About 300 of Iowa’s brightest scientists, engineers and technology experts are expected to attend today’s “Iowa da Vinci Celebration and Conference” in Des Moines. Organizer Nancy Pederson of the Iowa Department of Economic Development says the event will help position Iowa as a world leader in the new knowledge based economy. The Iowa Department of Economic Development is co-sponsoring the event, along with the Iowa Business Council, all three of Iowa’s public universities and several corporations. Pederson says the event will celebrate the spirit of invention. Pederson says the event will feature interactive presentations that highlight the best practices that are spurring growth in advanced manufacturing, information solutions and life sciences. The event runs from 10 until five today only at the Des Moines Marriott.