who’s behind the venue

Born and raised in the heartland of Iowa, Kale Smith is an accomplished wedding and events planner, as well as a visionary entrepreneur based in the Des Moines Metropolitan area. With years of experience in the event industry, Kale is the general manager of Decades Events Center in West Des Moines. Kale has cemented his reputation as a leading force in the industry.

Driven by an unwavering passion for crafting unforgettable experiences, Kale has expanded his professional portfolio with the creation and management of Serv'd Events, a groundbreaking company that champions LGBTQ+ inclusivity and showcases the captivating worlds of drag and immersive dance across central Iowa.

In 2023, drawing upon his comprehensive knowledge of event planning and design, Kale took a leap and again expanded his professional portfolio with the creation of Era Events & Design. Era is set to break the bounds of traditional event design while thinking out of the box to create truly unique guest experiences. Era Events & Design is a decor rental and planning company specializing in a client-focused experience to create unforgettable events throughout Iowa.

Kale's expertise has earned him numerous accolades. Under his leadership, Decades Events Center has become a coveted venue, hosting nearly 80 events annually and consistently earning The Knot's prestigious Best of Wedding award for an impressive seven consecutive years (2017-2023), thus inducting Decades into The Knot’s Hall of Fame.

In addition to his remarkable achievements, Kale's commitment to personal growth has led him to pursue further education. He attended the New York Institute of Design and has since garnered endorsements in social media management and marketing, website and SEO development, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings.

As a testament to his dedication to the industry, Kale, alongside his partners, co-founded the Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards, an annual event that recognizes the tireless efforts of vendors and supporters in the wedding industry. Approaching its 6th year, this celebrated ceremony not only honors accomplishments but also serves as a platform to raise awareness and appreciation for the thriving wedding and events community.

With an unrivaled passion for orchestrating flawless events and a steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity, Kale Smith is the go-to professional for those seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.