When does registration open?

Registration opens to the public on June 16, 2025. Endorsed, Partners and Associates of our Community Alliance Program receive early registration, we will reach out when registration opens. If you have not exhibited with us before and would like to be sent information when registration opens, please contact us.

How many attendees do you expect and who attends?

We expect 400-450 attendees made up of city clerks, city council, mayors, city managers and other appointed and elected officials from large, medium and small cities around the state. The League’s Annual Conference & Exhibit is the largest event in the state geared specifically toward the needs of Iowa’s elected and appointed municipal officials. Held in September of each year, the conference includes workshops, an exhibit hall and unique networking opportunities. Companies and organizations that offer services to cities are in attendance.

What is the cost to exhibit?

The price for a booth is $650 for Community Alliance Program participants and $1,050 for non-participants. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to donate $50 during registration toward prizes that will be given away in the exhibit hall on Thursday morning. Premium or high traffic booth space is an additional $60.

Where and when is the 2025 show located?

This year the conference is September 17-19 at the Community Choice Convention Center, 833 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309.

What is included in my booth?

10 ft. wide x 8 ft. deep booths include unlimited booth staff, six Wednesday drink tickets, Thursday morning breakfast in the exhibit hall, one skirted table, two chairs and a paper copy of the pre-event attendee list. Booth Staff name badges will be printed at a self-service station at the event. Premium or high traffic booth space is an additional $50. A $50 late fee will be assessed after August 22.

Does the League offer hotel room blocks?

Yes. After you are registered for the event you will receive an email with a link to the housing bureau, which opens in June. We ask that you do not make reservations at the headquarters hotel to make room for city attendees.

I need to pay by check, what do I do?

After your completed registration form is submitted, a confirmation email with final booth number, housing information, invoice and payment instructions will be emailed later. Here you will find information on how to pay by check.

When is the exhibit hall open (exhibit hours)?

Exhibit will be open the evening of Wednesday, September 17 and the morning of Thursday, September 18. Specific hours are still being finalized.

Will I be refunded if I need to cancel my booth?

All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations are subject to a $50 administration fee. No refunds will be given within two weeks of the show date. No refunds will be made to no-shows.

Wanting to bring a vehicle, what do I do?

Our attendees always love vehicles in the exhibit hall! If you plan to bring a vehicle please let our exhibit team know as soon as possible. Generally, a vehicle will require purchasing multiple booths (ours are 10 ft. wide x 8 ft. deep). We can help you find a spot that will work in the exhibit hall. Move-in for vehicles generally happens on Tuesday before other exhibitors are trying to move in. Depending on the exhibit hall set-up and vehicle placement move-out times may happen later in the day on Thursday. The facility does have guidelines for vehicles, those will be sent to you when we have you registered to bring in a vehicle.

I want to provide food/drink from my booth, what do I do?

Please reach out to Carrie.Petersen@oakviewgroup.com if you are inquiring about having food samples and we will connect you with a Catering Sales Manager. See Iowa Events Center Exhibitor Policies and Procedures for more information.

Is the exhibit hall carpeted?

The exhibit hall is fully carpeted.

Where do I order electricity and additional amenities for my booth?

Order electricity and other amenities here.

I need to ship items to my booth, how do I do that?

Exhibitors may ship boxes or packages to arrive at the facility NO MORE THAN 2 DAYS in advance of the show. Any items arriving earlier will be refused by the facility. Shipping instructions can be found here. Please address items as follows: Iowa Events Center Attn: Iowa League of Cities/September 16-19, 2025 Exhibitor Company Name 730 Third Street Des Moines, IA 50309

What color is the drape in the exhibit hall?

Black

What sponsorship options do you offer?

We offer several different sponsorships at different levels. For a full list of options please see our Sponsorship Options.

What is a bag stuffer? Where do I send my bag stuffer?

A bag stuffer is an item that will be included in the conference bag which is handed out to each attendee and registered guest. Sponsors must provide 525 of the item by September 5. No food is allowed. Some items may only be included on a first-come basis. Because the gift is going through the League, you can get your name out without worrying about Iowa’s Gift Law. You can purchase this sponsorship option when you register. Ship bag stuffers by September 5 to Iowa League of Cities Attn: Katie Wheeler 500 SW 7th St Suite 101 Des Moines, IA 50309

What is the exhibit hall theme?

This year the theme is sports. Exhibitors can participate by decorating and dressing up to go along with the theme on Wednesday evening. Some attendees will also dress up for the theme.

What is the best decorated booth contest?

Each year we have a theme in the exhibit hall, this year is sports. Attendees vote on the best decorated booth using the event app, and the winner will receive a free booth at the 2026 Conference in Bettendorf, September 23-25.

Can we get a copy of the conference attendees?

Pre and post event mailing lists in excel are available to Community Alliance Program participants, which can be purchased with your registration. Exhibitors will find a printed list with addresses in your Exhibit Packet, which is at your booth when you arrive to the event. Email addresses are not provided.

We want to do a drawing at our booth, is that okay?

You will need to collect names on your own Wednesday evening. Drawings will begin Thursday morning. Participating companies must come to the raffle booth inside the Exhibit Hall with their collected names and League staff will draw the name, announce the name once and then post the winner in the event app. To avoid Iowa Ethic and Gift Law violations League staff needs to do the drawing for you.

We want to hand out items from our booth. Are there any restrictions?

Iowa’s Ethic and Gift Law prohibits gifts costing $3 or more – this excludes the exhibit hall game prize donation to the League, but it does include the in-booth freebies.

How do I become an Associate or Community Alliance Program?

Associates are part of our Community Alliance Program, which offers discounts and other benefits throughout the year. Learn more.

How do I become a speaker or offer a topic for the event?

At this time our workshops and speakers are set. A committee sets the workshops in late winter each year. If you have a topic idea feel free to let our membership services team know as they may have a cancellation.

What workshops will be available at the show? Can I attend?

We offer more than 30 different workshops during the three-day event. Feel free to attend any of the workshops, we just ask that if a room is getting full you offer your chair to an attendee.

We would like to attend the general sessions, how do we do that?

You can purchase a ticket for any of our general session events during your online registration process. If you have already registered you can email exhibit@iowaleague.org and we can add that to your registration. You can also purchase a ticket on-site at the registration table.

Is food provided on Wednesday evening? Where do you suggest we eat?

Appetizers will be available in the exhibit hall. To find a full list of restaurants in the area visit www.catchdesmoines.com.

Is breakfast provided on Thursday morning?

A light breakfast with lots of coffee is provided.

Where do I get my name badge at the show?

Exhibitors will print booth staff name badges at a self-service station at the Exhibit Info Desk located by the Exhibit Hall entrance of the Grand Ballroom.

Where do I park/unload?

The Iowa Event Center has over 1,300 parking spaces on the complex. Parking is available north of the Iowa Events Center with entrances off of 3rd Street and 5th Avenue. Find parking directions and information here. To access the loading dock you will enter off of 5th Avenue from the north parking lot.