Iowa Events Center Blog @iowaeventscenter - Tumblr Blog

We’ve Moved!

With the launch of our new website, we have decided to take a different route with our blog as well. The blog is now linked under “About” on our Iowa Events Center website. Make sure to check out our newest blog 6 months down, 6 shows left to go!

#AllTheFeels When Buying #DrakeInDesMoines Tickets

1. Drake aka Jimmy from Degrassi is coming to Des Moines?

“Is this real life? Did they just announce Drake? Drake is coming to Des Moines?!”

2. Ok, when is the onsale?

“Do you think there is a presale? I mean the Iowa Event Center has to have a presale.”

3. Well, missed that presale.

“Ok, I was not prepared yesterday. Today is my day. It’s Drake day. It’s game-time. [Sets alarm on phone for 9:45 a.m.]

4. I am logged in and I am ready!

“Watch out world. In 10 minutes, I will be the proud owner of tickets to Drake. Did Becky want tickets, too?”

5. Oh wait, did that just say I have six minutes to complete this transaction?

“WHERE IS MY CREDIT CARD?! I knew I should’ve updated my account earlier!”

6. OK, everything is entered and ready.

[Hits purchase]

7. I’M GOING TO DRAKE!

“THIS IS REAL LIFE!”

8. I’ll be seeing you soon love.

“I wonder if Becky got her tickets?”

How Green RU?

Did you know that the Iowa Events Center diverted 349,185 pounds (174.59 tons) of waste from June 2012 through February 2016? That is 522 cubic yards worth of space from landfills… which eliminates 870,000 gallons of methane gas… and created 139,200 pounds of soil-enriching compost. For comparison, that 522 cubic yards would just about cover an entire football field with 3 inches deep of compost. That’s a large amount of compost!

GreenRU is a company based out of Blairsburg, IA that creates customized recycling programs of organic and food scraps for businesses, restaurants, schools, universities and other organizations. The core value of GreenRU is to help keep food scraps and other organics out of area landfills by turning them into a rich compost for use on farmland, landscaping, sports turf and many other beneficial uses.

In June of 2012, the Iowa Events Center started its journey with Green RU focusing solely on pre-consumer composting on the catering side, which was contained in Hy-Vee Hall and Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. This means that scraps of food during preparation and after dining service were collected and placed in a bin that Green RU had provided. One year later, the Iowa Events Center expanded composting into Wells Fargo Arena with the pre-consumer process in the concessions and started post-consumer composting on the catering side, meaning the remaining food on the guest’s plates get put into the compost bin by staff.

I was able receive a tour of the kitchen, where the composting begins, by Executive Chef, Chad Vander Ploeg. Chef Chad has been with the Iowa Events Center for six years and was one of the key leaders in making sure that his entire staff adopted the program and believed in it. “It was easy to get the staff on board once they understood the environmental impact we could make,” Vander Ploeg said.

As he walked me through the process, I began to see how important and most of all how EASY it was! “It takes no more than effort to make this significant impact,” Vander Ploeg said. When the staff is preparing a catered meal, they collect the scraps of fruit and vegetables that are then transferred into a compost bin like you see above. Once the bin becomes full, the compost bin is brought outside to a large bin provided by GreenRU, as you can see below.

When I first heard that we were composting at the Iowa Events Center, I expected this long, extensive process that people had to jump through hoops to get done. After talking to Chef Chad, he made the process seem so simple and it really was! “We place the biodegradable items in the compost bin and Green RU does the rest!”

Overall, the transition towards becoming “green” at the Iowa Events Center has been one of the greatest things we have done. The amount of space in landfills and amount of methane gas emission that we have eliminated is out of this world. I would recommend this program to anyone!

If you’re interested in composting at your company or would like more information, contact Chaz Olson at (515) 480-5201 or go to www.GreenRU.org.

#earthday #organic #recycle #desmoines #gogreen

Memories of Madness in Des Moines

Now that it has officially been a week since the “Madness” in Des Moines has settled, it’s time to look back at the wild ride that this great city took on. From the scenery outside to the excitement inside and the kind words of surprise that visitors shared about the city, the 2016 NCAA D1 Men’s Basketball Tournament 1st and 2nd Rounds were definitely a memory for the books.

