Here's Why DSM USA is the Obvious Choice to Host the 2017 TrustBelt Conference

If you want to know why Site Selection Magazine publisher Conway Inc. chose Greater Des Moines (DSM) to host the 2017 TrustBelt Conference, look no further than the title of the program: “The Re-emergence of a Region.”

Why Des Moines?

Choosing a host city for a business meeting is not an exact science, but there are several reasons why DSM was the obvious choice to host this year’s TrustBelt Conference.

It begins with the simple fact that DSM, much like the state for which it serves as capital, is emblematic of the entire Rust Belt turnaround. Once known primarily as a place for growing corn and educating young people, DSM is now recognized internationally as a major talent hub for financial services, information technology, insurance expertise and life sciences.

TrustBelt focuses on long-term strategies that will not only draw more tech-centric companies to the American Heartland, but also create the environment that enables intellectual capital to evolve and launch the next Apples and Amazons of the future.

By all indications, that’s exactly what’s going on in DSM these days. Forbes recently named DSM one of the Ten Best Places for Business and Careers in the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau says it’s one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. Ranked next to its Midwest peers, Iowa’s capital city is one of the highest job-growth and GDP-growth markets in the region.

But that’s not enough to solidify DSM’s status as a lock to host TrustBelt. More importantly, we look for places that people want to visit. DSM fits that bill.

But don’t just take our word for it. Take the word of experts. DSM was recently named one of the Best Festival Cities in the World by the International Festivals and Events Association.

It’s easy to see why. With a vibrant downtown, excellent hotels, shops and restaurants, and an international airport that makes access from anywhere in the country an uncomplicated trip, DSM checks every box as a superior host city for business meetings.

The same can be said for the state. The Iowa Economic Development Authority, under the extremely capable leadership of Executive Director Debi Durham, rolled out the welcome mat for TrustBelt with its comprehensive response to our RFP. So did the helpful folks at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, under the great leadership of Jay Byers, David Maahs and his team.

We couldn’t be happier with our choice to bring TrustBelt 2017 to DSM in late October. For the reasons outlined above, we expect this to be our best conference ever. See you there!