Washington D.C. Fly-In - Ames Regional Economic Alliance

April 21-23, 2026

Each spring, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance organizes the annual Washington D.C. Fly-In where a delegation of business and community leaders from across the Ames region travel to our nation’s capital to meet with elected officials, government department officials, and nonpartisan foreign policy experts.

Join us for the 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Washington D.C. Fly-In, April 21–23.

2026 Washington D.C. Fly-In Details

Registration for the 2026 Washington D.C. Fly-In will include:

Charter Flight from Ames Municipal Airport to Manassas Regional Airport
Two night hotel stay at Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill
Meetings with U.S. Senators, Representatives, and other policy experts
Two Social functions – Happy Hour with Delegation and Dinner at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Valuable relationship building with other Ames Regional Economic Alliance partners

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a trip itinerary?

We are working through the final itinerary of the trip and will post it here closer to the trip.

What hotel will we be staying at in Washington D.C.?

We are staying at the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill, 525 New Jersey Ave. N.W. The Ames Regional Economic Alliance will make your hotel reservation on your behalf.

When will the charter flight leave and return to Ames?

The charter flight will depart the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport at 8:00am on Tuesday, April 21 and return by 8:00pm on Thursday, April 23. Attendees can park at the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport parking lot if they choose.

How will we be transported around Washington D.C.?

Charter plane participants are provided bus transportation to and from the hotel. All participants are provided transportation to all meetings and dinner Thursday evening. Wednesday night’s reception is within walking distance from the hotel. You will have the option to use ride-share services, taxi services, or mass transit systems for any down time you have on the trip.

What is the attire while attending the trip?

During business meetings, the attire is business. Business casual would be appropriate for social functions.

What is the cost to attend the 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Washington D.C. Fly-In?

The 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Washington D.C. Fly In is $3,800 per attendee.

May I bring a guest to attend 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Washington D.C. Fly-In social functions?

Guests are welcome to attend the welcome reception on Tuesday, April 21. All other programming is reserved for trip attendees, and a ticket must be purchased.

How do I submit handouts or other items I want to provide for our legislators before our trip?

Please provide all materials digitally by Friday, April 10 to Sarah Hurley to upload on our attendee page and to be provided in the event folders.

What is the deadline to register for the 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Washington D.C. Fly-In?

The 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Washington DC Fly In registration is open on a first come, first serve basis. To register, please email Sarah Hurley.