Skywalk DSM App Selected for International Downtown Association's 2017 Certificate of Merit Award
GREATER DES MOINES, IOWA — The Skywalk DSM app has been selected for an International Downtown Association (IDA) Certificate of Merit award within the “Leadership and Management” category. The app is a handy way for visitors and locals to navigate through the climate-controlled skywalks. The app shows the locations of businesses, as well as portions of the skywalk system that are temporarily closed.
The Merit awards are awarded based on best practices in the areas of innovation, representation and sustainability. The Skywalk DSM app was among 15 qualified entries in the category. This category features unique organizational approaches and projects that improve the effectiveness of downtown management organizations. This award was recognized at the 2017 Downtown Achievement Awards during IDA’s 63rd Annual Conference and Tradeshow taking place this week in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts.
The Skywalk DSM app utilizes a phone’s GPS to pinpoint exact positioning on the map, and offers points of interest — such as businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, ATMs and others — and a search feature. The app has led to a reduction in paper signage and timelier updates for both locals and visitors.
Polk County, Catch Des Moines, the City of Des Moines, the Iowa Events Center, Downtown Community Alliance and Greater Des Moines Partnership collaborated on the innovative app prior to the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball opening rounds held at Wells Fargo Arena. The app was produced by the Polk County Information Technology department. The app was especially beneficial to attendees of the event due to skywalk connections closed once construction of the new convention center hotel began.
The Skywalk DSM smartphone or mobile application, developed by the Polk County Information Technology Department, is available for download on iOS (Apple) and Android platforms.
Download the app here.
About Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines’ mission is to market Greater Des Moines as a visitor destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events and leisure travelers. Representing 15 communities, Catch Des Moines ignites a vital tourism industry-generating more than 18,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in travel spending in Greater Des Moines. For more information about the organization or Greater Des Moines, visit catchdesmoines.com.
About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines: Iowa’s capital city and local government servicing more than 215,000 residents, 51+ neighborhoods, over 4000 miles of parkland and 81 miles of trails. The City of Des Moines stands to be a financially strong city with exceptional city services, fostering an involved community in a customer friendly atmosphere. Visit dsm.city, Facebook facebook.com/DesMoinesGov and Twitter @DesMoinesGov for more information.
About the Downtown Community Alliance
The Downtown Community Alliance (DCA), part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, cultivates a shared vision for Downtown Des Moines through leadership, initiative, advocacy, partnerships and shared solutions. As part of its dedication to cultivating a vibrant Downtown Des Moines core, the DCA produces events that promote Downtown and enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our community. Visit downtownDSMUSA.com for more information.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.