The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to welcome 50 chamber professionals representing 34 communities across Iowa for the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce (IACC) Fall Conference, held October 14–15 on the historic Surf Ballroom campus.
With a Lead Like a Rockstar theme, the two-day conference combined professional development, networking, local hospitality and a little rock ’n’ roll. Sessions took place at the Surf Ballroom, Palms Ballroom and Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center, giving attendees the opportunity to experience one of Iowa’s most iconic music destinations.
Conferencegoers were encouraged to trade their usual business attire for their favorite band T-shirts, setting a fun, relaxed tone for two days of learning and connecting with fellow chamber professionals.
The experience began with a Pre-Conference Pick-Me-Up at the new Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center, where attendees toured the facility and enjoyed refreshments from Livonia’s Coffee Bar and Fizz Co.
The conference featured Emmy Award-winning speaker Lauren Ready, who challenged attendees to lead with curiosity and ask better questions. Robert Medler led interactive sessions on coalition building and navigating ethical challenges, while Debi Durham rounded out the conference’s educational programming.
A highlight of Thursday’s agenda was Rock Your Ages: How Every Generation Defines Value, Connection, and Community, featuring a panel of local Chamber members representing different generations and industries. Panelists included Dr. Lane Krause of North Shore Chiropractic, Andy Meyer of Bergland+Cram and Plain Ol’ Pumpkins, Janet Johnson of One Vision, and Brad Barber of Cabin Coffee and United to Serve with Passion & Purpose. Their perspectives sparked conversations about generational differences, community involvement and what people value in their professional and personal lives.
Beyond the educational sessions, Clear Lake rolled out the red carpet with local food, entertainment and experiences.
Wednesday evening’s reception at the Surf Ballroom featured live music from the Antonio Lopes Jazz Trio, followed by the Not Fade Away immersive experience at the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center. Attendees also enjoyed a guided tour of the historic Surf Ballroom with Surf Ballroom nonprofit Board President Jeff Nicholas, who shared stories about the venue’s legendary history. Guests also sampled honey lemon gin from 173° Craft Distillery. The fun continued downtown, where several attendees took the Lead Like a Rockstar theme to heart with karaoke at TAP’d. The evening even included a surprise celebrity encounter when comedian Becky Robinson stopped in following her performance at Legacy 19.
Local businesses helped make the conference a true taste of Clear Lake. Best Western Holiday Lodge served as the host hotel, while food and refreshments throughout the event showcased a variety of Chamber members. Lakehouse Market provided breakfast, while Scooter’s Coffee kept attendees fueled Thursday morning with fresh coffee and a Red Bull infusion bar. Lillie Mae Chocolates treated attendees to a caramel apple nacho bar. Wednesday’s reception featured pizza, meatballs, hot peppers and mozzarella sticks from Ge-Jo’s, along with treats from Starboard Market and honey lemon gin samples from 173° Craft Distillery. Avion Azul provided a taco bar, and T’s Sweets contributed cookies.
“Hosting our chamber colleagues from across Iowa was such a great opportunity to show off Clear Lake,” said Stacy Doughan, IOM, President and CEO of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted attendees to leave with new ideas and stronger connections, but we also wanted them to have fun and experience the businesses, people and places that make our community special. Our local partners really helped us make that happen.”
The conference also provided an opportunity to highlight the continued investment in the Surf Ballroom campus and Clear Lake’s growing appeal as a destination for meetings, conferences and group experiences.
“We spend so much time promoting Clear Lake as a destination for visitors, so it was especially rewarding to share it with fellow chamber professionals who understand the work that goes into building a thriving community,” said Libbey Hohn, IOM, Director of Tourism for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. “From our new Welcome Center to the Surf Ballroom experiences and all the local businesses that participated, we were proud to give our guests a memorable Clear Lake experience.”
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce extends its appreciation to the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce, the Surf Ballroom team, participating businesses, speakers and local partners who helped make the conference a success.
Planning a Meeting or Conference in Clear Lake?
Let us help! The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce can assist with venue recommendations, lodging, local experiences and more to make your event a success. Contact us at info@clearlakeiowa.com to start planning!
About the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce serves more than 530 members and is dedicated to strengthening the local business community, supporting economic vitality and promoting Clear Lake as a premier destination to live, work and visit. Learn more at www.clearlakeiowa.com.