County officials in Des Moines have voted unanimously to renovate and expand Veterans Memorial Auditorium — a decision that Des Moines convention officials believe will help the city to land bigger meetings and events.

“We are thrilled to now give meeting planners across the country more options and more space in Greater Des Moines,” said Vicki Comegys, vice president of sales and services at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We strongly believe this will lead to increased bookings and more exposure for the city.”

The CVB estimates that the expansion will bring 15-16 additional regional or national events within three to five years of the project's completion. The $41.8 million expansion will include the addition of a grand ballroom and several meeting rooms.

The Des Moines Register reported that county officials have said venues in Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Louisville, Ky., have made it difficult for Des Moines to pull in national, multiday events.