Two days prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament in Des Moines, a blog titled, “Dear Kentucky Fans…” caught my attention on Facebook. In the blog, a tweet from a “Confused UK Fan” said, “Dear Kentucky Fans, There is nothing to do in Des Moines, Iowa. Not worth the trip. All you see is corn fields.” After living in Des Moines for almost three years, being an Iowa native and taking great pride in where I live, this was obviously upsetting. The blogger went onto explain the achievements that the city has earned and portrayed the city of Des Moines as it should be, in the greatest of spotlights. The blog gave a great vision of what Des Moines is, but when the teams started arriving, I saw the social media posts flutter in and that was the moment I knew the Des Moines “non-believers” started believing in the city.

Des Moines not only transformed people’s love for the city, but they also transformed the arena itself. A Go-Pro was set up in Wells Fargo Arena to video the time-laps to show the transformation between three different events prior to the NCAA Tournament. Although I work for the Iowa Events Center, it still shocks me the amount of work, time and talent the Operations Department at the arena puts in to pull off amazing events. You can view the video here: https://goo.gl/lNpgUs.

After the transformation, the stage was set for one of the biggest sporting events that Des Moines has ever landed. One of the greatest things I have enjoyed about Greater Des Moines is how the community bands together to support an event. Locals flocked to Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday to watch the eight NCAA teams during their open practices, which we heard was far better attended than any other practice site. Downtown buildings lit themselves blue in celebration of the tournament and bars, restaurants and storefronts all had NCAA welcome signage to show visitors a warm welcome. The city of Des Moines and Wells Fargo Arena would not have been able to exceed expectations and execute this event without the teamwork of local businesses and the positive attitude the community. It is definitely an experience that I will never forget!

It's been a crazy, wild ride these past few weeks in Des Moines! Can’t wait to see what my next adventure is in this great city! - Katie

#WellsFargoArena #DesMoines #MarchMadness

Wedding Wednesday: Six Ways to Enjoy Thanksgiving as an Engaged Couple

1. Have your photos taken

Take advantage of the foliage and a few extra hands!

2. EAT!

Calories don’t count on holidays, that’s just a fact.

3. Shop

(Not that you needed my permission of course). Thursday & Friday will be a great time to stock up on gifts for your wedding party and family. Although I think the photo below is much more realistic…

*sweatpants not pictured

4. Pamper yourself

Here’s three DIY fall inspired spa treatments

5. Break out the photo albums

If you’re spending the holiday with parents or grandparents, it’s a great opportunity to look through those old photos and:

a.) assemble slideshow photos (if you’re having one) or

b.) show off your sweet 90’s fashion sense to your future spouse

6. Give Thanks

Use the opportunity to thank those that have been helping you wedding plan!

We’re thankful you’ve stopped by! Connect anytime at 515.564.8000 or [email protected] to learn more about holding your dream wedding reception at Iowa Events Center. Happy Holidays everyone!

-Chelsea

Wedding Wednesday: Fall Reception Inspiration

Meet Brad & Rebecca, one of our October couples! While they were celebrating their new I do’s with the bridal party, wedding guests walked into a photo slideshow of the couple projected throughout the Grand Concourse at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.

Guests were greeted with, among other things, tasty snacks like Sesame Chicken Strips & Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Bites

(IEC Staff are ALWAYS excited about Mac & Cheese bites)

View the full menu here (P.S. We always make sure to leave a little extra for the head table, assuming they bridal party will need something to soak up all that fun they were probably having en route to the Iowa Events Center)

Tables were decorated with a trio of centerpieces

As well as a custom “kissing menu”. Gotta work a little harder than clinking glasses these days!

Our LED ceiling, set to shades of purples and blues complemented the fall theme while a custom monogram provided by Des Moines Best DJ pulled it all together.

And my favorite! The first night Brad and Rebecca met they played this anxiety-inducing, friendship-destroying game

(see?)

Guests were encouraged to sign the blocks with their names or marriage advice or the couple to enjoy for years to come! I’d like to believe other couples met while playing at their reception, I really would. Here’s a link to make one for your special day!

Congratulations to another great couple!

We’d love to be a part of your happily ever after! Contact me at 515.564.8000 or [email protected] for information about holding your dream reception at Iowa Events Center!

-Chelsea

Wedding Wednesday: Day-of tips from our resident NEWLYWED!

Congratulations to Alisa & Arnold who tied the knot a few weekends ago! Alisa is fresh back from her honeymoon and had a few pieces of advice to share...

