Michigan Meetings + Events Spring 2024

WE ARE THE NEXT GENERATION OF THOSE WHO BUILT THIS NATION.

Cars wouldn’t be cars.

Music wouldn’t be music.

Culture wouldn’t be culture.

Your world wouldn’t be your world — without us. Join America’s true originals and take your next event to Detroit.

Start planning at VisitDetroit.com

WHEN

WE MOVE, YOU MOVE.

BY JULIE KENDRICK

7

14

54

56

Lakeside view at

Exactly where you should meet.

All Hands on Deck

» BACK IN DECEMBER, Larisa Draves, executive director of the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB), invited me to attend a meeting of the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan (TICOM) in the Lansing area. There were about 40 people there representing destination marketing organizations, venues, attractions, and vendors. It was a great chance to catch up with people I don’t get to see in person very often and also an opportunity to find out more about what TICOM is up to these days. Where to begin?

meetingsmags.com/michigan meetingsmags

I learned about the new Travel Exchange you will read about in this magazine. The Pure Michigan folks are calling it a game-changer for facilitating bookings of international travel groups wanting to come to Michigan, and our state could gain an edge because of this tool.

TICOM also announced it has created a membership category for educational institutions, and they can now join TICOM for a substantial discount. Additionally, National Travel and Tourism Week 2024 was highlighted. It will kick off May 20 at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. Michigan Cares for Tourism will be collaborating that day with industry volunteers from all over Michigan who will turn out for a cleanup event.

Draves reminded the group the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism will run April 9-11 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center. There were presentations from representatives of the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office and Saginaw Valley State University. Michelle Grinnell, senior vice president of marketing at the Michigan Economic Development Corp., offered an update on plans to replace Dave Lorenz, who left his longtime post as Travel Michigan vice president at the end of last year.

There was plenty more, with reports from committee chairs working on everything from a Legislative Day to a spring TICOM fundraiser—all packed into two short hours. This group doesn’t sit still. The event reminded me there’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes to advance the interests of hospitality, meetings and events, and tourism in Michigan—one individual effort at a time.

KATHY GIBBONS

Editor

kgibbons@greenspring.com

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

EDITOR KATHY GIBBONS

MANAGING EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR LINDEN M. BAYLISS

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Jennifer Berkemeier, Huntington Place | David Buckenberger, Choose Lansing | Kim Corcoran, Destination Michigan/Meetings Michigan | Larisa Draves, Michigan Association of Convention & Visitors

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, CAROLINE ROYCE

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON

SENIOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR TONY WAGNER

ADVERTISING COORDINATORS SYDNEY KELL, ELLIANNA RADOVICH

SALES + MARKETING SPECIALIST TAUSHA MARTINSON-BRIGHT

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ARTHUR MORRISSEY

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS + MARKETING MEGHAN GESS

EVENT + OFFICE MANAGER RICK KRUEGER

COMMUNICATIONS + EVENTS COORDINATOR JOSEPH SCHMIDT

MARKETING + EVENTS COORDINATOR JORDYN TAYLOE

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 612-271-5849 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

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. © 2024 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

PHOTO John Robert Williams

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 meeting’s success!

Lansing.org

MORE THAN GOALS Spark

Ignite their enthusiasm. Whether it’s a dynamic executive team, a cohort of ambitious trainees, or a group seeking fresh inspiration, Southwest Michigan recharges and reconnects. Meet where daylight streams in and meals are infused with locally harvested flavors. Then paddle Lake Michigan-bound rivers, shop in resort towns or tour the Napa Valley of the Midwest. Feel energized and refreshed in Southwest Michigan.

MAKE YOUR EVENT BUZZ

A social media campaign for your event is a no-brainer, and there are some easy things you can do to jazz attendees

BY TODD R. BERGER

» PLANNERS CONSIDER IT ESSENTIAL to use social media to promote an event—before, during, and after a gathering. Consistently posting engaging and informative content—plus breaking news from your event— is crucial. Doing things to get attendees, keynoters, and influencers posting about your event will build buzz, create excitement, and keep participants thinking fondly about your gathering long after it concludes.

FOCUS ON THE HASHTAG

Hashtags tie both your content and content by others to your event and enable you to promote it further by making use of what people say. The most effective hashtags highlight your industry, event, and target audience in a fun and simple way. Once you come up with a hashtag, tell everyone about it. It needs to be in all social media posts, marketing materials, email signature lines, the event homepage, the gathering’s app, and prominently on display at the event. A jumbo hashtag at the venue can become a selfie station, such as those made by FrontSigns in Burbank, California. frontsigns.com

FORM RELATIONSHIPS WITH INFLUENCERS

With almost any event topic, there are social media influencers discussing your meeting focus. Social media users are more likely to act on messages through personal recommendations rather than through a brand’s messaging, and a trusted influencer is an extension of the personal. (Keep in mind your keynoters might well be influencers.) A micro-influencer with a small but engaged, passionate following might be best. Research influencers on social media and reach out early, establish a relationship built on trust, and influence them to want to promote your event using your hashtag.

USE SOCIAL WALLS

At the event, it is often challenging for planners to inspire people to post about your event with your hashtag. This is critical—as attendees posting positive things about your event turns them into microinfluencers—and one way to make it fun to post is to have a live social wall at the event that gathers and instantly displays posts with the event’s hashtag to a large video wall. Some programs can turn the aggregated posts into a collaged image about your event. Companies such as CrowdApps create memorable, interactive social walls that excite participants to post. crowdapps.co

Explore Michigan’s Art Coast

Beauty, outdoor activities, dining destinations, and places to meet— Saugatuck and Douglas have it all

» NOSTALGIC CHARM meets modern flair in the art-centric small towns of Saugatuck and Douglas. For decades, these communities—located just 140 miles around the Lake Michigan coastline from Chicago—have welcomed all creative types and proudly promoted themselves as being LGBTQ+ friendly. Nestled between two of Michigan’s five federally recognized American Viticultural Areas, the region also is known for its deep agricultural roots and growing beverage offerings including wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located 45 miles away in Grand Rapids, is the closest transportation hub with service from Detroit, Chicago, and all points beyond.

VIBE: “There is a reason I not only live in but also write about Saugatuck and Douglas: It becomes a part of your soul the first time you visit,” says summer resident and author Wade Rouse. His novels, “The Summer Cottage” and

BY DIANNA STAMPFLER

“The Edge of Summer” (both penned under the pseudonym Viola Shipman), are set here. “The sister towns are known as the Art Coast of Michigan, but I refer to them as a modern-day Mayberry,” Rouse adds. “They are Currier & Ives quaint. The towns are filled with small businesses with big hearts—first-rate art galleries, restaurants, home design and gift shops, not to mention one-of-a-kind attractions.”

