Catch Des Moines is designated an Official Accredited Destination Marketing Organization by Destinations International Destination Marketing Accreditation Program. The accreditation program defines quality and performance issues in destination marketing and recognizes destination marketing organizations that meet or exceed industry standards.
The Planner’s Guide is a directory of the Marketing Partners of Catch Des Moines. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Catch Des Moines. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this guide as of press time; however, Catch Des Moines assumes no liability for errors, changes or omissions. Catch Des Moines also makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding the suitability, quality or availability of any goods or services listed in the publication. Listings are provided by the subject companies, and Catch Des Moines shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. Please contact Catch Des Moines with comments or corrections.
CENTER
Greetings from Greater Des Moines!
WE LOVE TO PLAY HOST AND IT SHOWS. OUR COMMUNITY IS FRIENDLY, CLEAN, SAFE, AND INCLUSIVE.
All those things you’ve heard about Iowa Nice. It’s all true. Our vibe is decidedly warm and authentic and once you’re here, you’ll understand why Greater Des Moines is the fastest growing metro in the Midwest.
In Iowa’s capital city and its surrounding communities, your attendees can enjoy urban amenities and authentic experiences in a welcoming and drivable location (Des Moines is within a days drive for 25 percent of the country!). Greater Des Moines provides adventure without risk, planning without the hassle, and rewards without the high cost.
What makes us unique and different? A 4.4-acre downtown sculpture garden. Hip, walkable neighborhoods like the Historic East Village and Historic Court District. Authentic eats like Steak de Burgo and Crab Rangoon pizza. The most beautiful capitol building in the country. Not to mention world class event spaces like the Iowa Events Center (with attached Hilton Hotel), Iowa State Fairgrounds, and new sports venues like the Lauridsen Skatepark (largest in the country) and MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines.
And when it comes to hosting your attendees, rest assured, events are our thing. An award-winning arts festival. A nationally renowned state fair. One of the best farmers’ markets in America. The Dew Tour. IRONMAN. World Pork Expo. Whether you’re hosting techies or Trekkies, athletes or ag leaders, take advantage of our state-of-the-art events center or choose from one-of-a-kind meeting spots (and yes, we can even host you on a farm).
Catch Des Moines’ friendly and professional Sales and Event Experience teams are here to help you plan your meeting, convention, or event. We can help find the perfect venue, boost attendance with custom marketing materials and social media efforts, and enhance the attendee experience with personalized services and tools. So come to Des Moines, where the S’s are silent, but the planners are singing our praises.
Cheers!
Greg Edwards PRESIDENT & CEO CATCH DES MOINES
FUN FACT
700,000
Population Pronunciation Des Moines. Only the S's are silent.
13,000+ hotel Rooms in greater Des Moines
5,000 Largest Hotel Block
2,800+ downtown HOtel rooms
75+
Annual Events drawing in more than 5,000 attendees each
23 Convention hotels ¼ of the country can drive to Des Moines in one day
SERVICES Our
FIND THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT
A SUCCESS! The Catch Des Moines Event Experience team is here to help you brainstorm new ideas to enhance your event. We’ll make it easy for you and your attendees to enjoy an excellent event experience in Greater Des Moines.
Local Expertise
It takes a village to plan a top-notch event and that’s what our team is here for. From facility, restaurant, and itinerary recommendations to ways of marketing your event throughout the city — we’re here to help!
Create a Unique Experience
Whether you’re looking for team building opportunities or an insider’s guide on all things Greater Des Moines, we’ll help make your event unique and memorable. We also have equipment and materials for you to utilize and to help elevate your event.
Promote Your Event
You’ve selected Des Moines and now you need to get the word out. Use our resources to help highlight your future host site with videos, photos, an events calendar, deals and discounts, and so much more!
Greater Des Moines Maps
Check out our maps and visitors guide before your event. Take advantage of these complimentary materials so attendees can explore the city without turning on their GPS devices.
Welcome Materials & Tools
From banners, signs, and letters to ice chests, coolers, and sunscreen, we have it all to welcome your group to the city. Think outside the box and we will help make it possible.
Staffing Assistance
The Catch Crew is a group of city experts who are helpful when it comes to promotion and registration tactics. They can be scheduled for your event. Contact your Event Experience Coordinator for more details. All we need to know is the date, location, time, and the on-site coordinator(s) information to make this possible. *Fees may apply for this service.
