Michigan Meetings + Events Winter 2024

CE L EB RATI N G 2 5 YE A R S !

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

MAGNIFICENT MARQUETTE A winter wonderland in the Upper Peninsula

SURE BETS Casinos & gaming hot spots for your event

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Cost-Savvy Meetings Rich In Experiences Home to an assortment of options that put extraordinary at your fingertips, the Great Lakes Bay’s inviting hotels and most uncommon venues spare no spark of personality.

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This inviting, six-city region affords a whole host of hotels and meeting venues that are kind-as-can-be on budget — and the kind of unforgettable downtime experiences that make a meeting destination feel rare.

If you’ve never dreamt of hosting your next meeting beneath canopy walks spanning through snow covered trees, at an art museum, inside a mansion, or on-stage at a historic theater it’s only because you haven’t been here before. Meet, mingle, and unwind — all in one amenity-rich location.

Paving plans for a small-scale retreat or a week-long conference with accommodations for 500 — either way, our experts will shed some light on your search for the perfect space. Start exploring the unexpected with our Go Great Meetings Expert!

GoGreat.com/Meetings

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e

DETROIT

HONORS OUR MI MEETINGS STAR

s

Congratulations to Jennifer Miller for being recognized as a “MI Meetings Star.” Her hard work and dedication epitomize why the City of Champions is the ideal location for meetings, conventions, and events.

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Contents

48

WINTER 2024

Feature //

A Four-Season Playground

BY KATHY GIBBONS

Enjoy year-round activities and event amenities galore

Feature //

41

Bending the Budget

BY BETH BUEHLER

Where to splurge and make events shine, and when to pull back for good financial sense

In Every Issue //

4 Editor’s Note 7 Meeting Notes

Take your next meeting from drab to fab with the help of these products, places, and inspiring ideas

14 Destination

With so much to do in Marquette, attendees will almost forget they are there to work

20 Meet + Eat

New and renovated hotels in Detroit fuel a surge in ingenious restaurants and bars

Boyne Mountain Resort

Discover the latest updates through our Meetings + Events infographic and Michigan news

C E L E BRAT I N G 2 5 YE A R S !

62 Snapshots

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

MAGNIFICENT MARQUETTE

Scenes from MACVB’s annual educational conference in Port Huron

A winter wonderland in the Upper Peninsula

64 People Profile

SURE BETS Casinos & gaming hot spots for your event

An internship helped set the stage for Jennifer Miller’s career with Visit Detroit

On the Cover

Hikers atop the Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park in Marquette

Special Advertising Section //

25 Casinos & Gaming The odds are on your side at these world-class venues

PHOTO BY AARON PETERSON

20 Grilled Salmon Sandwich at Cafe Dax in Birmingham

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Boyne Mountain Resort/Brian Walters, Maxine Dela Paz

52 Industry Update

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Boyne Mountain Resort/Brian Walters, Maxine Dela Paz

Eric Perry

Production/Operation Supervisor

It’s the people that make the place.

When was the last time you received exceptional service?

It probably stands out, because it is rare. That’s what makes it memorable. Our goal is simple, to be the best convention destination in the world. To do that, you need exceptional people delivering exceptional service in every facet of the organization.

We invite you to see for yourself. HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com

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Meet you in Detroit

TM

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PEOPLE EDI TOR’ S PROFI NOT EL E Jill Rutherford

meetingsmags.com/michigan PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

25 Years and Counting » THE YEAR WAS 1999. “Shakespeare in Love” won the Oscar for Best Picture. The Napster music downloading service was created. Y2K loomed. And Michigan Meetings + Events made its debut.

At the time, there wasn’t another magazine in circulation that focused specifically on Michigan venues, products, and services with an eye toward an audience of meeting planners and others responsible for putting meetingsmags.com/michigan on events, like CEOs, convention and visimeetingsmags tors bureaus, and hospitality professionals.

There still isn’t.

Over the years, the magazine has developed a relationship with readers and advertisers in a “we’re all in the same boat” sort of way. The advertising representative for Michigan Meetings + Events, Associate Publisher Laurie Burger—who helped launch the magazine 25 years ago—says many clients have been with her from the beginning.

And she has been with them, loving the industry and appreciating the opportunity to help promote Michigan destinations.

Looking at editions of past issues from over the years, I could see the topics featured then weren’t so different than they are now: team building, wellness, venues, people and convention and visitor bureau features, gifts and incentives, staying on budget, and technology among them. The nuts and bolts may have changed, but the challenge—how to make the most of your events—hasn’t.

Oh, it was touch and go during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone stopped meeting in-person. The magazine cut back to two issues in 2020 but roared back with the full roster of four the following year. Burger recalls advertisers clamoring to be in the issue that came out when people could start meeting again. And at the first conference she attended following the start of the pandemic, many cried— so happy to be back.

These days, nobody’s taking for granted the opportunity to meet in-person, nor do we at Michigan Meetings + Events take for granted this opportunity to continue shining a laser-focused spotlight on Michigan’s meetings and events industry.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES LAURIE BURGER 586-344-6637 | LBURGER@GREENSPRING.COM

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ALESHA TAYLOR GROUP EDITOR KATELYN BLOOMQUIST SENIOR EDITOR TODD R. BERGER EDITOR KATHY GIBBONS MANAGING EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN ASSOCIATE EDITOR MADELINE FUERSTENBERG

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Jennifer Berkemeier, Huntington Place | David Buckenberger, Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau | Kim Corcoran, Destination Michigan/Meetings Michigan | Larisa Draves, Michigan Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus | Susan Estler, Travel Marquette | Linda Hoath, Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau | Mary Chris Hotchkiss, Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau | Mike Kent, Traverse City Tourism | Lindsay Krause, Special D Events | Mary Manier, Experience Grand Rapids | Jennifer Miller, Visit Detroit | Julie Oatman, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort | Kristy Poore, Destination Ann Arbor | Mandi VanOoteghem, Go Great Lakes Bay CREATIVE DIRECTOR TED ROSSITER ART DIRECTORS MICAH EDEL, TRACI ZELLMANN GRAPHIC DESIGNER CAROLINE ROYCE

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON SENIOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR TONY WAGNER ADVERTISING COORDINATOR ELLIANNA RADOVICH JUNIOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR SYDNEY KELL SALES + MARKETING SPECIALIST TAUSHA MARTINSON-BRIGHT

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS + PARTNERSHIPS ARTHUR MORRISSEY EVENT + OFFICE MANAGER RICK KRUEGER MARKETING + EVENTS COORDINATOR JORDYN TAYLOE COMMUNICATIONS + EVENTS COORDINATOR JOSEPH SCHMIDT

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS KATHIE GORECKI ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE AUSTIN SCHMELZLE AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR GERI WILSON AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CINDY FISH

REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612-371-5849 or email danderson@greenspring.com.

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription, please contact customer service at 866-660-6247.

9401 James Ave. S., Suite 152, Bloomington, MN 55431 Phone 612-371-5800 Fax 612-371-5801 HOUR MEDIA CEO STEFAN WANCZYK PRESIDENT JOHN BALARDO

Editor kgibbons@greenspring.com The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse.

Michigan Meetings + Events is published quarterly. © 2023 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

PHOTO John Robert Williams

KATHY GIBBONS

4 MI M+E » WINTER 2024

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PHOTO John Robert Williams

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MEETING TO REMEMBER?

LANSING’S MY CHOICE The expert team of Certified Meeting Professionals at Choose Lansing™ will ensure you have everything you need for a memorable event.

They will help you shine, make your job easier and host your best event yet. The choice is easy. Choose Lansing and plan on something Greater.

Scan this QR Code to unlock the keys to your meetings success!.

Lansing.org

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M E E TI NG NOTE S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

Clockwise from below: Volunteers at a We Don’t Waste event; Tree planting in Washington’s Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area; Collecting litter in Washington

PRIORITIZE GIVING BACK Incorporating philanthropy into meetings and events gets attendees more involved in activities and better connects them with local communities PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) We Don’t Waste, Steven Smith, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

W

hen it comes to developing the itinerary

you can donate a portion of the event fees. Marriott

for a business event or gathering of

International partnered with the J. Willard and Alice

colleagues, adding a philanthropic ele-

S. Marriott Foundation to donate a joint $550,000 to

ment promotes team building and bonding among

the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s No Room

attendees, gives back to the resident communities

for Trafficking Fund to provide support and stability

of the host destination, and encourages connection

to human trafficking survivors.

between visitors and locals. And this sort of ele-

Incorporate a volunteer program into the event

ment can take several forms—from volunteering and

organization. The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo held

donating excess food to givebacks, auctions, and

at the Extraco Events Center in Waco attracted more

more—making it accessible for all types of events.

than 230,000 visitors last year, and it took more

If you’re looking to emphasize environmental and

than 500 volunteers to help manage the logistics.

food conservation in the host city of your event, con-

Volunteers not only help lower costs, but they also

sider partnering with nonprofits like Denver-based We

make an event run more efficiently and provide a

Don’t Waste to recover and reuse uneaten food and

strong support system for the event. Or give your

snacks to feed people in need rather than throwing it

attendees a chance to volunteer themselves with day-

away. We Don’t Waste will pick up the unused food

long activities like tree planting

from event venues and catering companies to redis-

or working on habitat improve-

tribute to food pantries, schools, and more.

ment projects at Washington’s

Consider organizing a giveback by selecting a nonprofit or other philanthropic organization to which

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.

ahla.com hotfair.com marriott.com mtsgreenway.org wedontwaste.org

COMPILED

BY KATHY GIBBONS

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M EETI N G NOT E S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

Diversity in the Great Lakes Bay Region Charming towns, vibrant cities, and picturesque waterfronts beckon

BY DIANNA STAMPFLER

» MIDWESTERN HOSPITALITY, HISTORY, AND CULTURE can be found at every turn throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, which encompasses Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties, as well as six communities (Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, and Birch Run).

TRANSPORTATION: MBS International Airport in Freeland provides daily service for the Great Lakes Bay area from Detroit Metro Airport via Delta Air Lines and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport aboard United Airlines. Other regional commercial airports are within a 90-mile drive.

VIBE: “Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region offers a laid-back and relaxed vibe that perfectly complements its stunning natural beauty,” says Annette Rummel, CEO for Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“With its charming small towns, vibrant cities, and picturesque waterfronts, the region invites visitors to unwind, explore outdoor adventures, and indulge in local cuisine and culture.”

