Plan Your Community Choice Convention Center Visit
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, commonly called Community Choice Convention Center at Veterans Memorial, is a major meeting, trade show and banquet venue within the Iowa Events Center complex in downtown Des Moines.
The main convention-center entrance is at the corner of 5th Avenue and Crocker Street. For the overall Iowa Events Center complex, use 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. The venue connects to EMC Expo Center, Casey’s Center and downtown hotels through interior circulation routes and the skywalk system.
Information reviewed October 29, 2026. Event-specific opening times, parking arrangements, admission rules and room assignments may change.
Location, Entrance & Contact Information
| Visitor detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility | Community Choice Convention Center at Veterans Memorial |
| Complex address | 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 |
| Convention Center entrance | North and West entrances near 5th Avenue and Crocker Street |
| Specific entrance address used by some events | 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 |
| Main telephone | 515-564-8000 |
| Convention sales | 515-564-8135 |
| Accessible seating questions | 515-564-8351 |
| Ticket office | 515-564-8300 |
Opening Hours
Community Choice Convention Center does not operate like a public recreation center with one daily walk-in schedule. Its doors open according to the conference, exhibition, ticketed event, private gathering or booked meeting.
For a specific event, use the organizer’s published admission and check-in times. The venue’s general office telephone number is not a guarantee that an exhibition or ballroom is open for public entry.
Upcoming Events & Tickets
The official venue calendar identifies events separately for Community Choice Convention Center, EMC Expo Center and Casey’s Center. This matters because a ticket or registration for one building does not automatically give access to another.
Events Listed for Late 2026
| Event | Published date |
|---|---|
| NXT 515 | November 10, 2026 |
| Festival of Trees & Lights | November 25–29, 2026 |
The Iowa Department of Education also lists the Iowa STEM Summit for November 6, 2026 at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, with registration required.
How to Find Your Event
- Open the official Community Choice Convention Center event calendar.
- Find the event by name or date.
- Check that the venue is Community Choice Convention Center, not Casey’s Center or EMC Expo Center.
- Open the event detail page for admission, check-in time, age limits and rules.
- Use the event’s official ticketing or registration link.
- Save the ticket or registration confirmation and any entrance information.
What Is Inside Community Choice Convention Center?
A 28,800-square-foot ballroom, divisible into two 14,400-square-foot sections. Used for conventions, awards, weddings, banquets and large gatherings.
Multiple meeting and breakout rooms on the convention-center levels for presentations, training, seminars and smaller group sessions.
A space honoring Iowa’s military veterans, reflecting the building’s earlier history as Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Smaller boardroom-style areas above Memorial Hall for private meetings and group functions.
Lobby and circulation areas that can support registration, guest arrival, receptions and event-related activities.
Direct access to EMC Expo Center’s exhibition facilities and Casey’s Center’s arena through the Iowa Events Center complex.
The Convention Center opened in January 2012 after the former Veterans Memorial Auditorium was remodeled into a modern event venue.
Floor-by-Floor Guide
| Level | Main facilities |
|---|---|
| Level 4 | Grand Ballroom, Ballroom A, Ballroom B, meeting rooms 401 and 402, and pre-function space. |
| Level 3 | Meeting rooms 301–321, Grand Concourse and connections to other parts of the venue. |
| Mezzanine | Executive boardrooms above Memorial Hall. |
| Connected EMC Expo Center Level 2 | Large exhibition halls A, B and C, used for trade shows and conventions. |
| Connected EMC Expo Center Level 1 | Junior Ballroom and smaller meeting rooms. |
Room assignments and entrance arrangements vary by organizer. An event advertising the Iowa Events Center may occupy more than one building or floor.
First-Time Attendee Tips
- Look for your meeting room number, not just the event name.
- Rooms beginning with 3 generally indicate the convention-center meeting-room level.
- Rooms 401 and 402 are on the Grand Ballroom level.
- Exhibitions in Halls A–C are generally in the connected EMC Expo Center.
- Allow extra time when a convention uses several buildings and check-in areas.
Ballroom & Meeting Room Capacity
The venue’s official sales information describes a 28,800-square-foot Grand Ballroom that can accommodate more than 3,000 attendees for selected setups. Seated banquet capacities are lower because tables and circulation areas require additional space.
| Space | Area | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Ballroom | 28,800 sq. ft. | Conventions, banquets, large receptions, ceremonies |
| Grand Ballroom A | 14,400 sq. ft. | Large private events and divided ballroom configurations |
| Grand Ballroom B | 14,400 sq. ft. | Banquets, sessions and divided events |
| Meeting Room 401 | Approximately 1,400 sq. ft. | Presentations and smaller receptions |
| Meeting Room 402 | Approximately 1,000 sq. ft. | Business meetings and breakout sessions |
| Executive boardrooms | Varies | Private meetings and small groups |
For a seated reception, request the latest approved floor plan and capacity chart from the sales team. A room’s standing or theater-style capacity cannot be used as its banquet capacity.
