Michigan Meetings + Events Fall 2023

With unique lounges, a resort-style spa, signature restaurants, a luxury 400 room hotel and 30,000 square feet of flexible event space, we make the attendee experience GRAND.

your event.

6 Meeting Notes

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

12 Destination Walkable Ann Arbor is home to restaurants, boutiques, and a cultural landscape fueled by the University of Michigan

18 Meet + Eat

Feeding a crowd? Go mobile with Michigan’s plethora of food trucks serving up everything from tacos to tater tots

30 Industry Update

38 Snapshots

ILEA Michigan ‘Connects Up North’ with a day of education and learning at Bay Harbor

40 People Profile

Frankenmuth CVB President and CEO Jamie Furbush knows her community inside and out

Power in Collaboration

» WHEN I ATTENDED the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism earlier this year, it was enlightening to see organizations and individuals across the state win awards that honor their best practices and efforts that have made a lasting impact on the industry.

meetingsmags.com/michigan

PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

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

MANAGING EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

EDITOR KATHY GIBBONS

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 TONYA SUTFIN

I was especially struck by the story behind the Tourism Collaboration award that went to the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC), Greater Lansing Sports Authority, and Visit Muskegon—normally competitors. I followed up to learn more about it from WMSC Director of Marketing and Events Katy Tigchelaar. She says her organization wanted to bid on the 2022 Junior Gold Bowling Championships but didn’t have enough facilities in its service area to accommodate the 4,000 athletes and 10,000 hotel room nights the 13-day event would require. Learning that it wasn’t unusual for participants to drive an hour or so to reach bowling centers, the team at WMSC reached out to Lansing and Muskegon and formed a nontraditional partnership with the other two groups.

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It was the first time WMSC had tried that approach, but it won’t be the last. Tigchelaar says they’re now working with Detroit to potentially attract an event whose leaders say it’s typical to have a couple-hour drive between venues.

Likewise, the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup hockey tournament is coming to Saginaw next year. The Go Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau and Saginaw Spirit junior ice hockey team worked with the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau to design a regionwide plan to stage the tournament. Not only will the event attract thousands of people, but the games will also be broadcast live across Canada.

“To me, the real long-term benefit for us here in Frankenmuth and Saginaw, and here in Michigan, is the exposure we’ll get nationally in Canada,” says Jamie Furbush, president and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. It’s this sort of outside-of-the-box thinking that creates opportunities and results that benefit everyone involved.

ART DIRECTORS MICAH EDEL, TRACI ZELLMANN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER CAROLINE ROYCE

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON

SENIOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR MIKAYLA SNYDER

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

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PHOTO John Robert Williams

LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR LET’S MEET IN ANN ARBOR

Fall colors, worldly restaurants, award-winning golf courses and plenty of outdoor activities make Ann Arbor the perfect place to host your autumn meeting.

Our high-tech meeting spaces are perfect to work in-person while connecting with colleagues around the globe. Enjoy a wide variety of tastefully decorated spaces offering comfortable seating and ample parking, including plenty of EV charging stations. You can also get in and out of Ann Arbor with ease, as the city is less than a half-hour away from Detroit Metro Airport.

Lively patios and a worldly dining scene are calling your name to toast to a job well done. Or you can tee off and seal the deal playing a round or two in the city and its neighboring destinations.

SEE WHY IT’S NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL IN A2. IT’S WAY BETTER. BOOK YOUR NEXT MEETING TODAY.

Honorable Intentions at New Marquette Distillery

» THE 1936-BUILT NORDIC THEATER has been reincarnated as The Honorable Distillery in downtown Marquette. Owners Anne White and Scott Anderson have restored the old cinema’s auditorium to house a production facility where they’re making vodka, gin, bourbon, and rye whiskey. The former lobby has been repurposed as a tasting room where visitors can sample products and enjoy artisan cocktails.

Anderson says the distillery is available for private events that can accommodate up to 120 people between the production and tasting areas. Also included is a tour, tutorial on the production of distilled spirits, and chance to ask questions of the owner and distiller. “We are in the process of renovating the second floor of our facility that will eventually accommodate 50 people,” Anderson says. “That will be our allocated event space. It will be perfect for smaller weddings, office parties, Christmas parties, etc.” Completion is scheduled for this October.

–Kathy Gibbons

thehonorabledistillery.com

GO BRIGHT & BOLD

ecor can affect an attendee’s feelings about an event long before a speaker steps up to the podium—so it’s important to select and display pieces that match the goal and purpose of the gathering as well as emanate a vibe that catches guests’ attention immediately upon arrival.

From lighting and artwork to color schemes and linens, the opportunities are endless for planners to creatively style an event. Effective decor can also create spaces for photo ops that will memorialize the event in a guest’s digital photo archive long after the event concludes, enticing them to snap pictures with colleagues in front of striking arrangements or custom step-and-repeat banners to share on social media. Attendees uploading snapshots to their newsfeeds bring more attention to your brand or company online, making photo-worthy elements a valuable marketing investment.

Consider bold lighting with neon signs—an eye-catching adornment fully customizable for messaging, color, font, size, price point, and more. Websites like Custom Neon and Neon Signs Now take logos, sketches, and artwork and turn them into vibrant LED signs that will double as perfect backdrops for photos—as well as add a bit of mood lighting in the sign color you choose whether it’s a hot pink or bright blue.

Moreover, a coordinated color scheme plays into an event’s cohesiveness and can further draw attention, boost participation, and encourage attendees to flash a smile. Dazzling colors that catch the eye and coalesce make the overall feel of a gathering more exciting and provide guests the chance to dress to match the colorway. At its annual Spring Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, the Meeting Professionals International Georgia Chapter arranged a red couch in front of a colorful mural as a photo spot for attendees, and the International Live Events Association Seattle Chapter went with all the colors of the rainbow across its tablescapes and wall decor for its 2023 Pride Extravaganza.

–Amanda Christensen

customneon.com | ileahub.com | mpi.org | neonsignsnow.com

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) The Honorable Distillery, Photosynthesis Studio

MPI Georgia event

Dutch Touch

Old-World heritage meets new-school cool in popular Great Lakes meeting spot

BY WENSDY VON BUSKIRK

Atthe western edge of Michigan on the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, Holland has a vibrant downtown, beautiful scenery, and Dutchinfused history that makes this small town a big destination for meetings and events. “It’s a hidden gem,” says Wendy Link, sales director for the Holland Area Visitors Bureau. “We have great white sandy beaches, where the water actually gets warm, and our downtown is amazing.”