Housing Services
The Greater Des Moines Housing Bureau provides an online housing service enabling guests to book their rooms at any participating event hotel in one centralized location using Meetingmax software. Room availability is updated in real-time and guests are able to book 24/7 via a customized web link. There is a fee for this service, which is included in the hotel room rate.
USA TRACK & FIELD IOWA CAUCUS
MEN'S BASKETBALL LIONS CLUB
THE FLYNN BARN, LIVING HISTORY FARMS
Host an event at a farm that hosted a sitting president and the pope. Built in 1871, Flynn Barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is available to rent from May ― October. Because when it comes to playing host, events are kind of our thing, from farm to conference table.
EVENT
Find the resources you need to make your event a roaring success. Select from an extensive list of sought-after decorators, videographers, local printers, and more. Enhance the event experience with volunteer opportunities or team building activities. Browse city resources and rental companies to complete your vision. It’s easy to fulfill all your planning needs in Greater Des Moines.
catchdesmoines.com/suppliers
VENUES
GREATER DES MOINES IS YOUR DESTINATION for meetings, conventions, and sporting events. Whether you have a group of 10 or 10,000, the right-sized facility with all the desired amenities awaits you in Greater Des Moines.
It all starts with the state-of-the-art Iowa Events Center, with 37 meeting rooms and 226,000 square feet of total space — over five corn fields worth! If you really want to lean into the Midwestern stereotype, we also have off-site venues like a working, educational farm and the nation’s best fairgrounds.
catchdesmoines.com/facilities
PAST AND FUTURE NOTABLE CONVENTIONS AND SPORTING EVENTS
BMW Motorcycle Owners of America
International Rally – 2018
Farm Progress Show – Bi-Annual
Jr. High National Finals Rodeo – 2021, 2024, 2025
P.E.O. Convention of International Chapter – 2019
National Speech and Debate Tournament – 2024, 2025
USA/Canada Lions Annual Forum – 2021
World Pork Expo – Annual
Kennedy Center Region
5 American College Theater Festival – 2017, 2018, 2023, 2024
National Governor’s Association Summer Meeting – 2016
American Cheese Society Conference and Competition – 2016, 2023
USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championships – 2019, 2022
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Convention – 2018
NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championships – 2013
International Harvester Collectors Red Power Round Up – 2017
USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships – 2018, 2019
The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – 2019
First in the Nation Caucus Dew Tour – 2021, 2022
Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN North American Championship – 2022
USA Volleyball High Performance Championships – 2015
American Public Works Association Snow Conference – 2017
American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators – 2015
BIO World Congress – 2019
IOWA EVENTS CENTER
The IEC is a unique combination of three connected venues: Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, and Community Choice Convention Center. Potentially the only venue in the country that has hosted the Presidential Caucuses, the American Cheese Society, and Taylor Swift.
Did you know?
Des Moines has 60+ unique venues.
Iowa Events Center
The Iowa Events Center is the premiere meeting destination in the state. In addition to four levels of convention space, it also includes the 17,000+ capacity Wells Fargo Arena. With an attached 330-room Hilton Des Moines Downtown and a climate-controlled skywalk that connects to downtown hotels, restaurants, and parking, it's the epitome of convenience. Take advantage of their in-house and on-site marketing, media, AV, and exhibitor services, along with their expert culinary team.
ADDRESS
730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
3
one Three Two Four
This 14,000-squarefoot meeting space can be divided into a maximum of eight individual meeting rooms, or combined to create three large meeting rooms.
This level consists of 150,000 square feet of continuous exhibition space broken up into three separate halls of approximately 50,000 square feet each.
Located on the same level as the indoor skywalk system, this level features 50,000 square feet of space broken out into 21 individual rooms or a combination of settings. State-of-the-art, operable air walls allow for flexibility to accommodate up to 200 10’ x 10’ exhibits.
The Grand Ballroom with an operable wall allows banquets up to 2,330 guests.
Iowa state Fairgrounds
Even if you're not there to experience the most iconic State Fair in the country, you can still get a taste of what makes it so great. The Iowa State Fairgrounds offer incredible flexibilty and a unique setting for events. Located just minutes from Interstate 235 and downtown Des Moines, it is an ideal meeting location. There are 14 different venues to choose from ranging from 1,824 to 110,400 square feet. It's hosted rodeos, car shows, home and garden shows, pork expos, and everything in between!
