Greg has been CEO of Catch Des Moines since 2000, having moved here after similar stints with the Overland Park, KS, and Peoria, IL convention and visitors bureaus. He owes part of his success to his work in hotel management early in his career.

Des Moines’ bureau was formed in 1908, making it one of the first fifty in the country. Its mission, he said, is simple, “Increase visitors.” He said one of the strengths of Catch Des Moines is its regional emphasis. The organization represents 15 communities and over 17,000 tourism-related jobs. Last year, the region hosted 3 million visitors, with an economic impact of $2 billion just in Dallas and Polk counties. Catch Des Moines’ major funding comes from 2/7 of the hotel/motel tax. The tax dollars are augmented by contributions of more than 635 corporate and marketing partners that provide an additional $1 million.

The major work of Catch Des Moines is to develop leads and recruit groups to come to Des Moines. That includes large and small conventions as well as events and meetings. No matter what size the meeting, it provides an opportunity that it will lead to more visits in the future. Last year, Catch Des Moines developed 480 leads – 293 turned into booked business with an additional 101 still in progress. Describing those numbers as excellent, he noted that Catch Des Moines’ efforts return $19 for every dollar of tax money it receives.