TRANSPORTATION: Fly into Gerald Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids and take a taxi, Uber, or shuttle to your host hotel. Those who drive will find free parking downtown. An Amtrak train station has service to and from Chicago.

VIBE: Holland has an eclectic energy that combines its Dutch heritage with a modern twist, or as Link describes it, “historic, but hip.” Thanks to heated sidewalks, the downtown area is bustling year-round. Its social district means you can grab an adult beverage to go (try the walk-up window at New Holland Brewery). In warmer weather, there’s a definite beach vibe, and with Hope College downtown, there’s a campus aesthetic as well.

HOTELS: Three hotels primarily service meetings and conventions downtown with 250 guest rooms among them: the newly renovated Haworth Hotel (10,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 350 people); the rebranded Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (1,260 square feet for up to 150 attendees); and Courtyard by Marriott Downtown with its 477-square-foot boardroom. “People really want to be downtown and love the walkability,” Link says.

VENUES: Holland Civic Center Place is the hub with 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for up to 2,000 event-goers. Since its $25 million renovation in 2018, it can handle everything from luncheons to expos. Warehouse 6 accommodates up to 200 with an urban, industrial vibe. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant serves up to 400 with a wall of windows overlooking Lake Macatawa. Port 393, which holds up to 200, offers views of the water and downtown, and features a rooftop garden.

RESTAURANTS: You can’t go wrong choosing a place to eat, from fine dining at Butch’s Dry Dock to tapas at Poquito. The area’s rich agricultural roots are reflected at the new Bowerman’s on 8th, which incorporates its farm-grown blueberries into surprising dishes.

Lake-fresh perch sandwiches are a must-try on many menus. For sweets, grab a Dutch pastry from deBoer Bakkerij or hit up the nostalgic Holland Peanut Store for a Nutty Paddle Pop. Microbreweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries are so

popular that the Holland Area Visitors Bureau has a “Handcrafted Passport” you can get stamped around town and turn in for a prize.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: Windmill Island Gardens features beautiful foliage, Dutch architecture, and the last windmill to leave the Netherlands. Group tour the Holland Museum, Nelis’ Dutch Village Theme Park, or De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory.

Each spring the Tulip Time Festival brings 5 million blooms to Veldheer Tulip Gardens, and summer sees street performers and live music. Holland State Park has “Big Red,” Michigan’s mostphotographed lighthouse, paved bike paths, hiking trails, and a dune climb. Charter fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and water sports abound. “Holland is a great draw for meetings,” Link says. “People bring their spouses and families and extend the trip.”

PHOTO Holland Area Visitors Bureau/Sara Cozolino

Veldheer Tulip Gardens

Meet Downtown Holland

Small enough to be charming, yet large enough to house America In Bloom’s “Coolest Downtown,” Holland’s city center serves up three luxury hotels and an eclectic mix of meeting spaces - all within a walkable fourblock radius.

Planners can choose from the Tulyp Hotel with its floor-to-ceiling windows, the Haworth with its blend of Italian design and local history, and the Courtyard with its wrought iron balconies overlooking 8th Street. Or combine all three for a larger event.

Each houses a variety of intriguing meeting spaces right on site. At the top of the Tuylp, Piek Events offers a rooftop patio and stunning views of Holland’s scenic downtown, Lake Macatawa, and a hundreds-year-old windmill. On the campus of Hope College, the Haworth Hotel has 13 meeting spaces, each an inviting gathering place that can accommodate various set-ups and styles. For a smaller group, the 477-square-foot Courtyard Boardroom features an oval high-top table for 15 along with tasty catering.

Beyond the hotels themselves, downtown Holland hosts an additional 15 venues all within an easy walk. Meeting attendees can

stroll along the waterfront to the Celebration Pavilion at Windmill Island Gardens. On 8th Street, the historic Holland Arts Council anchors one end of downtown, and the 55,000 square foot state-of-the-art Holland Civic Center Place the other. Plus, with over 100 bistros, boutiques, and breweries, downtown has many smaller venues in such interesting locales as the Cellar at Butch’s, the muraled 205 Coffee Bar, and Warehouse 6 inside Cento Anni’s woodworking shop.

The skilled staff at the Holland Area Convention + Visitors Bureau knows this amazing downtown inside and out. Let us help craft an extraordinary meeting experience and assist in marketing our small town’s big amenities. We can work with you to secure lodging, entertainment, and transportation between venues if desired. We’re also happy to provide welcome packets and spouse itineraries. Have your team contact the Holland Area CVB team today to begin tailoring a seamless, enjoyable event your attendees will always remember.

Keeping It Fresh—With a Sense of Humor

Q&A ANDREA GENGLER

» ANDREA GENGLER IS CEO OF ROCK EVENTS, a team of professionals that provides event services to Rocket Companies and recently launched as a stand-alone company serving external clients with its venues, available to the public for rentals. For about a dozen years, the group has supported the diverse business needs of the Rocket Cos. organization, with its flagship Rocket Mortgage based in Detroit. Gengler and her team of about 35 are responsible for the creative design and execution of hundreds of internal events and productions each year ranging in size from 35 to 19,000, along with business travel, ticketing, hospitality, and sponsorship agreements for larger events like the Rocket Mortgage Classic. They also manage venues that include OCM16 atop the One Campus Martius Building; The Madison, featuring a multilevel outdoor space; The Icon, set on 18-plus acres along the Detroit River; historic State Savings Bank; The Beacon at One Woodward; and a lowerlevel event space in the Chrysler House Building. They eventually expect to offer planning services to external clients, too. Here, she shares her insights into making events come together while keeping things fresh.

M+E: What do you look for when selecting a venue?

AG: I can tell you what we’re usually not looking for. What we’re usually not looking for are ballroom-type venues. There are times when you might need one of those, but we’re traditionally looking for interesting venues. We tend to really stay city core, so in the Detroit market, we tend to do events in Detroit [and similarly in] Cleveland, and the same in Phoenix. We really want to support the city and support the businesses in that city.

