Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum - June 2025
Featured Leader: Greg Edwards, Catch Des Moines
The Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum is a powerful speaker series spotlighting executives who are nearing or have recently entered retirement after decades of impactful leadership. Each month, we gather to hear from a different visionary as they share their personal leadership journey, lessons learned, defining moments, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.
This "last lecture"-style experience offers a rare opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of leadership and gain wisdom from some of our region’s most respected voices. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, you’ll walk away inspired and better equipped to shape your own legacy.
Come learn from the legends who helped shape our business community—and discover how their stories can guide your own leadership path.
Greg Edwards has over 40 years of hospitality experience. He began as President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2000, previously leading convention & visitors bureaus in Peoria, Illinois and Overland Park, Kansas. He is the recipient of many awards, including Manager of the Year with Marriott Hotels, he was recognized by his industry peers with the Individual Professionalism Award as well as served as Chair of the Board for Destinations International (an international professional association for CVBs).
Edwards has championed many accomplishments while in Des Moines. He reorganized the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, and his team has more than tripled convention, sports and event bookings since 2000. He (along with a strong team of others) led the charge in hosting the NCAA Wrestling Championships, NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament Rounds 1&2 (3 times, soon to be 4) and most recently the AAU Junior Olympic Games (the largest youth sports event in the nation).
Greg serves on numerous Boards including, Past Chair of Iowa Travel Industry Partners, Principal Charity Classic, Executive Board for ICON Water Trails, the Greater Des Moines Partnership (just to name a few).
He attended the University of Northern Colorado, joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon and was President in 1976. (Yes, he’s old.)
He is married (Joni) and has 4 children, 5 grandchildren.
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