Moxie Events Experience Guide

About Moxie Events

Moxie is VGM’s full-service marketing and event planning ally. We collaborate with you to create big ideas that get even bigger results and assist you in providing the hometown hospitality VGM is known for providing customers.

We believe customer and employee events are an important marketing tactic for every division of VGM. Our unique approach to planning and producing events draws on our many years of experience, a strategic and consultative approach, and a focus on hospitality which turns everyday events into impactful experiences for you, your customers, and the employees of VGM. The result is improved employee engagement and bottom-line profits.

When hosting an event, everything needs to be just right. It doesn’t matter if it’s a webinar or a national conference, it needs to look and feel effortless— which just happens to be a Moxie specialty. We’ve been hosting events and optimizing experiences for decades. We help divisions of VGM with corporate events, conferences, and trade shows; live, virtual, and hybrid events; and employee engagement experiences.

MEET THE MOXERS

Samantha Doering, Event Coordinator

Samantha comes to Moxie with a breadth of knowledge in the events and marketing spaces. Having previously been a marketing director herself, she is no stranger to tackling projects such as coordinating trade shows. What she pulls her energy from, other than her caramel iced coffees, is creating new and exciting ideas for her clients.

Mike McGill, Corporate Marketing and Events Specialist

Initially starting as a copywriter, Mike now handles client matters as one of Moxie’s account managers and event coordinators. As the 2020 winner of the VGM Innovator Award, Mike is all for testing the waters with new ideas that garner results for Moxie’s clients.

Brooke Vry, Event Coordinator

Brooke comes armed and ready to make events ones to remember— from coordinating small team get-togethers to tackling multi-day trade shows and conferences. Organization is key, and based on Brooke’s Pinterest boards, it’s clear she knows how to bring events, no matter what size, to life.

Kyle Brown, Event Coordinator

Known for his Midwestern hospitality, Kyle is the go-to guy for events— from his calm, approachable demeanor to the extra touches he adds to each event to give them that Moxie Magic. With his can-do attitude, Kyle is up for any challenge. He even has his own tagline, “If you want something done, KB is the one!”

MEET THE MOXERS

Brittany McCann, Administrative Assistant

At Moxie, Brittany is here for any day-to-day needs, including for the events team. Having previously been in the patient care field and with a technical theater background, participating in anywhere from 40 to 360 events per year, Brittany is no stranger to urgency and high stakes—yet she is able to handle any challenge with a smile on her face.

Desiree Trimble, Client Strategy Director

When she isn’t driving her 2005 Ford Mustang, Desiree is driving marketing strategies that deliver results for clients. As Moxie’s Client Strategy Director, Desiree brings combining creativity and strategy to the forefront of every branding discussion.

Christa Miehe, President

Christa has worked with VGM, Moxie’s parent company, for over 20 years—holding multiple leadership positions during her time. From copywriting and events to the ins and outs of marketing, Christa knows the intricacies that go into every project Moxie handles for clients. Christa will always find a reason to celebrate, whether for a random holiday or for any wins Moxie has.

2022 Event Highlights

In 2022 Moxie assisted VGM Group and its divisions with more than 200 events and roughly 165 hospitality requests at the VGM Farm. Here’s a few highlights from our year:

VGM Awards Ceremony

● Client is VGM Group.

● A hybrid event with attendees both in person and virtually. This is an important event for VGM that highlights employee owners who went above and beyond the previous year.

● Moxie coordinates all moving pieces: call for nominations, creation of supporting materials, videos, event planning, and event coordination.

Owners Only

● Client is VGM Group.

● This is a virtual event that invites employee owners of VGM to attend and hear updates on the company, as well as our share price. Watch parties are held in the U.S. and Canada.

● Much like the VGM Awards, Moxie coordinates all the moving pieces, but on a slightly smaller scale.

Medtrade

● VGM has participated in this trade show for more than 30 years.

● Previously having two Medtrades, 2023 will be the first year for one event. Medtrade is a staple event in the HME industry, where VGM & Associates partners with multiple VGM divisions to exhibit at the conference.

● Moxie helps coordinate the pre-show marketing and planning, as well as the on-site support during the event itself.

Heartland 2022

● Client is VGM Group.

● Heartland is the premier education and networking event of the year for the HME industry. This is a signature annual event for VGM held in Waterloo, Iowa. Around 1,000 are in attendance each year for the three-day event.

● Moxie plays a key role in the planning and execution of the event, including pre-show marketing, pre-show planning, on-site execution, and support—a year-long process to make it happen.

Holiday Parties

● Client is VGM Group.