HOTELS: The Great Lakes Bay Region boasts 5,000 guest rooms, many with accompanying meeting space, on-site dining, and other amenities. A major expansion is underway at the Bavarian

Inn Lodge & Restaurant in Frankenmuth, which will be unveiled next fall and feature Michigan’s largest indoor water park— including a swim-up bar. The property also offers 360 European-themed guest rooms, dining, two lounges, an arcade, and 15,000 square feet of meeting space.

The 150-room DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront can handle groups of up to 550 with 14 meeting room configurations (17,000 square feet in total). The AAA Four Diamond H Hotel, a Dolce by Wyndham in Midland, offers 103 guest rooms and suites, 12 meeting rooms (10,000 square feet total, accommodating 270), and on-site dining.

VENUES: Among larger spaces are the Great Hall Banquet & Conference Center in Midland, Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw, and Dow Event Center in Midland.

Fishers Hall inside the Frankenmuth Historical Museum or the Pere Marquette Depot in Bay City are more intimate venues.

Saginaw boasts cultural event centers like Saginaw Art Museum, Andersen Enrichment Center, and Temple Theatre, with The State Theatre in Bay City or Midland Center for the Arts nearby also offering an artistic flair. Spaces like Apple Mountain Resort & Conference Center or Back Orchard Barn, both in Freeland, and The Golden Glow Ballroom, located southwest of Saginaw, provide a rural experience.

RESTAURANTS: Aster in Midland is all about locally sourced and seasonal foods.

Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie in downtown Frankenmuth, and now also in Bay City, specializes in just what the name implies. Located in Old Town Saginaw, Artisan Urban Bistro features fine dining.

The region is also home to more than a dozen wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

Among the oldest is Frankenmuth Brewery, originally founded in 1862.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: The 1,400foot-long, 40-foot-high elevated Canopy Walk—touted as the longest elevated pathway in the country—is a must-visit with admission tied to Dow Gardens, both open year-round. The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City offers self-guided tours, while the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth is devoted exclusively to experiences of men and women from Michigan. Castle Museum has three floors of history for attendees wanting a stroll through the past. Other notable attractions include the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio and Chippewa Nature Center, both in Midland; Birch Run Premium Outlets; and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth. gogreat.com

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Great Lakes Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, Twelve89 Studios/Adrian Kizy, Clare County Arts Council

The 40-foot-high Canopy Walk in Midland

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Great Lakes Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, Twelve89 Studios/Adrian Kizy, Clare County Arts Council

URBAN AIR LAUNCHES IN COMMERCE TOWNSHIP » AFTER WASSEM AYER and his best friend, Amer Batal, took their children to an Urban Air Adventure Park while vacationing in Pennsylvania, they couldn’t forget how much fun they had—so much that they ended up returning to Michigan and opening a location of their own in Sterling Heights. Now, they’ve debuted another in Commerce Township, but Ayer notes their focus is shifting from simply facilitating family entertainment toward creating a venue for group gatherings.

“We have a lot of corporations that will do an outing for its teams,” Ayer says, citing the example of a local bank bringing staffers out to play. “We do banquets for sporting teams. … We [also] do a lot of private park rentals if somebody wants the entire place.”

Attendees will find attractions like zip lines, bumper cars, a ropes course, climbing walls, miniature golf, trapeze, and virtual reality games. The Commerce location also offers laser tag, while Sterling Heights features go-karts. Each 56,000-square-foot facility has a full-service cafe. Other Michigan locations include Livonia and Holland. urbanairadventurepark.com

Clare Embraces Sculpture

A

whimsical peacock on McEwan Street.

A sculpted sparrow outside a restaurant.

Phoenix Rising near the bank. All are sculptures that have been spotted around the northwestern Lower Michigan community of Clare as part of The Clare County Arts Council’s Destination Clare: Art Sculpture Walk.

For two years, the council solicited entries after a local artist suggested the idea. Ten sculptures are selected annually for temporary placement around town, with creators receiving cash awards. The council has purchased a few to remain permanently.

“It’s good exposure for the community, the high school kids, or anybody to see different art,” says arts council President Carol Santini.

The project was awarded the Innovative Tourism Collaboration Award at the 2023 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. clarecountyartscouncil.info SPARROW by Robert Porreca

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M EETI N G NOT E S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

Seven Hills commumity center outdoor lawn space

Serenity & Seclusion

A

new community gathering space has opened in the heart of Traverse City’s pastoral Old Mission Peninsula.

Extending 18 miles into Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is a popular destination for winery tours and for those seeking views of orchards and vineyards against the backdrop of the water.

Now, Seven Hills has emerged in a wooded oasis in the middle of it all. Jay Milliken and three partners repurposed and expanded on existing buildings to create Old Mission Distillery, offering tastings as well as cocktails. It shares a spacious lounge-like area with Mission Proper cafe, featuring grab-and-go foods and groceries. Other tenants include a salon and Tinker Studio, with a gallery and makerspace where artists work. There’s also a patio

and huge courtyard. Between the indoor and outdoor areas, there’s unlimited potential for group gatherings, Milliken says.

“The interior space is plenty big, and there’s a large communal table in there that we could move out or keep,” he adds. “We have our lounge area, fireplace … [and] modular furniture so we can shape it in different ways.”

Milliken estimates the indoor space could accommodate up to 150—outdoors, even more. Canvas backdrops on the patio will make it possible to heat in the winter. “That would be an extension of the indoors,” he notes. sevenhillstc.com

» CUSTOMIZED COOKIES JUST MIGHT BE the antidote to cookie-cutter event offerings. Michigan is home to Cookies

by Design locations in Shelby Township, West Bloomfield, and Grandville. Cheryl King, owner of the Shelby Township shop—which also offers cupcakes—says cookies with logos are in-demand from business clients.“People can email us their logo, and we can put it on a cookie,” King says. “We print it on a frosting sheet, and they look amazing.”

When an airline retired one of its aircraft, for example, the company ordered 800 cookies with a logo to mark the occasion. In another instance, an automaker bringing together 50 of its top executives for a retreat asked for individual boxes of three cookies: two in each of the corporate colors and a third with its logo, which Cookies by Design easily accommodated. All come individually wrapped.

Shipping is also available. cookiesbydesign.com

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Seven Hills, Cookies by Design

SAY IT WITH COOKIES

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Seven Hills, Cookies by Design

Exactly where you should meet.

When you’re true to who you are, you’re true to where you are.

Come join us.

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M EETI N G NOT E S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

» SAINT JOHN’S RESORT IN PLYMOUTH recently opened the latest jewel in the crown of its ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation. The Wine Grotto was designed to evoke the ambience of a European wine cellar, offering several intimate spaces where attendees can sample from a rotating wine list of 150-plus labels, enjoy craft cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks, and share in small plates and desserts.

Saint John’s Resort Director of Sales and Marketing Fadi Sibani says the new wine bar is housed in a previously underused area connecting to the resort’s Atrium ballroom. Its new incarnation complements other resort improvements—including renovations to the bathrooms of all 118 guest rooms and suites, most ballrooms, public bathrooms, its Five Steakhouse restaurant, and the pool.

A new glass-enclosed Garden Pavilion that accommodates up to 500 people opened last June and overlooks the golf course.

Next year, the resort will debut an additional 50,000 square feet of meeting space along with a new 18-hole championship golf course; a seven-hole, par-3 course featuring replicas of some of the most famous greens around the world; a 2-acre natural bent-grass putting course; and a two-story casual Irish pub.

The 2,422-square-foot wine bar features three individually designed areas: Royal Cavern, with a King Arthur’s table seating up to 14 attendees; The Cellar space, where additional wines are displayed; and The Cove, which Sibani describes as “an intimate and cozy area—it’s like a little cave within a cave.”

While it’s open to the public with seating for about 55, The Wine Grotto also can be reserved for private events of up to 100 attendees. Sibani says corporate clients are booking it for activities adjacent to executive retreats and conferences.

One unusual feature at The Wine Grotto is the Coravin preservation system, which offers patrons a chance to sample even the priciest wines by the glass or half glass. The system inserts a tiny needle into the cork to extract the wine—so small that the cork immediately closes back up after the needle is removed and keeps the remainder of the wine intact. Sibani explains, “Mainly people are going to use the Coravin system for those expensive bottles—if [they] don’t want to spend $400 or $500 for a bottle tonight but really want a glass or two.”

Previously known as the Inn at St. John’s, the former seminary that became a Catholic retreat center-turned conference/ hotel facility was purchased by Pulte Family Management in 2021. It operates under the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation’s “Humanitarian Hotels” strategy, which donates 100% of net profits to educational and humanitarian initiatives locally and around the world. saintjohnsresort.com

PHOTOS Captured by Kelsey

Saint John’s Resort Unveils The Wine Grotto

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DE ST I NATION Marquette

Meetings almost feel like vacations in Marquette BY WENSDY VON BUSKIRK

Hikers along the shore of Lake Superior at Marquette’s Presque Isle Park

INSIDE & OUT The Michiga n Economic Developers Association (MEDA) conference held in Marquette this year is a prime example of the way groups can make the most out of a visit to the Marquette area. MEDA rotates its annual meeting through different regions around the state. Its last visit to Marquette was such a hit, leadership decided to return next year—bigger than ever with 189 attendees.

“It broke records for a MEDA conference,” says Christopher Germain, who helped plan the event as CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, the

PHOTO Aaron Peterson

Team Bonding by the Bay

» THE HARDEST THING about gathering for a meeting in Marquette might be choosing what to do while you’re there. The largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) sits on Lake Superior’s Marquette Bay. With its hip downtown, stunning waterfront views, and proximity to yearround recreation, it’s a one-of-a-kind setting that offers a plethora of options when it comes to breakout events and how to spend your free time in between meetings.

“We have a lot of picturesque areas, and it is a very nice place to enjoy the outdoors,” says Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette. “I think people really appreciate coming up here and getting away from their normal routine.”

Marquette is centrally located on the nor thern edge of the U.P. It ’s about a three-hour drive from both the Mackinac Bridge—which connects with Michigan’s Lower Peninsula—and the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge crossing to Canada.

It’s a five-hour road trip from Duluth, Minnesota; six hours from Chicago, Illinois; and about seven hours from Detroit.

Marquette Sawyer International Airport offers daily flights to and from Chicago and Detroit. Once attendees arrive, they don’t need a car since downtown is walkable.

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Where meetings are and

merry

bright!

In Frankenmuth, it’s Christmastime all the time. Plan your next meeting in Michigan’s Little Bavaria and add a little holiday magic to your agenda!

