07 Jan 2015

Des Moines Gets Social with #IowaBachelor

By Kristine Reeves
DES MOINES, IA - In conjunction with ABC's The Bachelor, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Des Moines Partnership will engage social followers in a campaign surrounding the show's star, Iowan Chris Soules, and the episode filmed in Greater Des Moines. Tonight's season premiere teased footage shot in Iowa, confirmed by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Des Moines Partnership in October.

For real-time updates, follow the hashtag #IowaBachelor on the following social channels:

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau

·        Twitter: @catchdesmoines

·        Facebook: Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau

·        Instagram: catchdesmoines

Greater Des Moines Partnership

·        Twitter: @Downtown50309

·        Facebook: Downtown Des Moines

·        Instagram: Downtown Des Moines

Additional details, including the airdate of the Greater Des Moines episode of ABC's The Bachelor, will be made available at a later date.

About ABC's The Bachelor

Chris Soules, a native Iowan from Arlington, is the star of the 19th edition of The Bachelor, airing Mondays (7-9:01 p.m., CST) on ABC. The following ABC social media channels will also provide official updates:

Twitter

·        The Bachelor: @BachelorABC and @TheBachelorTV

·        Chris Soules: @C_Soules

·        Chris Harrison: @ChrisBHarrison

Facebook

·        The Bachelor: Facebook/TheBachelor

Instagram

·        The Bachelor: @BachelorABC

·        Chris Soules: @SoulesChris

·        Chris Harrison: @ChrisBHarrison

For more information on ABC's The Bachelor, visit abc.com/TheBachelor.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.

17 Jul 2014

Des Moines Wins Double Bid for Future AAU Junior Olympic Games

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - The Des Moines Area Sports Commission has landed two more cycles of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games, both 2018 and 2023. The Games is a $1.5 million event run by the Des Moines Area Sports Commission staff, generating $47 million in economic impact for the Greater Des Moines economy. This announcement comes amid preparation for the 48th annual event in Des Moines?July 22 - August 2, 2014.

 

"Our hard work leading up to 2014 is paying off. The AAU governing body recognizes the strength of our community support, excellent venues and understanding of youth sports. Des Moines continues to deliver as a sports destination," says Katie Fencl, Director of Sports with the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, a division of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. Fencl is also Director of the 2014 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines.

 

"We're honored to host the AAU Junior Olympic Games not only this year?but looking ahead to coming years as well," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission.

 

2014 by the Numbers:

·         40,000 visitors to Central Iowa

·         30,000 hotel room nights for Greater Des Moines

·         14,000 athletes expected; ages 3 to 22 years old

·         2,600 volunteers

·         2,000 coaches

·         20 sports represented

·         5 Greater Des Moines venues; primarily the Iowa Events Center & Drake Stadium

·         3 times Greater Des Moines has previously hosted: 1995, 2004 & 2009

·         1 Honorary Chair of the 2014 AAU Junior Olympic Games: Suzie Glazer Burt

 

Mark your calendars! The Games will catch Des Moines July 25 - August 4, 2018 and July 26 - August 5, 2023.

 

How to Get Involved with the 2014 Event:

·         For media credential requests, CLICK HERE. Deadline is Saturday, July 19.

·         For volunteer opportunities, CLICK HERE. Shifts are available in four to six hour increments.

·         For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit catchdesmoines.com/AAUJO.

 

About the Amateur Athletic Union

Founded in 1888, the Amateur Athletic Union is one of the largest multi-sport, not-for-profit, volunteer organizations in the United States. It is dedicated to the development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for youth and adults. The AAU Junior Olympic Games are the largest national multi-sport event for amateur youth conducted in the United States.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.
16 Jul 2014

650 Volunteers Sought for AAU Junior Olympic Games

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - An additional 650 volunteers are needed for the AAU Junior Olympic Games, July 22 - August 2 in Greater Des Moines. Areas of need include event assistance, awards assistance and registration. Shifts are available for sign-up in four to six hour increments at catchdesmoines.com/aaujo.

The 2014 AAU Junior Olympic Games will include nearly 14,000 athletes and 40,000 total visitors in Central Iowa. Athletes range from ages 3 to 22 competing in 20 sports at five Greater Des Moines facilities?including the Iowa Events Center and Drake Stadium. The Games are expected to generate $47 million in economic impact for Greater Des Moines. Des Moines hosted the Games previously in 1995, 2004 and 2009.

"It takes our community's support to make major events like this happen," says Katie Fencl, Director of Sports for the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, a division of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. "These athletes have worked hard to qualify on the road to Des Moines. Now it's our community's chance to embrace and support them in our city."

"For a small time investment, volunteers will experience the hard work and dedication of these amazing young athletes," says Suzie Glazer Burt, Honorary Chair of the 2014 AAU Junior Olympic Games. "You'll not only see teamwork, athleticism and sportsmanship?but by volunteering, you'll make a positive impact on the lives and experience of the thousands of youth competing in Des Moines."

Signature Sponsors of the 2014 AAU Junior Olympic Games include Principal Financial Group, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, Wells Fargo and Co. and Markey's Rental and Staging. Champion Sponsors include MidAmerican Energy, Nationwide Insurance, Prairie Meadows, West Bank, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Alliance Technologies, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Adventureland Park. Supporting Sponsors include American Fence Company, Classic Tents, ColorFX, Copy Systems, Electronic Engineering, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Knapp Properties, NB Golf Cars, Scheel's, Sigler, Suzie Glazer Burt Foundation, Vital Signs and Reynolds and Reynolds.

