Trusted. Flexible. Proven.
At Conference Planning and Management (CPM), we’re more than just planners. We’re your partner for all event-related needs, with a proven track record of success.
The CPM Advantage
One-Stop Shop
From your first idea to your final invoice, we manage every step of the process — registration, venues, virtual platforms, logistics, contracts, and more — so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors or services.
Experienced, Scalable Team
Our seasoned staff has coordinated hundreds of events ranging from 25 to 10,000+ attendees. We scale our services to match your needs, whether you're hosting a one-hour Zoom session or a national hybrid summit.
Events, Anywhere
We plan events on campus, throughout Ames, across Iowa, nationwide, or even virtually, helping you find the perfect fit.
We Know the System
As Iowa State University’s official event planning office, we specialize in navigating university processes, risk management, procurement, and policy compliance. If you’re working with or within ISU, we’re the trusted resource to get it done right.
Serving Partners at ISU and Beyond
Whether you’re part of the university or joining us from outside it, we’re built to support your event. We partner with ISU faculty, departments, and student organizations, and we also guide external groups looking to host on campus or anywhere else. As long as your event reflects the spirit and mission of Iowa State University, we can help you bring it to life.
Turn Ideas Into Impactful Events
From concept to completion, we’ll guide you every step of the way — starting with your request.
Testimonials
Each year, I have the privilege of partnering with ISU CPM for the ISTEP Summit—a dynamic, one-day conference that engages over 300 young Iowans in grades 7–12. The Summit is thoughtfully designed to provide a positive and enriching youth experience, featuring interactive, hands-on activities that inspire learning and leadership.
What sets CPM apart is their genuine commitment to collaboration. They consistently listen to my goals for the event and offer creative, strategic ideas that enhance the overall impact year after year. Their expertise and dedication play a vital role in bringing the Summit to life and ensuring its continued success. Working with CPM is not just a partnership—it's a key driver of the Summit’s excellence and growth.
– Jill Wright (ISTEP Summit)
We have hosted this as a planning committee alone since 2017, and adding CPM support has added so much value to our Summit. [The CPM team] has provided so much to our conference in both the planning and on-site conference space and allowed our team to be more engaged in programming, on-site engagement, and networking."
– Courtney Long (National Agriculture Summit)
For over 20 years, the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa has had the privilege of working with Iowa State University's Conference Planning and Management (CPM) team. Their support has been nothing short of exceptional. From venue coordination and logistics to behind-the-scenes problem-solving, CPM consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our event year after year.
Their attention to detail, professionalism, and deep understanding of event planning has allowed us to focus on what matters most: providing a meaningful and inspiring experience for the hundreds of young scientists who attend our fair each year. The dedication and care the CPM team brings to our partnership have made them an invaluable part of our event’s continued growth and impact. We are truly grateful for their expertise and continued support in helping us bring science and innovation to life in Iowa.
– Alexa Groff (State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa)
Thanks to my 36-year affiliation with the Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with many excellent staff members employed by Conference Planning and Management. In those early days it was the affable Tom McCormick and unflappable Carole Seifert. Later on our conference benefited from strong and steady leadership under the watchful eye of Jennifer Vit. And now as we approach our 70th year, it's the steady and capable hand of Kim Abels who helps us manage and promote the STSC, a conference revered throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
Each and every one of our conference coordinators has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to helping make the Shade Tree Short Course one of the best conferences of its kind in the nation. Yes, a certain amount of angst and trepidation is expected on the eve of any conference, but concerns soon evaporate when I remember that professionals from Conference Planning and Management are on the scene and ready to respond when needed. Thank you CPM for the many years of service and assistance provided to me and the STSC.
– Jeff Iles (Shade Tree Short Course)