8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Registration Desk Open
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Excel Basics
Excel Basics is an entry-level course designed for individuals new to Microsoft Excel or those seeking to strengthen foundational skills. This course introduces the Excel interface, workbook and worksheet structure, and essential spreadsheet terminology. Participants will learn how to enter and edit data, apply basic formatting, use simple formulas and common functions (such as SUM and AVERAGE), and organize information using sorting and filtering tools. The class also covers creating basic charts and preparing worksheets for printing. By the end of the course, participants will be able to create, edit, and manage straightforward spreadsheets with accuracy and confidence.
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Break
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Intermediate Excel
Intermediate Excel is designed for users who are comfortable with basic spreadsheet functions and want to expand their analytical and data management skills. This course builds on foundational knowledge by introducing more advanced formulas and functions, data validation, conditional formatting, and logical functions. Participants will learn to work with larger datasets using tables, pivot tables, and advanced sorting and filtering techniques. The course also covers data visualization tools, including more dynamic charts and basic dashboard concepts. By the end of the class, participants will be able to analyze data more efficiently, automate routine tasks, and create professional, well-organized workbooks.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – An Evening with our Vendors
This year’s celebration features our America 250th theme: “From 1776 to Today: IMFOA is Leading the Way.” Show your spirit by wearing red, white and blue!
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Registration Desk Open
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast with the Vendors/Resource Tables/Certification Assistance
8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – First Timer’s Orientation
The Board invites those attending the IMFOA conference for the first time to attend a brief orientation. This is your opportunity to meet other First Timers, receive a welcome bag, and learn about important resources to help you navigate City Government and more!
9:15 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies and Welcome by President Brian Weuve
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Navigating the License Administration Portal
The Iowa Department of Revenue Alcohol and Tobacco Divisions launched a new, streamlined licensing system in 2025. This training will help you navigate the updated, user-friendly digital platform, reducing application errors and speeding up approval times. Attendees will see a step- by-step walkthrough of the Local Authorities endorsement process for all new, renewal, and amendment applications with a focus on what the new system has to offer regarding application compliance and approval times for licensees. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable tips they can immediately use and apply to help have a successful experience with the Iowa Department of Revenue License Administration portal.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Certification Awards Ceremony
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Turning Vision Into Action: Funding and Implementation Strategies for Community Success
This session will provide a practical, real-world look at funding opportunities available to Iowa communities and how to position your projects for success. They’ll walk through key funding programs, share why tools like Vision Implementation Plans, Capital Improvement Plans, and Rate Studies matter, and highlight creative approaches to self-funding. You’ll also hear brief insights from regional and federal partners on what makes applications more competitive.
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Popcorn Break
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Certification Process Updates
This session focuses on optimizing the IMFOA certification process with updated requirements for obtaining and renewing certificates. This includes membership and credit tracking through the certification dashboard, IMFOA conference requirements, MPI or MPA participation requirements, credit opportunities for members, and proposed recertification standards.
A preview of the new online application demonstrates a more user-friendly experience, making it easier for candidates to submit and manage their certification documentation.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – IT Cybersecurity
This cybersecurity session will provide clerks with practical, low-cost strategies to strengthen their digital safety and protect sensitive information. Participants will learn how to create and manage strong passwords, identify, and avoid phishing scams and spam emails, and understand the risks of oversharing personal or work-related details—especially through phone calls or social media. The session will also cover basic steps for keeping computers and mobile devices secure, such as updating software and recognizing suspicious links or attachments. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable tips they can immediately apply to reduce everyday Internet and computer risks and build lasting cybersecurity awareness.
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Registration Desk Open
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Iowa League of Cities Update
Staff with the Iowa League of Cities will provide an update on the Iowa Legislature session and the status of bills pertaining to cities and other updates.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – IPIB Training
A law adopted in the 2025 legislative session set a requirement for all new elected officials and those appointed to governmental bodies (at the city government level, common examples include library boards, planning and zoning commissions, boards of adjustments and more) to complete a training on the responsibilities and requirements for open meetings and open records laws. The training must be completed within 90 days of an official taking the oath of office or assuming the duties of their office. This training satisfies the training requirement for Open Meetings/Open Records and will provide attendees with a certificate of completion. Reminder: city staff are generally exempt from this training requirement unless they serve on a governmental body.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Annual Meeting and Door Prizes