April 5: Accelerate DSM
Host: Greater Des Moines Partnership
About: This energizing, annual daylong event gives startups and entrepreneurs the chance to make worthwhile connections and gain key takeaways to help them accelerate their business.
When: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Science Center of Iowa
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April 7: ChildServe’s Bubble Ball
Host: ChildServe
About: The Bubble Ball is ChildServe’s signature gala — and a unique Des Moines event. Designers, artists and other creative professionals debut their bubble wrap creations as part of a themed runway show production and a gallery of stationary designs. Attendees are treated to a meal while enjoying musical entertainment and other surprises.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Grand Ballroom, Iowa Events Center
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April 12: TAI Prometheus Awards
Host: Technology Association of Iowa 
About: Award finalists and winners representing the best and brightest of Iowa’s diverse technology industry, from individual leaders and companies to entire communities, are recognized at this awards gala.
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
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April 13: An All-Star Evening
Host: Ray Center
About: Join for an evening that will honor astronaut Peggy Whitson with the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award. The All-Star Partner reception will start at 5 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. along with dinner and a live auction at 7 p.m.
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Ron Pearson Center
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April 13: One Iowa’s Ninth Annual Gala
Host: One Iowa 
About: The ninth annual celebration will include a dinner, live and silent auctions, and an awards ceremony honoring the work that state advocates for LGBT equality have accomplished this past year. All proceeds from the gala celebration support One Iowa’s mission to secure full equality for LGBTQ individuals in the state through grass-roots efforts and education.
When: 6-11:30 p.m.
Where: Iowa Events Center
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April 14: YWRC Gala
Host: Young Women’s Resource Center
About: The YWRC Gala begins with a social hour and silent auction, and includes dinner. A brief program follows, including the honoring of the 2018 Louise Noun Visionary Woman community member award and Woman of Worth client awards. A live auction concludes the evening.
When: 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Ron Pearson Center
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April 19: Annual Investment Strategy Dinner
Host: CFA Society Iowa
About: This year’s Annual Investment Strategy Dinner will feature a bull/bear debate on the state of the economy and markets. Jeffrey Cleveland of Payden & Rygel will provide the bull perspective, and Lacy Hunt of Hoisington Investment Management will provide the bear viewpoint. Andrea Cinkovich of Goldman Sachs Asset Management will moderate. Open to society members and nonmembers. Pre-registration required.
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Des Moines Golf and Country Club
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April 20: Housing Matters for Iowa’s Economy 2018
Host: Polk County Housing Trust Fund 
About: This year’s event will focus on the critical role of affordable housing in our region’s economic development, especially focused on workforce attraction and retention. Lisa Sturtevant from the Urban Land Institute will share how these issues play out nationwide, and a panel of local experts will discuss how business, development and government can work together for a stronger economy and more affordable homes here in Central Iowa.
When: 8:30-11 a.m.
Where: Iowa Events Center
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April 23: Live United Luncheon
Host: United Way of Central Iowa
About: Live United guests will be the first to receive our annual community impact report, which tracks our progress toward the community goals for 2020 in education, income and health. During the event, they will also honor and thank those individuals and organizations who make the most impact on the community.
When: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Meadows Events & Conference Center
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April 25: Commercial Real Estate Trends and Issues Forum
Host: Business Record
About: The local economy is continuing to hum, major projects are being built and new opportunities are sprouting up all over Greater Des Moines — as are new challenges. Join us for a discussion featuring some of the region’s most innovative and established real estate professionals, who will provide insight into future hot spots, emerging opportunities, new trends and the challenges facing the region’s commercial real estate market. 
When: 7-9 a.m.
Where: Curate
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April 24-26: Global Insurance Symposium
Host: Global Insurance Symposium
About: The Global Insurance Symposium features a powerhouse agenda of renowned keynote and panel speakers, as well as interactive demonstration and networking sessions for all attendees to enjoy. 
When: Various times
Where: Iowa Events Center
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April 27: Voorhees Supply Chain Conference 
Host: Iowa State University Ivy College of Business
About: The Voorhees Supply Chain Conference was established by alumni and friends of Iowa State University to honor the career of professor emeritus R. Dale Voorhees and to provide industry leaders a premier conference in their field.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: CPMI Event Center, Ames
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