Discover Ames
About Us

Discover Ames

Who we are

Discover Ames is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Ames and the surrounding area. We attract and secure meetings, conventions, events, and visitors for Ames and Iowa State University. We provide unparalleled services to groups and visitors as well as enhance the quality of life for the Ames community.

The Ames tourism industry accounts for a major and irreplaceable source of revenue for our restaurants, shops, cultural organizations, attractions, and hotels. Discover Ames enhances the overall Ames experience and contributes to the economic well-being of the city through leadership and innovation in the hospitality industry.

Our Mission

Strengthen the Ames economy by attracting events and tourism and promote Ames as a travel destination.

Our Vision

Position Ames and Iowa State University as the preferred Midwestern destination for group events and tourism.

Core Values

Service
Our service is extraordinary, and our hospitality is genuine.

Passion
Our staff openly and visibly loves Ames and Iowa State University.

Innovation
Our bold, new ideas make for creative, memorable events.

Relationship-building
Our relationship-building connects clients, Iowa State, and the Ames community.

Initiative
Our staff is empowered to go the extra mile to serve our customers.

Teamwork
Our collaborations allow us to create extraordinary events for our clients.

Meet the Team

Amanda Sawyer

Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Andy Moore

Creative & Digital Services Specialist

Carole Gieseke

Director of Marketing & Communications

Dan Ramthun

Director of Business & Administration

Ellie Crom

Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Jody Larson

Interim Director, Conference Planning & Management

Kaleena Middendorf

Budget and Finance Specialist, Conference Planning & Management

Kate Kurka Gillum

Digital Marketing Specialist

Kevin Bourke

President & CEO

Kim Abels

Sales & Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Linda Wilcox

Financial & Event Services Coordinator, Conference Planning & Management

Maddie Reed

IT & Registration Services

Matt Beatty

Director of Business Development

Melissa Muschick

Director of Business & Partner Development

Sam Franzen

Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Tim Grewell

Director, IT & Registration Services

Veronica Tarello

Visitor Experience Coordinator

Zach Hanna

Assistant for Registration Services

Kevin Bourke

President & CEO

Veronica Tarello

Visitor Experience Coordinator

Andy Moore

Creative & Digital Services Specialist

Carole Gieseke

Director of Marketing & Communications

Kate Kurka Gillum

Digital Marketing Specialist

Dan Ramthun

Director of Business & Administration

Amanda Sawyer

Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Ellie Crom

Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Jody Larson

Interim Director, Conference Planning & Management

Kaleena Middendorf

Budget and Finance Specialist, Conference Planning & Management

Kim Abels

Sales & Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Linda Wilcox

Financial & Event Services Coordinator, Conference Planning & Management

Sam Franzen

Event Planner, Conference Planning & Management

Maddie Reed

IT & Registration Services

Tim Grewell

Director, IT & Registration Services

Zach Hanna

Assistant for Registration Services

Additional Resources

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