HOTELS: Lodging establishments throughout Saugatuck and Douglas range from cozy bed-and-breakfasts and charming inns fit for smaller groups to modern boutique properties and homey cottages ideal for extended stays. The Rosemont Inn in Douglas has been receiving guests since 1901 and is the oldest resort property in the area. Open year-round, it offers 14 guest rooms, a seasonal outdoor heated pool, indoor spa and sauna, access to Lake Michigan beaches, and two private spaces ideal for small meetings, team-building retreats, or gatherings for as many as

30 people. Groups of up to 22 will find The Wickwood Inn within walking distance of eateries, shops, and attractions in downtown Saugatuck. Technology and food packages make planning a gathering easy, with plenty of off-premise activities such as boat charters, art studio tours, and golf. The Belvedere Inn & Restaurant was built in 1912 in the Prairie style popularized by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, with on-site meeting spaces able to accommodate 25 to 40 people. In addition to its 10 elegant guest rooms (three of which are suites), visitors will find a fine-dining restaurant and stunning gardens set on 5 sprawling, manicured acres.

VENUES: A half-dozen unique spaces are available for groups at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, just blocks from downtown. The outdoor multiuse pavilion can accommodate up to 250 seated attendees, while the vibrant and open lobby is suitable for 120 seated or 325 standing. The premier space is the Bertha Krueger

PHOTO Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sunset cruise on the Star of Saugatuck

BREAK OUT OF THE BOARDROOM THIS SPRING

Host your next meeting where fresh air and inspiration come standard. The Petoskey Area has everything you need

for a memorable team trip.

PETOSKEY

Start planning today: PETOSKEYA RE A .CO M/MEETINGS

Reid Theatre, perfect for musical performances, film premiers, presentations, and keynotes for up to 410 people. Consider a trip back to the Roaring ’20s at The Felt Estate, a historic site adjacent to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. This expansive mansion features 25 rooms including a third-floor ballroom. Saugatuck Brewing Co. in Douglas welcomes groups of up to 65 in its Barrel Room, which features 15 beer taps, pinball machines, bumper pool tables, dart boards, and a stage for live music. The brewery’s Brew on Premise program enables groups of six to craft their own beer. Newer to the area is The Ivy, an elegant rural space set on 7 acres for corporate retreats, fundraisers, banquets, or galas. The 7,000-square-foot event space aligns with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines and can host up to 300 attendees. For something totally different, the 80-foot Star of Saugatuck offers an authentic sternwheel paddleboat excursion along the Kalamazoo River and into Lake Michigan, weather permitting. Private charters are available for up to 75 passengers, with access to both the enclosed lower and open-air upper decks. The lower deck is accessible for wheelchairs up to 27 inches wide. Refreshments and bar service are also offered.

RESTAURANTS: There is no shortage of distinctive places to eat and drink in the Saugatuck and Douglas area. Enjoy Southern cuisine at The Southerner, with scenic views of the Kalamazoo River. Experience Saugatuck favorites at The

Butler, a waterfront restaurant that has been serving locals and visitors for more than 60 years. Curb your hunger with the Famous Butler Burger, complete with grilled Black Forest ham and American cheese on a sesame seed bun, with a side of the Butler Clam Chowder. And enjoy it alfresco in season: The Butler’s two-story open-air patio deck seats 250 guests. Make memories at the Coastal Society in downtown Douglas, with its inviting outdoor patio and a selection of pizzas, appetizers, wine, and cocktails. Salt of the Earth in nearby Fennville offers an elevated farm-to-table menu, along with craft cocktails and live local music.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: The Saugatuck Chain Ferry is the only ferry of its kind still operating in the U.S. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it transports thousands of passengers (24 at a time) across the Kalamazoo River for access to Mount Baldhead and Oval Beach—a 100-yard stretch of golden sugar sand that is ranked among the best beaches in the country. Saugatuck Dune Rides offers one of the few experiences in Michigan where you can ride out on undulating dunes. These thrilling 40-minute trips travel near the ghost town of Singapore, known as “Michigan’s Pompeii,” with its abandoned ruins that have been lost to time and buried under the ever-shifting sand. For a more private experience, rent a Duffy electric boat or restored classic fiberglass runabout from Retro Boat Rentals. saugatuck.com

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau/Craig Watson, M1 Concourse, Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau/Rob Walcott

Aerial view of Saugatuck along the Kalamazoo River

Salt of the Earth’s sidewalk patio in Fennville

Get On Track for Gatherings

While M1 Concourse in Pontiac started out as a private garage community with a racetrack, it has grown in scope and reach to become a prime event venue. “What has really transpired over the last few years is we have a real initiative and focus on trying to do public events and raise awareness for what M1 Concourse can do for people,” says Blair Cremeens, director of marketing and communications. What it can do—and has been doing—is provide space for meetings, celebrations, galas, fundraisers, and team-building outings along with staging its own events.

“Our commitment is really turning it into a destination for the public—a place you go to see shows and events,” Cremeens says. “Along with that, a couple of years ago, we created an events center.” M1 can accommodate groups as small as 20 or large as 20,000. “Events using our outdoor areas can get enormous because we’re on 87 1/2 acres,” he notes. Clients not only rent the space, but they can also add on experiences like going out on the racetrack with a professional race car driver.

Now, M1 is breaking ground this spring on its new X Center, which should be fully open next spring. “That’s going to be racing simulators,” he says. “There also will be a restaurant where people can come during the week and have food.”

In addition, they are going to build a second, scaled-down racetrack. “We’re kind of a natural fit for these corporate events, corporate holiday events, corporate meeting space,” Cremeens says. “All of that is a very good fit for us.”

The Inn at Stonecliffe Revived

After two years of renovations, The Inn at Stonecliffe is back and reopening for business on Mackinac Island. Director of Sales Bethany McCann says the mansion, originally built in 1904, received a complete overhaul while preserving the original charm and character of the building, including the fireplaces and stained-glass windows. Its 16 guest rooms were redone and have new bathrooms. The 32-room Summer House next door, first built in 2000, was entirely renovated as well. Also new are three cottages on-site that can accommodate groups in a private home setting with fully equipped kitchens.

