Catch Des Moines: Caucus week generates $11.3M

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The weeklong run-up to the Iowa caucuses provides an $11.3 million economic boost to Greater Des Moines, the local convention bureau reported.

Catch Des Moines, the convention and visitors bureau, said the figure includes hotel and venue rentals, office and housing leases, and spending at restaurants, attractions and events. 

Another bonus: $228 million in “advertising value equivalency” from all the mentions of the city in articles from major news outlets since Jan. 1. 

“The value of rolling out the red carpet and hosting campaign staff, political tourists and media covering the Iowa caucuses cannot be overstated,” Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines, said in a statement. “And it’s not just the money. The media get to experience Des Moines for the culturally rich, welcoming destination that we know it to be. We see the caucus as not just a showcase for the candidates, but a showcase for our community.” 

Mike Draper, founder and owner of Raygun T-shirt and gift shop, mentioned in the Catch Des Moines release that he and his staff did 54 interviews in the four days leading up to the 2016 caucuses. “The attention gained and connections made are one of the biggest drivers in expanding our national appeal,” Draper said. “January is normally a very quiet month in retail, and we see a 30-40% spike in business because of all the traffic.”