Des Moines Leadership Visit Participant Information:
PRESENTED BY:
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Thank you for participating in Commerce Lexington’s 2026 Leadership Visit to Des Moines presented by Central Bank & Trust Co. The Leadership Visit is one of the most valuable things Commerce Lexington does each year because it focuses on how we can make positive changes to our community and region. Our intercity visits not only enable us to study the best examples of success from benchmark cities across the country, but are also responsible for many programs, initiatives, events and projects occurring in our community and region today.
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HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS:
Hotel Fort Des Moines
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 528-7733
www.hotelfortdesmoines.com
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 528-7733
www.hotelfortdesmoines.com
MEALS & REFRESHMENTS:
Meals and refreshment breaks included are indicated in the agenda. If you have any food allergies that you did not submit on your attendee form, see Angela Carlos.
DRESS CODE:
Dress casually and comfortable on the first day for traveling. Our Opening Reception on Wednesday will be at The Tea Room (walking distance from the hotel). We will go straight from there to dinner, so dress accordingly. Thursday will be another casual and comfortable day with lunches and outdoor activities. The Leadership Visit Dinner on Thursday night will be at The World Food Prize. Guys might want a button down and sport coat, and ladies might want dresses and wraps. Suits, ties, and dressy attire are not necessary anywhere. Please wear your nametag to all sessions and events.
KEY STAFF CONTACTS:
If you have a question or concern that comes up during the trip & you need assistance, contact Angela Carlos at 859-351-2925 or Lynda Bebrowsky at 859-333-5558.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON LEADERSHIP VISIT:
We have a great mix of leaders attending this year – some are trip veterans and others are first-timers. As we head to Des Moines, we thought it would be helpful to provide some tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your trip.
NETWORKING:
Leadership Visit is known for its networking opportunities. You will strengthen current relationships and build new ones. Bring your business cards and plan on wearing your extrovert hat for the three days. This visit is a time of connecting, learning and brainstorming!
SAY YES:
Adopt a mindset of “yes” during the trip. Say yes to meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone. Say yes to all networking opportunities. Say yes to the extra activities and optional dinners. When you step outside your comfort zone, anything is possible. You will meet new people and make new connections. Say yes!
LEARNING + INSPIRATION:
Each city has its own unique culture, opportunities, challenges and insight. The agenda has been carefully curated to provide you with the best learning opportunities. Ask questions, join the conversation and attend all the extra events. Write down your ideas and share them with others – and most importantly – get ready to take action on your ideas after the trip.
STAY CURIOUS:
Curiosity is an important leadership skill that extends to this trip. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more you will get out of it. Be present and open to meeting new people and having new conversations. Listen and ask questions. Stay curious!
WHAT’S NEXT?
You will learn a lot and build lifelong connections and friendships. What you learn on this trip, and who you meet is important, however, what you do after is what makes the difference. Stay connected with the folks you meet and put action behind your new ideas. Let’s make Greater Lexington even better than it already is!
NETWORKING:
Leadership Visit is known for its networking opportunities. You will strengthen current relationships and build new ones. Bring your business cards and plan on wearing your extrovert hat for the three days. This visit is a time of connecting, learning and brainstorming!
SAY YES:
Adopt a mindset of “yes” during the trip. Say yes to meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone. Say yes to all networking opportunities. Say yes to the extra activities and optional dinners. When you step outside your comfort zone, anything is possible. You will meet new people and make new connections. Say yes!
LEARNING + INSPIRATION:
Each city has its own unique culture, opportunities, challenges and insight. The agenda has been carefully curated to provide you with the best learning opportunities. Ask questions, join the conversation and attend all the extra events. Write down your ideas and share them with others – and most importantly – get ready to take action on your ideas after the trip.
STAY CURIOUS:
Curiosity is an important leadership skill that extends to this trip. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more you will get out of it. Be present and open to meeting new people and having new conversations. Listen and ask questions. Stay curious!
WHAT’S NEXT?
You will learn a lot and build lifelong connections and friendships. What you learn on this trip, and who you meet is important, however, what you do after is what makes the difference. Stay connected with the folks you meet and put action behind your new ideas. Let’s make Greater Lexington even better than it already is!
SIGN UP FOR ELECTIVE OPTIONS & GROUP NETWORKING DINNER:
Sign up for elective tours, activities, lunch and dinner options available to you during your trip to Des Moines. VISIT HERE to view the options and register.