[Other than that] it really depends on what size of an event we’re having and what the goal is. We definitely try to [get the size of the venue right]. I don’t want to be in a venue that holds 300 people for a party of 50 because it lacks energy. And we like character. We love discovering new venues.

M+E: What else is important to you?

AG: We spend a lot of time focusing on the guest experience. I hate when people arrive and can’t figure out where they’re going, or [when you] have a food station where people stand in line then discover they don’t like [that particular] food. We tend to do a lot of signage. It’s always a balance between the ideation and the execution. You can ideate all you want, but if you don’t execute … people aren’t going to remember the topiary rabbit if they couldn’t find the door to walk in or where to pay for their silent auction.

M+E: Any horror stories?

AG: I did an incentive once where the entire group’s flight to Ireland was canceled and we were trapped in Atlanta with no hotel rooms. That was a fun one.

We’ve had a food station catch on fire as we were opening the doors—nobody was injured; we got it put out. But it was a very exciting moment, I’ll tell you that.

You just get used to it. I think the longer you’ve been in the industry, it’s hard to remember the worst nightmare because you’re used to things going sideways all the time—just another exciting day. You have to have a sense of humor, right?

A Rocket Cos. benefit at Huntington Place in Detroit

Exactly where you should meet.

Amazing Ann Arbor

The quintessential college town offers culture, walkability, and charm

BY WENSDY VON BUSKIRK

» THANKS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (U-M), people around the world have heard of Ann Arbor. Yet, part of what makes the city so well-known is also what makes it a popular destination for meetings and events. It’s walkable and full of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and museums. Also culturally diverse, it offers entertainment options for students that translate to team-building opportunities for attendees. And with a deep pool of academics, there are experts in virtually every field to tap into for one-of-a-kind keynote addresses.

“I think primarily we are a great draw because of the University of Michigan,” says Kristy Poore, national sales account executive of Destination Ann Arbor. “The downtown area runs right into campus, so there’s lots of synergy.” According to a visitor profile study by Destination Ann Arbor and Equation Research, 53% of people visiting Ann Arbor have some tie to the university.

And the area is easy to get to. Just 25 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which offers international and direct domestic flights, there’s easy access from major thoroughfares Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 23. Exit the freeways and you’re in “Tree Town,” with beautiful canopies lining Ann Arbor’s neighborhoods, parks, banks of the Huron River, and eclectic downtown streets.

THE HEART OF IT ALL

Many event-goers want walkability to both downtown and “The Diag”—the center of U-M’s campus. The city core features the Graduate Ann Arbor, Bell Tower Hotel, and Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown, although there are multiple other hotels and motels throughout the area.

Near campus, the Graduate has made a business model out of serving college towns with 30-plus hotels around the

PHOTO Adobe/Jacob

Ann Arbor is the fifth-largest city in Michigan and is the county seat for Washtenaw County.

Meet, Stay, Repeat!

Bavarian Inn Lodge

U.S. and England. Each property reflects the culture and charm of the nearby university. The Ann Arbor location’s 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space consists of three main meeting rooms including the Terrace Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 200 people with access to a beautiful outdoor veranda perfect for cocktail receptions. A third-floor boardroom attaches to a hospitality suite that can be stocked with refreshments and works well for casual gatherings. “It’s a great landing space for groups,” says Emily MacIntyre, Graduate Hotels’ area director of sales.

The Bell Tower Hotel, close to Hill Auditorium, is named for U-M’s iconic landmark, with its carillon bells striking the hour and noon concerts ringing out each school day. Family-owned and celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Bell Tower Hotel can accommodate up to 80 in its 9,600-square-foot restaurant space, along with executive meetings, conferences, and trainings for up to 32 people in three boardrooms.

The Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown can host up to 45 for business gatherings and networking, with 2,124 square feet of total event space. The pet-friendly, all-suite hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center, too.

For larger conferences, the Sheraton Ann Arbor and Weber’s Boutique Hotel can be found along the State Street corridor off I-94. Also nearby is The Kensington Hotel, with more than 10,000 square feet of event space and its on-site Rel-Ish restaurant and bar.

A bit farther afield in Ann Arbor’s sister city Ypsilanti is the resort-style Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest. Located on Ford Lake and boasting an 18-hole golf course, the hotel includes 40,000 square feet of meeting space with a ballroom that holds 600 and features an auditorium. Two years ago, the property added the popular Garden Marquis overlooking the water and rolling greenery of the serene surroundings. “There are concrete floors,

Edison light bulb chandeliers, and sliding doors that open to a grassy area with a gazebo and fire pits. It’s very lovely,” Poore says. “It’s a hit with corporate groups and association groups for cocktail reception hours and smaller dinners.”

THE SPORTING LIFE

One word of caution: If you’re planning a visit during football season, book early. U-M Wolverine games attract more than 600,000 people to the city, including ticketholders as well as those who just come to visit, according to a study by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). Capacity at “The Big House” is 107,601, making Michigan Stadium the largest in the U.S. Not just for football, the stadium has hosted soccer games, ice hockey, and even weddings, and it also offers tours.

Other sports venues are located on campus at Concordia University in Ann Arbor and at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Ann Arbor Sports Commission

Executive Director Mike Malach helps sports-related tournaments, fundraisers, and conventions find everything they need for successful events.

For example, the sports commission helped organize 2023’s Hoops for ALS, a fundraising weekend with a dinner reception and golf scramble hosted by former U-M basketball players and staff. In addition, Coaches Site Live hosted its annual conference in Ann Arbor for the second time in 2023. Malach’s staff set up the 500 attendees with hockey skills training at Yost Ice Arena, hotel rooms, restaurant reservations, and gift bags.

OUT AND ABOUT

Destination Ann Arbor can help arrange shuttles and executive motorcoaches for outings. Stops might include the newly opened University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. Host a cocktail reception at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum or catered dinner at the U-M Museum of Art.

Continued on page 17

Meeting area at The Kensington Hotel

Clockwise: Michigan Stadium; Arcade at Best in Games in Ypsilanti; Lobby at the Graduate Ann Arbor

Zingerman’s is a must for any itinerary. What started in 1982 as a scrappy delicatessen has expanded into an empire including Zingerman’s Roadhouse (try the barbecue) and Greyline event space, bakeshop, creamery, coffee-roasting plant, and confectionary. Personalized ZingTrain seminars share the organization’s customer service-oriented recipe for success.

