We will design tools and infrastructure that will create entrepreneurial opportunities. The major changes sweeping the world are creating extraordinary opportunities for Iowa State to capitalize on its land-grant mission and be at the forefront in addressing our common, global challenges.
http://www.iastate.edu/

University of Northern Iowa

Mission: The University of Northern Iowa provides transformative learning experiences that inspire students to embrace challenge, engage in critical inquiry and creative thought, and contribute to society.
https://www.uni.edu

Community Colleges for Iowa

Mission Statement: IACCT's Mission is to support the Community Colleges as they educate Iowa's workforce.
https://www.ccforiowa.org/

Grinnell College

Mission Statement: When Grinnell College framed its charter in the Iowa Territory of the United States in 1846, it set forth a mission to educate its students "for the different professions and for the honorable discharge of the duties of life." The College pursues that mission by providing an education in the liberal arts through free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas. As a teaching and learning community, the College holds that knowledge is a good to be pursued both for its own sake and for the intellectual, moral, and physical well-being of individuals and of society at large. The College exists to provide a lively academic community of students and teachers of high scholarly qualifications from diverse social and cultural circumstances. The College aims to graduate individuals who can think clearly, who can speak and write persuasively and even eloquently, who can evaluate critically both their own and others' ideas, who can acquire new knowledge, and who are prepared in life and work to use their knowledge and their abilities to serve the common good.
http://www.grinnell.edu/

Central College

Mission Statement: Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to helping students discover and develop their greatest potential. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence. The College nurtures the development of the mind, while fostering spiritual and emotional maturity and physical well-being. Central integrates career preparation with the development of values essential to responsible citizenship, empowering graduates for effective service in local, national and international communities.
https://www.central.edu/

Drake University

Mission Statement: Provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.
https://www.drake.edu/

Loras College

Mission Statement: Our commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition - Loras College is a Catholic, diocesan college explicitly oriented to promote service of both church and world through encouraging all members of the community in development of their “diverse professional, social and religious roles.” The college strives to be a community demonstrating the highest standards of the Catholic intellectual tradition and welcoming all people into a dialogue to promote core values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence and service.
http://www.loras.edu

Mount Mercy University

Mission Statement: Mount Mercy is a Catholic University providing student-focused baccalaureate and graduate education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. As a Catholic university founded by th­e Sisters of Mercy, Mount Mercy welcomes women and men of all beliefs to join our community in the
pursuit of baccalaureate and graduate education and service to those in need.
http://www.mtmercy.edu/

Wartburg College

Mission Statement: Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning.
https://www.wartburg.edu/

Des Moines Area Community College

Mission Statement: DMACC provides quality, affordable, student-centered education and training to empower Iowans of all ages and backgrounds to pursue life's opportunities and achieve their career dreams.
http://www.dmacc.edu

Hawkeye Community College

Mission Statement: Hawkeye Community College is a globally informed community of successful lifelong learners. Hawkeye Community College will be recognized for educational excellence, exceptional student services, and responsiveness to diverse communities.
http://www.hawkeyecollege.edu

Iowa Central Community College

Mission Statement: Iowa Central Community College promotes intellectual discovery, physical development, social and ethical awareness, and economic opportunities for all through an education that transforms lives, strengthens community, and inspires progress.
http://www.iowacentral.edu

Iowa Valley Community College District

Mission Statement: Iowa Valley Community College District is committed to providing quality learning experiences, ensuring student success, responding to diverse community needs, and building community partnerships.
http://www.iavalley.edu

Iowa Western Community College

Mission Statement: Iowa Western Community College is a learning community committed to excellence in meeting educational needs and improving the quality of life through programs, partnerships and community involvement.
http://www.iwcc.edu

Kirkwood Community College

Mission Statement: Kirkwood Community College identifies community needs; provides accessible, quality education and training; and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning
http://www.kirkwood.edu

Northeast Iowa Community College

Mission Statement: Northeast Iowa Community College provides accessible, affordable, quality education and training to meet the needs of our communities.
http://www.nicc.edu

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Mission Statement: As a comprehensive community college, our mission is to provide quality education and to economically enhance the communities we serve.
http://www.witcc.edu

• Colleges & Universities in Iowa
• Community Colleges in Iowa

Attractions:

Coral Ridge Mall 
http://www.coralridgemall.com/ 

Lindale Mall 
http://www.mallseeker.com/lindale-mall.aspx

The Amana Colonies 
http://www.amanacolonies.com/ 

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch
http://hoover.archives.gov/

Cedar Rapids Museum of Arts 
http://www.crma.org/Default.aspx 

African American Museum 
http://www.blackiowa.org/ 

Czech Village 
http://czechvillagecedarrapids.com/

New Bohemia
https://the-district.org/

New Bohemia City Market
http://www.newbocitymarket.com

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
http://www.ncsml.org

Brucemore Historical Site 
http://www.brucemore.org/ 

The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center 
http://www.historycenter.org/  

Indian Creek Nature Center & Trails  (Cedar Rapids)
http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

