WHO WE ARE

The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau, known as Catch Des Moines, and the Des Moines Area Sports & Tourism Commission market the region as a visitor destination, increasing economic growth and enhancing the visitor experience.

Catch Des Moines is an accredited Destinations International organization. As the visitor’s and meeting professional's trusted partner, we are the heart, the soul and the energy of our destination. Our focus is to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 Greater Des Moines communities we represent.
 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports & Tourism Commission market the region as a visitor destination increasing economic growth and enhancing the visitor experience.
 

CORE VALUES

We welcome.
We bring people to Greater Des Moines, and we love to see what they bring to us. No matter who you are, you are welcome.  

We make an impact. 
The work we do matters. Whether it’s economic impact of events, job creation, the reputation of the region, or supporting local businesses and attractions, our work leaves a lasting impression.  

We win as a team. 
Our team is a family, and we work together towards the common objective of increasing visitors. We collaborate and strive to be inclusive of all viewpoints and to celebrate our successes together.   

We sell fun. 
Selling fun every day means we come to work with a smile. Our enthusiasm for the region is authentic and we love to play host.  

We connect. 
We are trusted experts, connecting visitors, locals, planners, and partners to resources with a sincere drive to surpass expectations.  

We serve. 
We believe in the power of customer service and starting with yes. Our everyday mission of service is centered on the needs of everyone; from the enduring communities that we represent to the visitors experiencing those communities for the first time. 
 

HISTORY

The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau was founded in 1908. It had been housed in many locations across downtown Des Moines until moving into its current location at Capital Square in 2005. The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau rebranded to Catch Des Moines and has been operating under that title since 2012. Catch Des Moines currently represents 14 municipalities: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights. 
 

STRUCTURE

How We Are Funded

Catch Des Moines is funded by the communities we support. We receive 2/7th of the hotel/motel tax. We are governed by a 27-member board. We generate additional revenue through private sector sponsorships, corporate sponsorships, and marketing advertising opportunities.

Our Staff

Catch Des Moines employs 23 full-time and 4 part-time staff members who are responsible for managing daily operations, strategic planning, market research, local partnerships, sales and leisure advertising programs (locally, regionally, and nationally), public relations, co-op advertising, and sales and servicing for events.

  • Administration - The Finance & Administration Team manages all office financial, technological, human resources and operational work at Catch Des Moines.
  • Convention, Sports & Event Experience - The Sales & Event Experience Team leads all Catch Des Moines efforts to market central Iowa across the country as a premier meeting and event location. The team works collectively to secure new conventions, sporting events, meetings, and festivals and ensure a seamless experience for planners and attendees.
  • Marketing - The Marketing Team is responsible for all marketing efforts, including building/retaining partnerships, driving private sector revenue, advertising, public relations, media relations, and Catch Des Moines events. In conjunction with an advertising agency, the marketing team is responsible for developing media strategies, executing media buys, and management of overall brand positioning.

 

year in review 22-23