Best in Games is an indoor wonderland with ax throwing, go-karting, selfie miniature golf, laser tag, and arcade games for groups of 30 to 300. Full facility rentals can accommodate up to 1,500. Football bowling at Ypsi’s Fowling Warehouse is also a draw.

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound. Argo Livery offers canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and tube rentals on the Huron River. Hiking trails wind through the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. E-scooter and e-bike rentals make it easy to get around and visit downtown boutiques, bookshops, breweries, and restaurants. The farmers market fills Detroit Street every Saturday.

For private meals, Dixboro Project accommodates up to 125 people in adjoining barns overlooking Fleming Creek and woodlands. Sava’s serves up to 70 with a Mediterranean-inspired Mix and Mingle Menu. “Unlike other college towns, Ann Arbor is unique because it doesn’t really slow down,” Poore says. “It stays busy, and there’s something to do all year-round.”

annarbor.org

Zingerman’s Greyline Event Space

Continued from page 14

Meals Keep on Rolling

Food trucks offer a different twist for feeding the masses

BY KATHY GIBBONS

» SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest hired three food trucks for a state government department meeting. Marriott Conference Service Manager Marie Lenhardt says the vehicles lined up in front of the property’s conference center with seating available on an adjacent patio where attendees could relax and enjoy their meals. Offerings included vegan options, tacos, hot dogs, and fixings.

Patti Ingleson remembers it well. As national sales manager for Destination Ann Arbor, she joined the hotel in brainstorming with the client on how to pull the food truck-supplied meal off. “It was fast, it was outside, and it was for dinner, so it wasn’t like we were in a time crunch,” she says. “They loved it. It was the first event we’ve run there where we had food trucks and, since then,

PHOTOS Lydia and David VanWormer

Brunch Babes Food Truck; Below: Sliders and tater tots from Brunch Babes

edWater Events is the premier choice for event planning in West Michigan. It ensures planners will find a space that fits all criteria and more, impressing your attendees and making the event their most memorable celebration yet. RedWater’s nine versatile venues around Grand Rapids and the lakeshore are loved by golfers and food enthusiasts alike, with exquisite catering, luxury golf course views, beautiful dining rooms, masterful food and drink, and simulated indoor golf options. No matter the reason for the get-together, RedWater provides an atmosphere of close community and class.

RedWater’s passion for creating unique and memorable experiences for meeting-goers is unmatched. The entire team is committed to making event planning simple for attendees. Indoor spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and several other amenities.

Each RedWater Events venue offers a different setting and feel, with multiple room options to complement your event size. Experience the food, service, and ambience that only RedWater Events can provide.

M EETI N GS O N THE SHORES OF M ORE.

You can have the same old meeting. Or you can have a meeting plus access to the great outdoors, winery tours, world-class golf, and a sunset cruise. Welcome to The Petoskey Area, the Land of More.

MEET OUR DESTINATION EXPERT: PETOSKEYA RE A .CO M / M EETI N GS

PHOTOS RedWater Events

they’ve done it again.” The hotel charged a fee to host the trucks, Ingleson notes, “so it wasn’t a loss for them.”

Ingleson also brings in a coffee food truck as part of arrangements for the Iron Workers Annual Instructors Training event. “We bring in Bear Claw Coffee every morning when they’re getting on the bus at 6:30 if they want to grab a coffee or croissant,” Ingleson says.

Kim Taylor, who runs a food truck out of Gaylord in northern Lower Michigan, says it’s common to take his K&J Grill menu of upscale burgers—including a macaroni and cheese version—along with wraps, pretzels, and sides, to business events. Besides offering variety, he says the appeal is that trucks take care of everything: the food, dishes and silverware, setup, teardown—even hauling away the trash. “You don’t have to worry about anything; we’ll take care of all of it,” he says.

Debra Levantrosser, who operates the 100% vegan and gluten-free Shimmy Shack in Livonia, echoes Taylor’s sentiments. “A food truck pulls up, cooks, serves, and leaves.” Lara Kathleen Webster is owner of the Ludington-based Brunch Babes Food Truck, which was a runner-up in Season 10 of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” With a from-scratch menu that includes original items like Great Lakes whitefish tacos in key lime butter, Cuban-loaded tots, chorizo and egg tacos, and fromscratch gourmet doughnuts (strawberry cheesecake and s’mores are among the flavors), spring and fall are Brunch Babes’ busiest seasons for events.

“It creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere,” she says. “The guests are able to choose their meal prepared to order, and so many trucks now are doing amazing, unique food menus that are extremely high quality. It also encourages an outdoor event, which is always well-received for corporate events where many staff work indoors.”

In metro Detroit, longtime event planner Julie Cassens asked her business partner in My Food Truck Event, engineer Robert Georgeff, to design a three-window truck after she found hiring other trucks with one window led to longer lines and wait times than

she wanted. Now 85% of her business is with corporate clients who hire My Food Truck Event to bring its truck with three stations offering gourmet tacos, smoked beef brisket or pulled pork sandwiches, and specialty hot dogs—and sometimes other items. “I can

PHOTO Kelsey Johnson

“It creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The guests are able to choose their meal prepared to order, and so many trucks now are doing amazing, unique food menus that are extremely high quality.”

— LARA KATHLEEN WEBSTER, owner, Brunch Babes Food Truck

A burger from K&J Grill

Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a proud display of nature’s wonders, including stunning foliage and scenic vistas. Renowned as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Marquette not only offers captivating natural beauty but also features a lively and enchanting downtown that charms both residents and visiting groups.

The historic downtown district is a delightful hub of activity, adorned with boutique shops, art galleries, specialty stores, and so much more. Exploring the eclectic streets, groups can indulge in the diverse and delicious culinary scene, with numerous restaurants and breweries promising to delight their taste buds.

Throughout the year, Marquette’s downtown springs to life with an array of events and festivals, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie. From arts festivals to musical performances, the destination promises a hub of activity to create a welcoming atmosphere.