Start planning today at frankenmuth.org or 800-FUN-TOWN

BOARD WITH YOUR BOARD MEETING?

PHOTO Aaron Peterson

You can have the same old meeting.

Or you can have the team-building trip of a lifetime to a winter wonderland full of outdoor adventures and northern Michigan charm.

LET’S START PLANNING: PETOSKEYAREA.COM/MEETINGS

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DE ST I NATION Marquette

Northern Center at Northern Michigan University; Below: Marquette Mountain Resort

hikes, a waterfront biking tour, or a downtown stroll before gathering for an awards ceremony at The Honorable Distillery.

After all that action, participants were ready to hunker down for a full day of sessions that started with a keynote from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

According to Cassandra Jorae, MEDA’s director of marketing, communications, and administration, about 50 attendees brought their families along, and all the tours that were offered sold out. “We’ve gotten good feedback,” Jorae says. “People just loved it.”

STAY & SUMMIT When it comes to accommodations, the Landmark Inn, the Ramada by Wyndha m Ma rquette, a nd the Holiday Inn

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Northern Michigan University, Aaron Peterson

Marquette County region’s economic development organization. “We’re pretty proud of that.”

Dubbed “Inside and Out,” the conference balanced heads-down meetings about Michigan’s economy with exciting outdoor excursions to local attractions. Kicking off with a Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise for early arrivals, it continued with tours of Tilden Mine and Potlatch Deltic Lumber Mill.

An evening brewery tour was wrapped with a reception and trivia at Upper Peninsula Brewing Co. On the second day, attendees chose between self-g uided

NORTHERN STAR Like many organizations that choose Marquette for meetings, MEDA held its sessions at the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University (NMU). Revamped in 2019, it’s the largest event space in the U.P., with 18-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a welcoming, elegant vibe.

The Northern Center has four ballrooms that can be rented individually or opened into one big space (12,000 square feet, accomodating 1,000 people). It also has smaller meeting rooms suitable for receptions, board meetings, and mixers.

Catering is available through Northern Center & Event Services, or eventgoers can pop by the Wildcat Pub for lunch and a beer.

“Ever since this building has been renovated, it has become the spot in the Upper Peninsula,” says Dianne Stone, Northern Center & Event Services director. “We are definitely the space sought [after].”

Many events in Marquette are related to NMU, while others are associated with U.P. Health System–Marquette. College, high school, and intramural sporting activities are a draw and have a home at the Superior Dome and Berry Events Center.

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The Only Thing We Overlook is Lake Superior

MEET MUSKEGON... the Natural Choice

230 N. FRONT STREET Direct: (906) 228-2580 www.thelandmarkinn.com

Reserve Your Stay

Plan Your Event

SCHEDULE YOUR SITE VISIT AMBERMAE@VISITMUSKEGON.ORG 231.724.1123

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Northern Michigan University, Aaron Peterson

VISITMUSKEGON.ORG

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Marquette are in or within walking distance of the downtown area and have event space of their own.

Landmark Inn is a charming historic building that has welcomed visitors since 1930. With classic furnishings and a grand piano in the lobby, the hotel offers four meeting spaces—the sixth-floor Sky Room with panoramic views (660 square feet with a capacity of 32); the Parlour with a built-in bar and cozy fireplace (930 square feet that accommodates 50 people); the Boardroom for executive events (495 square feet for 24 people); and its signature Harbor Room, with winding brass staircases, crystal chandeliers, and an Italian marble floor (2,208 square feet that can accommodate 120 people). Dog-friendly Ramada by Wyndham Marquette has 5,752 square feet of event space, with six meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 conference or 400 banquet attendees. The Holiday Inn Marquette, completely made over in 2018, boasts a sauna, whirlpool, and

PHOTOS Landmark Inn

DE ST I NATION Marquette

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PHOTOS Landmark Inn

Schedule

YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US! From left: The historic Landmark Inn; The classically styled Landmark Inn lobby

Marquette’s largest indoor pool. It also has an outdoor courtyard and six event rooms for up to 400 meeting-goers.

“We build the function space to order,” says Pattie Anderson, Holiday Inn Marquette director of banquets and events.

“Depending on the guest count and desired services, we can create the environment they’re looking for.”

MIX & MINGLE For a mor e av a nt - ga r de ga t her i n g , Marquette has several unconventional event spaces to choose from. The Presque Isle Pavilion is perfect for indoor-outdoor events with its rustic vibe, large fieldstone fireplace and grills, and beautiful views of Presque Isle Park.

Located in a revamped theater, Delft Bistro accommodates up to 120 attendees with its open kitchen, New American cuisine, and cinematic vibe—complete with a retro marquee. The Honorable Distillery, also housed in a converted theater, crafts a range of spirits from locally sourced botanicals and welcomes groups with a classically cool vibe. A historic supper club-turned-brewer y, Barrel + Beam, can host about 20 in its upper mezzanine, which opens to a balcony overlooking the Ore Heritage Trail and woodlands.

Groups can also rent out the whole space with room for 180.

Wherever events are held, there’s plenty to do during downtime. Besides tours like those that MEDA sets up, visitors love to watch freighters load at Marquette’s Upper Harbor Ore Dock, then hit the town to browse boutiques and galleries, grab a bite somewhere like Steinhaus, and savor dessert at Donckers.

In fact, meetings in the “Queen City” are well-attended, says Germain: “Every event is wildly successful because people use it as an excuse to go on vacation.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront’s meeting spaces provide the ideal location for events and gatherings. We offer over 16,000 square feet of banquet space.

One Wenonah Park Place Bay City, MI 48708 989-891-6000

Industry Tıps & Trends IN YOUR INBOX Digital stories on the top meeting and event venues, advice from professionals, and reports on food, beverage, decor, technology and more!

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M EET + EAT A Culinary Renaissance

Raising the Bar in Detroit » WITH ITS GROWING DEMAND for sizable lodging, Detroit welcomes multiple new and renovated hotels to its downtown streetscape. The cool new spots for dining and imbibing that come with them are the icing on the cake.

“The momentum Detroit is experiencing right now from a hotel restaurant bar scene is just remarkable,” says Christopher Moyer, senior director of communications for Visit Detroit.

“This is going to create even greater incentive for people to want to host meetings, conventions, and events, and to visit Detroit and southeast Michigan.”

Take the newly renovated, Bedrock Detroit-owned, Louis Kamper-designed Book Tower building, for example. Its Roost Apartment Hotel offers long-term stays, and its Anthology Events center has several spaces for groups in the Washington

Boulevard Historic District. New concepts include Le Suprême, a French brasserie; Bar Rotunda, an all-day European-style cafe and bar; a 14th-f loor rooftop bar and lounge called Kamper’s; Sakazuki, a casual sake and sando (Japanese sandwich) pub; and Hiroki-San, offering izakaya (casual) and omakase (chef’s choice/patron participation-style dining). All will be operated

by Method Co., a Philadelphia-based hospitality, development, design, and branding firm.

A few minutes away, the Westin Book Cadillac—which just underwent a $20 million renovation—welcomed Sullivan’s Steakhouse, an 8,500-square-foot restaurant offering dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, signature cocktails, and live music. There’s also a Starbucks Reserve, The Boulevard Room serving breakfast, and The Motor Bar with cocktails in the lobby area.

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Matthew Williams, The Godfrey Hotel Detroit

New and updated hotels bring innovative foods and drinks to menus BY KATHY GIBBONS

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PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Matthew Williams, The Godfrey Hotel Detroit

Left: The Paris-inspired Le Suprême at the Book Tower; Right: The indoor-outdoor I/O Lounge at The Godfrey Hotel Detroit

“Book Tower and the Westin Book Cadillac [are] two separate things on Washington Boulevard,” Moyer says. “Washington Boulevard used to be considered Detroit’s Fifth Avenue. It definitely suffered for some time, and now it’s coming back—with all of this incredible refurbished art deco architecture and a great restaurant and hotel and apartment scene.”

The new Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown offers a variety of dining and hospitality options. Dawn Barth, director of sales and marketing, says the third-floor Beve Detroit Lobby Bar and Cielo Detroit Rooftop Bar have a menu of cocktails managed by Master Mixologist Chris Vanderginst. Of the latter space, Barth says, “It’s a beautiful green rooftop, and we’ll have a DJ out there Fridays and Saturdays [weather permitting]. … It does have a view so you can see the [Ambassador Bridge] from there and a lot of the local buildings.”

Detroit Taco, which Barth describes a s “s er v i n g Me x ic a n d i s he s w it h a Detroit twist,” is a sit-down, fast-casual restaurant with retail groceries, beer, and wine. A new summer addition was Cibo Detroit for Mediterranean fine dining.

And a speakeasy called Trovami (meaning “find me” in Italian) is set to open at the end of this year. In the basement, Five Iron Golf offers an urban golf experience with golf simulators, three bars, eight lanes of duckpin bowling, and table games. Barth says, “We’re bringing a lot of new food and beverage options for the businesses around here for people who are just looking for something new.”

The Godfrey Hotel Detroit in Corktown is debuting Hamilton’s restaurant by the end of this year. Serving three meals a day, Hamilton’s has a menu based around classic American fare in a casual setting

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Attendees mingle at Garden Theater in Detroit.

overlooking Michigan Avenue, according to General Manager Aaron Black. “Hamilton’s will have something of a refined vibe that is missing from Corktown presently,” Black says.

The indoor-outdoor I/O Lounge—with its retractable glass ceiling and walls—occupies 6,000 square feet of the top floor with seating for more than 140 attendees and space for about 250 total.

“The floor-to-ceiling windows facing Detroit’s historic downtown skyline open entirely, as does the glass roof above the patio bar,” Black explains. “The two adjacent meeting spaces have glass walls as well that can be opened to integrate with the lounge setting.”

There’s also a 40-seat lobby bar.

The Siren Hotel, which debuted about five years ago in the circa1926 Wurlitzer Building, has opened a restaurant called Ash–Bar. “It’s kind of an upscale diner,” Moyer says. “Great drinks and a variety of different types of food.”

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Bri Thomas Photography, Bedrock, Maxine Dela Paz

M EET + EAT A Culinary Renaissance

Meanwhile, in Midtown Just as new and refurbished hotels are upping the ante for the restaurant and bar scene in the heart of Detroit’s downtown central business district, business is booming in Midtown. A nearly 2-square-mile area just to the north, Midtown is home to Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the luxury Shinola Hotel, galleries, clubs, shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, and more.

