Department Convention
July 17-19, 2026
All meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport and Conference Center. Ask for The American Legion rate when making reservations.
Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport and Conference Center
6111 Fleur Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 287-2400
Hotel Rate: $105.00 + tax
Conference Registration Fee: $20.00
Department Convention Schedule
- Friday
- Commission & Committee Meetings – 9:00 am/10:00 am
- General Session – 2:00 pm
- Joint Session with American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion – 7:00 pm
- Saturday
- General Session – 9:00 am
- Past District Commanders’ Luncheon – 11:30 am
- General Session – 1:00 pm
- District Caucuses – 2:00 pm
- Convention Committee Meetings – 3:30 pm
- American Legion Riders – 5:00 pm
- Color Guard Contest – 5:30 pm
- Iowa Military Veterans Band Concert – 7:00 pm
- Sunday
- Memorial Service – 8:00 am
- General Session – 9:00 am
- Boys State Board Meeting
- Department Executive Committee Meeting
Color Guard Competition
The Color Guard Competition has been simplified. There is now only one category of competition – Posting & Retrieving of Colors.
Color Guard Entry Form
Color Guard Rules
Judges’ Scoring Sheet