Events - Iowa Restaurant Association

Legislative Day

January 25, 2023

The Iowa Restaurant Association is once again inviting members to join the Association’s leadership under the gold dome of the Iowa State Capitol to share the concerns of our industry with Iowa legislators.

The Association will first host a legislative lunch in downtown Des Moines where briefing notes will be provided. Following lunch, members can make visits at the Capitol with local elected officials. Join us and make your voice heard!

Agenda and Luncheon

11:00 A.M. — Legislative Luncheon
Pura Social Club | 660 5th Street Ste A | Des Moines

After Lunch– Head to Capitol
Attendees will make visits at the Capitol with their local leaders and legislative leadership.

Culinary Affair

April 2, 2023

7 Courses. 7 Chefs. 7 Wines. An evening of culinary artistry translated through the creativity of Central Iowa’s most accomplished chefs. Enjoy a lavish seven-course gourmet wine dinner prepared by seven of central Iowa’s top chefs in one of Des Moines’ most elegant locations.

Mixology Championship

May 4, 2023

Mixologists across the state have battled their way to the championship event, and you can judge their cocktails! Sample all competition drinks and cast a People’s Choice vote for your favorite.

Golf Classic

June 14, 2023

Are you the “World’s Okayest Golfer”? You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy this day on the course! Join us for the Duffers, Diners & Drives Golf Classic – A tasting event for golfers, and a golfing event for eaters and drinkers! Sample your way across the course, network with great people and play games to win prizes.

Pack your gear & umbrellas, as we’ll play as long as there is no lightning…A few little showers will not keep us away from the fun! Should it rain, there is no rain date nor will there be refunds.

Iowa Hospitality Showcase

November 13, 2023

Community Choice Credit Union

The Iowa Hospitality Showcase is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together a diverse group of food and beverage operators and suppliers to Look, Learn and Celebrate all the Iowa’s hospitality industry has to offer! Network with foodservice professionals from across the state and walk away with the latest innovations that will help your business flourish.

Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony

Every year the Iowa Restaurant Association honors outstanding hospitality operators, employees, purveyors and more at the Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony in Des Moines. Do you know someone in the industry who deserves recognition? Nominate them today for one of the following awards: Restaurateur or Bar Operator of the Year; Chef of the Year, Employee of the Year; Purveyor Employee of the Year; Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year; State Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award; and the American Dream Award.

Grand Tasting Gala

Join the Iowa hospitality industry for a night of culinary tourism and mastery. Celebrate, sample, sip and savor cuisine and beverages from chefs and vendors across the state Taste all of the dishes of the 2021 Culinary Competition and cast a People’s Choice vote for your favorite. Enjoy wine samples, live music and more.

Culinary Competition

Enter the Culinary Competition and create a one of a kind dish to be crowned Iowa’s Top Chef! A team of traveling judges will visit your restaurant to judge your competition dish featuring beef and soy. All competing chefs will then converge for a public sampling event at the Grand Tasting Gala in Des Moines where guests will sample all of the culinary masterpieces and cast a People’s Choice vote for their favorite. All winners will be announced at the Gala. CLICK HERE to see winning recipes through the years!