Des Moines Aims to Maintain Event Momentum Amid Funding Challenges

Catch Des Moines, the city's convention and visitors bureau, faces competition for events and seeks new funding sources

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Des Moines, Iowa, has become a sought-after destination for events, meetings, and tourism, but maintaining this momentum requires strategic planning and investment as competition from other cities intensifies. Catch Des Moines, the region's convention and visitors bureau, is at the forefront of these efforts, facing both opportunities and challenges in securing the future of the local tourism economy.

Why it matters

Events drive significant economic impact for Des Moines, supporting local businesses, jobs, and the city's overall vibrancy. However, Catch Des Moines is facing funding challenges as competing cities increase their investments in event attraction, creating a more competitive environment.

The details

Catch Des Moines currently spends between $1 million and $1.5 million annually on bid incentives, covering costs like convention center rentals, tournament field fees, and sponsorships. The organization is actively working with state tourism partners to explore options like Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs), which offer a stable funding source for tourism promotion and development.

  • Upcoming events in Des Moines include the AAU Junior Olympic Games, the National Mock Trial Tournament, the International Women's Conference, Granny Basketball, the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Conference, the Farm Progress Show, and the US Youth Soccer Region II President's Cup.
  • Looking further ahead, the 2027 Iowa Airshow, featuring the Blue Angels, is a major draw.

The players

Catch Des Moines

The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, working to market the region as a visitor destination.

Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs)

Districts where lodging businesses assess a fee on hotel stays, with the revenue reinvested into tourism promotion and development.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Catch Des Moines is actively exploring the use of Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) as a potential solution to secure more stable funding for tourism promotion and development.

The takeaway

Des Moines' success in attracting events is part of a broader trend of mid-sized cities becoming increasingly appealing destinations, offering cost-effective, accessible, and unique experiences. However, maintaining this momentum requires strategic investment and innovative funding solutions like TIDs to stay competitive with other cities.