DES MOINES, Iowa (March 20, 2024) – Catch Des Moines was recognized at the 2024 Iowa Tourism Awards for two different awards, including Outstanding Social Media Execution for our Des Best Program and Outstanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative for our LGBTQ+ webpage. The awards were presented this afternoon at the annual Iowa Tourism Conference luncheon held at the Iowa Events Center.
“We continue to evolve our content so that it’s inclusive and meets the needs of both visitors and locals,” said Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards. “Our Des Best program and LGBTQ+ webpage have really elevated the way we serve travelers and our community. It’s our job to highlight our local businesses and groups, so it’s an honor to be recognized as Des Best CVB around!”
Outstanding Social Media Execution honors a business for excellence in social media strategy. Back during the pandemic, Catch Des Moines began curating crowd-sourced Des Best blogs highlighting everything from the best tenderloin and best brunch to best hidden gems and best patios. The growth and interest in these blogs led to the launch of a Des Best marketing campaign. Businesses received window clings for their Des Best category and were encouraged to display them. Through print ads, web messaging, and social media we encouraged people to check out our Des Best lists online to help plan your adventure and to keep your eye peeled for the clings while out and about.
The category, Outstanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative honors excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion advancements. Our goal in 2023 was to establish a landing page on our website that could serve as a resource not only for our LGBTQ+ visitors, but also members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community here in Greater Des Moines. With help of Capital City Pride, we were able to put together a webpage that offered health and wellness resources, resources for LGBTQ+ travelers, a PrideFest itinerary, and a bars and nightlife section.
The Iowa Tourism Conference brings together travel and tourism industry representatives from across the state for education and networking among tourism professionals.
About Catch Des Moines
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 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.