Sue Mosey, director of Midtown Detroit Inc., says cooperation between all the entities operating there only generates more synergy. An AC Hotel Midtown Detroit coming next year, connected to the historic Bonstelle Theatre via a restaurant/conservatory, will provide even more fuel. “It’s a combination of the entertainment, the retail, the food, and beverage that make the experience,” she says.

BJ Pearson, vice president of operations for the Midcity Ventures-owned The Block restaurant and Garden Theater, also attributes the “rising tide floats all boats” theory to his company’s success. The Block is a neighborhood restaurant while the theater is primarily used for private rentals and can accommodate as many as 800 people for a strolling event.

“All the different restaurants give a different type of product to the community, and that just helps all of our businesses in this neighborhood,” Pearson says. “As more people come down here, they’re seeing all the things Midtown has to offer, and the Block and Garden Theater are a couple of those.” visitmidtown.com

Book Tower’s Le Suprême dining room; Right: Chef-prepared small plates at Daxton

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PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Bri Thomas Photography, Bedrock, Maxine Dela Paz

In Birmingham, the Daxton Hotel and its Madam restaurant have created a lot of buzz since opening in 2021—Madam was named HOUR Detroit magazine’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year. “This restaurant is a rare gem because we’re open seven days a week for dinner, as well as weekends for brunch, while hosting diners in a chic and bright space,” says Sherrilyn Cavanaugh, Daxton Hotel’s director of sales and marketing.

Led by Executive Chef Clifton Booth, Madam leans on seasonal ingredients, creating menus that change with availability. “We offer an extensive selection of beverage options, from handcrafted cocktails to a global list of wines, including rare wines,” Cavanaugh says.

In August, the Daxton opened the new Cafe Dax in the lobby with coffee, breakfast cocktails, sandwiches, salads, and quiche. As day turns into evening, the lobby space becomes Geode Bar & Lounge.

Daxton Delights is the hotel’s walk-up window serving ice cream and other seasonal treats.

ash.world booktowerdetroit.com cambriadetroit.com daxtonhotel.com godfreyhoteldetroit.com marriott.com visitdetroit.com

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GET GET DOWN DOWN TO TO BUSINESS BUSINESS IN IN ANN ANN ARBOR ARBOR LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL SPOT TO HOST YOUR NEXT MEETING? From the moment you arrive (only a 30-minute ride from the airport), you’ll find convenience at every turn.

Ann Arbor’s hotels and meeting spaces are equipped with the latest technology. The city also offers a variety of EV charging stations at parking structures and hotels.

After your meeting, grab a seat at one of Ann Arbor’s famed breweries, bars and craft cocktail lounges. Or celebrate a job well done by indulging in delicious dishes from around the world.

Get your fill of Ann Arbor’s cultural offerings by stopping at the city’s acclaimed museums.

Or enjoy live music at unique venues, like The Ark, Blue LLama Jazz Club and Lo-Fi.

SEE WHY SO MANY GREAT MINDS MEET AND PLAY IN ANN ARBOR. VISIT ANNARBOR.ORG/MEETINGS TO LEARN MORE.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

s o n i s Ca & g n i m a G ’24 Across the United States, casinos furnish planners with one-stop shops for meetings and events

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Agua Caliente Casinos 888-999-1995 aguacalientecasinos.com

PHOTOS Agua Caliente Casinos

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lan the ideal gathering at Agua Caliente Casinos!

From scenic views, intimate venues, and a spacious conference center, all of Agua Caliente’s premier casino destinations—Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City— are sure to leave guests amazed.

Enjoy gorgeous venues at Agua Caliente’s award-winning location in Rancho Mirage. Whether an event planner is looking to host a lavish get-together in the 13,000-square-foot conference center or an intimate evening in the renowned private Wine Room at The Steakhouse, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage has something for every group.

Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs is the ultimate destination for gatherings.

Treat guests to a luxurious night of dancing and live music at the lovely Cascade Lounge. Indulge at The Steakhouse for a premier group dining experience as meeting-goers enjoy the prime selections and fine wines.

Take in the picturesque mountain views and stunning outdoor space at the beautiful Agave Caliente Terraza at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. The Terraza is a 12,000-squarefoot outdoor entertainment space, perfect for hosting unique gatherings, with views that can’t be found anywhere else.

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MotorCity Casino Hotel 866-782-9622 motorcit ycasino.com

PHOTOS MotorCity Casino Hotel Property Photos

T

his is the place where events achieve legendary status. Whether an event planner is hosting a gala banquet or giving a cutting-edge audiovisual presentation, MotorCity Casino Hotel’s spacious and fully flexible conference and banquet facilities will take any event to a new level. Ballrooms, boardrooms, a large theater, and spaces with soaring skyline views—each offering something special—ensure that event planners will find the perfect space to make any event their own. And the hotel’s dedicated meeting professionals and skilled culinary staff offer a level of customization and service that’ll exceed expectations and make events truly unforgettable.

Whether an event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid, MotorCity Casino Hotel has all technical needs covered. The hotel’s meeting and event spaces are fully equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including video and teleconferencing capabilities. From the simplest needs to the most extensive, the hotel’s team will keep planners wired and make their streams come through.

When work wraps up, it’s time to play, and there’s no better place to let loose.

Excitement radiates from the electrifying gaming floor, where guests will find the latest slots, table games, and a Poker Room where players can go all-in. Sports fans flock to the two-story FanDuel Sportsbook, where every day is game day.

The fun gets fueled with a wide assortment of dining options, from casual grab-and-go to award-winning culinary experiences, including MotorCity Casino Hotel’s new modern American steakhouse, Revel Steak.

When it’s time for a break in the action, relax and rejuvenate in the serenity of D.Tour Spa. Or simply retire to the comfort of one of 400 large hotel rooms and suites where guests will find unrivaled elegance coupled with the latest technology and amenities.

Give MotorCity Casino Hotel a call to start planning an unforgettable event in an unparalleled setting.

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7.375 in.

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AMPLIFY YOUR AGENDA Take your meeting to the next level at MotorCity Casino Hotel. Whether you need a ballroom or a boardroom, or something in between, our 67,500 sq. feet of fully flexible meeting and event space, cutting-edge technology, and award-winning staff have you covered.

Make a show-stopping impression from the stage in Sound Board. Or choose the more intimate spaces of Amnesia and Iridescence with their soaring views 16 stories above the city. Treat your team to a taste of our world-class catering or one of many fine or casual dining experiences, including Revel Steak–an all-new classic yet contemporary steakhouse. Add the luxurious hotel rooms, relaxing spa services, and the hottest gaming action in town and you have a meeting that attendees will actually look forward to. Put your meeting plans into motion and call 313-237-1589 or visit MotorCityCasino.com

MotorCity Casino Hotel and MotorCity Casino Hotel design are trademarks of Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C. ©2023 Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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New Jersey: One Gaming Wow After Another visitnj.org/mee tings

PHOTOS New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism

N

ew Jersey is a smallish state packed with possibility, and it’ll wow any group every chance it gets. Start with this guide to Atlantic City and planners will wonder how many wows their group can take!

Experience the VIP treatment with upscale wows at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Standouts include luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and world-class entertainment. Tropicana Atlantic City’s eclectic wows include exotic flair at a one-of-a-kind destinationwithin-a-destination that evokes Old Havana.

For the latest wows, head to the city’s newest property, Ocean Casino Resort, where relaxation is king in the spa, poolside cabanas, and oceanfront park. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City brings entertaining wows with headline performers—edgy and high-energy, this property is a platinum hit with millennials and Generation Z. Attendees get a taste of paradise at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Its glass-domed pool delivers tropical wows by day before transforming into the city’s hottest night spot. Rounding out the casino scene are Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort, Caesar’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, and Resorts Casino Hotel—dealing out one classic casino wow after another.

It’s time for groups to hit it big in Atlantic City. Plan for wow right now at visitnj.org/meetings.

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STEEL PIER | ATLANTIC CITY

Gather your team where the dazzling lights of our casinos inspire game-changing insights from your attendees. It’s one brilliant wow after another after another. Plan your meeting at visitnj.org/meetings.

let’s be social get the mobile app MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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800-946-1946 paragoncasinoresort.com

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PHOTOS Paragon Casino Resort

Paragon Casino Resort

aragon Casino Resort is known as Louisiana’s top casino resort destination. Paragon features a worldclass selection of slots, table games, poker, and sports betting, along with an impressive lineup of amenities and attractions that your whole group will love. Get a taste of true Louisiana style and hospitality while you enjoy our live alligator habitat, an 18-hole championship golf course, a movie theater, an indoor pool, fabulous dining, a luxurious spa, supervised childcare, and much more. Our hotel encompasses over 500 spacious rooms and suites within three distinct towers, all connected by a stunning bayou-themed atrium. Start planning your event with one of our meeting professionals today!

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Meet in the Heart of Louisiana.

Meetings come with much more at Paragon Casino Resort. With over 75,000 square feet of meeting space and three hotel towers, we can accommodate events of almost any size. And with a world-class selection of slots and table games, sports betting and exciting amenities, like a LIVE gator habitat and movie theater, we’ll show your guests the time of their lives. Tee up the fun at our 18-hole, championship golf course or hit up the new Topgolf® Swing Suite®. Dive into three pools before digging into nine restaurants and bars. Catch a wild live show or kick back in our spa. You’ll enjoy every second here!

PARAGONCASINORESORT.COM MARKSVILLE, LA MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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87 7-783-2426 pl ayqcr.com

PHOTOS Quechan Casino Resort

Quechan Casino Resort

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he 20,000-square-foot Pipa Event Center of Quechan Casino Resort in Winterhaven, California, is one of the region’s largest event venues for weddings, meetings, team-building exercises, training seminars, trade shows, keynotes, and special events near Yuma, Arizona. The event center’s friendly staff will take care of all the details to make any special occasion one to remember. With luxurious decorations and multiple seating arrangements, from both elevated chairs to ballroom-style floor seating on two levels, event planners are sure to find plenty of opportunities to host memorable events. The event center offers a full-size stage with seating for 2,300 and room for a dance floor, and is divisible into six meeting rooms.

The 166-room hotel (with eight suites) has an expansive outdoor pool, a hot tub, a lazy river for inner tubing, and cabanas for rent.

Dine at Ironwood Steak House, Gila Blend, and Ocotillo Buffet, and cheer on your favorite teams in Sidewinders sports bar. Catering and other event services are available. Make your event one to remember at Quechan Casino Resort.

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Book Your Event With Us!

