“Event Spotlight” is a feature the Business Record will use to share about new and ongoing events and initiatives that aim to address issues affecting the business community.

What? The Greater Des Moines Partnership welcomed 50 college interns at the DSM Intern Connection Executive Luncheon on Aug. 8 at the Embassy Club.

Who attended? Students who attended the luncheon represented nearly 20 different colleges and universities across the country. Executives from five local companies served as mentors in speed networking, including Emily Abbas, executive vice president, chief consumer banking and marketing officer, Bankers Trust; Suzanna de Baca, CEO, Business Publications Corp.; Dan Keough, chairman and CEO, Holmes Murphy; Mike McCoy, CEO, NCMIC Group; and Jeff Rommel, senior vice president, property and casualty, Nationwide Insurance.

What did the participants learn? At this event, interns had the opportunity to meet and talk with the local executives during lunch, followed by speed networking, where executives rotated from table to table. Interns asked the executives questions about their careers, including information about their companies, their leadership journeys, what they love about Des Moines and Iowa, and advice for their future.

Which colleges were represented? Central College, Clemson University, Columbia University, Des Moines Area Community College, Dordt University, Drake University, Graceland University, Grinnell College, Iowa State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rice University, South Dakota State University, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, University of Northern Iowa, University of Texas at El Paso and Wartburg College.

Who were the organizers and sponsors? Organized by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the event was sponsored by Bankers Trust.