Iowa Tourism Office Newsletter

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2024 Iowa Tourism Conference Registration Deadlines March 8

The annual Iowa Tourism Conference will be held on March 20-21, 2024, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. This can't-miss conference is dedicated to promoting Iowa's tourism destinations and attractions through marketing initiatives.

Registration deadline to sign up for the conference is Friday, March 8, 2024- sign up today!

Book Your Room!

The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is offering a rate for attendees of $149/night + tax. The Savery offers a comfortable and convenient stay for conference attendees, plus is connected to the Iowa Events Center via the Des Moines Skywalk.

Deadline to secure a room is Wednesday, February 28- make your reservation today!

Highlighted Sessions:

Be the Smartest Person in the Room: Understanding Data Resources

• Join Matthew Kodis, MPA, CERP , Lora Friest , Danielle Rogers ( Danielle Rogers ) and Jennifer Pickar for a session on how the impact of tourism statistics is pivotal in making a strong case for financial support and to show your ROI on marketing campaigns.

The Art of Attraction: How Artists Transform Community & Travel

• Join Teva Dawson , Natalie Lancial and Jennifer Drinkwater for a session that will explore how arts and culture can be used as a tool to attract visitors and boost the local economy. Each panelist will share their experiences and insights on how to leverage arts-based initiatives?to create vibrant and attractive destinations.

Unlocking Cultural Tourism: Navigating Marketing Strategies to Attract a Diverse Audience

• Join LaNisha Cassell , Enrique Pena and Courtney Reyes for a panel discussion that delves into the strategies necessary for effective marketing to diverse audiences. Explore cultural authenticity in marketing, tailoring messages to different audiences and highlight potential partnerships and collaborations to create impactful marketing campaigns.

Make sure to register by March 8 to secure your spot at the 2024 Iowa Tourism Conference!

Tourism Conference Social: Blank Park Zoo!

Enjoy one of Iowa’s premier attractions, the Blank Park Zoo, with your colleagues. This social event will feature a delightful combination of food and entertainment, including a chance to interact with some of the zoo's animal residents and even feed a giraffe!

*Make sure to RSVP for the social during the registration process!

Soul of Iowa 2.0 Launch!

Thank you to the more than 100 partners who joined us via webinar to launch the newest Travel Iowa campaign, Soul of Iowa 2.0! Click here to see the full webinar launch that outlines the marketing strategy, audience targeting, message guidelines, timeline for video release and more.

Don't forget to watch the drone videos that have been released so far!