Home Field Advantage – How Iowa CVBs Can Give You an Edge

Freebies! Who doesn’t love them? When it comes to planning events or conferences, those complimentary services and advantages offered by Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) can be the game-changer you need. By working with a CVB, you can unlock hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars’ worth of services that will help stretch your budget. If you're facing the challenge of working with a "streamlined" budget, you can't afford to overlook the support these Iowa CVBs can provide. Here’s how Iowa’s CVBs can give you the ultimate home field advantage.

Ames CVB: A College Town with a Vibrant Event Scene

Ames, ranked as one of the top ten college towns in the U.S., attracts over 700,000 visitors annually for a range of events, from conferences to college sports. This charming town offers abundant lodging, cultural activities, and outdoor experiences, making it a perfect backdrop for your next event.

Free Services Offered:

•    Proposal development and site visit coordination
•    Facility identification and venue selection
•    Hotel rate negotiations and room block management
•    Customized event budgets, registration fee setup, and financial transaction handling

Marshalltown CVB: A Destination with Unique Charm

Marshalltown offers distinctive attractions like the Big Treehouse and Grimes Farm, making it a standout choice for meetings and events. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel, retreat center, or a cozy B&B, Marshalltown has a diverse range of accommodations, dining, and local experiences.

Free Services Offered:

•    Housing arrangements, site inspections, and venue coordination
•    Local vendor referrals for services like catering and entertainment
•    A grant program to offset your event costs

Vacation Okoboji: Iowa's Lakeside Gem

Known as Iowa’s #1 vacation destination, Okoboji is a stunning lakeside region featuring parks, golf clubs, museums, and resorts. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat or a family-friendly event, Okoboji offers diverse attractions and beautiful surroundings.

Free Services Offered:

•    Vendor referrals, site visits, and lodging recommendations
•    Transportation options and event planning assistance
•    Suggestions for local attractions and experiences

Catch Des Moines: A City with Endless Possibilities

Des Moines, Iowa’s vibrant capital, offers an array of attractions including Broadway shows, live music, public art, and world-class dining. With over 12,500 hotel rooms and a 4-mile skywalk connecting key locations, Des Moines provides ample space and opportunities for meetings and events.

Free Services Offered:

•    Activity, dining, and venue recommendations
•    Itinerary suggestions for attendees and their families
•    Hotel recommendations, supplier referrals, and transportation tips
•    Team-building opportunities and off-site event facility recommendations

Travel Dubuque CVB: History, Culture, and Adventure

Dubuque, nestled along the Mississippi River, is a destination rich in history and outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore museums, hike the trails, or enjoy water sports, all while benefiting from cozy accommodations and an array of local restaurants.

Free Services Offered:

•    Venue recommendations, site visits, and local vendor referrals
•    Event planning assistance, including transportation coordination and promotional materials
•    Media contacts and registration support

Quad Cities CVB: Big City Amenities, Small Town Charm

Made up of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois, the Quad Cities offer an extensive range of convention centers and event venues, making it ideal for large events. From the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center to The RiverCenter, the area is perfect for any size gathering.

Free Services Offered:

•    Planner guides, timelines, and site tours
•    Pre-convention brochures and local vendor referrals
•    Visitor information bags and companion tour planning

Iowa City | Coralville Area CVB: A City of Literature with Much to Explore

Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature, combines intellectual pursuits with a thriving local scene. Offering everything from hiking and biking to cultural events and football games, the Iowa City | Coralville area provides a well-rounded experience for attendees.

Free Services Offered:

•    Event consultation, venue referrals, and group activity packages
•    Calendar entries for public events and customized welcome bags
•    UBER discount codes for attendees

Council Bluffs CVB: Scenic Views, Rich History, and Modern Amenities

From historic sites to modern arenas, Council Bluffs offers a wide range of attractions and event venues. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or exploring local wineries, Council Bluffs has something for everyone.

Free Services Offered:

•    Lodging recommendations and venue selections
•    RFP submission, site visit coordination, and pre/post-event activities planning

Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau: Dive into a Thriving Downtown

Waterloo offers vibrant downtown experiences with award-winning museums, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. Whether you’re touring the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum or visiting Lost Island Water Park, Waterloo is full of opportunities for event planners.

Free Services Offered:

•    Event registration assistance and transportation support
•    Off-site event planning and housing reservations
•    A grant program to help offset room rental, entertainment, and marketing costs

Iowa’s Convention and Visitors Bureaus are more than just a resource—they are partners in your event planning process. By taking advantage of their complimentary services, you can save valuable time, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth event experience for both planners and attendees. With assistance ranging from venue selection and vendor referrals to transportation coordination and promotional support, working with a CVB is a winning strategy that will give you the home field advantage. For a complete list of Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureaus, check out our FREE meetingpages Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureaus Directory now!

Casey Romano, Publisher | meetingpages | casey@meetingpages.com

Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.