Plan your special day at the 20,000 sq. ft PIPA Event Center, one of the region’s largest event venues. Our friendly staff will take care of all the details to make your special occasion one to remember.

For inquiries, call 877.783.2426

So Much. So Close.

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888-732-4537 soaringe aglecasino.com

PHOTOS Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

S

oaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, has so much to offer the meetings and events world, from space for training sessions in smaller meeting rooms to room for 800 employees gathering this holiday season. Trade shows are no exception from all Soaring Eagle has to offer, as the resort’s Entertainment Hall has hosted countless large shows. With more and more people working remotely, Soaring Eagle is happy to become a home away from home for eventgoers. The resort’s Diamond AAA rooms offer all the comforts of home and the option to set up a traveling office. Food offerings are just another perk of hosting an event here. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning from Native Grind to get those meetings started or collaborate over a lovely sit-down dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Event planners are guaranteed to find something that fits everyone’s taste, all under one roof. Additionally, Soaring Eagle offers attendees a business center for those last-minute reports or speeches that need to be given. Last, but not least, is the Soaring Eagle sales team, here to work with event planners from day one to make sure attendees are set up for success with everything they need for an experience to remember.

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O

Visit ShreveportBossier 318-222-9391 visitshreveportbossier.org

PHOTOS Visit Shreveport-Bossier

S

hreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, is a world-class gaming destination with a cluster of riverfront casinos offering a blend of thrills, luxury, and entertainment. Experience the electrifying energy of slot machines, the strategic challenge of table games, the thrill of horse racing, and the lavish comfort of first-rate hotels.

Margaritaville Resort Casino, Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel, Boomtown Bossier City Casino & Hotel, and Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack all offer casino amenities, fine dining, and event space.

Beyond the casino floors, Shreveport-Bossier is a vibrant host city, with bustling nightlife and exciting attractions. Discover live music venues, comedy clubs, and theaters. Explore historic sites, museums, and art galleries, or stroll along the picturesque Red River. Plan a casino event in Shreveport-Bossier and experience the excitement firsthand!

Meeting planners will love the amenities and incentives Visit Shreveport-Bossier offers for qualified events. The 350,000-square-foot Shreveport Convention Center is attached to the newly renovated and full-service Hilton Shreveport hotel downtown, which has more than 300 rooms, a rooftop pool, meeting rooms, and a restaurant and bar.

Shreveport-Bossier is located at the crossroads of I-20 and I-49. It’s three hours from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, making it an easy drive, and the Shreveport Regional Airport has many direct flights.

Shreveport-Bossier has enough flavor, style, and soul for two cities, and it’s the ideal location for hassle-free meetings, conferences, and events.

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TWO CITIES,

One Bet: WHERE LUCK

DANCES NIGHTLY

Discover endless excitement at Shreveport-Bossier’s six dazzling casinos! From Bally’s high-stakes allure to Boomtown’s down-home vibe, you’ll find a world of gaming magic. Whether it’s horse races at Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack, luxury at Horseshoe Bossier City, or tropical fun at Margaritaville and Sam’s Town, we’ve got your winning hand!

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Largest National Audience of Meeting + Event Planners

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FOUR SEASONS,

Playground ON E B IG

Michigan is on when it comes to off time—all year long

by K AT H Y G I B B O N S

A

primary factor that draws so many meetings and events to Michigan is that it has four stunning seasons. At any time of year, planners can structure events at destinations with attractions and activities that offer something for everyone.

So, make the most of that snow. Reenergize along with nature in the spring. Capitalize on summer

in all its Michigan glory. Enjoy the tapestry of color and mild temperatures that come with autumn.

As a year-round playground, Michigan might even make you forget that the fundamental reason for gathering is, well, work. Here’s a seasonal sampler of spots to check out.

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SPRING

Spring is a busy time for meetings and convent ion s i n Det roit , says Mega n Griffith at Visit Detroit. Sprawling Huntington Place, in particular, is a draw for large conventions, trade shows, and conferences. The Suburban Collection Showplace in nearby Novi hosts public expositions, trade shows, a nd association a nd corporate conferences. April, notably, brings daffodils— more than 2.5 million bulbs have been planted around the city. “That’s nice to see on your wa lk around and exploring,” Griffith says.

Detroit’s arts and culture scene is a big attraction.

Griffith suggests touring the Detroit Institute of Arts or taking in local street art and murals. She also recommends attractions that highlight Detroit’s automotive culture, such as The Henry Ford museum and Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site. The Motown Museum with its Hitsville U.S.A. original recording studio also offers facility rentals to groups. Many visitors explore Detroit’s vibrant jazz scene, with Griffith citing Cliff Bell’s and Willis Show Bar among venues with live music.

Those who like to get out and walk or bike should head to the river, where the 3.5mile Detroit Riverwalk has been named “Best River wa lk in America” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards three years running.

Grand Rapids sees more state-based groups scheduling events during the spring, says Kate Lieto, Experience Grand Rapids’ associate vice president of marketing. “It’s pretty steady in terms of meetings bookings year-round,” she says. “A lot of national conventions are during the summer and fall probably due to weather and people flying in and travel, so I think the state business kind of fits in nicely [in the spring] when that’s not a factor.”

I n G r a n d R a p i d s , D eVo s P l a c e downtown tends to be at the center of the action with its mix of exhibition and meeting space. While it’s surrounded by hotels (many also with event areas of their own), restaurants, and shops, other nearby attractions include the John Ball Zoo, which reopens for the season in late March and is available for private group rentals after normal operating hours. Nearby Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts its annual Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit in March and April.

Spring also means tulips—over 5 million come into bloom in Holland, about 30 minutes from Grand Rapids. Another seasonal attraction is the minor league West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team, which launches its season in the spring.

“They have group outings, and you can rent different areas and pavilions if you want to do a baseball game as a group,” Lieto says.

In Michigan’s capital city, spring signals the start of a lot of things, including Lansing Lugnuts baseball, where Jackson

Field is available for off-site and afterhours networking events, according to Choose Lansing Convention Services & Events Manager Jenn Morden. Michigan State University in East Lansing could be the poster child for the best of spring with flowering trees and greenery and tours at the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden.

Hanna Hurst, director of sales and marketing for the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown, suggests meeting-goers check out the nearby Lansing Shuff le, a shuffleboard and social club with a variety of food court restaurants.

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Amie Lucas, Gaylord Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bay Pointe, Jacqueline Southby Photography, Michelle and Chris Gerard, Nick Irwin for Experience Grand Rapids

Clockwise from far left: Spring blooms on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing; Hikers in Gaylord; Bay Pointe in Shelbyville; Fireside cocktails at Crooked River Lodge in Alanson; Drinks at the Willis Show Bar in Detroit; Tulips in downtown Grand Rapids

SUMMER

Michigan shines in the summer. Marlee Meads, marketing manager at Bay Pointe in Shelbyville, says weekdays are prime for groups, with meeting space for 10 to 300 participants. Located on the shores of Gun Lake between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Bay Pointe makes the most of summer with outdoor barbecues and teambuilding activities, including yard games at the waterfront. One company recently brought in a small barge to conduct a presentation. “They used the state park public access and our docks to do this weeklong demonstration,” Meads says. Some people go fishing on their breaks. Several other area hotels provide lodging in addition to Bay Pointe’s 38 hotel rooms, 18 cottages, and a historic boathouse home that sleeps 15 family-style, and the Gun Lake Casino is in nearby Wayland.

Golf resorts are big summer destinations for meetings, with Treetops Resort and its five championship golf courses among them. It’s one of 17 properties in the Gaylord Golf Mecca area. General Manager Barry Owens says summer gatherings are typically a combination of business and pleasure. “They’ll do some meeting time, and they’ll do some recreation and leisure. …

We see that both from the corporation level and also the association level,” Owens says.

Like Treetops, Otsego Resort is another destination with golf, dining, valley views, a large outdoor pool, and more. Sojourn Lakeside Resort on the shore of Dixon Lake can be reserved in its entirety.

Christy Walcott at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau recommends renting kayaks, paddleboards, pontoons, or fishing boats to enjoy nearby Otsego Lake. She also suggests Sturgeon River Paddlesports for rafting. Not far away, the 116,000-acre Pigeon River Country State Forest offers trails for hiking and mountain biking, rivers and lakes for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, elk viewing, and horseback riding.

Summer meeting-goers at Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites in Alanson can access complimentary paddleboats and kayaks and explore nature trails. Petoskey is just to the south, offering shopping, restaurants, an area wine trail, Odawa Casino, and Great Lakes Center for the

Arts hosting live performances with rental availability as well. Mary Chris Hotchkiss at the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau recommends summer cruises on the Little Traverse Bay Ferry and Harbor Princess and says Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City is a treat for the senses.

Mack inac Isla nd is heaven during the summertime—especially for groups staying overnight and experiencing the island at a calmer pace after day tourists have departed. Multiple properties offer lodging and meeting spaces, including the iconic Grand Hotel, The Inn at Stonecliffe, Mission Point Resort, Island House Hotel, and Murray Hotel.

Steph Castelein, event and content manager for the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, says planners can organize activities like kayaking, bicycling, and walking tours. Other draws include carriage rides, an art studio at Watercolor Cafe, and private group charters with Sip n’ Sail Cruises.

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FALL

In Southwest Michigan, fall is just an extension of summer—only with slightly cooler temperatures. Marcy Simpson, executive director of the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, says several properties serve groups, including all-inclusive The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph and Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor/ St. Joseph and Courtyard by Marriott Benton Harbor St. Joseph. Multiple eclectic venues range from contemporary ballrooms and halls to performance spaces and farm settings. Simpson says those planning autumn events might consider Clockwise from above left: Fall biking near Traverse City; Exploring Bear Cave in Buchanan; Foliage at Peat’s Cider Social, a cidery with bowling; Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor; The patio at Left Foot Charley winery in Traverse City Eden Springs Park and its miniature train rides; and Lake Michigan Vintners for its tasting room and meeting space. Multiple wineries operate nearby as well.

Jamie Furbush at the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau says midweek in the fall is a great time to convene. Two big fall festivals—Frankenmuth Auto Fest and Oktoberfest—provide entertainment opportunities for conferencegoers, she says. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat can accommodate up to 150. She also recommends Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm, a historic agricultural destination that accepts group outings.

In the Traverse City area, wineries come into their own in autumn with harvest under way and many offering breathtaking views of fall color. Sarah Bernard, director of meeting services at Traverse City Tourism, says many give tours and advises, “Put on your f lannel or sweater, and sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine. It’s great.”