ATTENDEES:
View the list of trip attendees as of June 10, 2026: VISIT HERE
STAY CONNECTED DURING THE TRIP:
Download Commerce Lexington Mobile App:
We have streamlined the Leadership Visit briefing book to make it easier to carry while travelling. Information from the briefing book is also available on Commerce Lexington’s mobile app, along with additional information, such as speakers’ bios and data on the Des Moines region. If you already have the app from last year, simply open it and navigate to the Events side of the app. To download the app, search for Commerce Lexington in the App Store or Google Play. TIP: If it doesn’t come up on Google Play, try putting quotations around “commerce lexington.” VIEW DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Share Your Trip Experience on Social Media:
Add to the conversation and share your experiences during the trip on social media by tagging your posts with #DSM2026. This not only helps you connect with others on the trip, but also engages others back home.
Watch for Commerce Lexington Text Alerts:
With a large delegation, it is important for us to quickly communicate with you about changes to the agenda, bus departure times and locations, or other logistical updates. You will be automatically signed up to receive text alerts to your mobile device from Commerce Lexington.
Ask Questions Using SLIDO:
During most of the sessions and if time allows, we’ll be utilizing a mobile audience engagement tool called SLIDO, which will enable you to ask questions right from your mobile device.
1. Go to www.slido.com on your device.
2. Type DSM in the Participant box.
3. Select the appropriate day & ask questions.
We have streamlined the Leadership Visit briefing book to make it easier to carry while travelling. Information from the briefing book is also available on Commerce Lexington’s mobile app, along with additional information, such as speakers’ bios and data on the Des Moines region. If you already have the app from last year, simply open it and navigate to the Events side of the app. To download the app, search for Commerce Lexington in the App Store or Google Play. TIP: If it doesn’t come up on Google Play, try putting quotations around “commerce lexington.” VIEW DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Share Your Trip Experience on Social Media:
Add to the conversation and share your experiences during the trip on social media by tagging your posts with #DSM2026. This not only helps you connect with others on the trip, but also engages others back home.
Watch for Commerce Lexington Text Alerts:
With a large delegation, it is important for us to quickly communicate with you about changes to the agenda, bus departure times and locations, or other logistical updates. You will be automatically signed up to receive text alerts to your mobile device from Commerce Lexington.
Ask Questions Using SLIDO:
During most of the sessions and if time allows, we’ll be utilizing a mobile audience engagement tool called SLIDO, which will enable you to ask questions right from your mobile device.
1. Go to www.slido.com on your device.
2. Type DSM in the Participant box.
3. Select the appropriate day & ask questions.
DAILY COLLABORATOR NEWSLETTERS:
Daily Collaborator - ISSUE #1 (June 10)
Daily Collaborator - ISSUE #2 (June 11)
Daily Collaborator - ISSUE #3 (June 12)
Daily Collaborator - ISSUE #2 (June 11)
Daily Collaborator - ISSUE #3 (June 12)
ABOUT DES MOINES + ECONOMIC DATA:
HISTORY:
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and seat (1845) of Polk county. The city lies on the Des Moines River at its juncture with the Raccoon River in the south-central part of the state. Situated in the heart of the Corn Belt, it is the focus of Iowa’s most populous metropolitan area, which includes the cities West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Pleasant Hill.
Fort Des Moines was established in 1843 at the confluence of the two rivers to protect the rights of the Sauk and Fox peoples who then inhabited the region. The area was opened to settlers in 1845. The community grew rapidly and became a city in 1857, the word “Fort” being dropped from the name. When the state capital was moved there from Iowa City later that year, its continued growth was assured. The origin of the city’s place-name is controversial: it is possibly a French corruption of the Algonquian name for the river, Moingona; alternatively, it may be derived from the French de moyen (“middle”), being midway between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, or perhaps it was a reference to the Trappist monks (moines de la Trappe) who once lived at the mouth of the Des Moines River.
From 1910 to 1920 Des Moines expanded rapidly as local coal deposits were developed. The state’s largest city, it is a communication hub and also a major insurance, retailing, manufacturing (notably tires and farm implements), governmental, and publishing centre (especially for farm journals). Des Moines is the site of Drake University (1881), Grand View College (1896), Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center (1898), and AIB College of Business (1921).
