Upcoming events.
Unleash the Experts
Join your fellow Dames for a talk show-style program with two LDEI members who are celebrating 30 years in their industry: Lisa LaValle, owner and chef of Trellis at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Julie McGuire, owner of Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure. Lisa and Julie will share their career experiences, including the good, the bad and the best. Together, we’ll celebrate these women and others in the food/beverage/hospitality industry!
Abbe Davidson will moderate, and wine + heavy appetizers will be provided. Cost is $25 and tickets are available for purchase here.
Annual Member Meeting
Mark your calendars for the annual mandatory meeting of LDEI Greater Des Moines!
During this dinner gathering, we’ll induct the new members, celebrate the scholarship recipients and gather to share good, drink and camaraderie. Dinner and select drinks will be hosted.
New Member Mixer Happy Hour
Let's raise a glass to the new members who will officially be inducted as part of Greater Des Moines LDEI at our annual meeting this June!
This informal gathering will be a chance for us all to get to know each other, meet and greet the new Dames and catch up on business, life and food and drink! This will be happy hour-style—not a full meal—with hosted snacks and drinks. If you have specific preferences, please feel free to bring your own beverage of choice (in a non-glass container with a lid).
Meal Prep Workshop for Sweet Tooth Farm Community Fridge & The Supply Hive
Please join our hosts, Cheese Bar co-owner and DSM Dame Kari Bienert and Monika Owczarski (who will be inducted at our upcoming June annual meeting), to help support two amazing local causes!
Sweet Tooth Farm Community Fridge was one of our Wine & Pie benefactors, and The Supply Hive has a mission to “sustainably nourish marginalized communities and peoples.” After the meal prep, stick around for a complimentary cocktail hour. Most supplies will be donated through Cheese Bar. Please come prepared to work and enjoy, and if desired, bring along any of the following:
A cash donation to fund ingredients and groceries
A shareable dessert, such as bar cookies or cookies, that’s easy to divide up and package.
Fresh produce, if you have a prolific garden or farm
Chapter to Chapter with Kansas City Dames
Join us for a weekend of fun, collaboration and community with the Kansas City Dames as they visit Des Moines!
Program: LDEI DSM Global Greens Happy Hour
This evening offers an opportunity for LDEI members to learn more about Global Greens, one of our Wine & Pie beneficiaries, as well as an opportunity for farmers with Global Greens to network with LDEI members to learn about new market ideas and job opportunities. The program will include farmers sharing about their journey to Iowa and their path to settle and strive for success in Iowa, while maintaining a connection with their home country and culture.
This will be a keynote speaker format in a happy hour setting at Zanzibar Coffee Adventure. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Cost: None
Open to members only
Pop-up: Iowa Capitol Tour + Happy Hour
Join Dames Nancy Macklin and Nela Blanco for a tour of the Iowa State Capitol (did you know that Nancy leads these to the public?!) followed by drinks at Megan McKay's own Peace Tree Brewing Co. in the East Village.
Cost: None
When: March 21, starting at 4 p.m. at the Capitol
Open to members only