Washington, D.C. - This Year's Partnership Trip

Two weeks ago, I was in Washington, D.C. representing Young Professionals Connection (YPC) on the Greater Des Moines Partnership's annual trip. In case you don't know, each year, The Partnership takes roughly 200 business executives and community leaders to D.C. in order to educate, advocate and network. Each year, the YPC President-Elect is sent on the trip. This year, that privilege was mine.

Why You Should Consider DMDC

This is a one of a kind trip, and if you ever even closely get the chance you attend, you should! I sure hope to continue to attend outside of YPC in years to come. The Greater Des Moines Partnership represents more than 5,700 business and 150,000 employees. And on this year’s trip, 190 of us again represented one unified voice, advocating for the issues that are important to our region and our citizens. Formal sessions included everything from workforce development and education to housing and transportation. Our luncheon speakers included not only Iowa delegates, but even the senior United States Senator from Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar and the United States Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Governor, Tom Vilsack.

The DMDC Experience

The trip began for us bright and early Wednesday morning by boarding the plane at the Des Moines Airport at 6:30 a.m. Attendees arrived at a private reception space in one of the gates before loading our charted Southwest Airlines flight.  After a two-hour flight, we arrived in Washington, D.C. and loaded our coach buses plane side to head to the first work session. Wednesday was filled with workshops and administration briefings at the White House, and was followed by a private rooftop terrace reception on the Mall. Finally it was time for dinner and a much deserved beverage with a few other trip attendees. After the long day, we checked into our hotel around 11 p.m.! Whofta! At this point, I knew I was in for a long couple of days, but I couldn’t have been more excited and anxious to keep going!

Thursday morning we awoke for breakfast with our Congressional Delegates. This was by far my favorite and most memorable event of the entire trip. What an amazing experience to have our Iowa delegates in one room to discuss items that are affecting us all back in Iowa. Attending the breakfast was Sen. Grassley, Sen. Ernst, Cong. Young, Cong. King and Cong. Loebsack. What an inspiring discussion! The afternoon again was filled with seminars and afternoon workshops before heading out for the evening’s affiliate night dinner. This event took place at The Hamilton Live theater and featured a talent show starring several D.C. Trip participants. I’m not sure I’d call it a full blown ‘talent show’ but more of an entertaining ‘variety show’.  And you know what they say… What happens in D.C., stays in D.C! 

Friday morning we wrapped up with our final work sessions and began our journey back home to Des Moines. Overall this trip is amazing, and every single one of you should do anything you can to reserve a spot for next year. I know I will be! YPC is given a great chance to make connections and talk about the work we as an organization are doing for the community. I met so many incredible people and cannot wait to find ways to collaborate and introduce them all to you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you have.