These days, conference and convention centers are stepping up the amenities they offer. Gone are the days of cavernous spaces and dull surroundings in remote locations. Now you can expect to find greater flexibility, superior technology options, more convenient locations, and sustainable practices that translate into cost savings for you. Whether you’re planning a large convention, a trade show, or a general meeting with small breakout sessions, look to these Iowa conference and convention centers to be the life of your party:
Location: The Ames Iowa Gateway Hotel + Conference Center is just an 8-minute walk from Iowa State University and 18 miles from Big Creek State Park.
Event Space: More than 16,000 square feet of exhibit, function, and meeting space means Gateway Hotel + Conference Center can accommodate events of up to 850 people. With dedicated professional meeting planning and conference personnel, complimentary high-speed WiFi, in-house AV support, and a distinctive outdoor space, it is the premier conference and convention center in Iowa.
Accommodations: The Gateway Hotel + Conference Center invites guests to relax in 187 comfy guest rooms and suites with wheelchair accessible rooms, baby cribs, microwaves, and refrigerators upon request.
Amenities: Visitors enjoy heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, fitness facility, business center with work station while there.
Location: Iowa State Center is conveniently located on the picturesque Iowa State University campus which is located just southeast of Iowa State’s central campus in Ames.
Event Space: Offering three unique venues, the Iowa State Center welcomes visitors to Stephens Auditorium (named Building of the Century by American Institute of Architects in 2005), Scheman Building (a 25-room conference facility with a 450-seat auditorium and executive board suite), and Fisher Theater (seating 450 in an intimate setting).
Accommodations: Best Western Plus — University Park Inn and Suites is located within a mile of the campus, offering easy access to meeting and events at the Iowa State Center. The hotel offers an indoor heated pool, fitness equipment, complimentary breakfast, laundromat, and 24-hour business center.
Amenities: There’s no end to what you can do in Ames in your down time! Must-see and do activities include touring the Reiman Gardens, sampling beer at the Alluvial Brewing Company, visiting the Brunnier Art Museum, enjoying the Furman Aquatic Center, sipping wine at the Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards, or shopping at the North Grand Mall.
Location: The multi-purpose Grand River Convention Center is located on the Mississippi Riverfront in Dubuque.
Event Space: The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1000 guests, while the all-glass River Room with its stunning views accommodates up to 150, and the expansive Exhibit Hall can serve more than 3000. With 86,000 square feet of exhibit space, it’s perfect for every size group.
Accommodations: Because the Grand River Center is centrally located, there are a host of options for lodging, including the nearby Hotel Julien Dubuque, Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, and Hilton Garden Inn Dubuque Downtown.
Amenities: The Grand River Center offers a wide menu of amenities including high-speed internet, self-service business center, event coordination from pre-planning to on-site execution, local hotel conference information, spousal programs, theme decorations, and entertainment ideas.
Location: The multi-purpose arena is in downtown Cedar Rapids and is considered a premier entertainment and convention facility in Eastern Iowa.
Event Space: Featuring a 9000+ seat arena, 81,779 square feet of exhibit space, 12,359 square feet of ballroom space, and 19,383 square feet of meeting room space, quite simply, there’s room for everyone here.
Accommodations: The center is adjoined by a 16-story Double Tree by Hilton hotel built directly above the arena and offering 267 rooms. The hotel overlooks the Cedar River and offers spacious guest rooms and suites. Located just 15 minutes from Eastern Iowa Airport, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the US Cellular Center.
Amenities: Indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, rooftop restaurant and lounge, 24-hour Pavilion Pantry Market, gift shop, valet service, and local transportation are just a few of the many amenities available.
Location: Just a short drive from the University of Iowa in Coralville, the Coralville Marriott Hotel + Conference Center is set in Iowa River Landing, giving it a charming riverside ambiance.
Event Space: There are no ordinary meetings here because the meeting spaces are extraordinary. The Coralville Conference Center offers just under 30,000 square feet of flexible space, while the Coral Ballroom accommodates up to 1000 guests in 15,000 square feet, and the Oakdale Ballroom suits 500 in its 7200 square feet. The Outdoor Terrace serves the needs of 300 guests or more, while pre-function space accommodates up to 300 guests with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a terrace, outdoor pond, and fountain.
Accommodations: The hotel features innovative guest rooms and suites with deluxe amenities. Stylish lobby plus complimentary Wi-Fi in all public spaces. Charming views of Iowa River Landing.
Amenities: Stop in for tasty American cuisine and cocktails at Edgewater Grille or relax with a cocktail at the River Bar. The hotel features a health club, indoor pool, whirlpool, and jogging trail.
Location: Tucked within the championship 18-hole golf course designed by Richard Watson, Lake Panorama National Resort + Conference Center is a unique destination located in Panora.
Event Space: Boasting many different meeting rooms depending on the size of the group, the Conference Center allows flexibility to cater to your every need. The Panorama West Clubhouse houses a community room with adjoining kitchen and outdoor deck to accommodate smaller groups.
Accommodations: Onsite motel features 27 separate rooms and several two-bedroom townhomes for rent. All accommodations are within walking distance to the Conference Center and are ideal for a two- or three-day business retreat.
Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and access to private beaches and boating on a beautiful 1,400-acre lake. Panorama West is a par-3 with optional par-4 tees. Lake Panorama National Golf Course offers a par-72 course with 18 holes and a variety of yardages. The Links Restaurant is located inside the conference center and serves up a broad selection of food and drinks.
Location: The area’s foremost arena and convention center located in Council Bluffs, just minutes from Omaha, Nebraska.
Event Space: A variety of meeting and event spaces are available at the Mid-America Center, including 30,000 square feet of pillar-free exhibit space and capacity for 8000, with 12 luxury suites, 100 club seats, and north and south party rooms. The Convention Center offers 64,000 square feet of exhibition meeting space with exhibition hall, ballroom, and banquet seating for up to 1500. There are 8 meeting rooms and 15,000 square feet of pre-function space.
Accommodations: A variety of lodging options welcome individuals and groups within ten miles of the Center, including Hilton Garden Inn Omaha East/Council Bluffs, Country Inn + Suites by Carlson, and SpringHill Suites by Marriot Omaha East/Council Bluffs.
Amenities: Council Bluffs invites visitors to explore a wide range of activities and area sites including the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Harrah’s Casino, the Lewis and Clark Monument, Ameristar Casino Hotel, and the Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum.
Location: Approximately one minute from Interstate 380, Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is located in Cedar Rapids and is just 15 minutes from Eastern Iowa Airport.
Event Space: Attached to the US Cellular Arena and the US Cellular Convention Center, multiple meeting and event spaces offer room for up to 2335 guests. AV equipment and business center complete the package.
Accommodations: Spacious guest room and suites welcome guests, while indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, rooftop restaurant and lounge make your stay even more enjoyable.
Amenities: The centrally located complex allows guests to take advantage of local entertainment and attractions including the Historic Paramount Theater, Theatre Cedar Rapids, the Czech Village/New Bohemia District, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Indian Creek Nature Center, Lion Bridge Brewing Co., and much more.
