DES MOINES, IA – Today, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau launched Catch Des Moines Flavor, a local and regional culinary marketing initiative designed to elevate and tell the delicious story of the food and drink scene to leisure travelers, food writers, locals and meeting planners. The new initiative features a multi-state advertising campaign, social media and PR campaign, a new, expansive website, catchdesmoinesflavor.com, a Greater Des Moines culinary giveaway trip and traditional and guerilla marketing efforts across the metro.

“Research shows us that the second activity leisure travelers come to Greater Des Moines for is culinary dining experiences,” says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. “Our goal with Catch Des Moines Flavor is to help take the momentum that our hospitality friends have created to the next level.”

The website will feature photos, videos, editorial, blogs and user-generated content highlighting local restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries, nightlife and chefs. Content will consistently be updated, providing visitors and locals an extensive, ongoing resource for food and drink information and inspiration.

“We want more people across the country to see Greater Des Moines as the foodie destination that it is,” adds Edwards.   

Visitors and locals can also follow Catch Des Moines Flavor updates and efforts via social media. Beginning in March, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau staff will purchase the meals and drinks of lucky patrons across the metro. The “Flavor Friday” campaign is an effort to promote the initiative while enhancing the visitor experience. It’s one piece of an ongoing marketing plan developed by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau with industry insight from community culinary leaders, like Sarah Pritchard from Table 128, Kris Maggard with Business Publications and Chris Diebel of LPCA Public Strategies.   

Tonight, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau will celebrate and showcase the new initiative at the Spring/Summer Catch Des Moines Release Party. Local restaurants, bakeries and beverages will be available for complimentary sampling. The event will be at BASH Events & Catering from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. A brief program at 5:30 p.m. will showcase the new initiative and unveil the Spring/Summer 2016 edition of Catch Des Moines: The Official Guide to Greater Des Moines