Other on-property offerings include a fine-dining restaurant, a casual barbecue pavilion with a wood-fired pizza oven, and an upscale pub concept. For meetings, the new 3,072-square-foot Sunset Pavilion is available.

“We have always been a big wedding property, but we are looking to expand more into meetings, events, and business retreats,” McCann says. Guests will find two pools, a wellness center, and an expansive lakeside lawn with fire pits and classic lawn games, plus a view of the Mackinac Bridge.

“The second pool is an adults-only pool, and there’s a family pool as well,” McCann says. “The wellness center is next to the pool; it’s going to have some steam showers, exercise equipment, and things like that.” The on-property apple orchard has been restored, with beehives, chicken coops, and a garden, all located on-site as well. theinnatstonecliffe.com

FOCUS ON HEALTH

» OVERWHELMED, TIRED, AND STRESSED? Mark Ostach says that can give you tunnel vision: When you can only see what’s right in front of you, you might miss the possibilities all around you.

That was one of his messages at a Meetings Michigan/ Destination Michigan Holland Healthy Planners Experience held last year. Ostach was among a series of presenters who together provided a primer on wellness and why it should be a focus for planners and the events they create.

“Right now, health and wellness are really top of mind because of coming out of COVID-19, how stressed meeting planners and our industry partners have all been,” says Kim Corcoran, Meetings Michigan/Destination Michigan executive director. “They’re stretched thin, trying to do hybrid events, and many new events have been coming onboard. The sales managers can’t keep up. The meeting planners can’t keep up, and a lot of people are going through the same things.”

To start, she says, it’s important to integrate health and wellness into programming—everything from pre-event preparation to meal planning and setting aside spaces where people can relax and regroup. “We also talked about nourishing your mind—having inspiring keynotes that address mental health and resilience and having some creative workshops unlocking innovation through mental well-being,” she adds.

Ostach’s “Planting New Seeds for Future Growth” session concentrated on “how to turn over the soil in your heart and mind to weed out bad habits and negative thinking.” His answers to getting caught up in a cycle of being hopelessly overwhelmed include: setting aside 20 minutes in the morning or evening to “fill yourself up with things that are good and praiseworthy”; practicing “turn-down” techniques to lower the volume in your head—taking a quick walk, stretching, anything to move your body; and meditating.

Kristen Taylor, a longtime meeting planner who is certified in reflexology and operates Energy & Grace in Lansing, was another presenter. Her message was to be mindful of your body’s needs. “By incorporating wellness into events, it’s giving space for other people to kind of take a beat and just be,” she says. “It’s bringing awareness among meeting planners to take best care of themselves and also introduce the concept to attendees.”

RENDERING (ABOVE LEFT) The Inn at Stonecliffe PHOTOS (FROM BELOW LEFT) David R. Randell Photographics, Adobe/New Africa

Lakeside lawn at The Inn at Stonecliffe

UBER VOUCHERS AS A TOOL FOR PLANNERS

» UBER IS OFFERING a flexible and easy way to help meeting planners transport guests to and from events. Uber Vouchers enable planners to send credit for rides directly to meetinggoers’ Uber accounts using an email address or a custom code that attend ees can apply themselves when they’re ready. Recipients then redeem vouchers for rides on the Uber app or for indi vidual meals on the Uber Eats app. If a participant only redeems part of the amount sent, that’s all the planner pays.

“We launched Uber Vouchers in 2019 to help event organizers elevate their guests’ experience by providing reliable transportation to and from venues,” says Ronak Shah, group product man ager at Uber. “In 2020, we launched Vouchers for Uber Eats to help virtual event organizers treat their guests to deliveries while tuning in.”

Shah says the program has been well-received. “Customers love that they only pay for the vouchers that are used and the amount their guests accrued,” he says, noting planners have gotten pretty creative with the way they make use of the vouchers and citing examples of vouchers serving as incentives to join webinars or to thank customers, among others. “We’ve seen a wide range of usage from official con ferences and business-driven events to galas and fundraisers to weddings and birthday parties.” uber.com

Discover Detroit

Urban adventures await in Michigan’s largest city

» THERE’S A REASON Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and Afar listed Detroit as one of the top places in the world to travel this year. From the city’s art and culture to its sports, music, and growing roster of hotels and food venues, there is much for visitors to discover in “The D.”

In naming Detroit one of its Best Places to Go this year, the editors of Condé Nast Traveler noted, “In 2024, Detroit will welcome a host of new hotels, green spaces, and cultural attractions.” Award-winning travel media brand Afar included Detroit in its annual Where to Go list of 25 exciting destinations to visit this year, citing the reimagined Michigan Central train station and recently opened Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown as examples of the city’s growing vitality. Architectural Digest’s 24 Best Places to Travel in 2024 list similarly cited a long string of developments that are “transforming the Motor City and increasing its appeal.”

When BizBash was looking for a spot to host its annual Connect Marketplace in 2022, it chose Detroit. In planning the event that brings 3,000 event suppliers and planners together for networking and education, BizBash looks for cities with easy access to airports, walkability, and hotels. “Detroit really did check all the boxes,” says Michaela Giovannotto, director of brand experiences for BizBash. “It has all the things you need for a great event.”

ABOUT THE MOTOR CITY

Detroit is the biggest city in Michigan and the second largest in the Midwest, with the busiest U.S.-Canada border crossing in the country. It sits on the Detroit River with views of Windsor, Ontario, across the water. The last two decades have brought a whirlwind of reinvestment and revitalization to Detroit that has centralized Detroit Lions (NFL), Tigers (MLB), Pistons (NBA), and Red Wings (NHL) games.

BY WENSDY VON BUSKIRK

Many historic buildings also have undergone overhauls. New retailers, restaurants, residents, and recreational opportunities continue to be attracted to downtown.

In fact, there are so many places to stay, dine, and check out, it can be downright overwhelming. Christopher Moyer, senior director of communications for Visit Detroit, says his organization specializes in matching meetings and events of all sizes with the perfect fit in the city. “Our job is to help bring your event here,” Moyer says. “We’re going to find a way to put the right meeting in the right space.”

GETTING AROUND

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), one of the busiest hubs in the country, offers flights from around the world. From DTW, it’s just 25 minutes to downtown Detroit.

True to its heritage as the Motor City, Detroit’s streets are laid out like the spokes of a wheel. The free QLINE streetcar runs

along Woodward Avenue, connecting downtown with the Midtown, New Center, and North End districts.

