Reflections on the Next Gen. Summit

We Create Here was an initiative within the Gazette Company to develop evolving narratives and authentic conversations throughout Iowa's Creative Corridor. read more

It started with a couple of inspired young professionals witnessing the possible energy and spark by attending events such as Big Omaha, followed by an innocent invitation to others of us in who were hungry to learn more. It didn't take long for a handful of us to start meeting regularly, drawing the conclusion that up and coming generations everywhere, not just in other communities, were tired of being stuck on the sidelines as engagement and opportunity for the next generation voice to be heard didn't go far beyond an invitation to the finished product, in the mail. Take this motivated bunch and fast forward to today-in year three of an event created for young professionals, by young professionals. The NextGen Summit has established itself in Iowa's Creative Corridor as the experience for the up and coming generations with the support  and desire to collaborate among a sea of seasoned professionals and community leaders. Did we have any idea things could grow this far? Not a chance. We thought we'd simply give ourselves a voice and hope maybe a few would listen. The reality is, we've grown that voice to now be armed with bullhorns, amps and full throttle volume equipped to take generational collaboration well beyond 2014.  The Summit, held October 1, set a whole new bar for conferences held in the Corridor.

Our NextGen steering committee is one of my favorite groups I've participated in over the years, for several reasons. First-it's the most eclectic group of perspectives and backgrounds. Academia, nonprofit, economic development, legal, startups….you name it, it's probably represented. Second-the enthusiasm is contagious. We all get the goal-and new ideas are always popping up-however extreme, it's still discussed. Third? The concept and proof of the hard work is demonstrated not only the day of the actual summit, but in the reactions of participants –young and seasoned professionals-and the stories of connection and collaboration the committee hears about and shares throughout the year.

It's true we've grown at a substantial rate thanks to additional resources and support of corporate sponsors such as Kaplan University who have invested in this concept since the first glimmer of an idea back in 2012. People are starting to get what this committee forecasted almost four years ago- to grow for the future, we must understand the significance of setting time aside to devote specifically to the needs,  ideas and thoughts made possible by the current and up and coming generation of talent.

In year three, with attendance of over 360 strong, the mix of demographics and stages in professional career was enough grounds for celebration. Executives and seasoned community leaders gathered for table conversations among early in professionals starting out in the working world. An intimidating experience at first glance, but a few minutes in would discover the voices, opinions and ideas shared at the table were all of equal value. Inspiring and invigorating not only for the Summit experience but speaks volumes for the leaders of our community and their recognition of such a valuable event.

I had the honor of co-leading a breakout session with fellow coworkers at The Gazette Company along with The United Way of East Central Iowa and Motorsport Aftermarketing Group. Our session titles “Creating the Environment for Change” and “Triumph through Transition!” poised the conversation for what could have been filled with the emotional anxieties and uncertainty through times of transition. Instead, small groups dove into deep conversation after some key ingredients were presented from the “Ready for Innovation” formula was shared by Leslie Wright of the United Way.  Discussion on the anxieties quickly transformed into a positive look at what's possible, followed by an inspired a gallery walk to check out group notes and a wrap up sharing of findings, practices and resources to take carry forward throughout the day, among coworkers and beyond.

Lunch was previewed with a new edition to the summit structure-an executive roundtable where community leaders were scattered among tables of young professionals for an informal discussion on various topics/issues concerning Iowa's Creative Corridor and workforce related concerns. When the executive list was first developed, we knew the goal of commitment was lofty, especially given our time of year. We received overwhelming commitment to our executive list, with attendance and participation far exceeding expectations from event planners and attendees alike.

Luncheon keynote Tana Goertz provided stunning enthusiasm and key takeaways to build a resilient, confident outlook on the seemingly impossible ideas or tasks no matter what stage one is in their career (http://www.cedarrapids.org/Content/Regional-Development/Next-Gen-Summit/Lunch-Keynote-Speaker-Tana-Goertz.aspx). Another unorthodox page in the anti-conference manual included a walk to Theatre Cedar Rapids for closing keynote Mike Draper (http://www.cedarrapids.org/Content/Regional-Development/Next-Gen-Summit/Afternoon-Speaker-Mike-Draper.aspx)  and a social to encourage continued conversation.

So what's next? The voice continues and the committee is wasting no time.  Planning for 2015 is already underway and in the continued spirit of collaboration and inclusion, no idea is off the table.

www.nextgensummiticc.org.