Des Moines, Iowa – Registration is now open for Athene Watershed26, a two-day summit focused on addressing the complex challenges facing the Upper Mississippi River Watershed. The event, scheduled for June 30 and July 1, 2026, at the Iowa Events Center, aims to foster collaboration between leaders in agriculture, conservation, public health, and the private sector to tackle issues like agricultural runoff, increasing flood risks, and related public health concerns. The summit represents a critical effort to find sustainable solutions for a region grappling with interconnected environmental and economic pressures.
The Upper Mississippi River Watershed is at a pivotal moment, according to organizers. Increasingly frequent and severe flooding, coupled with the detrimental effects of agricultural runoff on water quality, are creating significant hurdles for communities and economies throughout the region. Finding effective strategies requires a shift towards more integrated approaches, bringing together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge and develop practical solutions. The Great Outdoors Foundation, the host of Watershed26, believes this summit will be a catalyst for that change.
Summit Details and Location
Watershed26 will be held at the Iowa Events Center, located at 730 3rd Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Attendees traveling from out of town are encouraged to fly into the Des Moines International Airport (DSM), approximately 15 minutes from the event venue. A complimentary shuttle service is available to the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel for summit participants; reservations can be made by calling (515) 241-1456. The Great Outdoors Foundation has secured a discounted room rate of $155 per night for single and double occupancy rooms at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, available through June 1, 2026. More information about accommodations can be found on the Great Outdoors Foundation website.
A Focus on Collaboration and Innovation
The summit’s agenda is designed to encourage dynamic interaction and the exchange of ideas. Attendees can expect a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions organized around five key content tracks: Emerging Voices, Finance Solutions, Dynamic Partnerships, Science & Data, and Stacked Benefits. These tracks are intended to provide focused opportunities for attendees to delve into specific areas of interest and contribute to the development of actionable strategies.
The draft agenda for Watershed26 includes registration and exhibits on the morning of Tuesday, June 30th, followed by an opening session and keynote address. Wednesday, July 1st, will feature a main session and keynote presentation, building on the momentum generated from the first day. The summit aims to move beyond simply identifying problems to actively exploring and implementing innovative solutions.
Addressing Key Challenges in the Watershed
Agricultural runoff remains a primary concern for the health of the Upper Mississippi River Watershed. Excess nutrients from fertilizers and pesticides can lead to harmful algal blooms, impacting drinking water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. Simultaneously, the region is experiencing more frequent and intense flooding events, causing significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands. These challenges are not isolated; they are interconnected and require a holistic approach to address effectively.
Public health is also directly impacted by the condition of the watershed. Contaminated water sources can pose risks to human health, and flooding can exacerbate these risks by spreading pollutants and damaging sanitation systems. Bringing public health leaders to the table is therefore a crucial component of Watershed26, ensuring that the needs of communities are central to the discussion.
The summit’s focus on “Finance Solutions” suggests an intention to explore innovative funding mechanisms for conservation and water quality improvement projects. Attracting private sector investment and leveraging public-private partnerships will be essential to scaling up effective solutions across the watershed. The “Dynamic Partnerships” track highlights the importance of building strong relationships between diverse stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment where shared goals can be achieved.
Attendees will also engage with the latest scientific data and research through the “Science & Data” track, ensuring that decisions are informed by the best available evidence. The “Stacked Benefits” track will explore opportunities to design solutions that deliver multiple positive outcomes, maximizing the impact of investments and creating long-term sustainability.
As the summit approaches, the Great Outdoors Foundation continues to update the event website with additional details about speakers, sessions, and registration information. Interested individuals can find the most current information and register for Watershed26 on the Foundation’s website.
The success of Watershed26 will likely be measured by its ability to translate discussion into concrete action. The summit provides a valuable platform for collaboration, but the real work will begin after the event concludes, as stakeholders work to implement the strategies and solutions developed during the two-day gathering. The next key date for those interested in the summit is June 1, 2026, the deadline to secure the discounted room rate at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown.
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