The People Mover elevated tram circles 13 stops throughout downtown Detroit, making it easy for meeting-goers to get to and from Huntington Place, the Renaissance Center, Greektown, and other hot spots. Meeting-goers can also hop aboard a Rickshaw Detroit Pedicab, or one of the city’s traveling bicycle pubs, where guests pedal as they partake in team building and brew tasting.

VENUE VARIETY

When it comes to staging meetings and events, Huntington Place is the crown jewel. Home to the iconic North American International Detroit Auto Show, it features 723,000 square feet of exhibit space with easy access, parking, and proximity to downtown. The venue’s Grand River Ballroom alone is the largest banquet and event venue in the state, with an open-air terrace overlooking the skyline.

Also on the Detroit River is Waterview Loft, where groups can customize spaces to suit as many as 450 attendees. For an event to impress, add a team-building cruise on the Infinity-Ovation Yacht. For a newer space, Chroma boasts a cool vibe for up to 300 people with full catering available. “It’s in the artists’ and creative Milwaukee Junction neighborhood with breathtaking views and public art all around,” Moyer says.

Beyond Detroit’s borders, The Henry Ford provides unforgettable settings for up to 4,500 people just 12 miles from downtown. Book events in the museum’s car court or big-screen theater; schedule a daytime picnic or evening buyout of Greenfield Village; or book a Ford Rouge Factory Tour for a glimpse of manufacturing past and present.

About 20 minutes up Woodward Avenue, the Detroit Zoo offers meeting spaces amid animal habitats, from breakfast with

Aerial view of Detroit’s African World Festival held at Hart Plaza near the Renaissance Center; Opposite: The Monarch Club’s rooftop

“I have seen the city go through such a tremendous renaissance—there’s a little something for everybody.”

the butterflies to nocturnal adventures. For larger gatherings, The Suburban Collection Showplace exposition, conference, and banquet center in Novi provides 460,000 square feet to host a variety of functions including public expos, trade shows, corporate and association gatherings, and other events.

–SCOTT STINEBAUGH, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, THE WESTIN BOOK CADILLAC DETROIT

Other less conventional meeting places in the Detroit area include the Gem and Colony theaters, the Detroit Opera House, the Roostertail, Book Tower’s elegant skylit Conservatory Ballroom, and the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.

WHERE TO STAY

Among hotels frequently tapped for business events and conferences are the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center; Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham Hotel; and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown–Fort Shelby. Others well suited

to service the convention center include the Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown; Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown, an IHG Hotel; Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown; The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit; and Detroit Foundation Hotel.

The Westin Book Cadillac just wrapped up a $20 million renovation that included a redesign of its 453 guest rooms, 36,000 square feet of meeting space, and all public areas of the property. Here, the new Sullivan’s Steakhouse can host cocktail hours and small groups of its own.

“I have seen the city go through such a tremendous renaissance,” says Scott Stinebaugh, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “There’s a little something for everybody.” And Detroit’s

casinos—MotorCity, MGM Grand, and Hollywood Casino Greektown—offer a wide array of rooms, meeting spaces, and amenities.

The Godfrey Hotel Detroit in the heart of Corktown has a 5,100-square-foot grand ballroom and the city’s largest rooftop lounge.

OUT & ABOUT

Detroit’s gritty, DIY spirit makes it a great place for attendees to explore. Campus Martius Park, which scored the No. 1 spot in USA Today’s list of Top 10 Best Plublic Squares (2023), is a central hub of activity with ice skating in the winter and an urban beach in the summer. The action will kick into overdrive when the 2024 NFL Draft comes to Detroit April 25-27, with many of the activities centered on Campus Martius and Hart Plaza downtown. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend, as millions more watch from around the world.

Belle Isle and Detroit skyline at dusk

PHOTO Visit Detroit/Charles Falsetti

I

con ic St yle Re imag in ed

Fresh from a $23 million transformation all of our meeting and event spaces have been thoughtfully redesigned to suit any of your event needs from an intimate board meeting to a sophisticated celebration and everything in between. Experience all new guestrooms and suites, dine at Sullivan’s, our brand new Steakhouse and experience everything the city has to o er right at your doorstep. Connect with one of our meeting specialists today at 313-442-1616 or visit westinbookcadillac.com

DESTINATION Detroit

Continued from page 16

The Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History offer formal cultural experiences while murals, sculptures, pop-up concerts, and music festivals yield more laid-back fare. Get attendees outside along the 3-mile Detroit RiverWalk, where they can walk or bike from the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle State Park. Not far away, the graffiti-filled Dequindre Cut greenway is a hidden gem.

When it comes to dining, classic Detroit venues like The Whitney mansion, local favorites like Selden Standard and Slows BBQ, and international enclaves like Mexican Village and Greektown are complemented by exciting new restaurants including Grey Ghost, The Apparatus Room, Mad Nice, and Oak & Reel.

“There has been this great investment in restaurants with high-caliber chefs—James Beard Award-winning chefs; chefs who had Michelin stars in restaurants in Chicago, New York, and other places; and chefs who have come back to Detroit to bring their talents to the Motor City and southeast Michigan,” Moyer says. And if there’s any cuisine the Detroit area does best, he notes, it’s Middle Eastern “because of the more than 100-year history [of immigrants coming to the Detroit area], particularly from Lebanon and Jordan and Syria, and more recently, Yemen.”

Atop the notable Renaissance Center, steak house Highlands Detroit accommodates up to 300 attendees, who can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Moyer also gives a shoutout to nearby Dearborn Meat Market, which he says, “is not fancy, but is just exceptional dining in a no-frills, holein-the-wall type of place.”

With this year ushering in the restoration of Michigan Central Station and the completion of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, there will be an abundance of new things to discover around Detroit well into the future.

The Westin Book Cadillac

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Visit Detroit/Charles Falsetti, The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

ANN ARBOR: WHERE GREAT MINDS MEET AND PLAY

IT’S NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL IN ANN ARBOR.

It’s way better. Not only will you find it filled with high-tech, eco-friendly meeting spaces, but it also offers plenty to do before and after your meeting. Discover why the Ann Arbor area is the top place to meet.

When you touch down at the airport, you’re less than a half-hour car or shuttle ride to downtown Ann Arbor. You can step out and explore walkable and inviting blocks across four distinct districts (Kerrytown, Main Street, South University, and State Street).

