Oak View Group secures new naming rights partner for downtown expo center
Submitted by Oak View Group
DES MOINES, Iowa — Polk County and Oak View Group, operators of Iowa event centers, today announced a new 10-year naming rights partnership with EMC Insurance, a Des Moines-based commercial insurance organization , which sells property/casualty and life insurance products, is renaming the exhibit hall and meeting space venue to the EMC Expo Center, effective January 1, 2025. The Polk County Board of Supervisors will vote on the proposed new name at a scheduled meeting on Nov. 19.
“The Board of Supervisors is proud to celebrate the excellence of the Iowa Events Center over the past two decades and its profound impact on our community. We are pleased to announce EMC Insurance as the new brand on the convention center side of our iconic complex partners,” said Polk County Board Chair Angela Connolly. “As a Des Moines-based company, EMC Insurance embodies the spirit of community partnership and has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving downtown Des Moines. Their values align perfectly with our vision, making them the ideal crown jewel partners. We will definitely work with Oak View Group operators to create countless unforgettable experiences at the EMC Expo Center in the coming years.”
The 10-year partnership is executed on behalf of Polk County by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights arm of Oak View Group, which connects world-class brands with world-class live event and meeting facilities . The partnership with EMC Insurance, to name the venue the EMC Expo Center, combines Iowa’s premier convention and trade show facility with a company that was founded in Des Moines in 1911 and has been in the business ever since. Settle downtown. EMC has grown into a national insurance company with branches strategically located throughout the country. EMC serves more than 3,800 independent organizations in the United States and has grown to 2,200 team members in 46 states.
“We are very excited to bring the EMC Expo Center to central Iowa, which is a great way to support the community we call home,” said Scott Jean, EMC President and CEO. “A venue like this is so important to a city and we’re delighted that our name will be attached to a space that will host so many meaningful events for so many people and organizations.”
“We are pleased to enter into our new naming rights partnership with EMC Insurance, a company headquartered in Des Moines that shares our passionate vision for this area and Central Iowa as a whole. This is a company with dynamic leadership companies have used our space for meetings and employee gatherings in the past,” said Chris Connolly, general manager of Oak View Group’s Iowa Event Center. “While we are excited about the future of the Iowa Event Center, we wouldn’t be here today without our great partners in the past. Hy-Vee has been a great partner for us over the past 20 years, regardless of We would also like to thank the OVG Global Partners team for helping us secure EMC Insurance as our new naming rights partner.”
Since opening in late 2004, the expo center has become a premier destination in the Midwest. Recently, a new junior ballroom opened in the former Iowa Pride Hall, furthering Polk County’s commitment to growing the Iowa Events Center to meet user needs. This beautiful new small ballroom space is over 10,000 square feet and is divisible by three, providing maximum flexibility for clients hosting events.
Hy-Vee, the original naming partner of the Expo, chose not to renew the agreement when the contract expires on December 31, 2024.
About EMC Insurance
EMC Insurance has approximately 2,200 employees and ranks among the top 60 property and casualty insurance companies nationwide in terms of net written premiums. Employers Mutual Insurance Company (EMCC) was founded in 1911 to provide workers’ compensation protection in Iowa. Today, EMC Insurance affiliates, operating as EMC Insurance, provide commercial property/casualty, bond and life insurance products and services throughout the United States. EMCC is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit emcinsurance.com.
About Oakview Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality and 360-degree solutions for a portfolio of world-class owned venues as well as clients in arenas, stadiums, conference centers, music festivals and more services, performing arts centers and cultural institutions. Founded in 2015 by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff, OVG is a leading developer of major new venues open or under development on four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
About Iowa Events Center
The Iowa Events Center is a three-venue, on-site event and conference center owned by Polk County and professionally managed by Oak View Group (OVG). The Iowa Events Center consists of three venues: Wells Fargo Stadium (Casey Center as of July 1, 2025) (16,000-seat venue), EMC Expo Center (100,000 square feet of exhibit space and conference rooms) and the Community Choice Conference Center (23 meeting rooms and 28,00 square feet of ballroom). The complex hosts sporting events, concerts, trade shows, conferences, conferences and more in three venues. Wells Fargo Stadium is home to the Iowa Wild (AHL hockey), Iowa Wolves (NBA G League) and Iowa Barnstormers (IFL football).
About Polk County
Polk County serves central Iowa’s diverse communities and is one of the most innovative public institutions in the nation. We bring together creative leaders, collaborative organizations, and critical resources to support our community and make life better for all in Polk County.
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