Des Moines has been named the most affordable U.S. city to hold tradeshows in, according to Tradeshow Week. The announcement, made yesterday, shows dollars go further in Iowa’s capital city.

Des Moines’ cost-effective hotel rates and restaurants contributed to the top-in-the-country ranking, proving locals and visitors can “Do More in Des Moines” for less. The city’s central location at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35 also contributes to ease of travel and affordability. 

Greg Edwards, President/CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “The news of Des Moines being the best place to save tradeshow planners and attendees money is great news for all of us. As word spreads, we anticipate more calls and more bookings, meaning more money will flow into our local economy.”

Greater Des Moines’ facilities, including the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, Veterans Memorial Auditorium and Polk County Convention Complex hold hundreds of tradeshows and events each year. Advantages such as a 4-mile skywalk system throughout Downtown Des Moines and the Des Moines International Airport help Greater Des Moines stand out from other similarly-sized cities. 

The ranking was determined by the Tradeshow Week editorial staff with data collected from the federal government’s 2008 Domestic Per Diem Rates for meals and incidentals, Smith Travel Research’s survey of domestic hotel rates and Tradeshow Week’s 2008 Survey of U.S. and Canadian Labor Rates. A story outlining details of the news is available here: http://www.tradeshowweek.com/article/CA6592078.html?q=des+moines. 

For more information on Greater Des Moines, or for free help planning an upcoming event or meeting, visit www.catchdesmoines.com.