Catch De Moines tells council events, sports and steady mid‑size meetings sustain regional tourism

Representatives of Catch De Moines, the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented their annual report to the Clive City Council on March 27, describing how sports, conventions and a steady stream of mid‑size meetings underpin the region’s visitor economy.

"Our name is Catch De Moines and we sell serious fun," the presenter said, describing the bureau’s role in connecting national meeting planners to venues in the metro area. The bureau reported 393 events last year that utilized its services; staff said 261 of those were attributable to the bureau’s direct impact, and about 300 future meetings and conventions are already booked.

Why it matters: Conference and sports visitors generate hotel stays, restaurant sales and other spending that local businesses rely on year‑round. The bureau reported that while marquee events draw headlines, consistent bookings of 100–500 person meetings provide the day‑to‑day hotel occupancy that sustains air service and local amenities.

Catch De Moines officials said about 85% of their budget goes to sales and marketing and roughly 15% to administration. Presenters emphasized work to attract a wide range of events—from large national sporting events to weekly regional conferences—and highlighted partnerships with local businesses to amplify economic benefit. The presentation named team members including Trina Flack (vice president of sales) and Brock Conrad (vice president of marketing), the latter identified as a new Clive resident.

Councilors praised the bureau’s work in drawing visitors and supporting small businesses. "Catch De Moines does an amazing job of building that trust on behalf of Greater Des Moines," one council speaker said, noting long‑term benefits for hotels, restaurants and the region’s reputation.

The bureau left informational packets for council review and invited questions about specific upcoming events and marketing efforts.