eTraveler: August 10, 2022
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Meet in Iowa Program Extended into 2023
Given the tremendous success of the Meet In Iowa program in 2022, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Tourism Office have extended the program into 2023, allocating $300,000 toward reimbursement for eligible meetings and events.
Updates to the program have been made to accommodate the longer time period and new funding amounts. For 2023, a flat 25% reimbursement rate will be applied to all eligible hard cost categories, and all eligible meetings and events will be required to add a pre- or post-event tourism experience to incentivize attendees to extend their overnight stays. Eligible meetings and events will include business conferences and meetings/events NOT open to the general public and mid-week group leisure travel with the majority of overnight stays taking place Sunday through Thursday. The goal of the 2023 Meet In Iowa program remains the same – to attract, retain, and expand in-person overnight meetings and events, increase mid-week overnight stays in the state, and incentivize groups to experience the countless tourism attractions Iowa has to offer.
Learn More
Register to Attend the FY23 Iowa Tourism Grant and Meet in Iowa Program Webinar
Join the Iowa Tourism Office, the Iowa Restaurant Association and the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association for a live webinar on August 23 at 10 a.m. Learn about both the Iowa Tourism Grant and Meet in Iowa Program guidelines, processes and timelines.
*Registration is required to join.
Register for WebinarFY23 Iowa Tourism Grant (ITG) Opens August 24
The ITG program promotes tourism in Iowa by funding tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state's economy.
For the FY23 grant cycle, $300,000 is available and awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000 with a required 25 percent cash match.
The grant application link will be live at 10 a.m. on August 24 on the ITG webpage. The Iowa Tourism Office will accept applications until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28.
If you have questions regarding the program, please email Katie Kenne at katie.kenne@iowaeda.com
WANTED: New in ’23 Information for Virtual Media Event
For the last two years, we’ve held a virtual media event (an "unFAM,"" if you will) with influencers and reporters to share details on new openings, exhibits and events. Following the success of those events, we’re doing it again for what’s new in 2023 – and that’s where you come in! If you have a new museum exhibit, a new attraction, a fabulous hotel, etc. opening in 2023, please let Jessica O'Riley (jessica.oriley@iowaeda.com) know by Friday, September 3 at 4 p.m.
There is no cost to participate in the unFAM, if you are selected. We only ask that you provide a giveaway item we can ship to the participants in advance. They’ll then “unbox” these surprises as they move through the hour-long showcase. This is an incredible opportunity to get in front of media and share your stories! Please contact Jessica with information or questions.
Partner Highlight: Hotel Julien Dubuque and partners host over 1,200 motorcyclists for the 2022 H.O.G. Rally
Hotel Julien Dubuque and a variety of other area partners came together to organize a motorcycle rally that included visits to attractions and hotel stays across the state. The event garnered over 1,200 paid registrants from 33 states, Canada and Australia, almost all of which stayed three nights at a local hotel, as they explored 14 designed or self-guided rides. These tours took the participants as far east as Milwaukee and as far west as Clear Lake, introducing them to popular Iowa attractions such as the National Motorcycle Museum, Mississippi Riverboat cruises, the Amana Colonies, American Pickers, the Field of Dreams, etc. Travel Dubuque also arranged a scavenger hunt game that was a huge hit with riders. If you’d like to learn more about the partnership and planning behind this successful event, you can connect with Dwight Hopfauf at gm@hoteljuliendubuque.com.
Iowa in the News
Here are some exciting media highlights featuring Iowa.
- Zip Education highlighted the Iowa State Fair’s sensory-friendly morning and other notable additions
- The Hour (Connecticut) featured a local resident who travels to Iowa every year to participate in RAGBRAI and raise money for a non-profit
- Fox Sports celebrated the Field of Dreams MLB game’s throwback uniforms
- USA Today featured Paws & Pints, calling it a ‘doggy Disneyland
- USA Today introduced brothers Andy and Adam Rahe as the ‘magicians’ behind the corn at the Field of Dreams