With a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Marquette’s charming streets, unique shops, delightful dining options, and stunning lakeshore make it a destination that leaves a lasting impression on any group that visits.

do 400 meals an hour out of this truck,” says Cassens, who also just added a second truck to keep up with demand.

In nearby Ferndale, Chris Matthews and Tracy Antenucci operate multiple food trucks, including The Mean Weenie. “Corporate and other private events are the backbone of our catering business model. From late March through December, we are out several times per week,” says Matthews, noting that employee and client appreciation events, team-building meetings, corporate picnics, retirement and holiday parties, vendor showcases, and auto industry ride and drive events are its bread and butter.

Lindsay Krause, chief operating officer of Special D Events in Detroit, likes the interactive nature of food trucks along with the fact that they provide options so attendees can choose their favorites. “You get the mall food court vibe, but outside,” she says. Special D has hired food trucks for corporate off-site parties and employee picnics, she says. “From the planning side you must ensure you have enough food trucks because while people love a variety of food to choose from, they do not like long lines,” she says. “One way to mitigate this is to offer catered food for the main course at your event but offer dessert or specialty food trucks to supplement the buffet food.”

For example, Melissa Diem’s Graylingbased The Dessert Wagon food truck specializes in sweets—the decadent kind. Deep-fried versions of cupcakes, brownie bites, cookie dough, and cheesecake are among the options. She says clients typically narrow her menu down to a couple items for private events, allowing attendees to choose from this smaller selection. As Ingleson says, “It’s something different, and people like it.”

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brunchbabesfoodtruck.com

marriott.com

themeanweenie.com

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specialdevents.com

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Kelsey Johnson, Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, Melissa Diem

From above: K&J Grill; Shimmy Shack food truck; The Dessert Wagon

Let us greet you with a complimentary toast of champagne to get your unique stay started. Be sure to enjoy our indoor pool, the largest hotel pool in Ann Arbor, and fitness center!

Whether you need overnight accommodations for a business trip, wedding, family gathering or romantic getaway, our boutique hotel is a refreshing alternative to conventional chain-style offerings. From the minute you contact our warm, friendly staff, you’ll experience the personalized service that only an independently owned hotel can offer.

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EXPLORE THE HEART OF COMMUNITIES ALONG THESE PICTURESQUE DOWNTOWN STREETS

BY KATHY GIBBONS

“You betcha”

The Center for Automotive Research has been holding its annual Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City for 58 years. It’s an opportunity for around 700 leaders and decision-makers, including some from around the nation and world, to gather and examine the challenges and opportunities ahead for the auto industry.

This year, a woman from Taiwan representing one of the conference’s sponsors was planning to attend and contacted MBS organizer Mark Garrison to see if there would be “anything to do” if she brought along her child. Garrison’s response? “You betcha.”

“Those of us who live in Michigan know how great Traverse City is, but we want to make sure people who aren’t from the area can go in and experience the shopping, the restaurants, the nature—just everything that Traverse City does have,” Garrison says. Traverse City happens to have a vibrant downtown with a Main Street aesthetic: shops, coffee bars, eateries, and several hotels—some with outdoor lounges and patios.

That’s also the case for many other communities with memorable Main Streets and the facilities to host and feed large groups.

(CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, Mark Bogarin Photography, Birmingham Shopping District

Bay Harbor area in Petoskey

Patio at 220 Merrill Restaurant

BIRMINGHAM

The Birmingham Shopping District is a major destination and attraction for groups attending events in this metro Detroit community. The walkable downtown is home to The Townsend Hotel and 2021-opened Daxton Hotel—both offering event space and restaurants—along with the Holiday Inn Express. With nearly 300 retailers, it has a diverse assortment of boutiques and national names, restaurants, gift shops, jewelers, art galleries, and antique stores.

“Downtown Birmingham offers endless opportunities for shopping and dining, with a wide range of national and local retailers and restaurants,” says the City of Birmingham & Birmingham Shopping District’s Erika Bassett. “Some downtown restaurants offer late-night options with live music and more … [and] for those who crave relaxation and self-care during their stay, downtown offers many luxurious full-service spas and salons.”

CADILLAC

On the other side of the state, in the Cadillac area 100 miles north of Grand Rapids, Caberfae Peaks can accommodate more than 400 attendees and has 39 guest rooms. Evergreen Resort (formerly McGuire’s) has 117 guest rooms and suites with event space for up to 125. Lake Cadillac Resort is another spot offering lodging (55 rooms) and indoor and outdoor spaces for gatherings, according to Kathy Adair Morin, executive director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. The area has 16 lodging properties with 625 rooms and additional key event spaces like Cadillac Grill at Eldorado Golf Course, Fox Hill Event Center, and The Wexford Civic Arena, she says.

Those attending can venture downtown, where meeting-goers will not only find shopping, restaurants, and other attractions, but also the new Cadillac Commons. A full lakeside block has been transformed into a hub that connects downtown businesses and Lake Cadillac, offering an open-air market area, a performing arts pavilion, and The Plaza with its multiuse, multiseasonal space for public events and gatherings.

CHELSEA

Meeting planners looking to gather in Chelsea, just outside Ann Arbor, can opt for the Comfort Inn with its own Village Conference Center offering space for 250. Or, they can mix it up and book rooms at various hotels and host meetings at venues that include the McKune room at the Chelsea District Library, Ugly Dog Distillery, The Collins Collective with its variety of eclectic spaces, and nearby Robin Hills Farm, among others.

All are in or near downtown Chelsea— also home to the Jeff Daniels-founded Purple Rose Theatre Co.—which Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terris Ahrens sums up with one word: charming.

“There’s a lot of commerce for a town our size while holding on to that classic all-American charm,” Ahrens says. “We have tons of great restaurants, from barbecue to fine dining to our sushi burger fusion place, The Grateful Crow. We have the Chelsea Alehouse Brewery, Ugly Dog Distillery, [and] many others—there are too many to count, honestly. Then as far as shopping, it’s all over the place: gift shops, garden shops, high-end interior design, and so on.”

FRANKENMUTH

Some 100 miles north of Chelsea, Frankenmuth also showcases a lot for meeting planners. Jamie Furbush, president and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, says having a meeting in a downtown area where meeting-goers can get out and explore in their free time has definite appeal. “It’s the stuff outside the meeting room where people’s connections and relationships build,” she says. “So, if you’re just having a drink on a patio or taking in the sights … it’s incredibly valuable time together.”