● VGM held two holiday parties for 2022 as previous years were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first holiday party was in July, with a second in December. The December party had a record attendance of 927!

● Moxie handles all aspects of marketing, event planning and coordination—promotion, theme, pre-show planning, setup, and on-site support.

HME News Business Summit

● Client is United Publications (UPI).

● This is an annual event for HME leaders across the country to come together for a weekend of education and networking. 2022’s event welcomed customers of both UPI and VGM to Nashville, Tennessee, and saw even higher attendance than previous years.

● Moxie partners directly with UPI for all aspects of event coordination.

CSMC

● Client is VGM Canada.

● This is an annual event held in Canada in the seating and mobility fields of the HME industry. It brings together hundreds of attendees and multiple industry leaders. 2022 marked the first year since 2019 that the event was held in person and the first year Moxie played a part in its coordination.

● Moxie partnered with VGM & Associates and VGM Canada on everything from marketing to event planning.

Employee Travel

Depending on the reason and circumstances, Moxie may or may not assist with travel arrangements. Please review the accommodations, transportation, and flights sections below for more information and our recommendations.

Accommodations

Moxie Assistance Available

Moxie assists Human Capital in making new hire accommodations. Human Capital will initiate as part of the hiring and/or onboarding process. Moxie will utilize the rooms at the VGM Farm if available. If rooms are not available at the Farm, new hires will be placed at a hotel in the Cedar Valley.

If you are attending a trade show that Moxie is helping plan, such as Medtrade, AOPA, NWC, etc., Moxie will obtain a block of rooms and/or make reservations for all VGM employees attending the show.

Self-service Situations

Individuals traveling to attend client meetings or educational conferences on their own or with a few individuals from your division should select a hotel of your choice and make a reservation directly with the hotel or through Concur.

Existing employees who need to travel to the Cedar Valley for work or training purposes should make their own accommodations for a hotel or stay at the VGM Farm.

Hotels

Moxie’s Local Hotel Recommendations

● Hilton Garden Inn

◆ 7213 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ Call 319-266-6611 and mention you work for VGM to receive a discount.

◆ Includes conference space that can hold up to 340 attendees comfortably, fitness center, and free parking. The Hilton features its own restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner: The Garden Grille and Bar.

● Holiday Inn & Suites

◆ 7400 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ Click here to reserve a room.

◆ Full-service hotel near the University of Northern Iowa campus. Meeting spaces, fitness center, a bistro, and game rooms are all available to guests.

● Best Western Plus Executive Residency

◆ 205 W. 4th St., Waterloo, IA 50701

◆ Call 319-888-1000 and mention VGM to receive a discount.

◆ Includes a 24-hour business center with three meeting rooms available for use. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, indoor pool and fitness center, game room, and bar. Breakfasts available during weekdays for additional fee.

● Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls

◆ 250 Westfield Ave., Waterloo 50701

◆ Use VGM’s company code V1U to receive a discount.

◆ Newly renovated, historic hotel in downtown Waterloo. Includes a builtin restaurant (The Bistro), meeting spaces, and free Wi-Fi. The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum is a short walk from the hotel.

● Country Inn & Suites

◆ 4025 Hammond Ave., Waterloo 50702

◆ Call 319-233-2336 and ask for the VGM rate to receive a discount.

◆ Recipient of the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award. Includes a 24-hour business center, complimentary breakfast each morning, free Wi-Fi, and fitness center.

● Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Cedar Falls

◆ 101 W. 1st St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ Call 319-242-7350 and mention VGM to receive a discount.

◆ Includes business center and multiple meeting rooms, complimentary breakfasts, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is situated near Cedar Falls’ Main Street to enjoy the various local businesses.

Staying at the VGM Farm

● The VGM Farm is an option for overnight stay for employees and customers.

● Employees can check to see availability of rooms here: https://vgmgroupin.sharepoint. com/sites/VGMIntranet/Lists/Farm%20Calendar/calendar.aspx

● To make a reservation for yourself or a customer, complete the form here: https:// vgmgroupin.sharepoint.com/sites/VGMIntranet/SitePages/Farm-Reservation-Request. aspx

● Guests should be comfortable sharing common spaces such as the kitchen, living area, and some bathrooms, as the home accommodates up to eight (8) overnight guests.

● Common spaces may be used for networking and social events, and a boardroom can be used for meetings.

● To see a tour of the VGM Farm, visit https://experiencemoxie.com/vgm-360-farm-tour/

Guidelines for Using the VGM Farm

● The VGM Farm is for business use only.