About the Amateur Athletic Union

Founded in 1888, the Amateur Athletic Union is one of the largest multi-sport, not-for-profit, volunteer organizations in the United States. It is dedicated to the development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for youth and adults. The AAU Junior Olympic Games are the largest national multi-sport event for amateur youth conducted in the United States.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.
21 Apr 2014

Summer Success Leads to Visitor Campaign Growth

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - Today the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau launches its largest summer marketing campaign to-date, partnering with fourteen local organizations to bring visitors to Greater Des Moines.

The campaign includes TV, cable, radio, digital billboard and online advertising in four markets across Iowa and surrounding states, timing as follows:

Omaha/Council Bluffs: April - May

Central Iowa: June - July

Southern Minnesota: June - July

Eastern Iowa: July - August

The TV, cable and radio spots feature music by local band, the River Monks. The campaign is made possible by the support of the following advertising partners:

·         Prairie Meadows

·         Homemakers

·         Adventureland Park

·         Iowa Speedway

·         Iowa State Fair

·         Des Moines Performing Arts

·         Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater

·         Jordan Creek Town Center

·         Blank Park Zoo

·         Des Moines Art Center

·         Valley West Mall

·         National Balloon Classic

·         Des Moines Arts Festival

·         80/35 Music Festival

With the strong support of the summer campaign, an additional arts and culture campaign will be announced soon.

The 2013 summer campaign contributed to a three-year high in hotel occupancy during the peak summer travel months in Greater Des Moines. Additionally, more than 90,000 inquires were gained year-over-year in comparison to the 2012 campaign.

How to Catch Summer in Des Moines:

·         Find exclusive deals and discounts from participating partners at catchdesmoines.com/summer

·         Enter to win tickets, hotel stays, restaurant and winery gift cards during May 12-16 and May 19-23 at facebook.com/catchdesmoines

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.
07 Apr 2014

Adventureland Named Top Amusement Park

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - Adventureland Park has been named a Top 10 Amusement Park in the United States by American Mensa, the U.S. chapter of Mensa International. The Altoona park was named fourth in the study, topped only by Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.

"We're proud to be recognized among international attractions," says Molly Vincent, spokeswoman for Adventureland Park. "Locals and visitors can experience a nationally-recognized, one-of-a-kind attraction right here in Central Iowa. Adventureland continues to be a favorite hotspot since opening in the early 1970s."

Adventureland Park was in the spotlight in 2011 when named to TripAdvisor's Top 10 Water Parks in America and again in 2012 when included in the Top 15 List of Favorite Midwest Amusement Parks by Midwest Living.

"It's no secret Adventureland is beloved by locals and visitors alike," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. "We're thrilled to see the park again making headlines, as it's well deserved. We will utilize this new ranking to further market Greater Des Moines to meeting, sports and event planners?as well as leisure travelers?to help bring more visitors into the region."

Adventureland Park includes more than 100 rides, shows and attractions. The amusement park officially opens for the season April 26, with Adventure Bay water park opening May 24, 2014. A new ride, the Storm Chaser, is set to open in June.

For more information on American Mensa's ranking, visit us.mensa.org.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.   
11 Dec 2013

Greater Des Moines Catches NCAA Volleyball Championships for 2015

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - Greater Des Moines has nabbed the 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Regional Championships. The Championships will be hosted in December by the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, a division of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Global Spectrum and the University of Northern Iowa. 2015 will be the first year Greater Des Moines has hosted an NCAA Volleyball Regional Championships.

"We're elated NCAA stakeholders continue to recognize Greater Des Moines as a sports destination," said Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. "This announcement is a win for Greater Des Moines. This event will undoubtedly bring major national exposure and economic impact to the local community."

"We've delivered proven facilities and elevated the experience for NCAA athletes, coaches and fans in Greater Des Moines," said Global Spectrum's Chris Connolly, General Manager of Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center. "From record ticket sales at the 2012 Division I Women's Basketball Regional Championships to breaking NCAA Fan Fest attendance at the 2013 Division I Wrestling National Championships?we look forward to pushing the envelope again in 2015."

Greater Des Moines has hosted five NCAA events in the past five years, including:

·         Division I Wrestling National Championships - March 2013

o   $15 million in economic impact; broke NCAA Fan Fest attendance records

·         Division I Women's Basketball Regional Championships - March 2012

o   $2 million in economic impact; set highest attendance of the 2012 regional sites

·         Division I Men's & Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships - June 2008, 2011 and 2012

o   $4 million in economic impact per each year hosted
21 Oct 2013

Des Moines Wins Five Iowa Tourism Awards

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - Greater Des Moines has won the honor of five awards at the 2013 Iowa Tourism Conference, including Outstanding Collaboration, Outstanding New Event, Outstanding Website, Outstanding Tourism Business and Outstanding Social Media Execution.

"Winning five awards is a shining moment for Greater Des Moines tourism," said Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. "Our community embraces tourism as Des Moines grows as a destination for meeting and sports planners, group tours and leisure travelers."

The Outstanding Collaboration Award and the Outstanding New Event Award were both granted to the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, the parent organization of the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, along with Iowa State University, Iowa Events Center and Polk County for successful partnership on the 2013 NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championships held at Wells Fargo Arena?an event that broke NCAA Fan Fest attendance records and brought $15 million to the local economy.

The Outstanding Website Award was given to catchdesmoines.com for increased user-friendliness resulting in 29% growth of unique website visitors from November 2012 through June 2013 over the previous year.

Additionally, the Iowa Events Center was awarded Outstanding Tourism Business for its role in helping Greater Des Moines and Iowa tourism reach for new goals, solicit and book new business and make an impact on the local economy. Blank Park Zoo was honored with Outstanding Social Media Execution for excellence in social media strategy.

The Iowa Tourism Conference was held in Waterloo this week. The award recipients have positively contributed to the experience of visitors and the quality of life of residents?and are the highest honor given for tourism in Iowa.

A full list of Iowa Tourism Award winners will be posted at traveliowa.com.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.

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