Paramount Theatre - Cedar Rapids
http://www.paramounttheatrecr.com/

Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre
https://www.cropera.org/

Iowa Veterans Affairs Health Care System
http://www.iowacity.va.gov/

University of Iowa 
https:///www.uiowa.edu/

Hancher Auditorium - University of Iowa 
http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/

Iowa City/Coralville 
https://www.thinkiowacity.com/

Cedar Rapids 
http://www.discoverourtown.com/IA/Cedar-Rapids/Attractions-683.html

Cornell College
http://cornellcollege.edu/

Kirkwood Community College
http://www.kirkwood.edu/

The Hotel at Kirkwood
http://www.thehotelatkirkwood.com/home

Mt Mercy University
http://www.mtmercy.edu/

Events:

Multi-Day Events:

Brucemore Mansion Tours

2160 Linden Drive SE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 

Explore over a century of Cedar Rapids history through the lives of the three families who called Brucemore home-the Sinclairs, the Douglases, and the Halls. They were business and community leaders during a century of evolution in the Midwest. An investigation of the mansion's Queen Anne architecture, 1925 Grant Wood Porch, 1929 Skinner pipe organ, and 1930s Grizzly Bar and Tahitian Room reflect the history of remarkable people. The changes they made to their estate, the impact they had on their community, and the stories they left behind shape our understanding of modern Cedar Rapids, eastern Iowa, and the American Midwest. 
Website:  https://www.brucemore.org/

Amana Performing Arts Center

The Amana Performing Arts Center (APAC) is located between Amana and Middle Amana near the Amana RV Park. It hosts some of the most delightful shows you’ll find in the Colonies. A beautiful courtyard located behind the building is a unique addition to many events as well!
Website:  https://amanarvpark.com/amana-performing-arts-center/

Additional Attractions

Devonian Fossil Gorge

Coralville Lake Visitor Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE; Coralville, IA 52240
The Coralville Lake Visitor Center features exhibits on the history and natural resources of the Coralville Lake area. Visitors will find actual fossil specimens from the Devonian Fossil Gorge (removed for preservation) and other exhibits depicting the local plant and animal life of the area on display.   A 15 minute movie about the Devonian Fossil Gorge and the Floods of 1993 and 2008 is available for viewing upon request.
Website: https://thinkiowacity.com/listing/devonian-fossil-gorge/ 

Old Capitol Museum

The Old Capitol Museum seeks to educate the university, local, and national communities on the continuing significance of the humanities, as an invigorated and distinguished building that serves as a center of culture and civic discourse for the State of Iowa, through public outreach initiatives, educational programming, exhibitions, and academic scholarship.
Website:  https://oldcap.uiowa.edu/

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

The mission of the University Of Iowa Museum Of Natural History is to inspire in visitors of all ages understanding and a sense of wonder, discovery, respect, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds through exhibits, educational programs, and collections, as well as through linkages with UI research and activities.
Website: https://mnh.uiowa.edu/

Bender Pool

Bender Pool is an indoor pool, open year-round. The pool is disabled-accessible and is equipped with a hydraulic chair and sloping steps in addition to traditional pool ladders. The pool also has a slide and a basketball hoop. Bender Pool's locker rooms are equipped with showers, hair dryers, electrical outlets, baby changing tables, and 25-cent coin lockers.
940 14th Ave. SE ; Cedar Rapids, IA  52403
Website:  https://www.cedar-rapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/bender_pool…

Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery

Cedar Ridge is a family owned winery and distillery nestled in the countryside between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. We produce 16 award-winning wines, many from our own grapes as well as 11 small batch spirits including Iowa's first bourbon. Wood-fired pizzas, prime rib and local meat and cheese appetizers available.
1441 Marak Road; Swisher, IA  52338
Website:  https://cedarridgedistillery.com/

Air Fx Trampoline Park

Much of the AirFX 12,000-square foot facility is covered in trampolines. Guests can defy gravity while playing basketball, dodge ball, and performing the coordinated exercises of high-energy AIRobics fitness classes. Catch your breath while putting across the well-lit, outdoor 18-hole miniature golf course. Or keep the adrenaline pumping with a few rounds of Lazer Frenzy, where mirrors, haze, and webs of laser beams make you feel like you're in a movie. Stop by the snack bar for some Perky's Pizza, chicken wings and churros, washed down with your favorite beverage.
1100 North 18th Avenue; Hiawatha, IA  52233
Website:  https://airfxcr.com/

PinSeekers TopGolf

PinSeekers, your year-round destination for endless fun in Tiffin, Iowa! Located just north of Iowa City off I-380, we offer a diverse range of activities for everyone. Swing away in our all-weather Toptracer golf suites, enjoy mini bowling, test your putting skills, or immerse yourself in our multi-sports simulators. Our event space accommodates up to 200 people, perfect for your gatherings. Discover excitement and entertainment at PinSeekers!   Come check out our new gameday lounge with comfy seating and huge TV wall showing all your favorite teams and games.  
Website: https://pinseekers.golf/tiffin/

• Download the Vendor/Exhibitor Form (.doc)
• Download the Educational Institution Sponsorship Form (.doc)
  • for Regents Institutions (.docx)
  • for Private Institutions (.docx)
  • for Community Colleges (.docx)
• Download the Business Sponsorship Form (.docx)