10 Summer Networking Events for Professionals to Attend in DSM

Connect with others and develop professional relationships with ease when you attend this summer’s regional networking events. From Chamber events to magazine unveilings, these 10 Greater Des Moines (DSM) events will help you get to know more faces, places and about more industries here. Bring a friend along or meet some new contacts on your own. You’ll find new opportunities for professional growth along the way.

This Summer’s Must-Attend Networking Events

1. CHOW Luncheon in Adel: Thursday, June 19, 2025

A monthly occurrence, the member-only CHOW Luncheon highlights city projects, Chamber opportunities and features local presenters. On Thursday, June 19, 2025, hear from Greg Dufoe with the ADM School District and enjoy lunch from Brickyard Burgers & Brews. Are you a member of the Adel Partners Chamber? If so, don’t miss this summer networking event!

2. Jammin’ in Johnston: Saturday, June 21, 2025

During Johnston Green Days, the Johnston Chamber of Commerce will hold Jammin’ in Johnston on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway in Johnston. This event showcases Chamber members and is free for the community to attend. Get to know others in the Johnston business community while listening to live music from The Sheet starting at 12:30 p.m.

3. Chamber Night with the Iowa Cubs in Downtown Des Moines: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Attend a tailgate party exclusive to Affiliate Chamber members, their staffs and families during the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual Chamber Night with the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Principal Park, 1 Line Drive in Downtown Des Moines. There’s nothing better than a casual networking event outside. Then, see the Iowa Cubs take on the Columbus Clippers at 6:38 p.m.

4. dsm Unveilings in Johnston and Urbandale: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (July/August Issue) and Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 (September/October Issue)

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with professionals from a variety of industries while also getting an exclusive look at the latest from the Business Publications Corporation dsm brand. Register now for the unveiling of the July/August issue of dsm that’s taking place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn – Urbandale/Johnston, 8600 Northpark Dr. in Johnston. The event will be held from 5 – 7 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m.

The September/October unveiling event will take place Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 at BMW of Des Moines, 9631 Hickman Road in Urbandale. Registrations are not yet open, but more information will be available soon.

5. Final Out to Lunch Event in Downtown Des Moines: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The Greater Des Moines Partnership’s final Out to Lunch event will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Cowles Commons in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Mingle with coworkers and meet new friends as you listen to Royce Johns entertain on the guitar at this free event.

6. PBX: Pella Business Exchange: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Nederlanders Tap & Golf, 514 ½ Main St. in Pella, will welcome business owners, employees and more to the PBX: Pella Business Exchange event on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. This event is free to attend, so get to know other PACE Alliance members and hear about the featured topic. This event is sponsored by Pella Hops Co.

7. West Des Moines State of the City: Wednesday, July 10, 2025

You’ll hear from Mayor Russ Trimble, City Manager Tom Hadden and Community and Economic Development Director Ryan Moffatt about exciting announcements and updates on the future of West Des Moines at this summer networking event. If you’re a business leader or professional wanting to see West Des Moines’ community development, innovation and opportunities grow, attend the State of the City on Wednesday, July 10, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, 1600 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines.

8. 2025 Women of Influence in Downtown Des Moines: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Celebrate the Business Record’s 2025 Women of Influence on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Hilton Des Moines Downtown, 435 Park St. in Des Moines. There will be networking from 4 – 5:15 p.m., with a program to follow. Hear about the impact the Women of Influence have had in their fields and learn what it takes to make a difference in the DSM community. This inspiring event is not to be missed!

9. First Fridays in Downtown Des Moines: Friday, Aug. 1, 2025

The next First Friday event at Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way in Des Moines, will showcase Mainframe in Motion exhibits and artist studios on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 from 5 – 8 p.m. Meet makers and shakers on five floors of open studios and enjoy food, drinks and other entertainment. This event is free and open to the public.

10. Minority-Owned Business Summit in Ankeny: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025

Learn about growing minority businesses when you attend breakout sessions on inclusive leadership, cybersecurity and AI readiness and more at the Minority-Owned Business Summit at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2405 SE Creekview Dr. in Ankeny. This half-day event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Keynote speaker Brianna Sink with the Make it Ok Campaign will address attendees during lunch.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.