A Really Big Show - Iowa Conference and Convention Centers

From the heart of the city to the rolling hills of the countryside, Iowa conference and convention centers offer just about everything you can imagine for your event. Whether you’re planning a convention, trade show, or conference, these venues turn any event into a really big show!

Out west, back east

If your event would be enhanced by a central and convenient location, free parking, endless nearby activities, and exhibit space that’s as functional as it is expansive, then look no further than the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Located just five minutes from downtown Omaha, Nebraska, the arena offers 30,000 square feet of space, with twelve Luxury Suites, and two Party Rooms, while the convention center offers 24,500 square feet. Meanwhile, the Sioux City Convention Center boasts a roomy 50,000 square feet of exhibit space with 10,000 square feet of meeting room space and banquet seating for up to 2400. You’d be hard-pressed to run out of room here!

But if running is what you have in mind, or for that matter, swimming, hiking, biking, golfing, relaxing in a spa, or team building in exhilarating surroundings, then your event should take place at one of western Iowa’s gorgeous resorts or conference centers. Featuring comfortable onsite accommodations, savory cuisine, breathtaking views, and meeting spaces that inspire, your attendee’s experience will be most memorable at the The Inn at Okoboji Resort + Conference Center or Arrowwood Resort + Conference Center Okoboji.

For as much as Iowans talk about “heading west,” it’s important to recognize we love the eastern region of our state as well. What’s not to love? For example, the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, a multi-purpose arena that seats up to 8600 for concerts and is adjoined by a 16-story Double Tree hotel.  Or, the The RiverCenter | Adler Theatre in Davenport with 100,000 square feet of space, including two large exhibit halls, ten breakout rooms, executive boardroom and the historic art-deco Adler Theatre.

Then again, if venues perched on the shores of the mighty Mississippi River hold special appeal, you should consider the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf + Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf or the Grand River Center located in Dubuque. Both deliver stunning waterfront views, impressive architecture, multiple dining options, and thousands of square feet of meeting space.

Bright lights, big city

Of course, nothing beats bringing your bunch to a metropolitan area, where everything is close by - fine restaurants, wonderful hotels, theaters, museums, shopping and so much more. If your event needs to be in the heart of the action, consider the Iowa Events Center. Popular for conventions, trade shows, and other big events, this multi-venue complex includes the 17,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena, the 100,000 square foot Hy-Vee Hall, and the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center; all while being conveniently located in Des Moines.

In fact, the areas that surround Des Moines offer several other wonderful options as well, including the Gateway Hotel + Conference Center in Ames, the Iowa State Center Event + Conference Services at Iowa State University and the Stoney Creek Inn + Conference Center in Johnston.

Wherever you ultimately go, your goal is to produce the meeting or event that’s going to be so epic, so legendary, that it will remain in the memories of your attendees for years to come. Choose one of these venues, and that will most assuredly happen.