Drake University is part of a new Iowa Caucus Consortium that has been created to highlight Iowa’s first in the nation Caucus status and provide the media, candidates and visitors a meaningful, positive experience while showcasing the state and region. Additionally, the consortium will engage in political dialogue and drive meaningful conversation with residents during the political cycle through hosting Caucus-related events.
The consortium is made up of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Economic Development Authority, The Des Moines Register and Drake University in partnership with the Iowa Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Iowa.
To market and support consortium efforts, a new website has been created, www.IowaCaucus.org, as well as a Twitter account at @IAcaucus2016 using the hashtag #iacaucus.
“The community’s collaboration in hosting local, regional, national and international media during the Iowa Caucuses is key,” says Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Creating consistent messaging for the region and working together to provide an incredible experience for the media and visitors will help us leverage the opportunity as a marketing tool to strengthen Greater Des Moines as a visitor destination.”
The consortium plans to host Caucus-related events including a potential Candidate Series and Issues Forum. Additionally, the consortium will create an advisory committee of engaged local politicos with potential opportunities for young professionals. In 2016, the media filing center will be managed by the Iowa Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Iowa.
“The Iowa Caucuses place our state at the epicenter of the political world and provide us an incredible opportunity to showcase Greater Des Moines to a national and global audience,” adds Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Through this partnership, we are able to further maximize our regional economic development marketing efforts to promote Central Iowa as a great place to build a business, a career and a future.”
“In addition to celebrating agriculture, Iowa’s advanced manufacturing, biosciences and financial services are key industries for this national platform,” says Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “As the first state in the nation to host a major electoral event, Iowa is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunity to showcase our state’s economic vitality across these multiple industries.”
The new website provides local resources like a candidate tracker and voter information. Plus, media resources include credentialing for Caucus events, suggested shoot locations, photo and b-roll requests, pro tips from The Des Moines Register for covering the Iowa Caucuses and late night dining options. Candidate resources include a Caucus events calendar, intern opportunities for Drake University students, restaurants and hotels information.
The 2008 Iowa Caucuses (dual party) brought 2,500 media and $25 million in visitor spending as economic impact to Greater Des Moines. The 2012 Caucuses (single party) brought 1,500 media and $17 million in visitor spending as economic impact to Greater Des Moines.