The City of Indianola has been selected as a premier destination site for three highly anticipated group events over the next several years, through a partnership with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, Simpson College, and other community groups. Taking place in Indianola will be the CITR (Central Iowa Tourism Region) Travel Iowa Marketplace and the CITR Travel Iowa Marketplace Familiarization Tour this November, and the Iowa Association of Chamber of Commerce Fall Conference in 2025.

Chamber President and CEO Amanda Zwanziger tells KNIA News tourism is a way for Indianola to grow significantly, but safely.

“In order to be the community that we can be, and in order to be a sustainable community, we need to grow. Tourism is a strategy to grow. 60% of people move somewhere because they visited there. We don’t want to grow like the rest of the suburbs in Des Moines, we want to grow at the right place, and tourism is going to help us do that.”

CITR Travel Iowa Marketplace, November 2, 2023: Indianola is proud to announce its selection as the host city for the CITR Travel Iowa Marketplace. This premier event and tradeshow serves as a platform for tourism professionals, travel industry experts, and meeting and tour planners to connect, collaborate, and promote the diverse attractions and experiences that Iowa communities have to offer. Simpson College’s Hubbell Hall and Principal Black Box Theater will provide the meeting space and catering for the event. It is expected that close to forty exhibitors and 125 travel professionals will be in attendance.

CITR Travel Iowa Marketplace Familiarization Tour, November 1, 2023: In conjunction with the CITR Travel Iowa Marketplace, Indianola was also selected to host the Central Iowa Travel Marketplace FAM (Familiarization) Tour. This exclusive tour will provide influential meeting planners, and industry insiders with an immersive experience of Indianola’s hidden gems, cultural treasures, and captivating experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Indianola and all that it has to offer, gaining firsthand knowledge to promote Indianola as a must-visit destination.

Iowa Association of Chamber of Commerce Fall Conference, October 2025: Indianola has been selected as the destination for the prestigious Iowa Association of Chamber of Commerce Fall Conference for 2025. This premier gathering will bring together chamber executives, business leaders, and professionals from across the state to share best practices, engage in informative sessions, and network with like-minded individuals. The convention, hosted at Simpson College, will offer a diverse range of keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions, and bring an expected seventy attendees into the community for a special event.