eTraveler: August 24, 2022

August 24, 2022

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FY23 Iowa Tourism Grant (ITG) Application Open

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 is now live 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.

Learn More

The FY23 Iowa Tourism Grant and Meet in Iowa Program Webinar Recording

The Iowa Tourism Office, the Iowa Restaurant Association and the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association held a webinar on August 23 to provide information on these two programs. Click the image above to watch the recording.

Download The Deck [PDF]

Second Round of FY23 RSAD Applications Opens September 1

Two Regional Sports Authority District (RSAD) designations are available for FY23 due to funds remaining after the initial RSAD cycle.

Established in Iowa Code Chapter 15E.321, RSAD grants promote tourism in Iowa by funding projects that relate to the active promotion of nonprofessional sporting events in the state. (Iowa Administrative Rule 261-38).

Convention & Visitors Bureaus are the only eligible applicants. Current FY23 recipients are not eligible to apply again. RSAD awards are $50,000 and require a 50 percent cash match.

Applications for the second round open Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 10 a.m. and are due Thursday, September 22, 2022, by 4 p.m. CT.

Contact Katie Kenne (katie.kenne@iowaeda.com) with questions.

Learn More

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.

Field of Dreams Marketing Reaches over 34.4M+ Impressions

The Iowa Economic Development Authority invested in marketing Iowa during the 2022 MLB Broadcast of Field of Dreams game on August 11 on FOX outlets in both Chicago and Cincinnati. After the final strikeout of the game, Iowa was the real winner with impressions reaching over 240% higher than 2021.

Here are a few more highlights:

  • 388K digital placements
  • 15,899 engagements on social media
  • 266% increase in earned media
  • Not to mention all the shoutouts about Iowa from commentators and players throughout the live broadcast!

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 9 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: Ottumwa Invited Travelers to Em-"Bark" on a Roadtrip with their Four-legged Friends

With travelers looking for ways they can hit the road with their pets, Meet Ottumwa's recent consumer email highlighted just that. The email included places for outdoor activities, shopping and places to grab a pet-friendly treat

If you are looking to create a similar content piece or want to brainstorm some more "paws"-abilities you can reach out to Laura Carrell, Executive Director, Meet Ottumwa at 641.684.4303 or email lcarrell@meetottumwa.org.

Also, please share your pet-friendly ideas with us and make sure to include that detail in your listing.

See The Full Email

Iowa in the News

Here are some exciting media highlights featuring Iowa.

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