Bailee Arnburg
Waukee
Summary
Strategic sports and events leader with 7+ years of experience overseeing large-scale sporting events, client acquisition, and destination operations in the Greater Des Moines Metro. Proven track record of leading high-profile events including IRONMAN and the AAU Junior Olympic Games, managing cross-functional teams, and building strong partnerships with venues, public safety agencies, and community stakeholders. Skilled in event execution, client relations, and business development to drive successful outcomes and regional impact.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sports
Catch Des Moines
01.2025 - Current
- Lead and oversee the Sports Department, ensuring high-level service and support for existing and prospective clients hosting events in the Greater Des Moines Metro
- Prospect and develop new and existing client relationships to attract regional and national sporting events to Des Moines.
- Oversee the execution of sporting events hosted in the Greater Des Moines Metro that require Catch Des Moines’ expertise, including IRONMAN and the AAU Junior Olympic Games
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local venues and community partners, including police, fire, and emergency management, to ensure coordinated planning and seamless execution of sporting events in the Greater Des Moines Metro
Event Experience Manager - Sports Events Manager
Catch Des Moines
03.2021 - 01.2025
- Assisted planners such as the National Speech and Debate Association, World Pork Expo, USA Wrestling, Ironman, and Junior High Rodeo during the planning process of the National events.
- Produced the AAU Junior Olympic Games end-to-end, overseeing venue contracting, equipment rentals, vendor negotiations, logistics planning, and on-site event execution
- Administered contracts to deliver outstanding vendor coordination, timeline development, budgeting and day of coordination services.
- Oversaw the housing program and continued to grow it by adding events to the system.
Housing and Event Coordinator
Catch Des Moines
07.2019 - 02.2021
- Communicated with the hotels and planners to set up room blocks for their attendees.
- Assisted attendees with reservations, room blocks, and space rentals.
- Recommended venues, caters, transportation companies, and off-site events to planners to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Event Coordinator
Noah's Event Venue
06.2019 - 02.2020
- Coordinated event catering, signage, displays, security and transportation for weddings.
- Maintained close communication with brides to mitigate service issues on wedding day.
- Directed florists, photographers, musicians and ceremony participants during pre-ceremony, ceremony and post-ceremony events.
Services Intern
Catch Des Moines
04.2018 - 07.2019
- Planned event logistics by performing site evaluations and cost estimates.
- Matched volunteers with open positions based on what events had shifts needed to fill.
- Assisted onsite at the USATF Outdoor Championships, and the 2018 AAU Junior Olympics.
Education
Business Administration - Marketing, Sports Management,
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA04.2019
Skills
- Office equipment proficiency
- Special events planning
- Workflow management
- Crisis management
- Event management
- Customer service
- Relationship building
Timeline
Director of Sports
Catch Des Moines
01.2025 - Current
Event Experience Manager - Sports Events Manager
Catch Des Moines
03.2021 - 01.2025
Housing and Event Coordinator
Catch Des Moines
07.2019 - 02.2021
Event Coordinator
Noah's Event Venue
06.2019 - 02.2020
Services Intern
Catch Des Moines
04.2018 - 07.2019
Business Administration - Marketing, Sports Management,
Grand View University