1. Make sure you have your marriage license, not some random piece of paper that your husband-to-be grabs

…yeah, that’s kind of important.

2.You'll have plenty of time to eat. I don’t know who these people are who don’t eat

(Alisa had an AMAZING custom menu featuring their favorites: New Orleans style Barbecue Shrimp, Blackened Chicken, Herb Crusted Salmon…)

3. The limo ride from the ceremony to the reception is a blast. Put someone in charge of music and crack a beverage

4. Practice your bouquet toss in your back yard

I knew I would never hit the high ceilings in the ballroom, so I threw it with all my might and tossed it right over the group of girls onto a table of married friends.

5. Dance your rear end off!

6. Little kids will look at you like you’re a Princess*. You are.

*crown not pictured

7. Box up that leftover cake and put it in the freezer

It will be there to greet you when you get back from your honeymoon.

8. And finally…people will RSVP that they’re coming and they won’t show up. Random people will show up uninvited. People will come and not bring gifts. None of that matters. You’re married to the love of your life!

Congratulations Alisa & Arnold!!!

Not a current Iowa Events Center couple? We’d love to be a part of your happily ever after! Contact me at 515.564.8000 or [email protected] for information about holding your dream reception at Iowa Events Center!

-Chelsea

#weddingwednesday happilyweddedwoods iowaeventscenter iowaweddings

Wedding Wednesday: Here Comes the Bride!!!

If you’ve followed us for a while, you know there’s a resident bride in our midst, Alisa. She’s been a regular contributor to the Wedding Wednesday blog, not to mention a fantastic friend.

She ALSO happens to be marrying the love of her life this Saturday.

We followed her to NYC for dress shopping here:

She was on the fence about engagement pictures but discovered they were TOTALLY worth it here:

Here she shared tips on how (and why) to flaunt FIERCE footwear

and of course...

Who can forget when she taught us how to make s’mores using chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers here when she attended our Grand Wedding Tasting with future husband Arnold and Maid-of-Honor, Dani, who had a few words;

All of at Iowa Events Center couldn’t be happier for these two!

Enjoy the last few days of being a fierce Feyonce Alisa!!!

We’d love to be a part of your wedding day as well! Contact me at 515.564.8000 or [email protected] for information about hosting your dream reception at Iowa Events Center!

-Chelsea

#iowaeventscenter happilyweddedwoods feyoncefest weddingwednesday

Wedding Wednesday: 5 Ideas for VIP Style

In case your wedding day doesn’t include a chauffeured Rolls Royce, here’s a few ways to make your day just a little more special!

1. Show your guests know EXACTLY what they’re walking into

Our concourse projectors are perfect for displaying a timeline of your relationship. You’ll look really good at 30’,trust me.

2. Table Service

Instead of the traditional head table, opt for a sweetheart table instead for a little private time. Linen & furniture rental (like sequined cloths & chiavari chairs) can really add up for the entire room, but creates a glamorous oasis for the two of you.

We work with a ton of great vendors, like Bella Flora Event Design & Unique Events who’d love to provide you with something plush or sparkly.

3. Custom Photo Booth

Because technically all you need for a red carpet event is… red carpet

4. Your Name In Lights

Opt for a DIY marquee, or have one of our preferred DJ’s design a fun monogram!

5. The Ultimate Squad

On your wedding day, you should be surrounded by people that help ensure you have a fantastic time. Pamper your wedding party, and they’ll go to the end of the earth for you!

And so will we! The staff at Iowa Events Center is here to ensure your day goes perfectly. Not a current Iowa Events Center couple? We’d love to be a part of your happily ever after! Contact me at 515.564.8000 or [email protected] for information about holding your dream reception at Iowa Events Center!

-Chelsea

#weddingwednesday iowaeventscenter bridesmaids vipwedding

Wedding Wednesday: Inspiration that’s just peachy

I’m all about seasonal. I’ll be the first to politely suggest that cranberry turkey sliders are not served in May, or (as Iowa law would have it) heirloom tomatoes & sweet corn in December. Christy & Darin’s reception stood out in particular this summer for using fresh, local ingredients not only in their menu but décor as well!

