Major Events & Tourism Program
Funding for Significant Tourism Events
The Major Events & Tourism Program provides incentive funding for events that generate large attendance, significant publicity and have a large economic impact on the state. Eligible events are distinctive, tourism-oriented gatherings, including but not limited to athletic events, meetings/conventions and cultural events that have not been held in Iowa in the last three years and offer significant unique qualities compared to other events in the state.
- Iowa Code Chapter 15G
- Administrative Rule (coming March 2026)
Eligibility
Qualifying events must:
- Select host locations via a competitive process
- Be ticketed or require registration to participate
- Attract substantial out-of-state attendance
- Occur no more than once a year in Iowa
- Not have been held in Iowa in the last three years
- Not have been secured by host community before July 1, 2025
- Be held between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2030
Qualifying events should promote overnight stays, enhance the state’s tourism economy, draw attendees from more than 50 miles away from the host location and elevate Iowa’s reputation as a desirable destination for other similar future events.
Eligible Expenses
Expenses eligible for reimbursement include any hosting requirements explicitly outlined in RFP for the qualifying event. These may include but are not limited to:
- Bid fees
- Venue/space rentals
- Equipment, fixtures, furniture
- Vendors and contract staff (applicant payroll and operating expenses are not eligible)
- Lodging
- Transportation and parking
- Food and beverage
- A/V, internet, utilities, etc.
- LIcensing/sanctioning fees
- Marketing, signage, ticketing
Expenses not directly related to the bidding and hosting process are ineligible for reimbursement, including but not limited to:
- Costs of developing or making permanent improvements to facilities
- Payroll or operating expenses of applicant
- Costs otherwise eligible but associated with a recipient-owned or recipient-controlled venue or asset
- Items purchased for resale
- Any item not required as part of applicant's bid for an event
Funding Amounts & Match
Minimum funding request is $200,000 and applicant must provide matching funds that equal at least 50% of the award.
Application Process
Eligible applicants are Iowa nonprofit organizations established to promote economic development and tourism in an area.
- Pre-applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
- Pre-applications must be received by the 1st of the month.
- IEDA will review and provide invitation to full application for successful pre-applicants within 10 business days.
- Full applications must be received by the 15th of the month for consideration at the following month's IEDA board meeting.