What is the capacity of the Iowa Events Center?

The Iowa Events Center includes 250,000+ square feet of meeting and exhibit space in the convention center plus the 16,980-seat Wells Fargo Arena. The convention center features a 30,000-square-foot ballroom and 24 breakout rooms.

How affordable is Des Moines compared to other cities?

Des Moines is one of the most cost-effective conference destinations in the US. Venue rentals average $2,000-$8,000 per day, hotel rooms $120-$180 per night, and catering $50-$100 per person. Total event costs are typically 30-40% below comparable coastal cities.

What unique experiences can be incorporated into Des Moines events?

Planners can arrange tours of the Iowa State Capitol, visits to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, tastings at local breweries and distilleries, and farm-to-table dining experiences featuring Iowa-raised ingredients. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates offers a unique reception venue.

What is the best time of year for events in Des Moines?

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer the best weather and value. Avoid the Iowa State Fair period in August if you want to minimize hotel competition. Winter events benefit from lower rates and good indoor venue connectivity.

Des Moines, USA

Grow Your Des Moines Events

Iowa's capital city combines insurance industry leadership, agricultural innovation, and heartland hospitality for memorable events

Why Des Moines for Events

Insurance capital of the world with headquarters of Principal Financial, EMC, and Nationwide

Iowa Events Center offers 250,000 square feet of convention and arena space in downtown

Fast-growing tech and startup scene centered around the Des Moines Innovation District

Central US location makes Des Moines driveable from Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Omaha

Top Event Venues

Iowa Events Center

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Science Center of Iowa

Salisbury House & Gardens

Des Moines' Event Landscape

Des Moines has quietly become one of the Midwest's most capable event destinations, powered by a modernized downtown and a thriving financial services sector. The Iowa Events Center, anchored by the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena, provides over 250,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. The facility sits in the heart of a revitalized downtown with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment all within walking distance.

The city's economic strength is remarkable for its size. Des Moines ranks among the top US cities for insurance and financial services employment, and this concentration drives a steady stream of industry conferences, training seminars, and corporate meetings. Combined with Iowa's agricultural leadership, Des Moines offers a distinctive blend of financial sophistication and heartland authenticity that resonates with diverse audiences.

Industries and Event Types

Insurance and financial services dominate the event calendar. Principal Financial Group, EMC Insurance, Nationwide, and dozens of regional carriers headquartered here create constant demand for industry summits, continuing education events, and association meetings. The annual IECA and numerous actuarial and risk management conferences are fixtures on the calendar.

Agriculture and food technology events leverage Iowa's position as the nation's leading corn and pork producer. The World Food Prize, hosted annually in Des Moines, draws global leaders in food security and innovation. Ag-tech startups and precision farming conferences are growing segments. The Des Moines startup ecosystem, supported by incubators like the Global Insurance Accelerator and NewBoCo, adds pitch competitions and innovation summits to the city's event portfolio.

Logistics and Planning

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) offers nonstop flights to 20+ cities including Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and both New York-area airports. The airport is 10 minutes from downtown. The city's central US location also makes it driveable within 3-4 hours from Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Omaha, which is valuable for regional events.

Downtown hotel inventory has expanded significantly, with the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, and Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel offering quality options connected to or near the convention center. Room rates typically range from $120-$180 per night, delivering strong value. Catering highlights local Iowa beef, pork, and seasonal produce, and the East Village dining district provides excellent restaurant options for offsite events.

Seasonal Considerations

The best conference seasons in Des Moines are spring (April-June) and fall (September-November), when temperatures are comfortable and the city's parks and outdoor spaces shine. The Iowa State Fair in August is the state's signature event, drawing over a million visitors, so planners should either avoid or intentionally overlap with this period.

Summer offers warm weather suitable for outdoor receptions and team activities along the Principal Riverwalk. Winter (December-March) brings cold temperatures but also lower rates and strong availability. The Iowa Events Center's indoor connectivity to hotels makes winter events practical. Des Moines' four-season climate means planners have options year-round with appropriate planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines offers a central US location, modern convention facilities, affordable pricing (30-40% below coastal cities), and a walkable downtown. Its insurance and agricultural industry clusters make it especially attractive for financial services and ag-tech events.