e-Traveler - New FY26 Co-op Opportunities + More
April 2, 2025
FY26 Co-op Includes New Video Options, Consumer Email Ads
The FY26 tourism co-operative marketing program offers two video options, new options for the consumer newsletter as well as traditional favorites.
Two new video options will be available: Package A includes a two-minute-long video and three sizzle reels (short-form social media-ready highlights), while Package B includes a five-minute-long video and five sizzle reels. The consumer newsletter will have a sponsored content option as well as featured event and lodging ad slots. The marketing bundle option will be available in spring only. Traditional favorites are also available: traveliowa.com leads, dedicated email, sponsored content, social media and influencers.
Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis, and will open May 1 at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. on May 15. Contact Jessica O’Riley (jessica.oriley@iowaeda.com) with questions.
Register Now: Iowa Tourism Office Update Webinar
Registration is open for the next Iowa Tourism Office Update webinar on Thursday, April 17. Topics will include the 2026 Co-op Marketing Program, plans for National Travel and Tourism Week and the Tourism Insider Meeting schedule for 2025. Pre-registration is required.
Register Now for the Next Tourism Insider Meeting
Join partners in Spencer for the next Tourism Insider Meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The day will include a disaster recovery panel sharing insights and lessons learned from the devastating floods of 2024, alongside a tour of downtown Spencer businesses and a discussion/workshop on regional partnerships to help encourage longer stays.
Hotel rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites for $129.99/night + tax. Book your room directly here, or by calling 712.580.2200. If you call, mention you are attending the Tourism Insider Meeting and booking at the Chamber rate.
Recent Media Interviews Highlight Travel Trends, Upcoming Events
Jessica O’Riley appeared in three segments on Quad Cities Live on March 18. She covered travel trends as well as spring and summer travel ideas. On KCRG's Everyday Iowa (March 19), Jessica shared last-minute spring break ideas. Want to be featured in media interviews? Make sure your events and listings are updated on traveliowa.com. (Pro tip: Adding photos helps!) Jessica will be appearing on both shows again during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4-10.
Helpful Tools to Organize Grant Opportunities
Special designations can increase your grant options and strengthen grant proposals. Many communities are familiar with funding associated with the Iowa Main Street designation, but there are many other designations you can benefit from. Is your community a designated Bird Friendly Community? Do you have a designated Brownfield? Is your trail designated as being part of the National Trail System? Does a designated Iowa Scenic Byway go through your community? If you have one of these or any other designation, find out if there are specific associated grants, benefits or opportunities and work with the partners who have achieved that designation to maximize them.
Featured Grant:
Communities or Counties designated as bird friendly might consider the Urban Bird Treaty Grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help expand green space. Additionally, state and federal recreational trails grants award scoring points to trail projects that are part of the National Trail System.
Arts & Culture Grant Opportunities
The Iowa Arts Council's spring grant cycle deadline is coming up on April 22, 2025. Eligible Iowa artists, organizations, schools and communities are encouraged to apply for funding for projects that create opportunities for Iowans to access and engage with high quality arts and cultural experiences. Projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Here are the most important updates this week:
- Learn about new FY26 Co-op marketing opportunities.
- Sign up for the next Iowa Tourism Office Update webinar on April 17.
- Register for the next Tourism Insider Meeting in Spencer on May 8.
FY26 Co-op Includes New Video Options, Consumer Email Ads
The FY26 tourism co-operative marketing program offers two video options, new options for the consumer newsletter as well as traditional favorites.
Two new video options will be available: Package A includes a two-minute-long video and three sizzle reels (short-form social media-ready highlights), while Package B includes a five-minute-long video and five sizzle reels. The consumer newsletter will have a sponsored content option as well as featured event and lodging ad slots. The marketing bundle option will be available in spring only. Traditional favorites are also available: traveliowa.com leads, dedicated email, sponsored content, social media and influencers.
Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis, and will open May 1 at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. on May 15. Contact Jessica O’Riley (jessica.oriley@iowaeda.com) with questions.
Register Now: Iowa Tourism Office Update Webinar
Registration is open for the next Iowa Tourism Office Update webinar on Thursday, April 17. Topics will include the 2026 Co-op Marketing Program, plans for National Travel and Tourism Week and the Tourism Insider Meeting schedule for 2025. Pre-registration is required.
Register Now for the Next Tourism Insider Meeting
Join partners in Spencer for the next Tourism Insider Meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The day will include a disaster recovery panel sharing insights and lessons learned from the devastating floods of 2024, alongside a tour of downtown Spencer businesses and a discussion/workshop on regional partnerships to help encourage longer stays.
Hotel rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites for $129.99/night + tax. Book your room directly here, or by calling 712.580.2200. If you call, mention you are attending the Tourism Insider Meeting and booking at the Chamber rate.
Recent Media Interviews Highlight Travel Trends, Upcoming Events
Jessica O’Riley appeared in three segments on Quad Cities Live on March 18. She covered travel trends as well as spring and summer travel ideas. On KCRG's Everyday Iowa (March 19), Jessica shared last-minute spring break ideas. Want to be featured in media interviews? Make sure your events and listings are updated on traveliowa.com. (Pro tip: Adding photos helps!) Jessica will be appearing on both shows again during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4-10.
Helpful Tools to Organize Grant Opportunities
Special designations can increase your grant options and strengthen grant proposals. Many communities are familiar with funding associated with the Iowa Main Street designation, but there are many other designations you can benefit from. Is your community a designated Bird Friendly Community? Do you have a designated Brownfield? Is your trail designated as being part of the National Trail System? Does a designated Iowa Scenic Byway go through your community? If you have one of these or any other designation, find out if there are specific associated grants, benefits or opportunities and work with the partners who have achieved that designation to maximize them.
Featured Grant:
Communities or Counties designated as bird friendly might consider the Urban Bird Treaty Grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help expand green space. Additionally, state and federal recreational trails grants award scoring points to trail projects that are part of the National Trail System.
Arts & Culture Grant Opportunities
The Iowa Arts Council's spring grant cycle deadline is coming up on April 22, 2025. Eligible Iowa artists, organizations, schools and communities are encouraged to apply for funding for projects that create opportunities for Iowans to access and engage with high quality arts and cultural experiences. Projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
- Art Project Grant for Artists
- Art Project Grant for Organizations
- Certified Film Festivals Grant
- Greenlight Grant
- Iowa Community Cultural Grant
- Iowa Screenwriters Grant
- Iowa Traditional Arts Apprenticeship
- April 17, 2025 – Iowa Tourism Office Update Webinar, virtual
- May 8, 2025 – Tourism Insider Meeting, Spencer
- May 9, 2025 – Iowa Creative Places Exchange, Burlington