In addition to the ballrooms’ dazzling ceiling, guests first arrived upon an adorable guest book table, lounge and kid’s area

Near the lounge furniture sat gorgeous crostini station, featuring Ricotta Peach Bruschetta, Pesto & Parmesan Tomato & Roquefort & Prosciutto

The appetizer station also featured wheels of baked brie & watermelon/mint skewers. I love the creativity of our culinary staff, so I feel I need to show this off…

(initials of the bride and groom)

However, we needed to add fresh berries so our couple never did get to experience true puffpastry potential, but our hearts were (literally) in it.

Now onto the tablescape. The rest of the room, obviously, looked fabulous

While our bride provided the peaches, Shelly from Shelly Sarver Designs filled gorgeous gold pedestal bowls with fresh herbs like sage and rosemary and hearty florals.

I mean, swoon.

The room also featured additional tall and short arrangements that were equally stunning

As well as fun activities and favors for the guests

(Always love seeing new stuff – confetti seed paper? Perfection.)

Katie from Mishmash Bake Shoppe brought this lovely cutting cake topped with blueberries, figs, and more savory rosemary.

I’d love to share more, (like herb crusted salmon, an amazing peanut noodle bowl our bride ordered for vegetarians, or the always essential late night snack) but this is usually the point of the evening I have to stop taking pictures and get back to work!

-Chelsea

#iowaeventscenter weddingwednesday summerweddings

For the love of Yoga

With Iowa Yoga Festival (August 28-30) approaching fast we can’t but help notice how the art of Yoga has really taken off in the last few years. A past time that use to be considered to slow of a work out for all of our busy lives is actually exactly what we have needed to unplug, slow down, and center ourselves. The art of yoga originated in India as a physical, mental, and spiritual practice of discipline. Now a days you can find different variations of yoga from pilyo to aerial yoga there is no shortage of classes to entertain our busy minds.

Iowa Yoga Festival, coming to Iowa Events Center August 28-30, promises to educate, enlighten, and help you grow in the world of yoga. Through structured seminars, classes, and industry experts on hand the entire weekend, individuals can come immerse themselves in this accepting environment.

Festivities kick off Friday night at 5:30pm as we try to create Iowa’s Largest Yoga Class! Admission to this portion is free and appropriate for all ages. The rest of the weekend is filled with yoga classes perfect for any yogi level from beginner to advanced we encourage you to come and try it out.

Presenters that will be at this years Iowa Yoga Festival include: Patrick Nolan Doug Swenson Andrey Lappa Mara Healy Jim Bennitt Go w/ The Flow Srividhya Radhakrishnan Deb Jennings Ann York Zaplin Vermie Linda Garcia Lisa Acheson Mathew Koder For more information on Iowa Yoga Festival please click here

Wedding Wednesday: Make Your Mark

On your first day with a new last name (or just being pumped that someone took yours), you’re probably going to want to wear it out. Here’s a few ways to use monograms!

First of all, start with a design

Antiquaria, creates custom stamps for monograms, and even larger stamps for full invitations, save the dates and more.

You may have already set the tone with the invitation

..and you can carry your theme through with cocktail napkins

Have them nearby hors d’oeuvres, cake, and bars, which will match perfectly with these monogrammed straws.

Add a touch of your personal brand under an elegant charger

Or this kind of charger, if you want

You can display it on menus, adorably bedazzled and tucked into a napkin

or tucked discreetly elsewhere.

Monograms look great sitting high on a cake…

…or blown up as big as possible in the Grand Ballroom for your guests to enjoy!

-Chelsea

#weddingwednesday iowaeventscenter monogram

Wedding Wednesday: Late Night Snacks, Part 2

So last week we highlighted savory late night snacks. Let’s bring on the sweet!

1. The Classic: Milk & Cookies

Served warm with ice cold milk, this classic combination is perfect for a kids-only station or nostalgic adults. Or hungry adults. OK, everyone.

Or opt for your guests to pack them in adorable favor bags

Found here

2. Smore’s

Talk about a classy campfire. Perfect for summer and fall weddings alike.

3. Get SUPER creative like our resident bride Alisa and just combine them

This, this is the difference between knowledge and wisdom

(Jealous??? This creative opportunity is just another perk of attending our Grand Wedding Tasting)

4. Assorted Chocolate Dipped Goodness

Fountains are messy. Let us do the work for you.

But just in case, here’s a link on how to get chocolate out of your wedding dress

5. Ice Cream

Opt for pre-scooped cups for guests to finish with their favorite toppings...

