This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: It's nearly time for the biggest event of the year for the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA), a regional economic development group supporting several communities in southeastern South Dakota: The Growth Summit, which this year will explore all things power and energy. Here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

  • SMGA's annual Growth Summit is an opportunity to bring people together to learn about different facets of our fast-growing region. That includes business leaders, public officials, lawmakers and anyone who's interested in learning more about growth.
  • This year's theme "Energizing Tomorrow" will bring conversations on all types of power and energy infrastructure, from artificial intelligence and data centers, to renewable energy and "not your granddad's nuclear," SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen said.
  • Attendees will also get a chance to hear from a panel of regional state lawmakers on what they expect will happen in the 2026 legislative session kicking off in January.
"SMGA continues to grow in our impact and in our reach," Tordsen said. "And so this Growth Summit for us is a way for us to bring people together to not only network and make new connections, but also to educate more people on how smart, strategic growth happens."

Tell me more

This year's Growth Summit will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls.

The day kicks off with breakfast and registration at 8, followed by the first panel at 9 a.m. focusing on "Power 101" to lay out the basics and set the stage for the rest of the day.

Then, attendees will hear from the first keynote, Eric Meyer, founder and executive director of Generation Atomic. Meyer will talk about advancements in nuclear energy.

"We want this to be really insightful, engaging, educational and not over anybody’s head," Tordsen said.

The morning rounds out with a discussion on renewable energy, followed by afternoon sessions on liquid natural gas, as well as data centers and AI.

The final session of the afternoon will be the legislative preview, followed by a social hour with snacks and beverages.

"This is really meant to be for anybody and everybody who cares about growth," Tordsen said.

How do I get tickets?

Individual tickets are still available on the SMGA website, but they're going fast.