2026 Culinary Affair Tickets are Now Live! |
A Celebration of Des Moines Area Chefs, Fine Wine & Cuisine |
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Join us at the Des Moines Embassy Club for the Culinary Affair, a seven-course, wine-paired dining experience featuring some of Iowa’s most talented chefs and sweeping views of downtown—where every course is elevated. |
| Sunday, April 12, 2026 Des Moines Embassy Club 666 Grand Avenue | 5:30 p.m.
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Step Up to the Plate: Join Us for the 7th Inning Stretch– A Swipe Fee Fairness Coalition Event | |
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As the legislative session enters its final stretch, the Swipe Fee Fairness Coalition is bringing together Iowa business leaders and lawmakers for an evening focused on swipe fee reform.
The coalition — made up of the Iowa Restaurant Association, Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association, Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Retail Federation of Iowa, Fuel Iowa, and NFIB — will host The Seventh Inning Stretch on March 31 at Jethro’s All Stars in Des Moines.
This reception will provide an opportunity to connect with legislators and discuss the impact credit card swipe fees have on Iowa businesses, as well as the legislation currently under consideration in the Iowa Legislature (HSB 324 and SSB 1229). |
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We hope you’ll join us as we continue building momentum for swipe fee reform in Iowa. |
Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association Legislative Update |
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Legislative activity continued this week as lawmakers moved bills through subcommittees and committees while working toward the next major deadline of March 20, when most bills must advance out of committee in the opposite chamber to remain eligible this session.
Big developments at the Capitol this week came from the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC), which updated Iowa’s revenue forecast used to build the state budget. The panel lowered projected state revenue by $46 million compared to its December estimate, citing continued pressure from recent income tax cuts and broader national economic uncertainty. |
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At the same time, REC members pointed to several positive indicators in Iowa’s economy, including strong sales tax growth and continued employer investment, which could drive income growth in the coming year. Analysts also noted headwinds such as softening labor markets, declining retail sales, and lower personal savings rates nationwide.
Despite the downward adjustment, Iowa remains in a strong fiscal position, with $5.6 billion in cash on hand and more than $4 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund. The updated forecast will now guide lawmakers as they begin shaping the state budget and evaluating policy proposals for the remainder of the session. |
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SF 2441 (Formerly SSB 3114) — Hotel/Motel Tax Permissible Uses
- Requires at least 50% of hotel/motel tax revenues to be spent on tourism development and tourism promotion; strikes a more detailed statutory list.
- Subcommittee assigned February 26, 2026 (Dawson, Bisignano, & Gruenhagen)
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HF SF 2456: Rounding Amount of Cents for Cash
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Relates to rounding the amount of cents for cash transactions and payments.
- Subcommittee recommended passage March 5, 2026.
- Subcommittee assignment: Young, Lawler, & Zabner
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SSB 3001: Budget Reform Act
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Sweeping reform of Iowa’s property tax system and related fiscal provisions affecting state and local governments, including major changes to property tax rates/limitations.
- 3/11/2026: Committee report approving the bill.
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SSB 3034: Property Tax Bill (Proposed Governor’s Bill)
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Reforms affecting property tax limitations, assessment schedules, property tax credits/exemptions, urban renewal authority, county officer selection.
- 2/25/26: Subcommittee recommends passage.
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2026 Iowa Tourism Conference Comes to a Close, Hotel Track Successful |
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Tourism and hospitality professionals from across the state gathered this week at Prairie Meadows in Altoona for the annual Iowa Tourism Conference. This year’s event featured a dedicated hotel track organized by the Association, offering sessions specifically designed to address workforce development, guest experience, and emerging opportunities for hotel operators. The Association looks forward to partnering again next year to bring hotel specific education to the Iowa Tourism Conference.
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- Three sessions focused directly on issues impacting Iowa hotels:
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Building the Future Hospitality Workforce: Education + Career Pathways – Jennifer Bonilla of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute shared practical strategies to strengthen workforce pipelines, support employee development, and create long-term career pathways in hospitality.
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International Tourism 101 for Hotels – Ryan Thomas of Allied New World outlined how hotels can connect with international travelers, build strategic partnerships, and create new demand opportunities for their properties.
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Hospitality Thrives When Technology Amplifies People – Tawny Sykes of Jacaruso led an interactive discussion on how technology, AI, and automation can enhance the guest experience while keeping the focus on hospitality and human connection.
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The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hotels on the Hill is the hotel industry’s premier national advocacy event, bringing hoteliers from across the country to Washington, D.C. to meet directly with their Members of Congress. With rising operating costs, workforce challenges, and shifts in travel demand impacting the industry, these conversations are more important than ever. Iowa hoteliers are encouraged to participate and help ensure our state’s voice is heard on the policies that impact the hospitality industry.
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New Member Spotlight: Poolwerx, Waukee |
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Founded in 1992, Poolwerx has grown into one of the world’s largest providers of pool and hot tub/spa maintenance services. The company’s U.S. operations are headquartered in a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility and support center in Dallas, Texas, where its corporate team supports franchise partners and clients throughout the Sunbelt region. Ranked #183 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2018 Annual Franchise 500 list, Poolwerx continues to focus on strategic growth and expanding its operational footprint.
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New Member Spotlight: Super 8 by Wyndham, Dyersville |
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Super 8 by Wyndham Dyersville Near Field of Dreams is designed with the weary traveler in mind. Located near some of the area’s most popular attractions, guests can discover the history of farming at the National Farm Toy Museum or visit the iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site and gift shop. The hotel offers value, convenience, and a range of thoughtful amenities designed to help travelers get the most out of their stay. |
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If you appreciate this information, please consider joining. These efforts are funded by our membership. Learn more about membership here. |
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