Never Too Cool for School - Best Iowa venues for educational events

It’s almost that time again — back to school. And while the kids are climbing on board the bus, you’ll want to get on board with the best venues for your training or educational event. Many of Iowa’s most esteemed centers for higher learning offer some of the most beautiful surroundings, classic architecture, state-of-the-art amenities, and noteworthy catering services around, putting them at the head of the class for your next event locale.

Drake University offers a convenient location with advanced technology conducive to a superior learning environment.  Ideal for training or conferences, both large and small, with onsite catering and staff, and event planning services to ensure your success.

Study the area, and you’ll find Grinnell College receives high marks. This beautiful 120-acre campus resides just north of the town of Grinnell. Frequently named one of the nation’s best college towns, it is a community of vintage homes, student hangouts, arts centers and museums. Grinnell College will accommodate your gathering with secure housing, top-of-the-line AV equipment, and a variety of classroom or auditorium meeting spaces, as well as dining and catering services that surpass anything you’d find in a school cafeteria.

Get schooled in what it means to host your event at Iowa State University in Ames, where a wide variety of classrooms, meeting rooms, lounges and conference rooms are available for your event. Choose from several on-campus housing options which offer linen packages, internet access, and dining and catering options. The nearby city of Ames delivers small town warmth with big city amenities including hundreds of acres of parks, numerous bike paths, cultural and entertainment events, festivals and celebrations.

Too cool for school? There are plenty of places where you can gather your group for a great event, beginning with the Sioux City Hotel + Conference Center.  Featuring 10,000 square feet of event space, with stunning views of the city from the top floor City View banquet room, you’ll find everything you need under one roof with 191 sleeping rooms, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, business center, fitness center, and more.

If it’s your assignment to find a venue that offers a variety of meeting space options, comfortable accommodations, state-of-the-art AV equipment, and inspiring event menus, then look no further than Coralville Marriott Hotel + Conference Center. Located close by the campus of the University of Iowa, Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena, the hotel features 280 guest rooms and 6 luxury suites.

Want to learn about other Iowa conference centers and training centers? Check out our complete list here.