● Reservations for overnight rooms and shared spaces must be made ahead of time.

● Prior to your arrival, you will receive an email with check-in instructions. You will also receive a schedule of events and expected guests during your stay.

● Please clean up shared spaces daily. This helps our cleaning service and provides a welcoming environment for other guests.

● All trash needs to be taken to the dumpster located right in front of the barn.

● Be sure to take any food items with you or throw them away before you leave.

● If you are an overnight guest, you may use any bathroom. If you are not an overnight guest, please use the bathrooms located on the main level of the home.

● Please be mindful of others in the home and keep noise levels at an appropriate level, especially after 10 p.m.

● Standard overnight arrival time is 5:30 p.m.

● Standard overnight departure time is by 11 a.m.

● Early arrivals and late departures should be coordinated ahead of time with Moxie.

Transportation

Flights

● Moxie Assistance Available

Moxie assists Human Capital with flights for new hires. Human Capital will initiate this process with Moxie as part of the hiring/onboarding process.

Self-service Situations

If you are attending a trade show that Moxie is helping plan, such as Medtrade, AOPA, NWC, etc., you are empowered to make your own flight arrangements using Concur. Please share your itinerary with Events after you’ve purchased your flight.

Individuals traveling to attend client meetings or educational conferences on their own or with a few individuals from your division should purchase tickets using Concur.

Existing employees who need to travel to the Cedar Valley for work/training purposes, should coordinate their own flights using Concur.

Ground Transportation

● Moxie Assistance Available

Moxie assists Human Capital in renting cars for new hires. Human Capital will initiate this process as part of the hiring/onboarding process.

Self-service Situations

VGM employees departing from the Cedar Valley can reserve a VGM vehicle for travel purposes. VGM Facilities manages the fleet of corporate-owned vehicles. All vehicles can be reserved using Outlook.

To reserve a vehicle, open Outlook, create a new meeting, and select one of the below in the LOCATION field of your meeting request:

◆ V-12 Passenger Van

◆ V_Annex Altima

◆ V_Cargo Van

◆ V_Forbin Altima

◆ V_Forbin Quest

◆ V_ipass

◆ V_Quest #2

◆ V_Quest #3

◆ V_TurtleTop

◆ V_White Altima

Tip: The availability of vehicles will show up in the Scheduling Assistant.

Any questions or for more info on using VGM-owned vehicles, email facilities@vgm.com.

Employees who do not live in the Cedar Valley but need a rental car for travel purposes should make their own reservations using Concur or directly with a rental car provider of their choice.

Moxie’s Recommendations for Rental Cars

● Alamo Rental

◆ Up to 20% off and unlimited mileage

◆ Contract ID#: 7000808

● National Rental

◆ Up to 20% off and unlimited mileage

◆ Contract ID#: 5001124

● Enterprise Car Rental

◆ Contract ID#: 62C0854

Venues and Spaces at VGM

VGM has several spaces that are great for socializing and meetings. We encourage the use of these spaces for your next team event or meeting.

● VGM Farm

◆ Located in La Porte City, Iowa, the VGM Farm is a large farmhouse that can accommodate a significant portion of VGM’s employee owners with multiple company-wide activities being held there (e.g., Haunted Hustle). The farm can be reserved for team/division get-togethers, as well as house out-of-town employees and business partners

◆ Deck – seats about 20

◆ Kitchen – well-stocked with beverages, area for sitting and eating, space to serve food buffet style

◆ Recreational Room – games, restrooms, bar area

◆ Barn (seasonal) – bar, bathrooms, tables, and chairs set for guests

◆ Great space to entertain

◆ Electrical for AV/music

◆ Boardroom – can fit around 12 people

◆ Reserve on SharePoint

● Pergola

◆ Right outside of the VGM café, the Pergola is perfect for any outdoor activities such as a bags tournament or music bingo. When the weather is nice, food days are often held here.

◆ Tables and chairs available

◆ Electrical outlets available

◆ Located at VGM’s main campus

◆ Good for large or small groups

● The Owners’ Lounge

◆ Perfect space for small get-togethers with colleagues, whether for Finding the Fun in Your Day or a meeting with teammates

◆ Includes beverage-stocked fridge

◆ Tables and chairs

◆ Ping pong

◆ Reserve in Outlook

◆ Good for groups of 15-20

● Building D Atrium

◆ The atrium is usually a lounge setting, but the area can be rearranged to accommodate events such as company-wide food days. Good Morning Cedar Valley (a breakfast for Grow Cedar Valley) has been held here in the past

