DES MOINES, IA – The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a new look for its summer marketing campaign, further emphasizing the visitor experience in Greater Des Moines. New in 2015, the campaign will feature targeted elements for three demographics—young professionals, social moms and baby boomers—an expansion from the previous messaging designed solely for social moms.
The foundation for the campaign is the new TV and cable spots. The spots were filmed at more than 30 different locations throughout Greater Des Moines with more than 130 local volunteer actors.
"Our research shows visitors are looking for memorable experiences," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. "The ads are a visual representation of the emotion, excitement and fun visitors will experience in Greater Des Moines."
Catch a preview of the new ads:
• Young professionals: youtube.com/watch?v=X9sA5xnKUc8
• Social moms: youtube.com/watch?v=S7fpvKbi0rQ
• Baby boomers: youtube.com/watch?v=SD8xm2-k52k
In addition to the TV and cable spots, the campaign includes radio, digital billboards, targeted online, social media advertising and promotions in four markets:
• Omaha/Council Bluffs: April - May
• Central Iowa: June - July
• Western Illinois: June - July (New market in 2015!)
• Eastern Iowa: July - August
The 2014 summer campaign contributed to a four-year high in Greater Des Moines hotel occupancy rates over the campaign months, April through August. Additionally, catchdesmoines.com experienced record-breaking website traffic in July 2014 and 186,000 further inquiries were gained from prospective visitors year-over-year as compared to the 2013 campaign. Polk and Dallas Counties have experienced a 32% increase in visitor-generated travel expenditures over the last five years (2009-2013), according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority's County Impact Study released in September 2014.
The campaign is made possible from the support of the following advertising partners:
• Adventureland Park
• Iowa Speedway
• Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel
• Jordan Creek Town Center
• Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater
• Blank Park Zoo
• Valley West Mall
• 80/35 Music Festival
• Des Moines Art Center
• National Balloon Classic
• Des Moines Social Club
• Des Moines Arts Festival
With direction from the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Trilix advertising agency assisted with the ad creative; Luminary Creative filmed and edited the TV and cable spots and also composed the music within the TV, cable and radio elements.
For more information on summer in Greater Des Moines, visit catchdesmoines.com/summer.
The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.