Experience Iowa City at the National Impact Case Competition
Iowa City is one of the nation's top college towns. We’re excited to welcome you while staying the weekend for NICC and hope you can explore everything that Iowa City has to offer.
Teams are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodation. But thanks to the generous support of the Krause Group, NICC participants and traveling support staff will be provided with meals and the following perks:
Friday, October 31st
- Opening remarks from Distinguished Guest Speakers
- Student-only Networking Event and Advisor-only Networking Reception
- Optional social activities (i.g. bowling, movie showing, and other activities TBD)
Saturday, November 1st
- Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch
- Free refreshments and snacks throughout competition day
- Closing Award Ceremony and Banquet Dinner
Mark your calendar for October 31 - November 1, 2025.
Thank you to our 2025 case sponsor, Krause Group.
Traveling to and around Iowa City
Teams are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodation.
Traveling to Iowa City
Iowa City is about 300 miles from major cities including Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Omaha, and Kansas City—making driving accessible within five-hours or less.
Arrival
All competing teams should plan to be in Iowa City on Friday, October 31st no later than 3:00p.m. CST. Please plan to accommodate for ground transportation to Iowa City from the airport of your choice to make it for our official start time.
Departure
The official competition events will conclude the evening of Saturday, November 1st, at 7:30p.m. All teams should plan to stay in Iowa City through the end of the competition. Lodging group rates will be available for students and traveling advisors for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Flight options
Airports near campus include:
- Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): This is the closest airport to campus; being about a 20 minutes to Iowa City. Although slightly more expensive than larger Midwest airports, it offers the most convenient access to campus.
- Ground transportation to/from Iowa City is available via Rideshare, Shuttle, and Taxi services.
- Quad City International Airport (MLI): located in Moline, IL and about 1.25 hours from campus.
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM): located in Des Moines, IA and about 2 hours from campus.
- Closest major-airports:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): located about 3.5 hours from campus.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): located about 4 hours from campus.
Hotels
A group rate has been secured at two local hotels at $129/night, plus tax. These hotels are within walking distance of all events for the competition. We anticipate teams will need a room for Friday night and most likely Saturday night. Check-in 3 pm→Check-out 12 pm
- Booking link will be emailed to registered teams in September.
- Self-parking available for $15.00 per day.
Hotel Chauncey
404 E College Street
Iowa City, IA, 52240
12 minute walk to Pappajohn Business Building
hotelVetro
201 S Linn Street
Iowa City, IA, 52240
11 minute walk to Pappajohn Business Building
Each hotel has double-queen and single –king rooms held at the same respective rate listed.
- Single-king rooms will be held for Team Advisors
- Remaining single-king rooms and all double queen rooms will be available for student participants
Getting around campus
University of Iowa students love how our campus seamlessly blends into downtown Iowa City. It's easy to get wherever you need to go.
Across the street from our main campus is a lively downtown with all the restaurants, entertainment, and amenities you'd find in a larger city.
Interactive University of Iowa campus maps
There are several maps the university provides to help navigate campus including an Accessibility Map and Construction Closures Map.
Take advantage of the university's free bus service, called Cambus. These black and gold buses can take you just about everywhere on campus.
You'll love it here
You may not think “cultural oasis” when you think of Iowa City—but you should. A Midwestern mecca for the arts, this creative, forward-thinking community is one of only two UNESCO cities of literature in the country. Iowa City boasts art, music, film, comedy, and literary festivals throughout the year.
Walk just a few steps from campus to explore over 100 restaurants, eclectic retail shops, and the famed Prairie Lights bookstore—or bike the 14-mile Iowa River Corridor Trail to take in the rolling Midwestern scenery made famous by former resident Grant Wood.
Contact us
Have questions about the competition? Need to connect with the organizer? Reach out today.
Tevin Robbins
Associate Director, Student Engagement
Undergraduate Program
tevin-robbins@uiowa.edu