After your meeting adjourns, Ann Arbor holds plenty of options for kicking back and filling up. Grab a seat at one of the city’s breweries, bars, or craft cocktail lounges. Ann Arbor’s global dining scene continues to get rave reviews. The city also has several farm-to-table options at its delis, restaurants, and markets.

If you have the energy, then Ann Arbor is serving up the excitement. You can let loose at one of Ann Arbor’s nightclubs, catch a live concert, unwind in a stylish setting at the Blue Llama Jazz Club, or get a taste of the city’s many inspired late-night dining options.

Escape the city and connect with nature on the Border-toBorder Trail, where you will make your way through several inviting communities amid the trees. Tee off and live it up playing a round or two at award-winning golf courses.

When you’re in Ann Arbor for business, it’s reassuring to know that the city is doing its part to eliminate wastefulness and emissions. The city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Create your perfect work trip in the Ann Arbor area

PLAY. MEET. REPEAT. AT

Ann Arbor is the place where teams meet so they can exceed every expectation. Build camaraderie on the golf course, seek out exciting art and toast to a job well done after building deeper connections with your work crew. Shine bright in this bustling town that’s high tech and always low maintenance.

PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING

If

Gather & Graze

you seek a vibrant food scene, look about you for Michigan’s many foodie meccas

BY KATHY GIBBONS

» HOW IMPORTANT IS a vibrant food scene when making a destination attractive to meeting planners? Extremely, say the experts. “Groups always want something to do in the downtime,” says Trevor Tkach, president of Traverse City Tourism. “Sometimes there are spouse groups that have plans and itineraries, so keeping those who aren’t in the meetings busy is always important.

“But also, when the meetings wrap up, being able to let everybody go their own direction and have a good time and taste the flavors they’re interested in—not every destination can offer that all in one spot.”

Across Michigan, though, many do.

NOSH UP NORTH

Take Traverse City, where Chef David Denison opened what has evolved into the fine-dining restaurant Amical in 1994. He has watched as the food scene has exploded to offer new and diverse options. “There’s a big culinary tourism industry here,” Denison says. “People come up to eat. And word gets out.”

Downtown Traverse City “is a powerhouse little corridor that features a variety of cuisines,” says Tkach, noting, “Some groups really want to have those types of opportunities for their participants. They want to know if it’s on their free night, there is a high-quality experience they can take in while they’re in that area.”

Both Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Delamar Traverse City have chefs creating cutting-edge and farm-to-table menus. Delamar rebranded its banquets to “Events by Artisan” to reflect the fact that the food options for group events are of the same level of quality as its fine-dining restaurant. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa also works with groups to customize menus that showcase the culinary staff’s talents.

Farther north in the Upper Peninsula, Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette, says farm-to-table-style menus have also come to the forefront there. “Probably the

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT)

Oak & Reel, Bureau Detroit, San Morello

MEET + EAT Michigan’s Foodie Meccas

Colorful cuisine from Oak & Reel in Detroit

biggest thing is just that with fresh produce especially, they have figured out ways to either purchase or grow it themselves,” she says. Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery, which also draws on farm-fresh ingredients, has a taproom that can accommodate up to 40. The Landmark Inn, which Estler says regularly updates its menu, is a go-to for conferences and corporate functions.

WESTERN FLAVOR

Ask Doug Small what drives Grand Rapids’ robust food scene, and he points to the region’s rich agricultural resources. The president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids and self-described foodie says many of the best local chefs rely on fresh, locally produced ingredients. And every week, it seems, new eateries are not only opening their doors, he says, but “reaching farther.”

Food and wine at Highlands Detroit atop the Renaissance Center; Below: Italian fare from San Morello in Detroit’s Shinola Hotel

“Any destination that doesn’t have a good food scene is lagging behind,” Small says.

The Essence Restaurant Group operates multiple properties around the area and several offer group-dining spaces. One of them, Bistro Bella Vita, features four rooms for private gatherings that can range in size from intimate to up to 120 participants. Lucy’s The Loft also has a private space on its upper level.

In southwest Michigan, an abundance of wonderful chefs drives the food scene in the region covered by the Saugatuck/ Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Executive Director Lisa Mize notes restaurants that can accommodate groups, including Bowdie’s Chophouse, The Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, and The Grill Room at Clearbrook, among others. “Our area—not just Saugatuck and Douglas, but Fennville as well—has been a mecca foodie heaven,” Mize says.

Longtime restaurateur and cookbook author Howard Norris says the nearby Holland and Grand Haven areas are also notable for their chefs and restaurants. Noto’s in Grand Haven is on the water and can accommodate up to 125 people for group dining. Part of The Gilmore Collection, Grand Haven’s The Kirby House offers many banquet spaces. “Some great people are doing great things here,” he says.

SAVOR THE SOUTHEAST

Ari Weinzweig is founder of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, which just might have put Ann Arbor on the path to becoming a foodie destination with the founding of Zingerman’s Deli in 1982.

“Ann Arbor is not only the University of Michigan, but because of the university’s presence, we also have a whole bunch of great businesses involved in high-tech, medical technology, and education that are all based here,” Weinzweig says. “And there’s a thriving creative business ecosystem, too, which fits with food.”

Chad W. Wiebesick of Destination Ann Arbor says the “awesome” food scene is

A Chef’s Take: Making Food the Experience

» MORE AND MORE OFTEN , menus for conferences and other events are likely to reflect the local ingredients and creativity that set a foodie destination apart. Auston Minnich, executive chef at Traverse City’s Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, has been blurring the line between fine-dining restaurant and banquet menus since joining the staff there in 2021.

“I kind of wanted to bring a little different food scene to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, especially in Aerie, our fine-dining establishment,” Minnich says. “I did my research on what’s in town, what’s trending—you always look at your competitors, right? But you also want to respectfully one-up them in what we’re trying to do here as a culinary team.”

For him, that meant looking at what’s available locally in season from regional farms, then taking it up a notch. “Anybody can have a filet, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus, but how do we enhance that? How do we prepare it?” Minnich explains. “My team and I work on how to enhance menu items. … Do we do a puree? A different root vegetable puree? We want to elevate the well-known element of starch and vegetables but make it as great as possible, whether with garnish or sauce.”

The resort does brisk events business given its expansive facilities and capability of hosting groups of up to 2,500, with multiple ballroom spaces and outdoor options. Minnich estimates about 25% of meeting planner clients opt for “something extravagant,” which he enjoys because it meets clients’ wishes while showcasing his staff’s talents. He describes a large group that comes each summer, whose planner “is always wanting something outside of the box.” They sit down months in advance to map out a slate of meals for several days that might include a lobster boil, seafood boil, and prime ribeye. “The bigger clients will focus in on ‘I see your menu, we’re working with budgets, but what else can we do to enhance it for our guests and make it spectacular?’” says Minnich.

