DMDC Trip Exceeds the Hype

For many years, I had heard about the magic of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s DMDC trip to Washington, D.C. As a member and leader of the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce, I knew many people across The Partnership’s network of 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce who had experienced and spoken very highly of the trip.

This year, I had the opportunity to join more than 200 fellow attendees on the trip as the Chair of The Partnership’s Affiliate Presidents’ Council. I admit — I didn’t know if the trip could live up to the hype. However, I believe that the experience far surpassed it.

Advocacy at DMDC

DMDC 2024 was rewarding on many levels. First and foremost, on behalf of our 23 Affiliate Members, I had the privilege to advocate for local issues, chamber membership and collaboration between both large and small organizations. Direct conversations with our elected officials, and their staff, provided valuable insight into current priorities, funding statuses and more efficient ways to navigate our federal government. I appreciated the access that we had to our Congressional Delegation from Iowa and their staff members. Many attendees reported that they were able to move the needle on regional priorities during the trip.

DMDC Networking 

I’ve heard more times than I can count about how great the networking is at DMDC. Having been immersed in it first-hand I now understand the enthusiasm.  It feels like the expectation during DMDC is that everybody simply lets their guard down and makes themselves available for meaningful conversations with whomever they happen to be next to.  There is an authentic level of mutual interest, and — on several occasions — individuals I had just met went out of their way to introduce me to somebody that they thought might be interested in talking to me.

There are both large groups, and more personal settings. Large tables and short bus rides, built to suit both individuals who are unapologetically outgoing and extroverted in their energy and the more reserved and introverted attendees, like me. I made lasting connections during the three-day trip.

DMDC Programming

The Partnership’s programming was spot on with just enough structure to keep the event organized and moving forward — but its fast pace was balanced with timely spacing between scheduled events to allow for flexibility, side meetings and extemporaneous conversation to occur. We were inspired by keynote speakers including our Congressional Delegation, Representative Ro Khanna from California, Dr. Basil Gooden, Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tom Wickham, former Parliamentarian of the U.S. House of Representatives and now Senior Vice President of State & Local Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and award-winning journalist Harry Smith.

Exploring D.C.

We were provided ample opportunity to experience more than the inside of the conference center with side trip offerings to Washington, D.C. attractions, a rooftop reception attended by dozens of Congressional staff members (and some of our elected officials) and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce Night celebration at Planet Word. DMDC provided the time and environment to connect with old friends, express gratitude to loyal customers and explore potential partnerships.

On the first day of the trip, The Partnership team had people stand up to share how many years they had been on the trip. Several had been on the trip 15+ years. I don’t know what my ultimate number will be, but I am looking forward to joining again next year.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn about state and federal legislators advocating for the region and how you can become involved by attending events like Public Policy Issue Forums and DMDC. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.