Parking Rates, Lots & Garages
The Iowa Events Center has on-site parking with entrances from 3rd Street and 5th Avenue. The operator publishes the following standard rates:
| Vehicle | Published parking charge |
|---|---|
| Standard car or pickup truck | $13 |
| Large truck, including dually or snow-blade vehicle | $26 |
| RV or bus | $52 |
Where Should You Park?
| Parking option | Location / guidance |
|---|---|
| Iowa Events Center lot | 301–499 Crocker Street area; access from 3rd Street and 5th Avenue. |
| ADA-accessible parking | Orange Lot south of Crocker Street, entrance from 5th Avenue. |
| 7th & Center Park and Ride | 830 6th Avenue; approximately 9-minute walk. |
| 5th & Keo Parking Garage | 525 5th Avenue; approximately 10-minute walk. |
| 4th & Grand Parking Garage | 400 Grand Avenue; approximately 9-minute walk. |
| 3rd & Court Parking Garage | 237 Court Avenue; approximately 13-minute walk. |
Downtown parking garages and meters have their own prices. ParkDSM meters generally charge Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–9 PM, according to the venue’s published downtown parking guidance.
Driving Directions
- From I-235 East: use Exit 8A toward 3rd Street and follow event parking signs.
- From I-235 West: use Exit 8A toward 7th Street and follow downtown event traffic guidance.
- Convention Center entrance: aim for the 5th Avenue and Crocker Street side.
- Accessible parking: follow signs toward the Orange Lot entrance on 5th Avenue.
Accessibility, Drop-Off & Guest Assistance
Visitors who need accessible arrival arrangements should use the event’s designated entrance and call ahead when assistance is required.
- Accessible parking: use signed accessible spaces, including those in the Orange Lot. A valid state-issued accessible parking credential is required.
- Drop-off: the venue allows a driver to drop off a guest needing access assistance near the appropriate entrance before parking.
- Accessible seating: for applicable ticketed events, call 515-564-8351.
- Inside the complex: check your room and level in advance; staff can help direct visitors through the connected buildings.
- Special requirements: contact the venue or event organizer regarding wheelchair access, assistive listening, interpretation or another accommodation.
The event organizer may have separate procedures for group arrival, wheelchair seating, registration desks or accessible meeting-room layouts.
Hotels & Indoor Skywalk Access
The Iowa Events Center is directly connected to the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, a 330-room hotel. The broader complex also connects to downtown hotels, restaurants and parking through the Des Moines skywalk network.
The venue states that approximately 1,900 hotel rooms are available within one mile. These are area-wide figures, not a guarantee of rooms on a particular event date.
Hotel Booking Checklist
- Check your meeting location and the day’s session start time.
- Determine whether a connected hotel is worth the room price.
- Ask whether your conference has an official discounted hotel block.
- Compare hotel parking charges with public garages.
- Confirm skywalk access hours, especially for early-morning or late-night events.
- Check hotel cancellation deadlines and event booking codes before paying.
How to Rent Community Choice Convention Center
The venue accommodates conventions, weddings, conferences, trade shows, receptions, banquets and business meetings. It does not publish one universal hourly rental price covering all ballroom and meeting-space configurations.
How to Request an Event Quote
- Define your event: conference, wedding, trade show, meeting, banquet, gala or another approved purpose.
- Estimate attendance: include guests, vendors, performers, speakers and staff.
- Select the seating layout: banquet, theater, classroom, reception or exhibit booths.
- Choose possible dates: provide your preferred date and alternatives.
- Review the venue’s capacity: select the Grand Ballroom, smaller rooms or combined exhibition and meeting areas.
- Contact Convention Sales: call 515-564-8135 or email carrie.jackson@oakviewgroup.com.
- Request an itemized proposal: include room rental, setup, tables, chairs, audiovisual services, catering, staffing, security and any other charges.
- Ask about deposits and deadlines: confirm payment dates, cancellation terms, insurance, vendor rules and required approvals.
- Arrange a floor plan: verify loading access, exhibits, catering circulation, accessible seating and emergency routes.
- Review and sign the agreement: reserve dates and pay only through the official venue’s approved payment process.
For Exhibitors: Loading, Booths & Services
Trade shows at the Iowa Events Center may use both Community Choice Convention Center meeting areas and EMC Expo Center exhibition halls.
The combined complex provides 150,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, with loading bays and drive-in access for larger trade shows. These facilities must be scheduled through the organizer and venue.
Exhibitor Preparation Checklist
- Verify your booth number and exact building.
- Get the event’s exhibitor manual, move-in schedule and deadlines.
- Confirm which loading dock or vehicle entrance is assigned to your event.
- Ask whether electrical service, internet, booth furnishings, material handling or rigging must be ordered separately.
- Review permitted display heights, food samples and fire-safety requirements.
- Arrange freight delivery according to the organizer’s instructions.
- Confirm where exhibitors and staff should park.
- Plan removal and loading at the end of the show within the approved schedule.
Venue Policies: Tickets, Bags & Payments
Iowa Events Center publishes venue-wide guest policies, but restrictions can depend on the individual event and building.
- Mobile tickets: the venue says tickets for Casey’s Center and many other complex events should be added to a phone’s digital wallet. Screenshots do not work for the covered mobile-ticket events.
