When does registration open?

Registration opens to the public on June 15, 2026. 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 450-500 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 $675 for Community Alliance Program participants and $1,075 for non-participants. Premium or high traffic booth space is an additional $60. Booths with electricity are an additional $15.

Where and when is the 2026 show located?

This year the conference is September 23-25 in Bettendorf at Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, 1777 Isle Pkwy, Bettendorf, IA 52722.

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 8-foot 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 $60. Booths with electricity are an additional $15. A $50 late fee will be assessed after August 21.

Does the League offer hotel room blocks?

Yes. After you are registered for the event, you will receive an email with a link to make reservations, which opens in June.

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

After your completed registration form is submitted, a confirmation email with 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)?

Wednesday, September 23 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Exhibit Set-up 5 – 8 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open Thursday, September 24 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Exhibit Hall Open 11:30 a.m. | Exhibit Tear down

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?

This year the exhibit hall features outdoor exhibit space for displaying vehicles and large equipment. Each outdoor space measures 30 ft. x 30 ft. and can accommodate electric needs upon request.

Is the exhibit hall carpeted?

The exhibit hall will be located in a large structural tent in the parking lot. The aisles of the exhibit hall will have turf, the booths will be on asphalt. Carpet and other amenities can be ordered, more details will be available closer to the event.

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 550 of the item by September 4. 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 circus. 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 Exhibit Hall Game?

The Exhibit Hall Game is intended to help generate traffic during the event. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Exhibit Hall Game. You MUST bring a prize of $50 or greater in value to participate in the Exhibit Hall Game. Exhibitors who bring a prize will receive a stack of game cards to distribute at their booth. Attendees will visit participating booths to collect all four circus act cards, then bring their completed set to the League Prize Booth to “Pick a Duck” for a chance to win. If they draw a winning number, they are sent to the corresponding exhibitor booth to claim their prize.

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?

Exhibitors may conduct a drawing at their booth; however, we strongly encourage participation in the Exhibit Hall Game, which is designed to drive traffic throughout the exhibit hall. If you choose to hold a booth drawing, you will be responsible for collecting entries at your booth on Wednesday evening. Drawings will begin Thursday morning at 8 a.m. Participating companies must come to the League prize 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 visitquadcities.com/things-to-do/taste.

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 in the northeast corner of the exhibit hall.

Do I need to register our booth staff?

No need to register your booth staff, just the company registration is needed. Name badges will be printed at a self-service station at the Exhibitor Information Desk. Your company can bring as many booth staff as needed. We do not collect booth staff names ahead of time.

Where do I park/unload?

You can unload at the exhibit hall, located in the far parking lot east of the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. There is parking to the south and west of the exhibit hall.