ADDRESS
E 30th Street & E University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
PHONE (515) 262-3111 FAX (515) 262-6906 WEB iowastatefairgrounds.org
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
Opened in fall 2021, the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines is the latest in the growing number of state-of-the-art sports complexes in the region. Sports are the name of the game here, with a 90,000-squarefoot indoor turf soccer field, two indoor ice arenas, four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, and three outdoor synthetic turf fields. Far from traditional, there are also spaces for trade shows, conventions, galas, and even concerts. All located within minutes from Jordan Creek Town Center and all of the entertainment districts in West Des Moines.
ADDRESS
6500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266
PHONE (515) 440-4820 FAX (515) 222-3459
therecplex.com
OUTDOOR
Building & Field Layout
GREG ABLE ARENA GREEN STATE TURF FIELD
catchdesmoines.com/sports
gymnastics
HOTELS
PLAY GOLDILOCKS AND FIND THE BED THAT’S JUST RIGHT for your attendees with more than 13,000 sleeping rooms available in Greater Des Moines. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel or want to maximize points with trusted national brands, your attendees are always just steps away from great food, shopping, and entertainment. There are plenty of ways to check-in and plenty of things to check out in Greater Des Moines, and we're happy to play concierge.
catchdesmoines.com/hotels
HOTEL FORT DES MOINES
The Hotel Fort Des Moines, a local treasure that has hosted a dozen sitting presidents and countless celebrities, celebrated its 2019 centennial with a complete renovation. This modern twist on historic grandeur lies in the heart of downtown, close to cultural attractions, dining, shops, and entertainment. A timeless icon featuring 290 guest rooms and more than 13,000 square feet of meeting space awaits you.
WEST DES MOINES MARRIOTT
SHERATON
HOTEL PATTEE
RENAISSANCE
MOINES SAVERY HOTEL
SURETY HOTEL
Surety Hotel is a modern, grand hotel ushering in an exciting new era in downtown Des Moines. Travelers and locals alike will enjoy the modern communal design and good old fashioned Midwestern hospitality commingling at Surety.
Surety offers simply sumptuous guestrooms, a contemporary tavern, and several stunning gathering spaces, all created to set a new standard in Des Moines and beyond.
Did you Know?
Greater Des Moines has 13.7 million annual visitors.
FUN FACT 13,OOO+ Hotel Rooms
SOUTH
Cedar Rapids, Council
DES MOINES MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN
Set in the heart of vibrant downtown, the Des Moines Marriott Downtown offers amazing amenities and superior service. Experience Meetings Imagined, a digital innovation which creates a meeting designed and delivered to inspire. Whether a business or social event, this hotel boasts 28,000 square feet of event space and the largest events space in Des Moines. Fuel up or socialize in two on-site restaurants: Rock River Grill and Mash + Marrow. They look forward to making your stay in downtown Des Moines comfortable, rewarding, and satisfying.
HILTON DES MOINES DOWNTOWN
Hilton Des Moines Downtown is directly connected to the Iowa Events Center. Only five miles to the airport and convenient access just off Interstate 235, the hotel is surrounded by local dining, major businesses, and close to nearby downtown attractions like the Iowa State Capitol and the renowned Downtown Farmers’ Market. The modern guestrooms are spacious and comfortable and include refrigerators, laptop safes, and USB charging ports. Park Street Kitchen and Bar, indoor pool, fitness center, and technology lounge are just a few of the amenities to ensure a memorable experience.
DES MOINES MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN
HILTON
GETTING
AROUND
Navigating Greater Des Moines is a breeze. Upon arrival, your attendees will appreciate the short, 10 minute drive from the airport to downtown, quick and easy commute to and from the suburbs. Attendees also enjoy the walk-ability of downtown Des Moines and 4-mile climatecontrolled skywalk. Rideshare services, including hotel shuttles, are readily available, as well as bike rentals and 800+ miles of connected recreational trails.
Did you Know?
Des Moines was originally named Fort Raccoon.
Our
DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES IS EMERGING, progressive, and probably not at all what you think. It is clean, safe, fun, and welcoming. It’s culture without the cost. Art without the attitude. Walkable without the worry.