- Clear bags: the published clear-bag policy is specifically associated with Casey’s Center. Do not assume that exact rule applies automatically to every convention or private banquet.
- Cashless payments: the Iowa Events Center is cashless for venue parking; check your event’s other transaction policies.
- Security: event organizers may add restrictions on re-entry, photography, prohibited items or admission credentials.
- Food and beverages: venue catering and outside-food rules depend on the event.
Check the individual event’s instructions before carrying large bags, outside food, recording equipment or trade-show materials into the building.
Three Iowa Events Center Venues: Avoid Confusion
| Venue | Primary purpose | Visitor reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Community Choice Convention Center | Conventions, ballroom events, meetings and ceremonies | Entrances near 5th Avenue and Crocker Street |
| EMC Expo Center | Trade shows, exhibition halls and Junior Ballroom events | Formerly called Hy-Vee Hall; renamed January 2025 |
| Casey’s Center | Concerts, sports and large arena entertainment | Formerly called Wells Fargo Arena; renamed July 2025 |
Older event invitations, travel articles or navigation listings may still use the former names. Check the current event page for the correct building and entrance.
Location, Map & Directions
Community Choice Convention Center
Iowa Events Center
730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Best convention-center entrance: corner of 5th Avenue and Crocker Street. The street address 833 5th Avenue also appears in official event listings for this specific entrance.
Visitors arriving at Des Moines International Airport should arrange transportation to downtown Des Moines and allow time for check-in, parking or walking from a nearby hotel. Airport transfer times vary with traffic and transportation choice.
First-Time Visitor Checklist
- Confirm that the event is at Community Choice Convention Center, not the arena or expo hall.
- Save your event’s building entrance and room number.
- Check the exact event date, door opening and registration deadline.
- Prepare the correct digital ticket or registration confirmation.
- Plan for the published $13 standard on-site car parking rate or choose another parking option.
- Check whether prepaid parking is required for your visit.
- Use the 5th Avenue side for the main Convention Center entrances.
- Ask about accessible parking or accommodations before arrival if needed.
- Review event-specific bag rules, food policies and re-entry restrictions.
- For hotel stays, confirm any event room block and overnight parking rules.
More Event & Community Facility Guides
If you are comparing rental requirements across public venues, our community recreation center facility-planning guide explains how hours, fees and reservation procedures can differ by operator.
For smaller corporate meetings and community gatherings, see the Mitchell Park Community Center meeting-room guide in California.
Our Lafayette Community Center event rental guide provides another example of room booking, deposits and event planning at a municipal venue.
For theater-style presentations and performances rather than convention booths, the Warren Community Center auditorium and facility guide explains another type of public event venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center?
It is part of the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The complex uses 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, and the Convention Center’s North and West entrances are near 5th Avenue and Crocker Street.
2. What is the Community Choice Convention Center phone number?
The Iowa Events Center main number is 515-564-8000. Convention Sales can be reached at 515-564-8135.
3. What are the Convention Center’s opening hours?
There is no single daily public admission schedule. Hours depend on the event, conference or private booking. Use the official event page for doors, registration and admission times.
4. How much does parking cost?
The venue currently lists $13 for standard cars and trucks, $26 for larger trucks and $52 for RVs or buses. Confirm prepaid parking arrangements and event-specific instructions.
5. Where is accessible parking?
Accessible parking is available in designated lots, including the Orange Lot south of Crocker Street, with an entrance from 5th Avenue. A valid accessible parking credential is required.
6. How large is the Grand Ballroom?
The Grand Ballroom is approximately 28,800 square feet and can be divided into two 14,400-square-foot sections. Seating capacity depends on layout.
7. Can I rent the Convention Center for a wedding or conference?
Yes. The venue offers ballroom, meeting and exhibition spaces for weddings, conventions, meetings and other approved events. Contact Convention Sales at 515-564-8135 for availability and an itemized proposal.
8. Where can I buy event tickets?
Use the official Iowa Events Center event calendar, select your event and follow its authorized ticketing or registration link. Some conferences use separate registration platforms.
9. Is Community Choice Convention Center connected to a hotel?
Yes. The venue is connected to the 330-room Hilton Des Moines Downtown. The Iowa Events Center also provides access to parts of downtown through the indoor skywalk network.
10. Is Community Choice Convention Center the same as Casey’s Center or EMC Expo Center?
No. All three are part of the Iowa Events Center complex, but they have different uses and entrances. Casey’s Center is the arena, EMC Expo Center contains exhibition halls, and Community Choice Convention Center provides ballroom and meeting spaces.
Official Resources
Community Choice Convention Center — venue facilities, meeting space and services.
Official Convention Center Events — upcoming events, tickets and dates.
Official Directions & Parking — entrances, accessible parking, parking fees and nearby garages.
Official Event Booking — meeting facilities, event planning and sales inquiries.
Iowa Events Center Contact Directory — ticket office, Convention Sales and accessible seating contacts.
Venue Policies & Visitor FAQs — accessibility, guest conduct, tickets and other event policies.
Independent informational guide. Reviewed October 29, 2026. Official venue management controls event schedules, admission, contracts, parking arrangements and final visitor policies.