Expo Center

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES are allowed on the fairgrounds and in the Expo Center other than those sold or provided by the Expo Center. The Expo Center is a licensed Class C vendor, and all alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the Expo Center. Alcoholic beverages found on the fairgrounds property that were not provided through the Expo Center will be confiscated. All persons are expected to abide by the laws of Iowa concerning the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and the use of narcotic substances. Persons found to be in violation of these laws will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Pursuant to Iowa Code, no persons under 21 years of age will be allowed to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages on the Howard County Fairgrounds complex. Proper ID is required to verify proof of age. All violators will be turned over to local authorities for prosecution.

Expo Center lease is $750 thru 2025.

Renter shall make arrangements with Expo Center manager to receive a key for the Center. If the event is a wedding reception, Renter can have access to the Expo Center 2 days prior to the wedding reception. For example, typically a wedding reception is held on a Saturday, so the renter shall have access the Thursday prior to the wedding reception. Renter is asked to vacate the Expo Center on the day after the renter’s event by 1:00 p.m.

Contact the Expo Center Manager for specific details on your event.The Expo Center is protected with an intrusion alarm system and is monitored by video surveillance.

WIFI is provided at no charge to the renter and guests.

The Expo Center has a ceiling mounted video projector and retractable screen. Contact the manager for details on use and any fees involved.

Expo Center setup shall comply with safety guidelines by the CDC and/or the State of Iowa.

Hand sanitizing dispensers are in several location in the Expo Center.

Food service shall follow Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals safety guidelines.

Renter and guests are expected to abide by current Public Health guidelines.

Renter shall set up tables and chairs for their event. When the event is over, renter shall wipe down all tables and chairs and put them away on the provided storage racks. Expo Center custodians will clean and sanitize the Center after the event. Renter is asked to pick up the area outside of the Center after the event.

Renter is to responsible for any and all decorations used for the event. Absolutely no nails, tacks, pins or other mechanaical fasteners may be used in putting up decorations. The Expo has hooks in place for hanging decorations. No decorations may be hung from the suspended ceiling, as the ceiling is not designed to hold up the added weight. Renter is responsible for taking down all decorations after function (what the renter puts up, tapes up or sets up will be taken down by the Renter). This includes all ribbons, tapes, etc. Renter is to remove all tape and such from under tables, on walls, etc.

Only tape allowed is a non-residue type of tape. Duct tape cannot not be used on any surface!! No tape of any type on the floor!!

Prohibited Decorations: Glitter, confetti and helium filled decorations are not allowed. No open flames in decorations and other enhancements, except for cooking equipment.  Artificial flames can be used.

Bartenders for all events are provided by the Expo Center. “Last Call” at the Bar will be approximately 20 minutes prior to the end of the evening dance. “Last Call” be no later than 12:30 a.m. Renter is to arrange with Expo Center manager exact times of event.

Complimentary beverages may be offered to Renter’s guests during the event. Complimentary beverages must be paid for by Renter the day of the event. Once a beverage container is opened, purchaser will pay for the full container price of the product.

MasterCard, Visa and Discovery credit cards are accepted. A convenience fee shall be added to all credit card purchases over $100. The fee is 4% of total to be charged to the credit card.

Renter to provide heavy duty trash bags (yard & garden size) for disposal of rubbish used for the Renter’s event. Renter is to pick up all trash inside and outside of Expo Center. Garbage dumpster is provided for disposal of rubbish. Dumpster is available for fairgrounds events only, and not for use by the general public.

Prohibited materials in dumpster: leaves, tree branches, vines, evergreens, flowers, masonry, cooking oils/grease, glass and cardboard cannot be disposed of in the dumpster. Renter is responsible for proper disposal of these items. All glass and cardboard must be taken to Hawkeye Recycling.

Renter is to clean up kitchen area, including any utensils used. Renter is to clean all equipment used, including coffee pots, roasters, stove, refrigerators, sinks and counter tops, using a cleaning agent. Any oils used in cooking cannot be disposed of the garbage dumpster. Renter is responsible for the proper disposal of all cooking oils used for the event.

Renter is to make arrangements for access to the Expo by caterers, suppliers, workers and others who have been hired or retained by the Renter for the event.
Renter is to insure doors are shut and locked. The side doors are for emergency use, and are not for general public use. The exception is one side door is made available for the band/DJ hired by the renter for load and unload of music equipment. Lights are to be shut off when leaving.

Smoking is not allowed in the Expo Center and all other buildings on the fairgrounds.