It’s also an ideal time for “anything outdoors,” she adds. “Really, the appeal to be here in the fall is to be outside, so you’re hiking or biking or wandering around downtown through the shops.”

Those traveling to the Upper Peninsula’s Keweenaw Peninsula will want to get out and explore autumn views from the scenic Brockway Mountain Drive at Copper Harbor. Other attractions include copper mine tours and the historic sites in the Keweenaw National Historic Park and Fort Wilkins, says John Mueller at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.

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Clockwise from far left: Snowboarders riding the ski lift at Shanty Creek Resort near Bellaire; Guests enjoy a surrey ride at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville; Skiers at The Homestead in Glen Arbor

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Traverse City Tourism, Josh Nowicki, Jess Whipple, Crystal Mountain, The Homestead, Traverse City Tourism, Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

WINTER

Many ski resorts provide facilities and activities for meetings and events year-round. Come winter, they’re in their element.

Judy Booth, vice president of sales for Boyne Resorts, notes that in winter, resorts themselves are the playground. Guests at properties like Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls and Boyne Highlands near Harbor Springs can enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snow biking in addition to skiing and tubing.

At Boyne Mountain, event participants can also take advantage of the Avalanche Bay indoor water park, which she notes is 82 degrees year-round. The Highlands has a lighted trail through the woods that leads to a yurt, s’mores, a bar, and a fire pit.

“It’s something that’s unique,” Booth says. “You’re coming into a resort and getting a plethora of resort activities you wouldn’t be able to get in an urban destination.”

It’s similar at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, where in addition to skiing, ice skating, and other seasonal pursuits, winter groups enjoy booking services like massages in the award-winning Crystal Spa, says Brittney Primeau, director of communications.

And when guests want to venture out, there’s a lot to choose from.

“Crystal Mountain is the perfect basecamp to work and play for those who want to explore the area,” she notes, suggesting visits to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and nearby Lake

Michigan towns. She also recommends Iron Fish, Michigan’s first field-to-glass distillery, which is a few miles away and offers workshops that include curated whiskey tastings.

Robert A. Kuras, owner of The Homestead in Glen Arbor, says winter provides an opportunity for participants to devote part of their stay to the slopes and cross-country ski trails. The Homestead features several restaurants as well as multiple winter activities. “It’s pretty fun in the winter to have two big fires and the fireplace going,” Kuras says.

Shanty Creek Resort Marketing Director Lindsey Southwell also suggests winter is ideal for gathering at the resort near Bellaire. Some groups come and bring their families to enjoy skiing, tubing, and even winter rafting on the Jordan River. She notes,“A good chunk of the time the ski slopes are open at night, so you can meet all day and still go skiing afterward.”

In the Upper Peninsula, Marquette is brimming with winter activities for meeting attendees. The area offers fat tire biking, skiing at Marquette Mountain, and snowmobiling throughout the region. Visitors should also check out Travel Marquette’s Winter Adventure Pass that rewards attendees with prizes for visiting local trails, attractions, or recreation complexes. discoverkalamazoo.com

swmichigan.org

experiencegr.com

travelmarquette.com

frankenmuth.org

traversecity.com

gaylordmichigan.net

villageofalanson.com

lansing.org

visitdetroit.com

mackinacisland.org

visitkeweenaw.com

petoskeyarea.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

WOW IS WAITING FOR YOU 2 3 1 -3 3 4 -2 0 0 0 | s l e e p i n g b e a r d u n e s . c o m

T

The lifestyle is that of a small town. The pace of life is slower.

There is time to marvel at the natural beauty of the dunes, river, and lake. There’s also time to commune with nature and to learn before, during, and after meeting. Together, the setting and pace give rise to more meaningful, purposeful experiences—the kind of experiences that create lasting impressions and genuine bonds.

At the resort, guests will find facilities that look, outside and in, like they belong on the shore of a great lake inside a national park. They’re designed to blend in, not to stand out.

They’re clad with rough- and smooth-sawn cedar and stained with nature’s colors. Around them are winding walks, ponds, streams, and native plants.

Inside, the facilities were designed to be beautiful yet functional. The colors are soft, and the furnishings are comfortable.

The decor is by local artists depicting local scenes. There are rooms with capacities ranging from eight to 150. Some have indoor and outdoor breakout areas. All have up-to-date technology.

Like the setting and pace, the facilities and policies combine to give rise to more meaningful, purposeful experiences—the kind of experiences that create lasting impressions and genuine teams—and the “wow” that’s waiting for you.

PHOTO Sleeping Bear Dunes

wo stunningly beautiful bays join to form Sleeping Bear Point, 450 feet above a beach listed in National Geographic’s “21 Best Beaches in the World.” It is a place that’s both tranquil and powerful, creating experiences that leave lasting impressions.

Around the point are 70,000 acres of preserved land and 65 miles of protected shoreline, composing the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Those wishing to exercise while visiting the lakeshore will find 100 miles of hiking and biking trails. Those looking to learn can visit the National Park Service’s Philip A. Hart Visitor Center or historic sites like the Point Betsie lighthouse.

By the lakeshore is a town small enough to be charming, yet large enough to house a nearly 100-year-old resort community with meeting facilities, a spa, a salon, a fitness center, restaurants, and a range of gracious accommodations. It is a community with 1 mile of frontage on Sleeping Bear Bay and several more miles along the banks of the Crystal River.

It is in this setting where uniquely productive meetings are common. They are unique not only because they’re being hosted in an area chosen by the viewers of Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America,” but also because of the lifestyle in the area and facilities at the resort.

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Exactly where you should meet. And stay.

PHOTO Sleeping Bear Dunes

Discover a delightful place productive meetings. Where?

Inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The place chosen as the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by the viewers of Good Morning America.

Meet at The Homestead in rooms that are as comfortable as they are beautiful.

Enjoy the fun and food. Relax in a small hotel, inn, or lodge.

Discover delightful, delightfully free of crowds.

thehomesteadresort.com | Glen Arbor, Michigan | sleepingbeardunes.com

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BENDING

THE

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I

t’s a quandary meeting and event planners face now more than ever. Budgets have stayed mostly static as expenses have taken off at the speed of light and attendee expectations have reached a new stratosphere. We connected with planners, suppliers, destinations, and people holding major association leadership positions to get their take on the situation.

It frequently boils down to the purpose of the meeting or event. “If the focus is growing a client base, bending the budget can help create a fantastic environment for making strong connections,” suggests Amber Allen, CPCE, director of food and beverage for Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona, and president of the National Association of Catering & Events board of directors.

“If the meeting is focused on training and professional development, it can be stripped down and less over the top, but it’s still important to look at the objectives. By bending the budget a little and creating an interactive break or team-building event, you can present information in a fun and fresh way that attendees will remember,” she says.

“When it comes to events, there are certain aspects that are worth bending the budget for in order to create memorable and impactful experiences. It’s harder than ever to compete for attendee attention, so spend money on things that will capture your audience’s attention and keep them truly engaged,” adds Mike Mahaffey, executive vice president of show and event services at Inspire, a Dallas-based company specializing in audiovisual, staging, and production.

As the director of destination services for Visit Frisco in Texas, Lisa Bethea absolutely sees clients splurging on items that enhance the event experience. “This could mean spending a little extra to include transportation, a unique off-site venue, local food and beverage options, or exposure to a once-in-alifetime opportunity,” she says.

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THE BIG PICTURE Budget was the main topic of discussion at Global DMC Partners’ ninth annual Connection conference, held May 18-21 at Atlantis Palm Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. “Budgets have not changed for many companies since 2019, but airfare, food, and beverage have increased [in pricing] by 30-40%,” says Catherine Chaulet, CEO of Global DMC Partners.

Fortunately, people want more free time and are done with nonstop schedules. “A super busy agenda doesn’t work anymore, and it is cheaper on the budget,” she emphasizes. “For activities, it is important to be selective and choose what fits the budget.”

On the flip side of the budget coin, spending on luggage management and the presence of standby vehicles and staff at the airport can be extremely valuable. “This is not the sexy side, but it is critical to start an event on the right foot,” Chaulet stresses.

“We also are seeing more investment in sustainability and caring for the community by supporting the local economy and people.”

Thinking from the perspective of attendees who are paying for registration and exhibitors and of sponsors who are helping finance a gathering is key to the budgeting balancing act, says Gary Schirmacher, CMP, immediate past chair of the MPI Foundation and senior consultant of talent acquisition for Maritz Global Events, an event experience design company.

For attendees, the days of constantly being shepherded out of the hallways and into sessions, luncheons, and dinners are indeed over. This can have financial benefits, like a reduced number of spea kers to host, shorter receptions without extensive food offerings, and pay-to-play gatherings such as a president’s dinner. He notes, “As planners, we have to give white-space time … people pay for that right.”

Schirmacher says many meeting planners work with little to zero budgeting, resulting in a lack of choice other than to work with the same budget as the previous year when organizing an event—unless they’re able to make a good case to budget an

Where to splurge and make events shine, and when to pull back for financial good sense

BY BETH BUEHLER

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increase in revenue. “Your deal in Seattle last year doesn’t mean you’ll get the same deal in Denver, and planners have to look at what it might cost in 2026 in Chicago.”

Schirmacher suggests looking at “shared economy” possibilities as a solution, meaning multiple groups may have programs at a large property at the same time, and can use the same menus, audiovisual services, and transportation providers to save money.

SUPPLIERS TIPS Christopher Falvey, cofounder and group planning manager for Unique NOLA Tours, works with organizations hosting conferences and industry events in New Orleans, Louisiana. “A planned walking tour of the city is a fairly inexpensive way to get everyone together outside of the event itself to mingle, team build, and make connections in a much more relaxed atmosphere,” he says.

Fa lvey recommends ma king ex tracurricular activities optional to avoid overloading the schedule, but emphasizes the benefits of investing in knowledgeable providers. “With a tour and activity planner, you’re going to get the best of the city. Plus, you’ll still have your attendee audience together, which is the whole point of the event.”

On the production side of a gathering, it can be hard to know how far to go in terms of dollars spent, but few people would deny the impact, especially for larger gatherings. “Investing in show production and creative elements can truly transform an event.

Whether it’s through stunning and over-the-top stage setups,

immersive lighting designs, or engaging multimedia presentations, these elements have the power to captivate attendee attention,” emphasizes Mahaffey from Inspire, the in-house technology partner for over 100 hotels and convention centers.