Frankenmuth’s largest lodging and meeting venues include Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge with its currently expanding water park. Frankenmuth Brewery offers space for social gatherings, as does historic Fischer Hall.

MARQUETTE

In the Upper Peninsula, downtown Marquette offers a walkable host city for events. With the Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Landmark Inn all offering meeting spaces, Marquette also boasts The Northern Center. Travel Marquette CEO Susan

Pierce Lake Golf Course in Chelsea

Estler says it’s the area’s newest event and meeting space, with a 12,000-square-foot ballroom and other flexible venues that include updated technical capabilities.

“Our distillery and breweries in Marquette also provide a great chance to socialize in a casual atmosphere,” she notes. As for shopping, downtown is home to a variety of gift, clothing, and jewelry stores, along with art galleries and other specialty shops lining the streets.

PETOSKEY / HARBOR SPRINGS / BOYNE CITY

While the major full-service resorts in this region of northwestern Lower Michigan 200 miles southeast of Marquette are Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, other larger properties include the Inn at Bay Harbor just west of Petoskey and the Stafford’s Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey. It’s not unusual for event-goers in the area to head to the main streets of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Boyne City—each offering a unique atmosphere with the bonus of being located adjacent to water.

“Petoskey’s historic Gaslight Shopping District is a great downtown full of a lot of

gift shops, bookstores, clothing [shops], great restaurants, and there’s The Back Lot, which is the food truck area,” says Mary Chris Hotchkiss, group sales director for the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. Set on state Route 119, where the Tunnel of Trees scenic drive begins, Harbor Springs is also known for its shops, art galleries, and restaurants. “You’d think of Petoskey and Harbor Springs for summer because both of them are on Little Traverse Bay, but they are really definitely four-season towns,” Hotchkiss says.

Boyne City is at the shoreline of Lake Charlevoix and the Boyne River, with an award-winning Main Street District offering eateries, galleries, shops, and spots to enjoy cocktails, craft beer, and other treats.

SOUTHWESTERN LAKEFRONT

Ranked as one of the best small towns in America by Family Destination Guides, New Buffalo, in southeast Michigan near the Indiana border, has a downtown brimming with shops, restaurants, recreational opportunities, and places to stay. With 415 rooms and suites, Four Winds Casino Resort can also accommodate large groups in its Silver Creek Event Center

with 17,000 square feet of space. The fullservice waterfront Marina Grand Resort features several meeting spaces, including the 1,200-square-foot Siskin Room, and a variety of other locations offer lodging and room for gatherings of all sizes.

The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, in nearby St. Joseph, as well as the Inn at Harbor Shores, both with lodging and meeting spaces, are a short walk to downtown boutiques, bakeries, cafes, wineries, and breweries. Both communities are on the shores of Lake Michigan.

TRAVERSE CITY

As the MBS attendees have found year after year, Traverse City, three hours north of St. Joseph, “is a hot commodity for groups,” says Trevor Tkach, president of Traverse City Tourism. “What we see typically is if a conference or meeting has kind of a night off or night to explore, downtown is the target,” he explains. “There’s such a diversity of opportunity. The food scene is spectacular [with a] variety of flavors and price points. You also have the unique shopping opportunities, from T-shirt shops to high-end boutiques to unique jewelry and sunglass shops.”

Some groups opt for an all-inclusive experience with meetings and lodging concentrated at one property like the Grand Traverse Resort. Others select one spot like the Park Place Hotel or Great Wolf Lodge for headquarters and some meetings, and then spread additional activities to other venues. “There are more opportunities to break out and engage in the local community, in the flavors and experiences that are unique to Traverse City and northern Michigan,” Tkach says.

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cadillacmichigan.com

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Park Place Hotel is a few blocks from West Grand Traverse Bay.

PHOTO Traverse City Tourism

PAINT YOUR MEMORIES AT M1 CONCOURSE

248-326-9999 | m1concourse.com

Animportant milestone was approaching and Frank, the CEO of a successful corporation, wanted to create an extra-special experience to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. The event was not just about the company’s success, but it was also a tribute to the dedicated employees who had been with the company for decades, building lasting memories together.

When considering where to host this momentous occasion, a colleague suggested M1 Concourse, an exclusive event center known for its unique offerings. Intrigued, Frank decided to explore this venue as a potential site for the corporate anniversary celebration.

Upon investigation, he discovered that M1 Concourse’s event center not only provided a stunning space but also allowed cars to enter the party area. Being a car enthusiast

and proud owner of the company’s first ’69 muscle car, Frank thought it would be a fantastic idea to showcase this symbol of the company’s journey at the event.

However, he knew a parked car wouldn’t be enough to elevate the party experience to the next level. Frank wanted to infuse some excitement and thrill into the celebration to make it truly memorable for all attendees.

So, he decided to arrange a track activation with certified professional drivers, giving the guests a chance to experience highspeed rides, symbolizing the company’s fast-paced growth over the years.

For those who preferred to watch rather than participate in the fast-lane adventure, the balcony overlooking the track provided a perfect vantage point to witness the excitement in a safe and comfortable environment.

As he continued planning, Frank thought back to the company’s early days and

wanted to re-create nostalgia for the past. He envisioned a cake similar to the one that had been present at the company’s inception—a three-tiered masterpiece adorned with the company’s colors and logo. Not being a baker himself, Frank sought the assistance of top-notch caterers recommended by the event team at M1 Concourse.

The event space at M1 Concourse became a blank canvas to celebrate the company’s legacy and create new memories. Just like Frank had done 50 years ago, the corporate anniversary event at M1 Concourse allowed everyone to “paint their passion” and cherish the shared experiences that had shaped the company’s successful journey. The celebration became an emblematic tribute to the company’s dedication, growth, and unwavering commitment to creating memories that would last for generations to come.

GAUGING THE MINDSET OF TRAVELERS

Expedia Group released its 2023 Traveler Value Index, which highlights permanent, temporary, and fluctuating traveler values. Last summer, Wakefield Research conducted consumer surveys of 11,000 adults across 11 countries, including the United States. The firm also surveyed 100-plus industry professionals (in each of the same countries), including hotel and vacation rental owners, airline revenue managers, destination marketers, and travel loyalty program managers. Getting an idea of what your potential attendees might value when traveling will offer insight into how to best incentivize your event and itinerary—making the most out of every minute.

