Des Moines is hosting what is being described as the largest gathering of the USA/Canada Lions Forum in 10 years this week. According to a news release from Catch Des Moines, about 1,500 Lions Club members from the U.S., Canada, Caribbean Islands and Africa are registered for the 45th Annual Leadership Forum at the Iowa Events Center. Organizers said the construction of the Hilton Des Moines Downtown combined with the Iowa Events Center was the linchpin in recruiting the event to the community, which began five years ago. The Lions Club is the world’s largest service club with members in almost every community. The event, which began Thursday and wraps up on Saturday, is expected to bring in $1.2 million in direct economic impact to the community, organizers said.