◆ Tables and chairs can be set up

◆ AV/electrical available

◆ Good for groups of 30-40

● D4 Boardroom

◆ Great space for meetings

◆ Seats up to 20

◆ AV for virtual attendees as well

◆ Side kitchen with fridge with beverages

● VGM Theater

◆ A sizable theater with two large projectors. Onboarding for new VGM employees is often held here, as well as guest speakers for continuing education opportunities

◆ Good for groups of around 50

◆ AV for virtual attendees as well

◆ Fridge in back with water and space to serve buffet style

◆ Classroom seating

◆ Great for education, meetings

Food and Beverage

● Catering

● For groups of 12 or fewer, we ask you to handle ordering food on your own. If you need a recommendation for a vendor please email events@vgm.com and we will provide options.

● For groups of 13 or more, Moxie is available to assist you. You can email events@vgm.com and request assistance with catering orders. We have multiple vendors and we will work with you to select an appropriate caterer and coordinate delivery or pickup.

◆ These catering guidelines also apply to Farm reservations.

◆ Moxie appreciates two weeks minimum notice for catering requests.

● To request catering assistance, email events@vgm.com.

◆ If you need catering for a Farm reservation, please request catering when reserving your space(s) at the Farm.

● VGM Bar Cart

◆ The VGM Bar Cart is a traveling beverage station which can be reserved and utilized by any division of VGM for an event or team gathering located at VGM’s main campus.

◆ For groups of 12 or fewer, we encourage you to use the Owners’ Lounge space in building A. The fridge in the lounge is stocked with beverages.

● For groups of 13 or more, we ask you to reserve the Bar Cart here: https://vgmgroupin. sharepoint.com/sites/VGMIntranet/SitePages/Bar-Cart-Guidelines-and-Reservation.aspx

◆ Moxie appreciates one week minimum notice for Bar Cart reservations.

Reserving the Bar Cart:

● If your team wants to use the Bar Cart for team building, a team meeting, etc., please check out the Bar Cart schedule here to view available dates and make your reservation below.

◆ The Moxie Events Team will contact you after your reservation request to finalize reservation details.

◆ Please note: If a division chooses to reserve the Bar Cart, there will be a charge to the division of $8/person to cover the cost to restock the cart. Example: If VGM Insurance reserves the Bar Cart for a team of three people, VGM Insurance will be billed $24.

Reserving the Owners’ Lounge:

◆ Use Outlook and select A1 Lounge as the location.

Hospitality Recommendations

VGM is known for its hometown hospitality. Whether entertaining members of your team or customers, sometimes you’ll need to take guests to local establishments for food, drinks, coffee, and even some fun. Below is a list of Moxie recommendations for entertaining in the Cedar Valley.

Restaurants and Pubs

● Montage

◆ Casual fine-dining restaurant, featuring indoor and rooftop seating. Featuring a creative mix of dishes and Midwest favorites.

◆ 222 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://montage-cf.com/

● The Brown Bottle

◆ For more than 50 years, they have been serving high-quality Italian dishes in the Cedar Valley.

◆ 1111 Center Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://thebrownbottle.com/

● George’s Local

◆ New to the Cedar Valley, George’s Local opened in 2021 and offers classic Midwestern lunches, dinners, and brunches (on the weekends) with a fine-dining flair.

◆ 108 East 4th Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://www.georgeslocal.com/

● Whiskey Road Tavern & Grill

◆ A cozy, contemporary tavern featuring classic American meals and appetizers, as well as a large whiskey selection. Feel free to sit in the main dining area or relax in the back bar with an old fashioned.

◆ 402 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://www.whiskeyroadcf.com/

● SingleSpeed Brewing Co.

◆ Two locations within the Cedar Valley. Both feature locally brewed beers, as well as a full menu from flatbreads to tacos to charcuterie boards.

◆ Waterloo location: 325 Commercial Street

◆ Cedar Falls location: 128 Main Street

◆ http://www.singlespeedbrewing.com/

● Basal Pizza

◆ Their specialty is wood-fired pizzas featuring made-from-scratch ingredients. They also offer a selection of wines and beers.

◆ 225 West 4th Street, Waterloo, IA 50701

◆ https://www.basalpizza.com/

● Screaming Eagle

◆ American bar and grill featuring a rock n’ roll twist. Almost every week, there is live music or a sports watch party, all while offering numerous craft beers on tap and an eclectic menu.

◆ 228 East 4th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703

◆ https://screamingeaglewaterloo.com/

● Newton’s Paradise Café

◆ A little slice of paradise. Perhaps best known for their breakfast menu, Newton’s also offers the standard diner food with a warm, welcoming vibe.