However, the importance of content quality should not be overshadowed. “Allocating a significant portion of the budget to visual and technical aspects while neglecting to invest in compelling speakers, relevant content, and well-crafted presentations can undermine the overall success of the event. Striking a balance between production values and content quality is crucial,” he says.

FOOD & BEVERAGE INSIGHTS When it comes to bending the bar budget, there are a few items worth prioritizing, says Catarina Tucker, owner of Barnastics Mobile Bartending in Morristown, New Jersey. “Investing in skilled bartenders who can create signature cocktails and engage with guests is essential. Their expertise and charisma can elevate the overall bar experience, leaving a lasting impression on attendees,” she says. “When it comes to drink ingredients, we recommend simple cocktails that utilize only one type of liquor.”

In terms of add-ons, she suggests utilizing the firm’s staff package or booking Barnastics’ Ripples machine to add special touches to top off coffee, beer, and cocktails. “This innovative technology allows us to create customized designs and messages on the foam of each drink, adding a touch of personalization and excitement.”

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Barnastics, MPI/Luis Marti Photography, RMC, Pure Arabia/Global DMC Partners

Clockwise: Unique drink art by Barnastics Mobile Bartending; MPI golf event; An event by RMC; Camel riding at Pure Arabia’s Connection conference in the United Arab Emirates

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Barnastics, MPI/Luis Marti Photography, RMC, Pure Arabia/Global DMC Partners

“It’s harder than ever to compete for attendee attention, so spend money on things that will capture your audience’s attention and keep them truly engaged.”

—MIKE MAHAFFEY, executive vice president of show and event services, Inspire

In terms of elevated food service, it can be as simple as one spectacular item. A seafood tower in the center of the room, a mobile guacamole cart, or an interactive dessert display done tableside are impactful options, suggests Allen.

She also provided a short list of additional considerations, such as spending more on lighting and audiovisual, making linen and chair upgrades, and hiring an experienced planner to facilitate all aspects of a program. “The risk can be going way outside of the budget and the [return on investment] not showing from the event,” she says. “The reward is [that] the client is so blown away by the event that you have gained a client for life.”

ADVICE FROM PLANNERS U.S. Air Conditioning Distributors has hosted several distributor meetings at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. While fixed costs like hotel rooms and food are easier to keep in check, it’s line items like entertainment that can go over budget, says Desiree Navarro, commercial sales administrative assistant.

“This year, I’m considering hiring a big band—1930s-40s era—for our nighttime dinner entertainment. This is not inexpensive, but the experience it gives attendees is second to none,” Navarro says.

The company budgets money for thoughtful touches. “Attendees love the little and the big extras we provide. Whether that’s cabanas at the pool at Pechanga or meals for their families,

this all lends itself to the camaraderie among our engineers, as well as to their retention in the company,” she says.

Colorado-based RMC has offices around the U.S. and specializes in full-service, high-end destination management services in over 30 locations. When a client is faced with budget cuts, Tiffany Lucca, senior operations manager for RMC Coastal Carolina and Georgia, prioritizes elements for the overall program and each individual event.

One solution involves using inventory in RMC’s warehouse that are cost-effective versus larger decor items that can still go a long way in terms of look. “Some examples are a pop of color with pillows, chargers, napkin rings and blankets, which soften the event and bring in an element of design that is better for a budget cut,” says Lucca.

Immersive activities that plug into local culture also are worth the extra spend. For example, if an event is taking place in a coastal location, planners can book activities like oyster shucking or foraging for sea urchins, says Kalyn Bean, vice barnasticsllc.com globaldmcpartners.com president of operations for hotelvalleyho.com RMC. “In mountain destinainspiresolutions.com tions, including a wolf or birds maritzglobalevents.com of prey [viewing] from a local pechanga.com nonprofit organization—even rmcdmc.com at the same time—can leave uniquenola.com attendees speechless.” visitfrisco.com

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I ND U STRY U PDATE Infographic

O

Posh Plates

ne way to reach attendees’ hearts is by appealing to their stomachs. Before you plan menus for your event, you might consider what top chefs believe is hot— and what they think is not. The National Restaurant Association, American Culinary Federation, and Techtronic surveyed some 500 chefs from across the country on what's trendy in food and beverage. The organizations’ report, “What’s Hot 2023 Culinary Forecast,” is full of ideas you can use to add a little pizzaz to event chow.

WHAT’S IN VOGUE? 1. Globally inspired sandwiches 2. Outside-of-the-box handhelds 3. Amazake drinks 5. Balkan foods 6. Raki drinks 7. Automated cooking technology 8. Haupia

(Hawaiian coconut pudding)

9. Huacatay spice 10. Breakfast bowl-plus

Amazake fermented

(e.g., egg-pasta bowls)

WHAT’S FADING? 1. Pickle pizza 2. Breakfast salads 3. Fried lasagna 4. Balsamic cocktails 5. Fruit-flavored coffee 6. Pickled French fries 7. Ranch water 8. Upscale pigs-in-a-blanket 9. Name-brand snacks 10. Crudités platters

Huacatay spice is also called Peruvian black mint and has intense flavors of sweet basil, tarragon, and lime. Make a tea option with it during coffee time or consider putting Adobo Chicken with Huacatay Salsa Verde on the menu.

drinks are made from rice, Koji rice, and water, and have an interesting flavor that can be mixed with lattes and smoothies.

The Japanese consider amazake a superfood, as it boosts immunity, improves digestion, relieves fatigue, and contributes to healthylooking skin and hair.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Adobe/ruslanita, Adobe/Chiristsumo, Adobe/New Africa, Adobe/Yulia Furman

4. Alfajor sweets

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Lunch Leaders

1. Chicken sandwiches 3.0

(e.g., spicy and sweet-hot fusion)

2. Fried chicken sandwiches 3. Flatbread sandwiches/healthy wraps

Dinner Winners

1. Less-expensive meat cuts (chicken thighs, etc.)

2. Cauliflower in place of carbs 3. Family-style meals

Dessert Champions 1. Alternative sweeteners

(maple sugar, coconut sugar, etc.)

2. Revamped classics

(MoonPies, oatmeal cream pies, deconstructed s’mores, etc.)

3. CBD desserts

MoonPies are trendy today, but the s’more-like,

marshmallowy treat was originally developed by the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee in 1917 as a snack for coal miners. MoonPies really took off during World War II, turning up in care packages for soldiers overseas. Today, they can be handed out to meetinggoers during afternoon breaks.

Everyone loves a fried chicken sandwich. Ours is served with a Senegalese sweet and tangy sauce of caramelized onion, slow cooked with Dijon mustard and lemon. It’s a favorite on our lunch and dinner menu, and I have had guests beg me never to pull it off the menu.”

–AMI DIA, chef and co-founder, Le French in Denver, Colorado

Nonalcoholic Crowd-Pleasers

Chic Cocktails

1. Oat, nut, or seed milks

1. Spritzes

2. Unusual cold brews

2. Espresso martinis

3. Seltzers

3. Spicy mixed drinks

Some spicy mixed drinks to consider having bartenders offer attendees include the Pineapple Chile Margarita, Cucumber Wasabi Martini, and the Tequila Cocoa Caliente. A simple addition of Tajín Clásico to the rim of the cocktail glass is also a spicy touch.

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I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

A rendering of the bar at Toscana Kitchen and Wine Market in the AC Hotel

New Hotels Near MSU R

ed Cedar Hotels opened two properties a stone’s throw from Michigan State University (MSU). They include the 139-room Hyatt House Lansing East/University Area, with kitchenettes and dining areas in apartment-like rooms and complimentary breakfast, and the AC Hotel Lansing University Area, a full-service European-inspired Marriott with 156 rooms and 5,000 square feet of function space that can accommodate 250 participants. Dual Director of Sales Corri Harvey says the hotels are fresh builds, part of the Red Cedar Development, which consists of student housing, senior living, restaurants, and retail.

Also on the AC Hotel property, Toscana Kitchen and Wine Market is a Tuscan steakhouse with a self-serve wine wall and a sommelier available to assist patrons, plus charcuterie boards, tasting plates, and an Italian marketplace featuring gourmet ingredients and specialty imported products. AC Lounge offers handcrafted cocktails, local microbrews, and tapas. Guests have walkable access to restaurants, retail, and public park space, plus the Lansing River Trail and MSU campus. hyatt.com |

marriott.com

HISTORIC PAPER MILL REIMAGINED » AN ABANDONED PAPER MILL in Vicksburg, near Kalamazoo, is getting new life. Paper City Development destination, with a brewery and taproom, boutique hotel, meeting spaces, and a museum. Director of Design Rebecca Luong says the 400,000-square-foot main building has been undergoing stabilization and preparation. Vicksburg native Chris Moore, who owns a brewery in Seattle, Washington, saved the property from demolition when he bought it in 2014.

“He leaned on this concept of beer, music, and events,” Luong explains. “In our region … we have this aggregate of wonderful breweries, and why not add to that mix?”

Luong says they launched a wildflower meadow project to help bring the place to life, noting, “The new plantings give us a total of 21 acres of restored habitat.” The public can learn more at the Visitor Center in downtown Vicksburg. vicksburgmill.com

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Concord Hospitality, Paper City Development LLC

envisions The Mill at Vicksburg as a world-class hospitality

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Concord Hospitality, Paper City Development LLC

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I N D U STRY U P DAT E Regional News

Horseshoe pits are installed for the World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament in Lansing; Below: Participants prepare to compete.

When the Pitch Succeeds

» MEGHAN ZIEHMER, executive director of the Lansing Sports Commission, had been bidding to attract the World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament to Lansing since she first started with the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau (now called Choose Lansing) around 2009. The community had been working to attract the event even longer—since 1976. Finally, those efforts paid off, with the tournament coming to the Lansing area this past July. Here, Ziehmer offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to put on a horseshoe tournament with 955 pitchers from 48 states and five countries. coordinated the hotel blocks, provided welcome and visitor information, worked the registration booth and overall provided anything needed for the setup, teardown, and community engagement aspect of the event.

M+E: What did hosting the tournament signify to the community?

MZ: The event produced approximately 3,300 room night stays. This doesn’t include any campgrounds or Airbnb-type rentals.

They embraced their time in the community by eating in our restaurants and exploring our attractions for two solid weeks. The economic impact was tremendous.

M+E: Is it typical for your team to have such an active role in event planning?

MZ: We have found a number of events our region could support, but the organizations didn’t have the resources—they’re already spread too thin. This allows us to be an extension of its staff. Our services allow us to fill a void and boost economic impact to our region at the same time.

