DES MOINES, Iowa (October 15, 2026) — Catch Des Moines recognized the businesses, organizations, and individuals helping Greater Des Moines thrive as a visitor destination during its Annual Celebration Thursday at Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel in Altoona.
The annual event celebrates the collective regional efforts that bring conventions, sporting events, and leisure travelers to the region, while recognizing the partners whose dedication and collaboration help create memorable visitor experiences. Five awards were presented to individuals and organizations whose contributions helped drive tourism success during Catch Des Moines' fiscal year, July 2025 through June 2026.
"There's a lot of momentum in Greater Des Moines right now, from the major events we're attracting to the new investments happening throughout the region," said Trina Flack, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. "But bringing visitors here is only part of the equation. It's the people and partnerships behind those events and experiences that make visitors want to come back. These award winners are great examples of the teamwork it takes to create events and experiences, and these people and partnerships are what makes our destination special.”
The 2026 Catch Des Moines Annual Celebration award winners are:
- Spirit of Hospitality: Jennifer Trost, FFA Enrichment Center
- Recognized for her exceptional hospitality, hands-on approach, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure every event runs smoothly and every guest feels welcome.
- Catch Champion: Aaron Jones and the Iowa State Bar Association
- Honored for their efforts to bring the 2026 National High School Mock Trial Championship back to Iowa, welcoming approximately 1,500 attendees and showcasing Greater Des Moines to the next generation of leaders.
- Partner Champion: ChaCha's Hiland Bakery
- Recognized for their generosity, community involvement, and continued support of Catch Des Moines events, consistently going above and beyond as a valued partner.
- Community Champion: City of Grimes
- Honored for its vision and investment in the Hy-Vee Multiplex, which has attracted major sporting events and created new opportunities for tourism and economic development throughout the region.
- Catch Des Moines Legacy Award: Sgt. Chip Beardsley
- Recognized for his years of collaboration, commitment to public safety, and instrumental role in helping Greater Des Moines successfully secure and host major events.
- Recognized for his years of collaboration, commitment to public safety, and instrumental role in helping Greater Des Moines successfully secure and host major events.
For photos of the event or additional information about the awards, please contact Ben Handfelt at ben@catchdesmoines.com or (515) 699-3433.
About Catch Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.