Meeting Planners

Ames is the Smart Choice for your next event!

Planning & Event Services

Our university community is creative, accessible, affordable, safe and FUN! Once you experience it, we know you will agree. Each year more than 700,000 overnight visitors come to Ames for a variety of events, including professional conferences, amateur and college sporting events, plus a wide range of state, regional, and international competitions.

The Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau and ISU Extension and Outreach Conference Planning and Management staff are committed to helping you create an atmosphere where you don’t have to worry about anything except relaxing and enjoying your event.

We'll help you get started:

Partner with you to develop proposals, give presentations and arrange site visits
Identify facilities, negotiate hotel rates and room blocks and manage contracts
Create unique local experiences and memories for tours and events
Develop a customized budget and set registration fees, and handle all financial transactions

Connect you with others along the way:

Provide access to a community database of over 300 local businesses and service providers
Handle arrangements for speakers, exhibitors and sponsorship programs
Administer call for papers and abstract submission process
Create strategic marketing plans, assist with media and public relations and coordinate the development and printing all your conference materials
Develop and host conference website and all key event information

Carry part of the load:

Manage online, fax, email and in-person registrations and fees
Create a welcoming presence with staff at conference check in
Arrange all meals, room sets, transportation and technology needs
Provide an onsite presence to facilitate all logistics for a seamless delivery
Enhance your visitors’ experiences through welcome bags, visitors guides and maps
Wrap up your event with re-booking, detailed financial summaries and evaluation feedback

Your Guides to Ames & Iowa State University:

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Start Planning!

Get Started Planning Your Event with the Bureau!

Conferences & Events

Special Events

Sports & Leisure

Youth Events

Group Tours

Best Practices for Healthy Events

Tee off

On stage

Sweets & treats

Finger-lickin’ good

Historic downtown shopping

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