Whether your experience involves sampling the greatest hits –tenderloins, the State Capitol building, John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park – or discovering the deep tracks – Crab Rangoon Pizza, West End Salvage, a 6-mile art route – downtown Des Moines will surprise and delight at every turn (and with every bite).
VISITORS RAVE ABOUT OUR ICONIC festivals and events, farm-to-fork cuisine, 800 miles of hiking and biking trails, great shopping, and much more. As a major art destination in the Midwest, Greater Des Moines is living proof that sometimes the best art doesn’t come in a frame. From museums and galleries to Broadway shows and concerts, there’s so much to do in Greater Des Moines. catchdesmoines.com/things-to-do
ADVENTURELAND PARK
An amusement park, water park, and resort hotel all-inone. Features 10 new rides and attractions this year. Thrill rides and chill vibes abound.
HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL
25 miles of exploration, anchored by the iconic and illuminated 13-story High Trestle Bridge, one of the largest trail bridges in the world.
Lauridsen Skatepark
Nestled along the Des Moines Riverwalk is the newly opened Lauridsen Skatepark, which at 88,000 square feet, is the largest in the country. Features both park and street courses. Even if you don't skate, it's fun to take in all the rad sights, including a skatable WOW sculpture.
LIVING HISTORY FARMS
We're not all farms, but the ones we do have are pretty epic. Four different farms tell the story of Iowa's 300-year-old history, featuring everything from a blacksmith shop to oldtimey baseball games.
Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack and Hotel
More than 85,000 square feet of casino action and table games action make this Altoona hotspot the Vegas of Greater Des Moines. Seventeen hundred slot machines, horse racing May — September, and a world-class steakhouse to spend all your winnings at.
Principal Park
Catch a rising star, or a hot dog, at the AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, located at beautiful Principal Park along the river. Go Iowa Cubs Go!
SMASH PARK
A one-of-a-kind social entertainment and events venue with American street style eats and hand-crafted cocktails. Featuring Iowa’s largest patio and 70+ HD TVs, plus don’t forget games: Smash Park is equipped with six pickleball courts, a full arcade, shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong, cornhole, and more!
Tournament Club of Iowa
Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, with elevation changes and beautiful vistas, it's one of hte most picturesque courses in the state.
| EDUCATIONAL |
BLANK PARK ZOO
This 49-acre zoo on the south side of the city includes exhibits such as tigers, seals, lions, giraffes, lemurs, red pandas, and rhinos. The fun is almost unbearable.
GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN
Rain or shine, things are always in bloom at this beautiful, seven-acre public garden in the heart of downtown.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL
The only five-domed capitol in the country includes 100 rooms of amazing history, including the magnificent law library, the most photographed room in the state. Free selfguided tours available.
JOHN AND MARY PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK
4.4 acres of awe-inspiring art and countless selfie opportunities abound in the crown jewel of downtown. More than 30 works of art make this the perfect place to unwind and get in touch with your artsy side.
SCIENCE CENTER OF IOWA
Centrally located in downtown Des Moines, SCI features interactive exhibits and unique programming to encourage learning and fun for all ages.
| SHOPPING |
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
Every Saturday morning from May to October, more than 25,000 people gather on Court Avenue to enjoy food, music, murals, and more than 300 vendors. It's a Des Moines bucket list item.
Jordan Creek Town Center
Located right off Interstate 80 in West Des Moines, this entertainment district features a two-level enclosed mall with 100+ retailers, a movie theater, and restaurants. The surrounding area includes even more entertainment options, ranging from luxury bowling lanes to escape rooms and adult arcades.
Outlets of Des Moines
Outlets of Des Moines is an open-air shopping destination in Altoona where you can shop the biggest names in fashion including Michael Kors, kate spade new york, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour Factory House.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL
SMASH PARK
PRINCIPAL PARK
DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET
FLAVOR GREATER DES MOINES of
1,000+
FONG'S PIZZA
Irreverent yet delicious is the best way to describe Fong's Pizza, a tiki bar with Asianinspired pizza whose famous Crab Rangoon pizza earned coveted praise by Alton Brown on Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate."
