5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It

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  Easy to get to. Right in the heart of the country, Iowa makes travel simple. With major airports such as Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), it’s a breeze for attendees com­ing from just about anywhere.

• Budget-friendly without the bore. In Iowa, your event dollars go further. From venues to hotels to catering, everything tends to be more affordable, making room for the bells and whistles your attendees deserve. Plus, the state’s beautiful scenery means you don’t have to skip stunning landscapes to save.

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• Venues with personality. Whether you’re picturing a sleek downtown convention center, a cozy riverside retreat or a historic theater with loads of character, Iowa has the perfect spot to match your vibe.
• Real, memorable experiences. Be­tween the farm-to-table food scene, the famous Iowa State Fair and miles of beautiful trails and parks, there’s no shortage of authentic local flair to make your event unforgettable.
• That famous Midwestern welcome. In Iowa, hospitality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Local teams go out of their way to help planners create seamless, feel-good events that leave attendees smiling long after they head home.

 

5 Places to Meet & Stay

The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center in Muscatine is right along the Mississippi River and is Iowa’s only hotel accredit­ed by IACC. Its scenic views and boutique feel make it a standout choice for leadership meetings, board retreats and upscale gatherings.

12,732 sq. ft. of meeting space; 122 guest rooms

Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is connected to a full-service, 267-guest-room DoubleTree hotel. Its downtown location, river views, and modern amenities make it a great pick for mid-sized conventions and multi-day events.

80,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space

Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines offers flexible event space, including Wells Fargo Arena and Community Choice Convention Center. It’s ideal for everything from big con­ferences to intimate meetings, all walkable to hotels, restaurants and nightlife.

226,000 sq. ft. of meeting space

Hotel Julien Dubuque is a beautifully restored historic hotel that blends old-world charm with modern amenities. It’s a popular choice for corporate retreats, executive meetings and social events.

15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 133 guest rooms

Surety Hotel is located in a rei­magined historic bank building in downtown Des Moines and offers a boutique luxury experience with stylish meeting rooms perfect for smaller corporate events, retreats or creative sessions.

6,700 sq. ft. of meeting space; 137 guest rooms

 

The Bridges of Madison County: A Storybook Stop In Iowa

For a dose of small-town charm and cinematic history, look no further than Madison County, home to the famous covered bridges that inspired the best-selling novel “The Bridges of Madison County” and its beloved Hollywood film adaptation.

Located just 30 miles southwest of Des Moines, Madison County boasts six historic covered bridges, each with its own unique character and story. Originally built in the 19th century to help farmers traverse rivers and streams, these bridges have been beautifully preserved and continue to draw visitors from around the world.

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The town of Winterset, the heart of Madison County, offers a perfect group outing for attendees looking to unwind and soak in a little Iowa magic. Beyond the bridges themselves, Winterset charms visitors with its walkable downtown square, historic courthouse, antique shops and cozy cafes. It’s also the birthplace of Hollywood legend John Wayne, and groups can tour the John Wayne Birthplace Museum during their visit.

For meeting planners, the bridges provide a fantastic backdrop for group tours, team-building scavenger hunts or even an unforgettable off-site dinner or reception. Fall, in particular, brings out the best of the area’s rolling hills and colorful foliage, making it a photographer’s dream.

The bridges are more than just picturesque landmarks; they’re symbols of connection, craftsmanship and the quiet beauty found in un­expected places. Much like Iowa itself, they offer a genuine, memorable experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.