The city as it's known today found its origin as Fort Des Moines incorporated in 1851. But the fort itself was originally built in 1843 at the juncture of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Serious archeological diggings in the downtown area have found thousands of artifacts supporting three late prehistoric villages dating back to 1300 AD. 15 to 18 American Indian mounds were also observed prior to destruction with the development of the city.
Greater Des Moines (DSM) is home to many business successes and has received numerous accolades over the past several years. These recognitions include being named a top metro for economic development projects, one of the top 10 cities to live and work, one of the best cities for jobs and among the top 10 places with the most job opportunities per capita. Such accomplishments can be attributed to DSM's talented workforce, impressive education ranking and strong business economy.
VIEW ECONOMIC DATA COMPARING THE LEXINGTON & DES MOINES REGIONS HERE.
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and seat (1845) of Polk county. The city lies on the Des Moines River at its juncture with the Raccoon River in the south-central part of the state. Situated in the heart of the Corn Belt, it is the focus of Iowa’s most populous metropolitan area, which includes the cities West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Pleasant Hill.
Fort Des Moines was established in 1843 at the confluence of the two rivers to protect the rights of the Sauk and Fox peoples who then inhabited the region. The area was opened to settlers in 1845. The community grew rapidly and became a city in 1857, the word “Fort” being dropped from the name. When the state capital was moved there from Iowa City later that year, its continued growth was assured. The origin of the city’s place-name is controversial: it is possibly a French corruption of the Algonquian name for the river, Moingona; alternatively, it may be derived from the French de moyen (“middle”), being midway between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, or perhaps it was a reference to the Trappist monks (moines de la Trappe) who once lived at the mouth of the Des Moines River.
From 1910 to 1920 Des Moines expanded rapidly as local coal deposits were developed. The state’s largest city, it is a communication hub and also a major insurance, retailing, manufacturing (notably tires and farm implements), governmental, and publishing centre (especially for farm journals). Des Moines is the site of Drake University (1881), Grand View College (1896), Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center (1898), and AIB College of Business (1921).
The city as it's known today found its origin as Fort Des Moines incorporated in 1851. But the fort itself was originally built in 1843 at the juncture of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Serious archeological diggings in the downtown area have found thousands of artifacts supporting three late prehistoric villages dating back to 1300 AD. 15 to 18 American Indian mounds were also observed prior to destruction with the development of the city.
Greater Des Moines (DSM) is home to many business successes and has received numerous accolades over the past several years. These recognitions include being named a top metro for economic development projects, one of the top 10 cities to live and work, one of the best cities for jobs and among the top 10 places with the most job opportunities per capita. Such accomplishments can be attributed to DSM's talented workforce, impressive education ranking and strong business economy.
VIEW ECONOMIC DATA COMPARING THE LEXINGTON & DES MOINES REGIONS HERE.
LEADERSHIP VISIT OUTCOMES
SPONSORS:
PRESENTED BY:
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OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION SPONSOR:
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LEADERSHIP VISIT DINNER SPONSORS:
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PLATINUM SPONSORS:
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NAME BADGE
SPONSOR: 
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IN-FLIGHT FOOD & BEVERAGE SPONSOR:
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CONFERENCE BREAKFAST SPONSOR:
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PRE-FLIGHT BREAKFAST SPONSOR:
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EXPERIENCE DES MOINES SPONSOR:
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GOLD SPONSORS:
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CONTENT PARTNER:
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Did You Know? Des Moines Fun Facts:
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The Iowa State Capitol in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is the only five-domed capitol in the country and contains 23.75 karats of gold.
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Ronald Reagan, the 40th
U.S. President, began his career as a sports announcer in Des Moines. |
The Lauridsen Skatepark in downtown Des Moines is the largest skatepark in the U.S., with 88,000-square feet of skateable surface.
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The Des Moines region is home to several massive
data centers, including Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and Apple. |
Commerce Lexington's annual Leadership Visit has helped expose Central Kentucky's leaders to the best ideas of model communities throughout the United States, yielding valuable lessons that have been applied to the improvement of the Bluegrass Region. As one of the longest-running and largest intercity visits in the country, this three-day trip has become the most valuable opportunity to bring community leaders, decision makers and ideas together in order to make positive changes in our community. It's a very unique program that includes the foremost business, education, government and community representatives of Central Kentucky.