Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) recognized outstanding individuals, organizations, businesses, and destinations from across the state during its annual Summer Celebration Awards Ceremony held June 9 at Hotel Millwright in the Amana Colonies.
The annual awards program celebrates excellence, innovation, leadership, service, and stewardship across Iowa’s tourism industry. This year’s recipients represent communities of all sizes and reflect the people and organizations working every day to strengthen Iowa’s visitor economy and enhance the experiences of travelers across the state.
In addition to presenting its annual Foundation Awards, iTIP recognized Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham with a special recognition honoring her steadfast partnership and dedication to Iowa’s tourism industry.
For more than 15 years, Durham has championed initiatives that support Iowa communities, economic development, and tourism growth. Under her leadership, Iowa tourism has experienced significant investment, increased visibility, and stronger statewide collaboration. Her commitment to the industry has helped position tourism as an important economic driver and quality-of-life asset for communities across Iowa.
“Director Durham has been an invaluable partner to Iowa’s tourism industry,” said Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of Iowa Travel Industry Partners. “Her leadership, accessibility, and willingness to engage with industry stakeholders have helped strengthen tourism across our state. Her continued support and collaboration have helped communities and destinations across Iowa grow and thrive.”
The following awards were presented during the ceremony:
The 2026 iTIP Awards Recipients:
- Arts, Culture & Heritage, presented by Riverboat Twilight and Visit LeClaire
- Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville
- Culture Club by Catch Des Moines, Des Moines
- Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, Council Bluffs
- Only in Iowa, presented by RAGBRAI
- Small Market: Hansen’s Dairy, Hudson
- Medium Market: River City Riverwalk, Mason City
- Large Market: Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Council Bluffs
- Rising Star
- Small Market: Jackie Cooper, Main Street Lansing
- Medium Market: Beth Meyer, Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor
- Large Market: Danielle Wilkinson, CIT Signature Transportation
- Service Excellence, presented by Oak View Group
- Small Market: Villages of Van Buren, Keosauqua
- Medium Market: The Music Man Square, Mason City
- Large Market: Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center, Coralville
- Sustainability Initiative
- Small Market: Friends of Yellow River State Forest, Allamakee County
- Large Market: Reiman Gardens, Ames
- Elected Official of the Year, presented by the Iowa Gaming Association
- Representative Gary Mohr, Scott County
- iTIP Partner of the Year, presented by KH+Madden
- Bonnie Alley, Discover Ames
- The Abby Kisling Leadership Award, presented by Meet Ottumwa
- Emily Starnes, Villages of Van Buren
- The Joe Taylor Vision Award, presented by Visit Quad Cities
- Mark Eckman, Unleash Council Bluffs
“Celebrating these recipients together reminds us of the incredible talent, leadership, and collaboration that exists across Iowa’s tourism industry,” said Nick Pfeiffer, President of the Iowa Travel Industry Partners Foundation Board of Trustees. “The work recognized today is making a meaningful impact in communities throughout the state and helping create memorable experiences for visitors and residents alike.”
The awards ceremony was held as part of iTIP’s annual Summer Celebration, which brings together tourism professionals from across the state for networking, education, professional development, and industry recognition.