Minnich’s goal is to put the resort at the top of the list—for meeting planners as well as tourists and locals—when it comes to the Traverse City area’s burgeoning food scene. “I have tried my best to look at what’s going on—not only the value, but also the best, freshest food possible that we can absolutely do here,” he says. “My goal is to be here a very long time and to make this one of the best culinary spots to eat and stay. … It’s one big production and experience.” grandtraverseresort.com

PHOTO Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Auston Minnich, executive chef at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City

FLINT & GENESEE

“The best conversations, the best interactions, the best parts of meetings are when you get to take a moment and have a longer experience with somebody. And from time immemorial, that happens over food.”

–CHRISTOPHER MOYER, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, VISIT DETROIT

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE)

Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau/Craig Watson, Grand Rapids Downtown Market

composed of cuisines from around the world. “Meeting planners choose locations for a variety of different reasons—not just the quality of the meeting space, but also the vibrancy, arts, culture, shopping, and dining,” Wiebesick says. In nearby Chelsea, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terris Ahrens says Common Grill is top of mind for fine dining. Its private downstairs Grill Room is suitable for business meetings, with a semiprivate South Room that can accommodate larger gatherings.

Port Huron’s food scene has been growing, with about 30 restaurants concentrated downtown alone, according to City of Port Huron Downtown Development Authority Director Natacha Hayden. Offerings range from steak to Mediterranean, pizzas, and Asian cuisines.

Where to begin when it comes to Detroit? Visit Detroit Senior Director of Communications Christopher Moyer says the city is a foodie mecca because of its global cultural cuisine, influx of top chefs, and varying levels from fine dining to the corner diner. Highlands Detroit atop the Renaissance Center offers stunning views for groups of up to 300. Other standouts with some private dining options include Oak & Reel, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Leila, Besa, Parc, San Morello in the Shinola Hotel, and Wright & Co.

“The best conversations, the best interactions, the best parts of meetings are when you get to take a moment and have a longer experience with somebody,” Moyer says. “And from time immemorial, that happens over food.”

Opposite, from above: The Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, Saugatuck; Attendees gather and dine at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

Green From the Get-Go

Sustainable requests for proposal move environmental consciousness for events to the forefront

BY PAMELA DITTMER MCKUEN

» THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS

industry is flourishing. But so, too, are the large carbon footprints often left behind by a hospitality of abundance. In response, planners and organizers are taking steps to green up their gatherings.

Sustainability is a major priority for meeting planners when choosing destinations. Many regularly ask about sustainability in their requests for proposals, and most look for venues that use ethically and locally sourced ingredients and that minimize food waste. Other leading site selection criteria are recycling, energy efficiency, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building certification, and local and long-distance transportation. These requests with an eco-friendly focus are known as “sustainable RFPs,” although the degree of specificity ranges from general to granular.

SHADES OF GREEN

“It is certainly something moved to the forefront of the RFP process,” says Chris Connelly, senior director of sales at Visit Seattle. “It used to be something you didn’t see. Now most organizations are asking about green initiatives, not just from the facilities but also the cities themselves.” Some planners want their events’ carbon

emissions calculated, or even data on emissions per attendee, he adds. Convention centers nationwide are taking notice. For example, a huge draw to Washington’s Emerald City is the downtown Seattle Convention Center. Its Summit building opened in January of last year—nearly doubling overall capacity by adding 573,770 square feet of event space—and was recently awarded LEED Platinum certification. The original Arch building, constructed in the late 1980s, earned LEED Silver certification.

Hotels are also emphasizing sustainability. At the trio of Hiltons in San Diego, California, “meeting planner clients are interested in participating with local sourcing,” says Peter Kane, commercial director for the three hotels. “They ask about our sustainability and to describe our corporate social responsibility, and ask if we have any certifications or credentials.”

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the largest of the three, maintains a rooftop apiary and participates in the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurant program to prevent plastic pollution from entering coastal waters. Globally, Hilton Worldwide’s Meet With Purpose initiative assists planners with impact calculators for carbon, energy, water, and waste; sustainable menus; food donations; and other efforts.

LEFT) Cory Parris, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Serendipity Catering

The garden terrace of the Seattle Convention Center’s Summit building

In San Jose, California, support for sustainability is echoed. “A lot of it is driven by organizations that care … and by younger people who as a whole are more climate aware,” says Matthew Martinucci, vice president of sales and destination services for Visit San Jose. For example, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center earned LEED Silver certification in 2015 and boasts a green-minded food and beverage team.

Location matters in how deeply planners dive into green meetings, and Innisfree Hotels is ready, says director of sustainability Bethanne Edwards. All 24 Innisfree properties are Green Keycertified, a standard of excellence for tourism-related environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. Government entities are the biggest proponents so far, but she expects others to follow. “At this point, it’s lagging in certain markets,” she says. “As more people start to understand the environmental impact of meetings and conferences, they will look for ways to mitigate that.”

CREATIVE CULINARY

An event’s food and beverage component largely contributes to planet detriment by way of types, amounts, sourcing, preparation, and packaging. It’s also the costliest.

An example is GreenBiz Group in Oakland, California, which developed an extensive sustainable food program for its conferences. Last fall, GreenBiz brought in a plant-based chef to train the culinary team of the San Jose McEnery Convention Center to prepare “plant-based food that tastes good and that people actually want to eat,” says GreenBiz Group Senior Conference Coordinator Jessica Coons. GreenBiz also partners with organizations like Greener By Default, to analyze menus for environmental impact, and with Copia, to help with leftover food donations.

Green hospitality doesn’t have to mean cutting corners, adds Michaella Holden, whose company, Lucent Blue Events + Design

in Minneapolis, Minnesota, fosters sustainability without sacrificing luxury. “You can have the best of both worlds,” she says. “You can be thoughtful about how you are producing your event and still have all the little details you want.” She advocates for water stations and reusable glassware instead of single-use bottles, locally grown flowers to reduce shipping and packing costs, signage made from recyclable Falconboard rather than nonbiodegradable foam board, and event swag that is useful rather than gimmicky. An example of purposeful swag includes the giveaways Visit Seattle distributed to a group of 3,000 last year. Those included sourced tote bags sewn from repurposed sailboat sails by the local Refugee Artisan Initiative.