The top reasons consumers cite for traveling include:

49% Good for physical and mental health

46% To reunite with friends or family

43% To experience new things

15% To use up travel credits accumulated in the last three years

What is the No. 1 deciding factor consumers cite when booking travel?

Of those who plan to travel in the next 12 months:

32%

76%

The research concludes consumers prefer to book with companies that align with personal values, including:

I NCLUSIO N

70% of consumers will choose a travel option that is more inclusive, even if it is more expensive.

78% of consumers say they have made a travel decision based on marketing they feel represents them.

SUSTA I NAB I L I TY

90% of consumers value sustainable travel options.

50% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable travel options.

The Godfrey Hotel Debuts in Corktown

he new Godfrey Hotel Detroit opened in August in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. General Manager Aaron Black says the Corktown area is experiencing a resurgence in association with Ford’s rehabilitation of the city’s iconic Michigan Central train station building and campus. The Godfrey in Corktown is a new build with seven floors, 227 rooms, Hamilton’s restaurant, an indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge with a retractable glass ceiling and walls, a lobby bar, a 5,100-square-foot ballroom, and two meeting rooms with a combined 1,235 square feet.

“The Godfrey business model of combining upscale, contemporary lodging and exciting food and beverage offerings in memorable neighborhoods is a perfect fit for Corktown,” Black says. “Corktown has a strong identity among Greater Detroit residents who remember the Detroit Tigers playing home games at Tiger Stadium until 1999, and [its] more recent incarnation as a trendy retail/restaurant destination.”

Godfrey’s boutique hotels operate in cities including Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; and Hollywood, California.

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SNOW BIKES COME TO BOYNE MOUNTAIN

» BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT has added guided forest tours in the snow on MoonBikes to its roster of winter activities. “MoonBikes are a hybrid snow vehicle, combining the body of a bike and the power/torque of a snowmobile (although not quite as strong) with a powder ski in front,” says Boyne Mountain Director of Adventure Patrick Patoka. “They are 100% electric, making them a perfect fit for our resort’s environmental sustainability goals.

“The ride experience is very quiet, also,” he continues. “The bikes can travel as fast as 28 miles per hour at a distance of about 35 miles on a full charge.” The resort has 10 MoonBikes in its fleet and says in a press release it’s the first in the Midwest to offer them.

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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, Boyne Mountain Resort

All Eyes on Detroit

» TO SAY DETROIT HAS A FEW THINGS on its plate would be the understatement of the decade. Hospitality and meeting industry professionals gathered earlier this year in Detroit for exactly that reason. With new events on tap—including the NFL Draft, NCAA Sweet 16 Elite (both in 2024), NCAA Final Four (2027), the Detroit Grand Prix returning to downtown Detroit, and annual blockbusters like the North American International Auto Show and the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, not to mention other one-off first-time events on the Detroit docket—they had a lot to talk about.

Lyn Gleasure, senior event sales manager for Rock Events and a member of the committee that organized “Big Events, Big Impact: How Upcoming Events Will Affect Our Industry” at Chroma downtown, says registration sold out almost immediately— interest and demand was that great. The event was jointly sponsored by the National Association for Catering and Events, Detroit Event Council, Meeting Professionals International, and International Live Events Association. The approximately 150 attendees included members as well as other industry professionals.

“It was about the excitement of all the things coming back to Detroit or starting new in Detroit that we haven’t seen in the past,” Gleasure says. “We talked about the NFL Draft and what that will mean to the city, and the Grand Prix moving off Belle Isle into the streets of Detroit, which is much more inclusive of businesses

and the community, and the reimagined auto show moving from January into September and what that means. And, also, the big corporate events, like the [Rock-sponsored] NF [neurofibromatosis] Gala and Rock Mortgage Classic golf tournament.”

Christopher Moyer, senior director of communications at Visit Detroit, says Detroit’s growing hotel sector can only help going forward. “Visit Detroit did a study between 2017 and 2021 where we looked at conventions that told us they would have come to Detroit but ended up not going to Detroit because we couldn’t secure them the downtown hotel room blocks.”

Today, he notes, Detroit has the fifth-highest number of hotel rooms of any U.S. city under planning and development—about 6,000 in the downtown and central business district. “We’ve got about 2,600-2,700 in some stages of being built. That’s everything from [the newly opened] The Godfrey to the convention center hotel, which is in the early planning stages,” Moyer explains. Plans are in the works to build a hotel that connects to the west side of Huntington Place on the former site of Joe Louis Arena.

“It’s not just one event,” Gleasure says. “There are several large things coming … so there’s a focus on continuing this momentum to put Detroit back on the mainstage of where these things take place.”

visitdetroit.com

Moderator Carole Galle with panel discussion participants Andrea Gengler, Bethanie Fisher, Claude Molinari, Michael Montri, and Andrea Trudeau

MUSKEGON COUNTRY CLUB GETS MAKEOVER

uskegon Country Club completed a major renovation in the wake of being purchased by western Michigan’s RedWater Events last year. Director of Event Sales Vanessa Snelgrove-Gould says the company reorganized the restaurant and event spaces and expanded the deck area. “They have several event spaces within that building, but the main ballroom space can accommodate 150,” she says. “It has a cool floor-to-ceiling retractable wall that opens to a private courtyard, and [it] also has a deck area that overlooks Muskegon Lake. It’s a really beautiful setting for corporate meetings.”

A room with windows on three sides overlooks the golf course and is suited to informal meetings, she adds. Two boardrooms are also available, one accommodating 10 and another up to 30. In total, RedWater owns nine event venues. Other properties include Thornapple Pointe and Thousand Oaks in Grand Rapids, Watermark in Cascade, StoneWater in Caledonia, Sunnybrook in Grandville, Ravines in Saugatuck, and Macatawa and Boatwerks on Lake Macatawa in Holland.

