Be part of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance delegation for the 2026 Inter-City Visit where city and community leaders from across the Ames region will travel to Athens, Georgia. Topics may include downtown housing, community placemaking, regional collaboration, and entrepreneurship, among others.
Join us for the 2026 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Inter-City Visit, September 23-25.
Registration for the 2026 Inter-City Visit will include:
Athens, Georgia offers a valuable opportunity to explore how a dynamic university community drives economic growth, workforce development, and small business success. Athens has cultivated a strong partnership between business leaders, local government, and the University of Georgia—creating an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, talent retention, and innovation.
Visiting Athens will provide insight into effective downtown development, strategic collaboration, and community branding that balances historic character with forward-thinking growth. Experiencing their model firsthand allows delegation members to gather ideas, strengthen peer networks, and return home with practical strategies to enhance their own community’s economic vitality.
Inter-City Visit attendees will have the opportunity to connect with their peers in Athens, Georgia through one on one meetings, panels, tours, and more!
In addition to meetings and exploring Athens, attendees will participate in a Welcome to Athens social event and a team social function.
While we finish the 2026 Inter-City Visit itinerary, please email Sarah with any questions you have.
Trip attendees will stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Athens Downtown (390 East Washington Street, Athens, Georgia, USA, 30601). The Alliance will make your hotel reservation on your behalf.
The charter flight will depart the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport at 8:00am on Wednesday, September 23 and return by 5:00pm on Friday, September 25. Attendees can park at the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport parking lot if they choose.
Charter plane participants are provided bus transportation to and from the hotel. All participants are provided transportation to all meetings and social activities. 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.
During business meetings and the Welcome Reception, the attire is business casual. A more casual dress would be appropriate for other social functions.
The 2026 Inter-City Visit is $3,250 per person.
Guests are welcome to attend the welcome reception on Wednesday, September 23. All other programming is reserved for trip attendees, and a ticket must be purchased.
The 2026 Inter-City Visit registration is open on a first come, first serve basis. To register, please email Sarah Hurley.
Contact Sarah Hurley
Director, Events
sarah@amesalliance.com
