Jul22
Cha Cha's at Hiland Bakery
Wednesday, July 22
📍 Cha Cha's, Hiland Bakery, Des Moines
Kick off summer with the crew at one of Des Moines' most beloved bakeries.
Add to Google CalendarDes Moines, IowaFriendships
Friendships
first. Business
follows.
Des Moines' premier networking group for young professionals: creating genuine friendships and igniting the next wave of DSM business leaders.
Who we areDes Moines'
Des Moines'
Premier
Networking Group
Our goal is simple: create the friendships that become the foundation for future business. We bring together similar, unique minds, and the deals take care of themselves.
The Loop DSM exists to ignite the next wave of Des Moines business leaders. Happy hours, B2B spotlights, community giveback, and a whole lot of good people.
- Genuine friendships over transactional networking
- Curated members, real conversations
- Events all over the Des Moines metro
On the calendar
What's next
From monthly happy hours at Big Grove to our annual Toys for Toddies giveback, there's always somewhere to show up.
Sep9
Loop DSM Happy Hour
Wednesday, September 9
📍 Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines
Our new monthly home base. Every 2nd Wednesday at Big Grove, all year long.
Add to Google CalendarSep14
B2B Spotlight Event
Monday, September 14
📍 Slingshot Architecture, Des Moines
A focused evening connecting members' businesses inside a stunning local space.
Add to Google CalendarThe process
Getting in The Loop
Seven low-pressure steps from "interested" to "in." Here's the short version.
01
Apply
Fill out the Google Form. Boom, done. Easy peasy.
02
Get Matched
Qualifying applicants are paired with a Loop leadership member.
03
Intro Meeting
Coffee? Happy hour? Whatever works. Get to know us.
04
Interview Night
Meet the crew. Don't be afraid, it's super chill.
05
You're In
New member happy hour, then officially in The Loop. Wahoo.
Start Your ApplicationQualifying applicants are matched with leadership. Everyone else joins the waitlist.
Spotlights
The people make it
Every event puts members and partners in the spotlight. That's how referrals and real friendships start here.
“We started The Loop because the best business relationships in Des Moines begin as real friendships first.”
The FoundersLoop DSM Leadership
“From happy hours to B2B nights, every event is built to turn a handshake into a real connection.”
Member Community90s-born professionals across DSM
“Members and partners get the floor to share what they build. That's how referrals start here.”
Business SpotlightsFeatured at every event
Good questions
Frequently asked
Everything a prospective member or corporate member tends to ask before getting in The Loop.
Who is The Loop DSM for?
Young professionals in the Des Moines metro, largely born in the 90s, who want genuine friendships first and the business relationships that grow out of them. If you're building your career or company in DSM and want a real community behind you, you'll fit right in.
How do I become a member?
Start with our quick application form. Qualifying applicants get matched with a member of the leadership team for a casual intro meeting (coffee or a happy hour). After that, you're invited to a low-key interview night, then a new-member happy hour, and you're officially in The Loop. If it's not the right time, you'll join the waitlist and we'll reach out.
Is there a cost to join as a member?
The application and intro process is free. The Loop is about showing up and contributing to the community. Most events are at local venues (breweries, bakeries, restaurants), so you simply cover your own food and drinks when you attend. Corporate membership is a separate, paid program for businesses (see below).
What kinds of events does The Loop host?
A steady mix: a recurring monthly happy hour (every 2nd Wednesday at Big Grove Brewery), B2B spotlight nights where members showcase their businesses, and community give-back events like our Chili Cookoff and the annual Toys for Toddies. Check the Events page for what's next.
What is a Corporate Member and what do I get?
Corporate membership is how local businesses back The Loop and get in front of an engaged room of DSM young professionals all year. Tiers run from $250 to $2,500 annually and include social media shout-outs, recognition and logo placement at events, member spotlights, and higher-tier perks like event hosting and 'presented by' branding. Email theloopdsm@gmail.com to talk options.
Does corporate membership require being an individual member too?
No. Corporate membership is a business-level program, separate from individual membership. A business can support The Loop as a corporate member regardless of whether its owner or team members are individual members. Many of our corporate members are also active in the community, which is the best of both worlds.