PHOTOS Lansing Sports Commission

M+E: What was your organization’s role?

M Z : We partnered with the Michigan Horseshoe Pitchers Association to serve as the host for the event. We submitted an application and received a grant through the State of Michiga n’s La rge Specia l Event Fund. As host, we were responsible for the funding and execution of the event, from setup through tea rdow n, except for handling the registration process.

We secured 25 tons of Kentuck y blue, coordinated the transpor tation of the clay from Kentucky and [a] semitrailer of equipment from the previous year’s host [Monroe, Louisiana], served as the main point of contact with the Lansing Center on all event logistics, secured volunteers, unloaded the trailer, mixed the clay with mor tar mixers we brought in, secured bleachers, set up fencing, assembled the horseshoe pits, [coordinated] the Junior Welcome Reception and Party, and then [c omplet e d] t ea rdow n fol low i n g t he event. We really transformed the exhibit hall into a world tournament [venue] with 58 courts for a total of 116 pits. My team

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9 V E R S AT I L E V E N U E S AROUND WEST MICHIGAN Meetings, Golf Outings, Holiday Parties, Galas & More!

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REDWATER EVENTS

10/19/23 1:02 PM

I N D U STRY U P DAT E Regional News

» SOARING EAGLE Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant is embracing a new “food district” concept. The casino is replacing its in-house buffet with a food court opening midDecember. Restaurants sharing the space include Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy!, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, and Bonanno’s New York Pizza Kitchen. Ruth’s Chris Steak House also recently opened on the property and Soaring Eagle’s own former steakhouse is now Siniikaung Bistro.

With about 70,000 square feet of meeting space and 516 rooms, Soaring Eagle is attractive for conventions and meetings. “We’re listening to our guests and what they want to see here on our property,” says Melinda Coffin, CEO of Soaring Eagle Gaming. “If, in a van full of people, someone wants a piece of pizza [while others want] steak, gambling, [or] swimming—we want to offer something for everybody.” soaringeaglecasino.com

People News Arah Johnson has been named senior vice president of sales and marketing at Crystal Mountain. Joining Crystal in 1996, she has been a key contributor to the resort’s group business, serving as vice president of sales since 2015. Recently appointed to the board of d i rec t ors of t he M ich i ga n S ociet y of A s sociat ion Executives, she also serves as board president for the West Michigan Tourist Association.

Dave Lorenz , vice president of Travel Michi-

gan, was named 2023 State Tourism Director of the Year during the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference held in Savannah, Georgia, in August. U.S. Travel’s National Council of State Tourism Directors votes on the award each year in advance of ESTO, attended by more than 1,000 destination marketing professionals. Joining Travel Michigan 21 years ago, Lorenz became vice president in 2015. In mid-October, Lorenz announced that he plans to retire at the end of this year.

The West Michigan Sports Commission has promoted two staff members. Previously event coordinator, J u l i e S h i e l d s is now director of the State Games. She has a lso served as event coordinator with the National Congress of State Games from 2018 to 2022, and she assisted with the 2019 and 2022 State Games of America. Katy Tigchelaar is now vice president of operations after serving as director of marketing and events. She is a lso vice chair of the Michigan Spor ts Commission and serves on the board of the Sports Events & Tourism Association.

IN MEMORIAM

Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Above: Bonanno’s New York Pizza Kitchen

Dorothy Zehnder, matriarch of the Bavarian Inn Lodge & Restaurant’s Zehnder family, died in July at the age of 101. According to her obituary, she spent more than 85 years working behind the scenes, overseeing business operations, and serving as the face of the inn in the community.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT) Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Bonanno’s New York Pizza Kitchen, Crystal Mountain, Travel Michigan, West Michigan Sports Commission, Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge

SOARING EAGLE ROLLS OUT FOOD DISTRICT

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I N D U STRY U P DAT E Regional News

M

a rk Secchia a nd his dad— the late Michiga n businessman, philanthropist, and U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Peter Secchia—won a Sons of Italy downtown Grand Rapids bocce tournament when he was a kid.

At least, they would tell people they did.

Secchia says they may have actua l ly come in second place.

Regardless, they enjoyed playing the game over the years, and Secchia has long had a business plan to open a bocce facility. It didn’t seem feasible when he and his

family lived in Shanghai, China, for two decades. When he got ready to pull the trigger during the six years they subsequently spent in Silicon Valley, California, COVID-19 came along and put an end to that. But, after returning home to Grand Rapids two years ago, Secchia dug back in and found what he describes as the ideal location for a bocce facility in the former Riverfront Fitness Center four blocks north of downtown.

“Really, the concept is based around nonelectronic activities that are shared

The future location of Silva in Grand Rapids; Above, from left: Silva brings bocce to Grand Rapids; Mark Secchia

socia l experiences, you ca n do while eating and drinking,” Secchia says.

With 50,000 square feet of space, the facility Secchia is naming Silva will include a ground-level parking garage, 50 indoor parking spots, a 20,000-square-foot exhibition banquet center—about which he notes, “We’re trying to get at least 1,500-person capacity”—with its own entrance, a bar and restaurant including outdoor seating, and five bocce courts that are going to be built by “guys we’re flying in from Italy.” It’s all on multiple levels that will give people seated above a chance to view the action below. He estimates the entire project cost at $10 million.

“We will have retail bocce, we will have leagues … or [people can] play with friends, but we’ll only allow people to book about 10 days in advance because we’re really saving it for corporate events,” Secchia explains.

“It turns out Grand Rapids has a need for space for people to have corporate parties of 250 to 350 people. What we’re hoping is we can get corporate events—that groups can do bocce as a team-building thing.”

A stage will be available to cover the courts “so people can turn [the space] into what they want to,” he says. Other activities will include pool, darts, an outdoor putting area, and others to be determined as plans evolve. “We’re really going for entertainment facility rather than bar and restaurant,” Secchia says. He hopes Silva will open in the second half of next year.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Adobe/bradcalkins, Jim Hill Photography, Mark Secchia

Game On for Bocce in Grand Rapids

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Adobe/bradcalkins, Jim Hill Photography, Mark Secchia

Miguel Cancel Carpenter

It’s the people that make the place.

When was the last time you received exceptional service?

It probably stands out, because it is rare. That’s what makes it memorable. Our goal is simple, to be the best convention destination in the world. To do that, you need exceptional people delivering exceptional service in every facet of the organization.

We invite you to see for yourself. HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com

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Meet you in Detroit

TM

10/19/23 1:02 PM

S NAP S HOT S MACVB Educational Conference

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Michigan CVBs Gather in Port Huron The Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) hosted its annual Educational Conference Sept. 17-19 at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron. An opening reception was held at the new Wrigley Hall, a refurbished building with multiple bars, food outlets, an expansive outdoor deck, and event spaces. Key topics focused on artificial intelligence and travel trends, along with other sessions on topics including social media, strategic planning, mission statement development, legal issues, grants, and more. Some 90 CVB leaders, industry professionals, and vendors attended.

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1. Laurie Burger and Marci Fogal 2. Alise Hale and Karen Breckon 3. Julie Pingston and Jane Ghosh 4. Lora Brown and Jamie Furbush 5. Amanda Wilkin, Christie Bierlein, and Dave Scott 6. Amy VanLoon 7. Mary Chris Hotchkiss, Kristy Poore, Larisa Draves, and Sarah Miller 8. Rachel Greiner, Matt Clement, Janet Korn, and Kate Lieto 9. Roxanne Steinhoff and Amari Steward

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To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact kgibbons@greenspring.com.

PHOTOS Kathy Gibbons and Larisa Draves

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Meetings on Lake Huron Michigan's Thumbcoast

Reasons to meet in the Thumbcoast

PHOTOS Kathy Gibbons and Larisa Draves

The VIEWS from the convention center are incredible!

The LOCATION where I-94 & I-69 meet at an international border is a short 50 min. from Detroit, under 2 hours from Lansing, & 2.5 hours from Grand Rapids.

The PERKS are parking, Wi-Fi, a teambuilding scavenger hunt, & three offsite museum attractions. All free!

COMING SOON, a shuttle bus from the convention center to our unique downtown eateries, entertainment, & boutiques.

810-987-8687

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Terra@bluewater.org

Port Huron, Michigan

10/19/23 1:02 PM

PEOPLE PROFI L E Jennifer Miller

Jennifer Miller at The Belt, an artistic and cultural landmark in Detroit

The Big Picture

Jennifer Miller draws on experience and partnerships to promote Metro Detroit

IF

Jennifer Miller learned one thing during an internship she completed while attending Michigan State University in the late 1980s, it was about hospitality jobs that were a good fit—and those that weren’t. Now manager of domestic tourism at Visit Detroit, Miller says being an intern at what was then the Ann Arbor Inn meant working in every department. It was there where she discovered her love of sales and the front desk.

And what about housekeeping? “I did a stint during the [Ann Arbor Street Art Fair] in the laundry and housekeeping departments, and the hard part about that is you’re down in the basement, no windows, in July. It can get very warm down there, and I realized that was not the place for me.”

Kitchen? “The chef at the hotel wasn’t really sure what to do with a 20-year-old who didn’t have any food and beverage experience, and had me make guacamole from scratch for 350 people. That’s a lot of cases of avocados you cut in half and scoop out. To this day, I can’t look at an avocado the same again.”

Still, it gave her a big-picture view of how it all comes together. Miller went on to work as convention services manager and in sales, joining Visit Detroit in 1999. She was the

meetings and events manager before recently assuming her current role promoting Detroit as a destination nationally and around the world.

From her perspective, it shouldn’t be a hard sell. “I think my favorite part [about] my positions over the years is watching the perception of our region change in our clients’ eyes,” she says. “Many clients say they had no idea that Metro Detroit had so much to offer and when they leave, they are now ambassadors for our region.”

Along the way, being able to develop connections across the industry has been key. “Building your network through coworkers you have worked with over the years and at industry chapter meetings like the Michigan Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, the Michigan Society of Association Executives, Michigan’s National Association for Catering & Events, or other industry organizations has really helped me make some lifelong friends. … When something is going haywire, you have a network of people on speed dial who can help you at the last minute,” she says. “Having a great network of partners has been critical.”

PHOTO Marvin Shaouni

BY KATHY GIBBONS

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PHOTO Marvin Shaouni

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MEET where you

PLAY

100,000+ Sq. Ft. Of Meeting Space for Events Big or Small

Request an Island Meeting Guide MACKINACISLAND.ORG

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