90th Annual MFASLC Convention: Des Moines, IA

Join us for the 90th Annual MFASLC Convention in the vibrant and welcoming city of Des Moines, Iowa.

Convention events will be held at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, located in the heart of downtown and connected to the city’s extensive skywalk system. The hotel is within walking distance to some of Des Moines’ most popular attractions, offering a perfect blend of convenience and experience throughout the weekend.

Start your weekend on Thursday evening with a lively welcome event featuring Lebanese food, great company, and a chance to reconnect with friends and family. Throughout the weekend, we will host our signature banquet dinners on Friday and Saturday nights, followed by live Arabic music and dancing.

The Convention "All-Access Pass" includes:

• Thursday hospitality dinner (Tarboosh Lebanese Kitchen)
• Friday lunch
• Friday night banquet, dinner and hafli
• Saturday night grand banquet, dinner and hafli
• Saturday afternoon activity options
• Farewell coffee and Lebanese pastries on Sunday

Hotel: Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Daily Rate: $149/night

Last Day to Book: June 18, 2026

700 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50309

Telephone: 515-245-5500

Friday: Friendly Feud

Get ready for some laughs and friendly competition with Friendly Feud, our MFASLC spin on the classic game show Family Feud!

Teams will go head-to-head answering survey-style questions, competing for bragging rights and prizes. Whether you're playing or cheering from the crowd, this interactive event is guaranteed to bring high energy, great moments, and plenty of laughs.

Come support your friends, represent your club, and see who will be crowned this year’s Friendly Feud Champions!

Join us in supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through our annual convention fundraiser. This year, instead of a traditional 5K route, participants can take part in any of our Saturday morning activities - all in the spirit of giving back. T-shirts will be available for purchase, with sizes selected during registration and payment due upon pickup. Come out, get active, and help us continue supporting the incredible mission of St. Jude!

St. Jude Saturday Morning: St. Jude Stroll to Downtown Farmers' Market

Start your Saturday morning at the renowned Downtown Farmers' Market, just a short walk from the hotel.

Consistently ranked among the best in the country, the market features local vendors, fresh food, unique goods, and live entertainment throughout downtown. Whether you're grabbing breakfast, coffee, or just exploring, it’s a perfect way to experience the energy of Des Moines before the day’s events.

Take a stroll, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t miss one of the city’s favorite weekend traditions!

St. Jude Saturday Morning: Group Golf Outing at Waveland Golf Course

We’re excited to introduce a new addition to this year’s convention: a Saturday morning Group Golf Outing at the historic , just an 8-minute drive from the hotel. Waveland is the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River.

Enjoy 18 holes with a cart for $55 per person in a fun, relaxed setting with fellow attendees. First tee time begins at 8:00 am. Transportation will be provided for those who need it.

This outing is offered as an optional add-on during registration, with limited spots available. Payment will be made individually at the pro shop on the day of play.

Space is limited so reserve your spot early! When selecting tickets, scroll to the bottom to select as an add-on to your registration.

Des Moines offers a variety of attractions all within walking distance or a short ride from the hotel:

• Pappajohn Sculpture Park – A must-see outdoor park featuring large-scale contemporary sculptures right in downtown
• Downtown Farmers' Market – One of the top farmers markets in the country (Saturday morning), with food vendors, local goods, and live entertainment
• Des Moines Riverwalk – Scenic walking paths along the river, perfect for a morning stroll or evening views
• Court Avenue District – A lively area filled with restaurants, bars, and nightlife
• Iowa State Capitol – Iconic golden dome and beautiful grounds just minutes away
• Gray’s Lake Park – A peaceful escape with walking trails and skyline views

Des Moines provides the perfect mix of walkability, entertainment, and Midwestern charm for an unforgettable convention weekend.

*Times and locations subject to change.

3:00pm - 7:00pm: Registration & Check-in open

7:00pm - 11:00pm: Welcome to Iowa party!

8:00pm - 9:00pm: Scholarship Recipients Meet & Greet

9:00am - 12:00pm: Registration & Check-in open

9:00am - 9:45am: National Association Meeting

9:45am - 11:00am: Midwest Federation General Assembly Meeting

11:00am - 11:30am: Midwest Foundation Meeting

11:30am - 12:30pm: Young Adult Network Meeting & Dabke Lessons

12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch

1:00pm - 4:00pm: Friendly Feud

4:30pm - 6:30pm: Registration & Check-in open

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Past President Cocktail Reception. Invite only

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Cocktail Hour

6:30pm - 8:00pm: Banquet Dinner. Cocktail attire

8:00pm - 1:00am: Hafli, featuring John Khoury & band. Cash bar

9:00am - 11:00am: Registration & Check-in open

St. Jude Saturday Morning Activities:

8:00am - 1:00pm: Group golf outing at Waveland Golf Course. Registration required

8:00am - 12:00pm: St. Jude stroll to Downtown Farmers' Market

12:00pm - 5:00pm: Explore Des Moines (on your own)

2:00pm - 3:30pm: Young Professional Meetup

4:30pm - 6:30pm: Registration & Check-in open

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Convention Sponsor Cocktail Reception. Invite only

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Cocktail Hour

6:30pm - 8:00pm: Scholarship Awards Grand Banquet Dinner. Formal attire

8:00pm - 1:30am: Hafli featuring John Khoury & band. Cash bar

8:00am - 10:30am: Farewell coffee & Lebanese pastries

St. Ambrose Cathedral mass times 8:30am & 11:00am

The Basilica of St. John mass times 8:30am & 11:00am

No refunds for online orders after June 21, 2026

No refunds for no-shows

Parking is available at the hotel for guests and attendees at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The current self-parking rate is $38 per day, which includes unlimited in-and-out privileges.

Several public parking garages are conveniently located within a short walk of the hotel, offering additional options for attendees:

• 8th & Locust Parking Garage – Approximately 1–2 blocks away
• 7th & Grand Parking Garage – Just steps from the hotel
• 9th & Grand Parking Garage – A short walk west of the hotel
• Court Avenue Parking Garage – Near restaurants and nightlife, about a 5–7 minute walk

These garages typically offer daily parking at a lower cost than the hotel and provide easy access to both the convention venue and downtown attractions.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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