...or stock up on some of your favorite flavors. Some just demand to be eaten, or at least, included in the blog

6. Jazz up your coffee station

Before we move on,in case you’re new to the blog, there’s something you need to know about me.

I love them. So naturally I believe the perfect complement to any coffee station are donut holes.

Here’s a link to these adorable stirrers and sleeves

You can choose to add on yummies like whipped cream, caramel, chocolate shavings and a variety of syrups to complete the station.

Sweet, savory; however you choose to end the night, your guests will thank you!

-Chelsea

#weddingwednesday latenightsnack iowaeventscenter

An Open Letter To Taylor Swift

Hey Tay,

So you are pretty much killing it on your 1989 World Tour!

We didn’t think you could kill it anymore than you did on your Red Tour, but dang girl! While we are all anxiously waiting your return to Des Moines, IA on October 8 to Wells Fargo Arena

We can’t help but notice at your last couple of shows you have had a ton of your BFF’s come and take the stage with you!

From a Bad Blood Reunion to Nick Jones singing Jealous we can’t help but admit we are a little jealous..

It’s not that we aren’t super excited for all of those guest appearances, we just hope that we get one too! So please please please bring your Besties, your BFFL, and your Bae to Des Moines, IA! We know you are saving a special surprise just for us!

Fingers crossed! See you in October

Sincerely,

Wells Fargo Arena

Wedding Wednesday: Late Night Snacks, Part 1

You’re having fun, dancing, in need of a second wind. And then you see it.

A discreet team of catering ninjas bringing forth the ultimate after-tizer: The Late Night Snack. Pizza, reigns (sometimes literally) supreme; so unexpected, so delicious, so suddenly NECESSARY.

Guests these days practically demand it

But as long as you’re surprising your guests with savory sobering snacks, why not get a little creative? Here’s a few other examples that have been extremely well received at Iowa Events Center!

1. Macaroni & Cheese

Here we have the oh-so-popular cheddar & bacon and the spicy-but-subtle poblano & pepperjack

Choose one of our awesome flavors, our opt to serve with an assortment of your favorite toppings!

Varieties Not Pictured: Truffled Mushroom, BBQ Pork, Maytag Blue Cheese, Scooby Doo.

2. Simply put, Munchies

Pretzel bites.

Buffalo Chicken.

BBQ Meatballs.

They stand up on their own, but together, they become NOM NOM NOM.

3. Slider Bar

Buns, beef, chicken, tomato, onion, cheese, ketchup, mayo, mustard etc. etc. etc.

And we even make it look fancy for you. Your guests will thank us.

4. Grilled Cheese!

Our chef’s can pre-assemble a few tasty varieties for essential grab-and-go convenience (get back to the dance floor!) or opt for a few attendants to create custom cheezy goodness for your guests.

5. Nachos/Tacos/Fajitas etc.

(are you hungry yet???)

Or….

6. All Of The Above + Bloody Marys + Collegiate Flair = Tailgating Menu

The list goes on, future brides & grooms, but I’ll have to save the sweet ideas for next week. I’ve got to go find some lunch!

-Chelsea

#weddingwednesday iowaeventscenter nomnomnom latenightsnack

Happy National Hot Dog Day!

We relish in the fact that you are just as excited as we are about National Hot Dog Day!

This year at the Iowa Events Center we implemented the You Lucky Dog promotion sponsored by the wonderful people at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. By snacking on these tasty treats during your favorite sporting events, family shows, and concerts at Wells Fargo Arena, patrons were entered to win fabulous prize! And fabulous prizes were won........

From VIP tickets, to exclusive experiences, from Grinnell Mutual duffel bags to swag we had winners at tons of events this year just for enjoying a hot dog!

So Happy National Hot Dog Day everyone and the next time you attend an event at Wells Fargo Arena don't forget this tasty treat because you could be one lucky dog courtesy of Grinnell Mutual!

#YOULUCKYDOG

Wedding Wednesday: Let them Eat (Wedding) Cake

A few months ago, I wrote a blog titled “11 Decades of Wedding Trends” (read here) where I highlighted the traits I found most repetitive every ten years (per a google image search).

Maybe I’m an old fashioned girl, but the photos from the 50’s (The Decade Everyone Was Ridiculously Happy) was the most fun to record. I mean, look at them.