“We do a lot of galas, fundraisers, weekday corporate, business after hours— all of the above at Boatwerks,” SnelgroveGould says. “There’s a lot of close hotels in that downtown Holland area, and a lot of those groups like to come out just for the fact that we have the great waterfront views … and right off one of our main event spaces is a courtyard that works great if you’re having a cocktail hour or any sort of networking event.”

muskegoncc.com

People News

Daisy Fleisher has been named director of sales at Crystal Mountain. She previously spent 10 years working at hotels and resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada, and having been on staff at Grand Wailea, a Hilton Waldorf Astoria resort in her home state of Hawaii, prior to that.

Cassy Stone is a new project coordinator with Events North in Traverse City, a full-service corporate meeting and event management agency. She comes to the position with a background in administration and the service industry.

Paige Bodine is the new marketing manager for the West Michigan Tourist Association. She recently graduated from Grand Valley State University, where she earned a degree in advertising and public relations.

RENOVATION AT GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA

» THE ORIGINAL six-story hotel wing at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near Traverse City has undergone its most extensive renovation since opening in 1980. According to Communications Manager Caroline Rizzo, the $10.5 million project encompassed renovations in 242 guest rooms, including junior suites and hospitality suites, bathrooms, hallways, elevators, and corridors.

“Before the hotel renovation, our most recent was a three-year, $3 million total meeting space renovation (2019-21),” Rizzo reports. “The tower guest rooms were last updated in 2015.”

Including the tower, the resort has more than 550 guest rooms and 86,500 square feet of space for events. Additionally, the Beach Club has reopened with its waterfront pool, Fin’s Sandbar offering drinks and snacks, and private beach. “This is such a great amenity for our guests,” Rizzo says. “It is one of the only pools along a beach on Grand Traverse Bay.”

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Cindy Meyers Foley is the new director and CEO at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. She previously served 17 years at the Columbus Museum of Art.

Herb Zeilinger of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau was presented the 2023 Legacy Award at the 2023 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, recognized for a lifetime of service to his community.

Coryn Briggs has been promoted to senior director of marketing for Traverse City Tourism. She has been with the organization for eight years, most recently serving as director of digital marketing and previously working in marketing at Black Star Farms. She holds a master’s degree in recreation and tourism from Michigan State University.

Experience Grand Rapids has named new leaders to its sales and convention services team. Kelsey Helstowski was recently promoted from associate director of sales to director of sales.

Convention Services Manager Brandy Martin is now the director of convention services for Experience Grand Rapids. Both Martin’s and Helstowski’s appointments came after longtime employee Tim Nelson, director of sales and services, announced his retirement.

Experience Grand Rapids also presented Kyle Holst , general manager of Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, with the 2023 Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year award.

LANSING SHUFFLE MIXES IT UP

» THE LANSING Shuffleboard and Social Club is offering an innovative new gathering space on the downtown Lansing riverfront: Lansing Shuffle. Located in the former City Market space in the social district near the Lansing Center and Lugnuts Stadium, it seemed the perfect venue to bring a food hall similar to Happy Life Hospitality’s first venture, Detroit Shipping Co., with its collection of refurbished shipping containers that houses eateries and entertainment.

“We wanted to program not only a great dining experience, but [also] something additional that would truly make the space a destination—not only for local residents, but also for convention-goers and anyone located within reasonable driving distance,” says Courtney Prins, director of events for the club. Lansing Shuffle has five restaurants, with more opening. Two bars are also on-site, with a patio and shuffleboard courts. There’s a lounge that can be booked for private parties and meetings. Programming includes live music, trivia, and gallery exhibits from a rotation of artists.

ILEA Groups Unite

Instead of having separate northern Michigan and Detroit chapters, the two International Live Events Association (ILEA) groups in the state have consolidated into one organization. The announcement was made as part of its “ILEA Connects Up North” day of education with 60 people in attendance at Bay Harbor near Petoskey in late April. The focus was on elevating event skills while connecting (and reconnecting) with event professionals from around the state. Speakers included Tiffanie Rosier on the theme, “Finding Balance in Your Business,” Kevin White on “Refocus—Unlock Your Growth,” and Karen Gordon, whose topic was “Reform—Tools, Tips, and Tricks to Make Your Job Easier.”

1. Karen Gordon 2. Don Mascot

3. Connie Seibt 4. Tiffanie Rosier, Kevin White, and Karen Gordon

5. Julie Gregory 6. Tracy Magoon

7. Taylor Grimaldi, Siena Larson, and Adell Wyler 8. Jenna Koeller and Shelby Thrush 9. Taylor Salomem and Kendra Langham

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

Beyond Heads in Beds

BY KATHY GIBBONS

Jamie Furbush has found her home in Frankenmuth—on all fronts. The president and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) says when she and her husband held their wedding reception at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge in 2001, she got to know the team there pretty well. Through that relationship, she learned of a sales manager position open at the Frankenmuth chamber. Hired in 2002, she went on to become president and CEO in 2008. She and her husband have also made their home in Frankenmuth, which she describes as “an incredible place to live and raise a family.”

“My husband and I really love the community,” she says. “And with what I’m able to do in my role here, I feel a great sense of fulfillment because we can see the positive impact [the chamber/CVB is] having on the community.” Tourism is the largest economic driver for Frankenmuth, Furbush notes, adding that whether large or small, projects and activities that make a difference in the community are what drive her. She watches it all play out from her office window, which looks out over downtown where she can see visitors enjoying Frankenmuth’s restaurants, shops, and attractions.

“To witness those people having those moments is really rewarding,” she says. “When I first got into this industry, I didn’t have a real appreciation for that. I guess I always thought about putting heads in beds, and it’s become so much greater than that— what tourism does for our communities and for each of us individually.”

In addition, Furbush has made it a point to get involved in associations like Meeting Professionals International, Michigan Society of Association Executives, and others. She also serves on the Michigan Travel Commission. “Those connections and relationships are also a big part of why I stay and do what I do, because I love all of the people and partners I’ve met,” she says. “I feel it’s such a collaborative industry. My peers around the state are wonderful—if I get stuck on something, I have a dozen people I can call and [they can] help me figure situations out.”

PHOTO Olivia Schmitt

Jamie Furbush

Jamie Furbush has a deep-rooted appreciation for Frankenmuth and strives to make a difference

100,000+ SQ. FT. of MEETING SPACE for EVENTS BIG OR SMALL