Des Moines has a pair of exciting announcements to celebrate this week, signaling that the city continues to grow as a destination for both major national events and convenient air travel.

First, the National Speech & Debate Tournament is set to return to Des Moines, according to a report from weareiowa.com. The tournament is one of the largest academic competitions in the country, drawing thousands of student competitors, coaches, and families from across the United States. Its return to Des Moines is a strong vote of confidence in the city’s ability to host large-scale events and will bring a welcome boost to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout the metro area. For the students who participate, the tournament represents the pinnacle of a year’s worth of hard work, critical thinking, and public speaking — and Des Moines gets to be the backdrop for those achievements.

Adding to the good news, Alaska Airlines has announced it will begin operating daily nonstop flights between Des Moines International Airport and Seattle, according to reports from both KGAN and weareiowa.com. The new route will give Des Moines travelers a direct connection to the Pacific Northwest, opening up easier access to Seattle’s thriving tech industry, cultural attractions, and onward international connections. For Iowans with family, business, or travel interests on the West Coast, the convenience of a nonstop option is a meaningful upgrade.

Together, these two developments paint an encouraging picture of Des Moines as a city on the rise — one that national organizations trust to host premier competitions and that major airlines see as a market worth expanding into. Whether you’re a student stepping up to the podium or a traveler heading west, Des Moines is making it easier and more exciting to connect with the wider world.

Sources: weareiowa.com, KGAN, weareiowa.com