Program Overview

The FAM Tour Support Fund provides financial support to Iowa destinations hosting qualified meeting planners through familiarization (FAM) tours.

The goal of this program is to increase future meetings and conventions in Iowa by giving planners the opportunity to experience the state’s venues, communities, and unique offerings firsthand.

This program is designed to be simple, flexible, and focused on outcomes. Presented to the industry in partnership by Iowa Travel Industry Partners and Travel Iowa.

Funding Overview

• Total Program Budget: $25,000
• Maximum award: $2,500 per FAM tour
• Funding type: Sponsorship (paid upon completion and reporting)
• Limit: One sponsorship award per FAM, regardless of the number of destination partners involved.

Applicant Eligibility

• Iowa-based DMOs, CVBs, or tourism offices
• Must serve as primary host
• Must complete post-FAM reporting

FAM Guest Eligibility

• Must represent out-of-state clients
  • Iowa-based planners allowed if bringing out-of-state business
• Must influence site selection for meetings and conferences

Expenses

• Eligible Expenses

• • Funds may be used to support the direct costs of hosting the FAM, including:
    • Transportation within Iowa
    • Lodging and meals
    • Site visits and attraction/experience admissions
    • Itinerary materials
    • Destination-representative welcome items
• Non-Eligible Expenses
  • Planner airfare to Iowa
  • Cash, gift cards, or high-value items
  • Activities not directly related to hosting the FAM

Application Timeline

• Rolling applications accepted
• Submit at least 30 days prior to hosting the FAM
• Decision shared within 2 weeks of receipt of application
• No funding will be approved after October 15, 2026
• Post-FAM Report completion by December 31, 2026
• Funding is reimbursed following completion of the FAM and submission of required post-event reporting.

Performance Expectation

Sponsorship funds will be distributed after completion of the FAM tour and submission of required reporting.

• Hosting of qualified planners
• Completion of the planned itinerary
• Submission of a post-FAM report within 30 daysIowa destinations, venues, and experiences showcased
• Leads, opportunities, or future meeting potential were generated through the FAM experience

Post-FAM Form

Recipients will complete a post-FAM report, detailing the below program outcomes. This form is to be submitted within 30 days of hosting the FAM. Recipients are encouraged to put a note on their calendar to adhere to this deadline.

Complete Post-FAM Form

1. Planner roster with organizations and roles.
2. Final itinerary of destinations visited.
3. Leads or opportunities generated
4. General outcomes and feedback
5. Planner feedback survey responses or testimonials

For Program Questions:

Chelsea Lerud
Executive Director, iTIP
clerud@iowatravelindustry.org | 515-207-0009