We’ve come a long way since beginning renovation of Vets Auditorium into a new state-of-the-art convention center. On Sept. 24 we hosted a media day to take the media and some clients on a tour of the facility. Here are some photos, a video and an article printed in the DM Register about how far the construction has come.
Face-lift gives Vets Auditorium New Life – Des Moines Register
Are you looking to raise money for your group or organization? We’ve got the perfect answer for you – and it’s something different and fun! You can earn valuable dollars for your organization by sending volunteers to work at one of our portable or permanent concession stands during an event.
Working concessions at the Iowa Events Center puts you front and center in the fast paced and fun environment of an Iowa Energy basketball game, Iowa Barnstormer game or a major concert such as Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, AC/DC.
Ovations Food Services (the food service contractor for the Iowa Events Center) is proud to partner with area non-profit groups to provide fundraising opportunities for groups of all sizes. Did you know that last season, Ovations Food Services paid out over $142,000 cash to groups participating in our Not-For-Profit Fundraising Program? Over 40 Not-For-Profit organizations are currently signed up to earn CASH and we are looking for more.
The menus at the concession stands are easy to prepare and serve, and Ovations provides each concession stand with a cook and a staff stand leader to help with any questions or equipment operation such as using the cash register or pretzel warmer – or even how to assemble the Iowa Dog, a favorite at our “Hot Dog Nation” stand!
This is a great alternative to the usual route of bake sales and car washes to make money for your group. Some stands require just two volunteers, others up to 10.
Earning potential depends on the size of the stand you work, and how many times you work. We ask that you make a commitment of working at least 5 events per year. We pay between 8% – 10% of your stand sales directly to your organization. We pay a minimum of $300 to your group for working a permanent stand and $50.00 for a portable stand.
We are now signing groups up for the 2011-2012 season. If you want to be a part of this growing program contact Ginger Gadbaw Smith, AGM/Director of Arena Operations and Concessions for Ovations Food Services at 515-564-8011 or gsmith@iowaeventscenter.com to receive an introductory packet.
For four years the American Quilter’s Society has called Des Moines “home” for their four day event in the fall.
Thousands of quilters, artists, enthusiasts, family, friends, and Iowans will gather at the Iowa Events Center for this spectacular from September 28 – October 1. Each year the event tries to add something new and unique to keep the show exciting and to keep the quilters inspired so I thought I would fill you in as to what should be expected!
This year there are a quite a few unique aspects that will be on display. The first of many is the quilted Yurt. Now don’t be afraid if you did not know what a Yurt was at first glance of the word. Neither did I until I researched it further. A Yurt is a home-like tent structure that is typically used by Mongolic nomads in the steppers of Central Asia. It is a portable structure with thicker walls that are typically felt-covered.
You may be asking yourself what a Yurt has to do with quilting. Well, I’ll tell you. Linzi Upton is traveling all the way from Scotland and will be joining the AQS crew to showcase the Yurt that she has created out of numerous handmade quilts. The Yurt is about 8 ft in diameter and big enough to fit a few people inside. This large project took Upton many months to put together but I would say the end result is worth it, wouldn’t you?
Another international aspect to this year’s show is the Quilt Contest. This year Des Moines native Dr. Deb Kimball has had the honor of having the entire contest be themed around her first book “International Sunbonnet Sue.” Her book utilizes the traditional Sunbonnet Sue character that is well known in the quilting realm and turns her into a world traveler. Hundreds of quilters will be using Dr. Kimball’s patterns as inspiration to show off their talents in this year’s show. We are excited to see the hundreds of quilts that are ready to be judged!
A special exhibit of quilts by Sue Reich honoring World War II will also be returning to this year’s show. This collection beautifully honors all of America’s veterans. Accompanying this display will be some of the 180 quilts that have been produced by the Des Moines Quilters Guild and donated to the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines. The Des Moines Guild worked diligently over the past few months to make sure each veteran will receive their own handmade quilt. To make this exhibit even more special, AQS has invited veterans from the home to come to the show and enjoy this exhibit. We are honored to have them be a part of this event.
Other highlights to look forward to are:
– the gigantic merchant mall
– the wonderful workshops put on by teachers from around the world
– lectures from honorable quilters
– Iowa Sesquicentennial Quilt
P.S. I can’t tell you what it is yet but you will want to be at or around the steps to Hy-Vee Hall (off 3rd St.) at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, September 28. It’s going to be big, it’s going to be fun, and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss.
We hope to see you there!
Events Center All Access
Events Center All Access 