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June 30, 2008 - Central Iowa Expo readies to host Farm Progress Show

For Immediate Release:                                                     June 30, 2008

Contact:  Tammy Koolbeck                                                 319-929-5755

 

Despite continuous rains that have devastated large portions of Iowa, construction on the Central Iowa Expo site that will host the Farm Progress Show in late August is going strong.

 

"Everything is on pace," said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national shows manager.  "All construction scheduled for this year will be completed in time for this year's show."

 

The Central Iowa Expo is located on 106 acres in Boone County between the cities of Boone and Ames.   The site is surrounded by an additional 400+ acres of demonstration and warm up areas as well as parking.  It will be the biennial host of the Farm Progress Show, the nation's largest outdoor farm show that features state-of-the-art information and technology for agricultural producers.  This year's show is Aug. 26-28 and is expected to draw more than 500 exhibitors and 240,000 attendees.

 

The Central Iowa Expo is a $9 million project.  VenuWorks was hired as consultant to the project in July 2007.  VenuWorks staff wrote the business plan, then worked to develop and assist in the writing and presentation for a Community Attraction Tourism (CAT) Grant from the Vision Iowa board.  That work resulted in a record $3 million grant, with $2 million awarded outright and $1 million in matching funds.

 

VenuWorks has since received a one-year management contract from Central Iowa Expo, Inc.  Andy E. Long is the acting General Manager. 

 

"We are extremely pleased to have been able to help in the planning and look forward to managing this outstanding facility," VenuWorks President Steve Peters said.  "It is a great asset for Central Iowa, and a great site to showcase Iowa to the nation and the world."

 

Besides the Farm Progress Show, the Central Iowa Expo grounds also will be used to host other events and activities.  There are electrical facilities, sewer, water, and meeting spaces available.  The site was designed and engineered to deal with the precipitation and drainage needs associated with an outdoor facility in Iowa.

 

"There has not been standing water in the exhibit field despite some large rains of five to six inches at a time," Jungmann said.  "It was designed to quickly drain and that plan has worked beautifully."

 

BACKGROUND

VenuWorks is well known for its success in providing full management services for arenas, theaters, and convention centers, which are primarily under the governance of municipalities, counties, colleges, and universities.  VenuWorks, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, serves 27 facilities in 16 communities throughout the US.  It also manages food and beverage operations and provides event booking and promotion services.  VenuWorks also performs feasibility studies and consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities.

 

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