AN EARLY START

It’s important to submit RFPs early for niche requests that are important to your group, including things like donations to a specific charity or inclusion of particular ingredients or precise measurements for dining.

“We can source locally. We can source humane treatment of animals,” says green event specialist Laura Zaspel of Serendipity Catering in Denver, Colorado. “But if you don’t plan properly, the supply might not be there, or you can have a significant amount of waste that could go to the hungry or composting.”

“Remember that sustainability is a journey,” Coons says. “You don’t have to have it all figured out immediately. Pick the easiest things to tackle first and go from there.”

gocopia.com greenbiz.com

greenerbydefault.com greenkey.global hilton.com innisfreehotels.com

lucent.blue sanjose.org

seattleconventioncenter.com serendipityfood.com surfrider.org visitseattle.org

Serendipity Catering sources ingredients locally.

Beekeeping at Hilton San Diego Bayfront

WOW IS WAITING FOR YOU

231-334-2000 |

sleepingbeardunes.com

Two stunningly beautiful bays form Sleeping Bear Point, 450 feet above the beach and on National Geographic’s list of the 21 Best Beaches in the World. Around it are 70,000 acres of preserved land and 65 miles of protected shoreline making up the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Within the lakeshore area 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 on the Crystal River. It was built at far less than the allowable density to be sustainable long before that word was fashionable.

The lifestyle at Glen Arbor is that of a small town, with no traffic jams, and not even a traffic light. The pace is slow, so there is plenty of time to marvel at the beauty, to relax and restore.

Here you will find facilities which look, outside and in, like they belong on the shore of a great lake inside of a national park. Outside, they are sited to minimize impact on natural resources,

and clad with cedar to blend in with the surroundings. Around them are winding walks, ponds, streams, and native plantings. Inside, they are designed to be beautiful, yet functional. The colors are soft, the furnishings comfortable. The decor is by area artists depicting local scenes. There are rooms with capacities ranging from 8 to 150, all with breakout areas and modern technology.

Together, the setting, pace, and facilities give rise to meaningful experiences, the kind that create lasting impressions and genuine teams. And the “wow” that’s waiting for you

Exactly where you should meet. And stay.

Discover a delightful place for uniquely productive meetings. Where?

It’s 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 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.

231.334.5000

Unplug

&Reconnect

Rustic retreats offer business without the ‘as usual’

BY KATHY GIBBONS

Sometimes you just need to unplug. Sure, traditional meetings and conferences that primarily take place in conventional event and hotel spaces with structured schedules that include main events, breakouts, and some extracurricular offerings and outings are productive, but gathering with colleagues in a rustic setting for a more casual, laid-back retreat can also be just what the office doctor ordered, especially when decompression and team building are part of the agenda. Meeting at a spot where participants can stay together on property or nearby and follow a routine that combines business with pleasure in a calming atmosphere also can boost the flow of creative juices that industry professionals need every now and then.

In Michigan, there is no lack of possibility for properties that are suitable for rustic retreats. Those seeking to set up such an event will find interesting sites like former camps that previously served organizations or groups. Renovated historic compounds offer relaxation in settings that range from wooded isolation to lakeside luxury. With 11,000 inland lakes and 19.3 million acres of forest covering 53% of the state, finding a venue where night noise is almost nonexistent and the only light after dark comes from the stars above isn’t difficult.

We have combed the state for venues that lend themselves to just this sort of getaway. Work a little, play a little, rest a little, and reconnect—it’s a package deal when you opt for destinations like these.

SCENIC REFUGES

Some 17 miles east of Ludington, Barothy Lodge in Walhalla is a year-round historic wilderness retreat, with 15 smaller lodge buildings for overnight stays that range from a one-bedroom log cabin to a nine-room lodge that sleeps 21, all but one fronting the Pere Marquette River. Nestled among 300 acres of the Manistee National Forest, it also includes a main lodge that serves as a meeting space with a 1,500-square-foot event hall. Groups can bring in their own food or hire caterers.

Owner Carla Hall says Barothy Lodge has been in demand from organizations including law offices whose teams come and rent multiple lodges, a health care company, sports groups, chambers of commerce, and others who want to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors as a group between meetings. “It is unplugged and wild,” she says. “It’s a wilderness retreat.”

Long functioning as a camp, MMW Retreat in Cassapolis provides space for gatherings on its 51 acres of land with 2,400 feet of frontage on Little Fish Lake. Facilities include a 10,000-square-foot lodge, a dozen new bungalows, and 17 new single-wide trailers that have capacity for 88 overnight guests. There is also a dorm-like space for 50 people.

“We have a large gathering space, which is a very nice deck overlooking Little Fish Lake,” says Mordy Chaimovitz of MMW Retreat. “There’s an event space there in the lodge that holds approximately 250 people—actually more, it depends on how you set it up.” The kosher kitchen is available for use by outside caterers, but Chaimovitz says it’s more typical for caterers to cook off-site and bring the food in. A gym-style pole barn can be used for stage and concert events and is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The venue also has a pool, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields, kayaks, canoes, and a miniature arcade.

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) MMW Retreat, Barothy Lodge

Barothy Lodge in Walhalla offers log-cabin stays; Opposite: Attendees can go canoeing at MMW Retreat in Cassapolis.

AT THE RANCH

The 2,000-acre Western-themed Double JJ Resort set on a private lake in Rothbury offers a variety of lodging options—from rustic cabins and log homes nestled in an area it calls the Back Forty to suites, condos, and a loft hotel that together represent 205 different lodging rooms. There are four private meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 150 off the main entrance. Additional indoor spaces for groups of up to 200 are available. Outdoor events can easily fit up to 400; catering is offered on-site. Those holding meetings at Double JJ can choose from a variety of recreational and team-building activities.

“A lot of people will do trail rides because we have horses,” says Sales Representative Marian Trevino. “We do steak dinner rides where you can ride the horse to a steak dinner site; we cook a steak dinner over an open fire; we have music out there. They can play cornhole or go fishing.”

The 195-acre Ranch Rudolf resort near Traverse City is also a haven for horse lovers and others who want the experience of staying at a Western-themed ranch. Co-owner Melody Hamill says Ranch Rudolf is focusing on hosting groups these days. Besides 14 motel rooms and a bunkhouse that can sleep up to nine people, the ranch boasts a main lodge that can accommodate around 100 for an event. Staff handles food for groups of up to 50; beyond that, Hamill recommends hiring an outside caterer. Besides the rustic interior spaces, a big attraction is right out the window for those wanting team-building activities.