20+
12 locally owned restaurants local breweries, wineries, & Taprooms James Beard Nominated Chefs
TREAT YOUR ATTENDEES TO GREATER DES MOINES’ celebrated farm-to-fork food scene (we practically invented it). Taste the work of James Beard-nominated chefs with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try the dishes, drinks, and desserts that Greater Des Moines is known for: From classic Italian eateries and championship BBQ to unique flavors like Asian-inspired pizza, the legendary breaded pork tenderloin, or the life-changing Steak de Burgo. Renowned for international food and cultural festivals, Greater Des Moines offers surprising delights for every palate.
catchdesmoines.com/restaurants
SMITTY'S
GILROY'S
MULBERRY STREET TAVERN
OISHII RAMEN
GOOD NEWS, DARLING
FOUNDRY DISTILLING CO.
CATCH BEAUTY ON EVERY STREET CORNER, including a 4.4-acre sculpture park in downtown Des Moines, complete with 31 works of art. Take in a tour experience by BCycle or by foot. Glimpse downtown murals, architecture, outdoor art installations, sculptures, and monuments. Des Moines is a city rich with public art that is free for all to enjoy.
catchdesmoines.com/things-to-do
Did you Know?
There are 31 pieces of public art at the downtown sculpture park!
JOHN AND MARY PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK
Pack a picnic and spend a sunny afternoon at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Here you'll be inspired by dozens of works from internationally recognized arts right in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The 4.4-acre park offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy throwing a frisbee for fido.
HISTORIC
Hoods
THE BEST WAY TO LIVE LIKE A LOCAL and have an authentic Des Moines experience is to explore our unique neighborhoods, brimming with both hidden gems and unmissable landmarks. Forge your own path, or use one of our Catch List itineraries to help map out your adventure. Here are just a few of our most dynamic districts, where there's fun right around the corner.
catchdesmoines.com/catchlist
Historic East Village
Located between the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines River, the Historic East Village is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood with more than 90 locally owned shops, restaurants, and bars. From spices to stilettos, the shopping scene is sure to impress. Make sure to stop at Peace Tree Brewing for some craft beer favorites or The Iowa Taproom for a sampling of state-wide classics. If you’re looking for a taste of sophistication, then sit down for a meal at either HoQ or Alba. If a casual environment is what you’re in search of, then grab a bite at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern, or fill up on queso and margaritas at Rita’s Cantina.
Western Gateway Park
Relax and explore one of the urban developments in downtown Des Moines. Western Gateway Park incorporates a mix of green space and buildings providing a cultural experience to both residents and visitors. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines Central Library, The Temple for Performing Arts, and The John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center are all beautiful and unique meeting spaces. Grab a bite at hot spots like Americana or Django or a drink at Exile Brewing Company, one of the most popular breweries in the state.
Historic Court District
Located in the heart of Des Moines, the Historic Court District is considered to be the main entertainment district of downtown. It is home to restaurants, bars, breweries, an abundance of unique murals, and one of Des Moines’ favorite events: the Downtown Farmers’ Market. From May to October, 25,000 people pack Court Avenue and its surrounding side streets to experience one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. Period street lamps, planters, and park benches dot the sidewalks, and it is also home to the Des Moines Civic Center, which has hosted Broadway productions such as “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Historic Valley Junction
Stroll through the eclectic Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, a renovated railroad district with charm to spare. From kitchy to classy, you'll find vintage shops, clothing boutiques, and art galleries all situated within a lively district full of murals and quaint eateries and cafes. Make sure to check out their Thursday evening Farmer's Market and The Hall, a spacious German-style beer hall perfect for large gatherings.
NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM DES MOINES
Atlanta
Austin
Charlotte
Chicago (ORD)
Dallas
Denver
Destin
Detroit
Ft. Lauderdale
Houston (HOU)
Houston (IAH)
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Miami
Minneapolis
Nashville
New York City (LGA)
Newark
Orange County
Orlando (MCO)
Orlando (SFB)
Palm Springs
Phoenix (AZA)
Phoenix (PHX)
Portland Punta Gorda
San Diego
Sarasota
St. Louis
St. Petersburg
Washington, D.C.
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY, Greater Des Moines is easily accessible for event attendees by land or air. For those who prefer a road trip, this capital city is nestled at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35. For the frequent fliers, Des Moines International Airport offers 160 flights a day, with more than 30 direct flights to major U.S. cities.
