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MIM+E | FALL 2020 / WINTER 2021

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NEW HOTEL ROUNDUP

NEW HOTEL ROUNDUP

Contents

MICHIGAN MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 / WINTER 2021

FEATURE

20

Navigating the New Normal

M+E checks in with local planners to see how they’re handling constant change and what they think about the coming year. By Megan Gosch

IN EVERY ISSUE

16 DESTINATION A new convention center opening in the spring creates new possibilities for Muskegon. By Lauren Pahmeier

32 PROFILE As Larry Alexander preps for retirement, he reflects on his career of records and results. By Megan Gosch

MEETING NOTES

6 CVB SPOTLIGHT The Pure Michigan Pledge brought together Michigan’s business, hospitality, and tourism communities.

6 PLANNER’S POCKET DICTIONARY Three new certifications have helped planners handle this year’s challenges.

8 VENUE REPORT The Guardian Builiding lives up to its label as a National Historic Landmark.

12 MEETING MUNCHIES The large uptick in outdoor events has launched the Andiamo Food Truck’s sales to new heights.

14 NEW HOTEL ROUNDUP Three brand-new hotels across the state are welcome news during a season of closures.

The Tick of the clock: The fan favorite and Standby detroit classic is a flavorful cocktail, easily made from home. pg 7

INDUSTRY UPDATES

26 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local community.

Compiled by Megan Gosch

30 SNAPSHOTS A rescheduled date and rain didn’t keep MSAE from a successful afternoon of safe networking.

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL MICHIGAN PLANNERS SHARE HOW THEY ARE LIVING THROUGH HISTORY

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // FALL 2020 WINTER 2021

Building Buzz

DESPITE THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THREE NEW HOTELS OPEN SUCCESSFULLY ACROSS THE STATE {page 14}

ON THE COVER

The Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown offers colorful, innovative gatherring spaces.

Photo by Greg Ceo

Do you love it?

FALL 2020 / WINTER 2021

AMERICA’S RIVIERA Ocean meets mountains in stylish Santa Barbara DINING ON HIGH Take a peek at a winemaker dinner hosted at Meritage Resort & Spa RAISING THE BAR THE NEXT LEVEL OF THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY IS EMERGING WATERSIDE VENUES ALONG LAKES AND RIVERS ARE SCENIC SPOTS FOR GROUPS

HOLIDAYS EXTENDED Plan seasonal office parties into 2018

mi.meetingsmags.com

EDITOR Lauren Pahmeier

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Pahmeier CONTRIBUTING WRITER Megan Gosch COPYEDITOR Sherri Hildebrandt

ART DIRECTOR Traci Zellmann

PRINT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brittni Dye DIGITAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Deidra Anderson PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Alex Kotlarek DIGITAL COORDINATOR Angela Beissel

CIRCULATION MANAGER Katie Ringhand

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Melissa Duffney CREDIT MANAGER April McCauley ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST Melissa Duffney

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES Laurie Burger 586.416.4195 laurieburger@comcast.net

California Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Colorado Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Minnesota Meetings + Events • 612.548.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 Northeast Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Northwest Meetings + Events • 253.732.7133 Texas Meetings + Events • 469.264.7657

Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 800.637.0334 or email reprints@tigeroak.com.

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription, please contact customer service at 800.637.0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com.

Michigan Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // FALL 2017

Entertainment and venue options are limitless in Las Vegas (32) Jackpot!

+MEETING SMA G S.C OM // W INTER 2018

CHANGE DIRECTION Grand County’s beauty and activities chart the course

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // WINTER 2018

CVBs weigh in on trends and how they best support planners (26) STATUS UPDATE

BREAK FOR MINDFULNESS Pushing pause during meetings recharges attendees

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // FA L L 2017

O the Beaten Path

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS STORIES (38)

CREATIVE EXPRESSION Minnesota abounds with artsy venues (47)

FEELS LI KE HOME Find comfort in the little things at these small hotels and inns (28)

SAME BUT DIFFERENT Travel to local cities with familiar names familiar names PLANNERS + VENDORS = ? Pro tips on building and maintaining relationships with vendors relationships with vendors ADVENTURE ABOUNDS Explore the vast wilderness of Ketchikan, Alaska of Ketchikan, Alaska

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // SPRING 2018 $6.00 USA

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS PACK A FLAVORFUL PUNCH PLEASE Veggies,

BLANK CANVAS Art galleries make for inspiring event spaces PLANNERS GONNA PLAN Wear the shoes of 4 di erent industry professionals STAY IN STAMFORD This Connecticut town elicits high praise from meeting-goers

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // SUMMER 2017 $6.00 USA

MOUNTAIN Majesty ELEVATE EVENT EXPERIENCES AT THESE 5 MOUNTAIN RESORTS

MODERNIZED MOTELS MOTOR COURTS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK MOTOR COURTS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK

en keep it coming.

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FOUNDER & CEO R. Craig Bednar CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Susan Isay

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Published semi-annually Michigan Meetings + Events, Fall 2020 © 2020 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A.

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