◆ 128 East 4th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703

◆ https://www.newtonscafe.com/

● The Brass Tap

◆ Featuring one of the largest tap selections in the Cedar Valley, as well as daily food and drink specials.

◆ 421 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://www.brasstapbeerbar.com/

● Landmark

◆ Open daily at 2 p.m., the Landmark is a feature on the Main Street of Cedar Falls. The Landmark also offers outdoor seating (giant Jenga available to play!).

◆ 107 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

● The Stuffed Olive

◆ Originally a part of the Black Hawk Hotel, the Stuffed Olive closed in 2019 but reopened later that year in a new location. Though mainly a martini bar, they can make any drink you desire and feature appetizers to order.

◆ 314 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://paramountbarco.com/brand/stuffed-olive-cedar-falls/

● Jameson’s Public House

◆ A hotspot in downtown Waterloo featuring Irish-themed food, drinks, and aesthetics. Jameson’s offers a full bar and menu, with local bands appearing nearly every weekend.

◆ 310 East 4th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703

◆ https://www.jamesonspublichouse.com/

Coffee and Sweets

● Sarah’s Espresso Café

◆ A newer location to the Cedar Valley, Sarah’s Espresso Café offers masterfully crafted coffees, lattes, and more! And if you need a quick bite, they also have offerings for breakfast and lunch.

◆ 419 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ http://sarahsespressocafe.com/

● Sidecar Coffee Shop

◆ With multiple locations in the Cedar Valley, Sidecar offers a variety of lattes and mochas, along with a seasonal menu.

◆ Cedar Falls locations: 1710 West 1st Street and 2215 College Street

◆ Waterloo locations: 1850 West Ridgeway Ave. and 21 West Jefferson Street

◆ https://www.sidecarcoffee.com/

● Cup of Joe

◆ A local espresso bar with a 1950’s aesthetic. The walls feature local art available for purchase, as well as occasional live music.

◆ 102 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://www.cupofjoe-cedarfalls.com/

● Cottonwood Canyon

◆ Cottonwood Canyon roasts their own beans, as well as adding an authentic Jamaican twist to all items served.

◆ “The House” 419 Washington Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

● Icon Donuts and Sweetery

◆ Open in 2018, Icon provides uniquely crafted, high-quality donuts that can satisfy anyone’s tastebuds. Specialty donuts change frequently, with classics being a mainstay.

◆ Cedar Falls location: 4505 Algonquin Drive, Suite A

◆ Waterloo location: 1730 West Ridgeway Avenue

◆ https://icondonuts.com/

● Scratch Cupcakery

◆ Scratch has two locations in the Cedar Valley, both offering a wide variety of different cupcakes at your leisure. From simple chocolate cupcakes to champagne cupcakes, there’s a flavor for everyone.

◆ Cedar Falls location: 6607 University Avenue

◆ Waterloo location: 1517 Flammang Drive

◆ https://www.scratchcupcakery.com/home

Insomnia Cookies

Activities

● Lost Island Waterpark and Themepark

◆ Lost Island recently opened its themepark as an addition to the waterpark, a staple in the Cedar Valley for years. Enjoy everything from waterslides, roller coasters, mini golf and more! Perfect for a family outing or a team get-together.

◆ Waterpark location: 2225 East Shaulis Road, Waterloo, IA 50701

◆ Themepark location: 2600 East Shaulis Road, Waterloo, IA 50701

◆ https://www.thelostisland.com/

● Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

◆ The museum honors Iowa veterans dating back to the Civil War up to the present. Step into their stories through traditional exhibits, interactive stories, and a Wall of Honor.

◆ 503 South Street, Waterloo, IA 50701

◆ https://www.groutmuseumdistrict.org/sites-exhibits/sullivan-brothers-iowa-veteransmuseum/default.aspx

● Waterloo Center for the Arts and Phelps Youth Pavilion

◆ Phelps Youth Pavillion is a children’s museum that offers a range of hands-on creative experiences. Anything from basic drawings to magical high-tech adventures. Over 40 different interactive exhibits.

◆ 225 Commercial Street, Waterloo, IA 50701

◆ https://www.waterloocenterforthearts.org/phelpsyouthpavilion/

● Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

◆ The Recreation Area offers multiple outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and a disc golf course.

◆ 1228 Big Woods Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

◆ https://www.cedarfalls.com/176/Big-Woods-Lake-Recreation-Area

● Palmer’s Family Fun

◆ Fun for the whole family! Attractions include go karts, mini golf, driving range, a large inflatable jumping pillow, laser tag, and archery.