In an effort to provide visitors, candidates and media outlets a meaningful, pleasant experience during the upcoming Iowa caucuses, several local organizations have teamed up and launched the Iowa Caucus Consortium.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Economic Development Authority, The Des Moines Register and Drake University, also created the consortium to highlight Iowa in a positive way both leading up to and during the caucuses.

The consortium will also engage in political dialogue and drive meaningful conversation with residents by hosting caucus-related events. Events include a potential Candidate Series and Issues Forum.

Additionally, the consortium will create an advisory committee of engaged local politicos with potential opportunities for young professionals. In 2016, the media filing center will be managed by the Iowa Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Iowa.

To market and support consortium efforts, a new website has been created, IowaCaucus.org, as well as a Twitter account at @IAcaucus2016 using the hashtag #iacaucus.

The new website provides local resources, including a candidate tracker and voter information, as well as media resources such as credentialing for caucus events, suggested shoot locations, and photo and b-roll requests. Candidate resources include a caucus events calendar, internship opportunities for Drake University students, and restaurant and hotel information.