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.
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.
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.
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.
