Iowa Association of Business and Industry picks C.R. for 2014 event

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Iowa's oldest and largest business network has selected the $75.6 million Cedar Rapids Convention Complex for its 2014 conference.

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry 2014 conference site selection committee voted unanimously to have the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex host the organization's annual Taking Care of Business Conference June 9-12, 2014. 

The conference will fill the attached hotel, expected to be a Doubletree by Hilton, and expand into other area hotels. Off-site functions will be held at Theatre Cedar Rapids and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.  The Cedar Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau expects the conference to generate more than $150,000 direct spending with 400 attendees.

The Des Moines-based Iowa Association of Business and Industry represents 1,400 businesses employing over 300,000 Iowans.

ABI Treasurer Myron Linn, who led the selection team, said three factors influenced the selection of Cedar Rapids: First class conference facilities; adequate, upscale overnight accommodations, and unique community treasures like the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and Theatre Cedar Rapids.

Leisa Fox, ABI senior vice president of revenue and programs, said the opportunity to be one of the first groups to use the new Cedar Rapids Convention Complex was very appealing.

"After all that Cedar Rapids has been through, ABI wants to do what we can to showcase the renaissance that is taking place there," Fox said. 

Marilee Fowler, chief executive officer of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the bureau is pleased to welcome the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Conference in 2014.

"Iowa ABI attendees will have the opportunity to learn about our business community and experience Cedar Rapids directly through our restaurants, attractions and shopping centers,” Fowler said.

The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau markets the community for conventions, meetings and sporting events. It is preparing to launch a "Bring Your Meeting Home" campaign early next year focused on local businesses and organizations.