Who We Are

Catch Des Moines exists to put Greater Des Moines on the map. As the region’s convention and visitors bureau, we work year-round to attract visitors, meetings, and events that bring new energy and opportunity to our community. In fact, we’re the only organization solely focused on doing just that. 

From landing major national events like NCAA March Madness and National Speech & Debate to working alongside local venues, hotels, and community partners, our job is to connect people to a place we know is worth experiencing. 

We also lead the effort to shape how Greater Des Moines shows up on a national stage through strategic marketing, media exposure, and storytelling that highlights what makes this region stand out. 

Because when people choose to visit Greater Des Moines, the impact goes far beyond their stay. It fuels economic growth, supports local businesses, and shapes how our region is seen on a national stage.

History  

Catch Des Moines has been championing Greater Des Moines since 1908, evolving alongside the region it represents. Over time, the organization has grown into a regional force, bringing together 15 partner municipalities in a shared effort to attract visitors, meetings, and events. That collaborative approach has helped position Greater Des Moines as a unified and competitive destination. 

In 2005, Catch Des Moines moved to Capital Square in downtown Des Moines, placing the organization at the center of the community it promotes. In 2015, the organization rebranded as Catch Des Moines, a name that reflects the energy, personality, and momentum of the region today. 

More than a century later, our mission to increase visitors to the region continues. We bring communities together, connect people to place, and help drive the vitality of Greater Des Moines. 

How We’re Funded 

Catch Des Moines is funded by the communities we support, receiving one-fourth of the hotel/motel tax generated by visitors. We are governed by a 28-member board representing partners from across the region. Additional revenue is generated through private sector partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and marketing and advertising opportunities. 

Those investments power the work that brings visitors, meetings, and events to Greater Des Moines, driving business to our communities and fueling the region’s continued growth. 

Why What We Do Matters 

$3.2 billion in economic impact. More than 19,900 jobs supported. That’s what visitor spending delivers across Polk and Dallas Counties. The meetings, conventions, and marquee sporting events we bring to Greater Des Moines don’t just fill calendars, they fill hotel rooms, restaurants, and venues across the region. From leisure travelers to large-scale events, every visitor fuels local businesses, strengthens our economy, and pushes Greater Des Moines forward as a place people want to visit, live, and work. 

We Make It Happen 

Catch Des Moines employs 23 full-time and 5 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. 

• Sales — Our Sales team works on bringing in meetings and conventions representing a diverse array of segments: education, religious, hobby, health and medical, government, agriculture, and professional associations, just to name a few. They bring in a constant stream of events that aren’t always public facing but generate big business and make a big impact on the metro.  

• Sports — The evolution of Greater Des Moines from underdog to Midwest sports mecca has been a true team effort, with our Sports team helping lead the charge. Events like the AAU Junior Olympic Games and IRONMAN have helped drive more than $100 million in economic impact for our community. Sports is big business, contributing not only to our economy, but also to the quality of life for those who live here and the growing reputation of the region. 

• Services — Even after an event is booked, our job is just getting started. Our Event Experience team works directly with each planner to get them everything they need to ensure an “Iowa Nice” experience that will keep them coming back. From logistics and signage to transportation and event planning, the little touches are a big deal.  

• Marketing — Greater Des Moines is progressive and cool, and our Marketing team loves to show and tell. They support sales efforts and market the region to leisure travelers throughout the Midwest using broadcast TV spots, paid social media, pre-roll video, native advertising, co-op advertising, our annual Visitors Guide, and more. 

• Administration — Our Finance and Administration team are our behind-the-scenes rockstars, keeping things running smoothly. Managing all the office financial, technological, human resources, and operational work is no small task, but our team is a big deal. 

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.

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