Kick Off Diplomacy Begins Here: Space for Innovation at Walker Homestead

Join us for a special evening that pairs global connection with local flavor. The night begins with a guided tour of Walker Homestead’s farm and gardens, where you’ll discover sustainable practices at work in Iowa’s countryside. The tour is followed by a farm-to-table welcome dinner featuring seasonal dishes crafted from the land itself. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy fresh flavors, connect with leaders and neighbors, and set the stage for the days ahead.

About Diplomacy Begins Here
The Diplomacy Begins Here: Space for Innovation Learning Lab & Summit brings together leaders in business, government, and nonprofit organizations to spark new ideas and strengthen ties with local communities through exchange programming. These regional gatherings deepen public understanding of U.S. foreign policy, public diplomacy, and the life-changing impact of exchanges like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Celebrating Milestones in Citizen Diplomacy
This year marks the IVLP’s 85th anniversary of fostering international connections through a nationwide network of nonprofits. Here in Iowa, Global Ties Iowa—formerly known as the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC)—celebrates 40 years of linking the world with the heartland.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening at Walker Homestead as we honor the power of community, connection, and conversation—around the table and beyond.