Dotdash
EMC
of
HISTORY PROGRESS
GREATER DES MOINES AND THE STATE OF IOWA HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF LEADERSHIP ON PROGRESSIVE ISSUES.
1839 A fitting ruling for Independence Day, and seven years before the Iowa Territory would become a state, its newly formed Supreme Court ruled that a slave was a person, not property, and could not be returned to his “master” in Missouri.
“Shattering Silence,” (2009 by James Ellwanger) a sculpture outside the Iowa Supreme Court, commemorates Ralph Montgomery’s case.
1851 Iowa legalized interracial marriage more than a century before the U.S. Supreme Court guaranteed this right for all Americans in the 1967 landmark case Loving v. Virginia.
1855 The University of Iowa became the first state university in the nation to admit men and women on an equal basis.
1869 Long before women had the right to vote, Iowa’s Julia C. Addington became the first woman elected to public office in Iowa (Superintendent of Schools for Mitchell County in 1869), and she is believed to be the first woman elected to public office in the United States.
1869 Iowan Arabella A. Mansfield was the first woman admitted to the practice of law in any state in the nation.
1917 Fort Des Moines became the country’s first officer training school for African Americans.
1925 At a time when the American Bar Association and other national legal associations denied membership to African Americans, 12 attorneys founded the National Bar Association (NBA) in Des Moines. A sculpture at the corner of Grand and 2nd Avenues, entitled “A Monumental Journey” (July 2018 by Kerry James Marshall) pays tribute to the NBA’s founders.
1934 The Mother Mosque of America is completed in Iowa, and the first building designed and constructed as a house of worship for Muslims in America.
1942 During World War II, Fort Des Moines was selected as the site of the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps training center.
1970s Robert D. Ray, Iowa governor from 1969 to 1983, was the first public official anywhere in the United States to offer a safe haven for the endangered Vietnamese “Boat People.” The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, located downtown along the Des Moines River, are a tribute to Ray’s work and a celebration of diversity within the community.
2007 Iowa outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
2009 In a unanimous decision for the Varnum v. Brien case, the Iowa Supreme Court upheld the right of same-sex couples to marry, six years before the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, would do the same.
Des Moines. The S’s Are Silent. Our Voices Cannot Be.
Catch Des Moines brings visitors to Greater Des Moines. With that comes the responsibility to make everyone feel welcome, no matter their nationality, race, religion, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. These visitors not only support jobs and our quality of life, but some will also become our neighbors, co-workers, coaches, teachers, and civic leaders.
We want all visitors to see our region as the progressive and inclusive place that we strive for it to be. We also want our region’s minority-owned businesses, retailers, and attractions – the lifeblood of our communities and neighborhoods – to feel supported and valued. We understand that diversity is what inspires learning, advances innovation, is a catalyst for creativity, and makes life that much more exciting and fun. After all, we’re in the travel industry, and why do people travel if not to experience new and diverse things?
We must continuously adjust to the changing world and seek to understand and learn from those around us. Talking is easy. Doing takes some work.
So, what can we do as an organization to stand with and support our community and those who visit us too?
We will and have:
Evolve and grow our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee to gain actionable insights from diverse groups within the meetings and event industry.
Continue to make a concerted effort to bring in conventions and events serving people of color (POC), religious conventions, human rights organizations, and other diverse groups. We work to make sure everyone coming here feels welcome, safe, and valued.
Support our POC and minority-owned businesses and organizations by elevating them through marketing and sharing their stories.
Continue to be a resource for POC-owned businesses and event organizers to help them make the right connections to ensure their success.
Bring POC and other leaders of diverse communities to the table and LISTEN.
These concepts can and should be applied to all underrepresented groups. There are no easy answers, but we know that it all starts with listening and then putting in the work.
We listened, and we’re putting our words into action.
ADMINISTRATION
Greg Edwards President & CEO greg@catchdesmoines.com (515) 699-3438
Shannon Winters, CDME, SHRM-CP Vice President of Finance & Human Resources shannon@catchdesmoines.com (515) 699-3440
Laura McNichols
Director of Administration & Technology laura@catchdesmoines.com (515) 699-3449
IF YOU SEE DES BEST AROUND DES MOINES, YOU’RE AT THE RIGHT PLACE. THIS EMBLEM MEANS SOMEWHERE OR SOMETHING HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY LOCALS AS THE BEST AROUND.