“With the Boardman River, we offer canoeing, kayaking, or inner tubing,” Hamill says. “I have seen tugs of war across the ponds and building cardboard boats and getting them to float.” Ranch Rudolf is also surrounded by miles of trail systems. “It’s like a totally different world,” she says.

REMOTE RETREATS

“Business without the ‘as usual.’” That’s how Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center describes the experience business groups have when they convene for a gathering there. Visitors typically arrive via ferry from DeTour Village. From there, it’s about 12 miles to the resort. Assistant General Manager Jason Smith says the 2,000-acre spread offers 40 lodge rooms, including some that have lofts. Fifteen rental cabins vary in size.

A range of meeting spaces is available, from the Mackinac Room that can accommodate up to 14 boardroom style, to the Annex, which holds 75; Bayside Lodge with room for 100; and The Brooder House that can handle up to 150. Its Pins Bar & Grill boasts the largest bar on the island.

Being open year-round, the venue offers things to do in every season. That would include golf on The Rock, its 400-acre championship course. “It’s one of the prettiest golf courses in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” Smith says.

Operating as a field station supporting research and natural resource education in what was originally a lumbering settlement Henry Ford built in the 1930s, Michigan Technological University’s Ford Center offers full-service conference facilities seasonally. On 3,700 acres across from Lake Plumbago, Ford Center in historic Alberta Village near L’Anse can sleep up to 62 in two-person dorm rooms. Students live there most of the year, with availability for conferences and

Outdoor tented space at Michillinda Lodge in Muskegon County; Below, left to right: Event tablescape at Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center in Drummond; Ranch Rudolf in Traverse City

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Michillinda Lodge, Ranch Rudolf, Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center

There’s no hustle and bustle; there’s no traffic noise. It’s just this quiet space in the valley.”

–JIM TOLAN , manager of operations, Ford Center

meetings generally from November to March. There’s also additional lodging with three short-term rental homes. Kitchen staff provides meals in the cafeteria, and a dedicated meeting room is currently being expanded. “There’s no hustle and bustle; there’s no traffic noise,” says Jim Tolan, manager of operations. “It’s just this quiet space in the valley.”

Originating in the 1800s as a rustic cabin centered on the attraction of the area’s wild elk herd, Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman remains true to its roots. “We still do most of the food prep in front of everybody on the wood cookstove,” says owner Jack Matthias. The lodge has 34 units that are either large suites or two-bedroom/ two-bath. There’s an 18-hole golf course, and big attractions include elk-viewing carriage rides, gourmet dinners, and wine tastings, along with specially scheduled Murder Mystery weekends that can also be staged specifically for visiting groups.

NOT FAR OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Suitable for smaller corporate retreats of up to 24, Hop & Vine Inn is just 10 minutes from Saugatuck. Its dining room doubles as the main meeting area. Food is available through caterers and food trucks, or groups can prepare their own. “We do get groups that want to do their own cooking as kind of a team-building activity—the kitchen winds up being a memorable hangout spot,” says co-owner Amber Eenzink.

There are 15 individual guest rooms, some with multiple bedrooms and each with their own bath. Visitors like to gather around campfire pits and watch for white-tailed deer, and there’s also a pool. “We hear a lot that they want something different than the traditional hotel atmosphere,” Eenzink says.

Surrounded by nature, Michillinda Lodge in Whitehall provides meeting space for about 75 people with a full kitchen and a bar setup, although groups can handle food on their own or bring in a caterer. Tents go up outside, where there are also picnic areas along the shores of Lake Michigan and bonfires for evening gatherings. Michillinda can accommodate up to 115 people overnight, doubled up. Besides onsite activities like volleyball, pickleball, tennis, basketball, horseshoes, disk golf, and shuffleboard, there’s also an outdoor heated pool, and the Muskegon Luge Adventure

There’s a lot to do, and it’s private. You don’t have to share the space with other people.”

–BRIDGET MILLER, events coordinator, Sunset Place

Sports Park is minutes away. Bottom line, Shampo says, is that Michillinda offers a departure from the typical, noting, “It’s a place they can come and unplug.”

Sunset Place is a former Boy Scouts camp between Mason and Dansville, creating the genuine rustic experience with its bunkhouses that accommodate 42 combined with “glamping” (upscale camping) units. The dining hall can accommodate up to 100, with groups bringing in their own catering.

“There’s a lot to do, and it’s private,” says Bridget Miller, Sunset Place events coordinator. “You don’t have to share the space with other people.”

barothylodge.com

doublejj.com

drummondisland.com

hopandvineinn.com

michillindalodge.com

mmwretreat.com

mtu.edu/forest/fordcenter

ranchrudolf.com

sunset-place.com

thunderbayresort.com

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Thunder Bay Resort, Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center

A horse-pulled carriage ride at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman; Right: Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center off the coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

2024

TEE TIME

Golf courses & resorts showcase first-class meeting venues in stunning settings

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

231-534-6000

grandtraverseresort.com

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA is northern Michigan’s premier golf resort destination. Over the years, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Links Magazine have recognized the resort as one of the finest golf destinations in the Midwest. Home to Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear, Gary Player’s The Wolverine, and William Newcomb’s Spruce Run, all three courses start and end at the same clubhouse.

Celebrated as one of the most difficult golf courses in Michigan, The Bear was ranked as the 18th-toughest course in America, according to Golf Digest. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1985, its design features Scottish-terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy roughs, moguls and mounds, and deep pot bunkers. The Bear is a mix of many elements golfers rarely see on one course. The Wolverine, Gary Player’s first signature course in Michigan, is designed to take full advantage of the resort’s richly diverse environment. The design’s flexibility, versatility, and playability with four sets of tees allow the course to be set up to accommodate golfers of all abilities. More forgiving than The Bear, William Newcomb’s Spruce Run is fun to play, winding among rolling hills that surround the hotel and overlook Grand Traverse Bay.

The resort sits on 900 acres and has more than 500 guest rooms, suites, and condos. Golfers and visitors can enjoy ultimate relaxation at Spa Grand Traverse plus a health club, indoor and outdoor pools, and a private beach club. The resort is also home to sixtime Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. Experience “No Truer North” and the ultimate golf getaway at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

PHOTOS Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

RAVINES GOLF CLUB AND REDWATER

269-857-1616 | ravinesgolfclub.com

ARNOLD PALMER’S vision came to life with Ravines Golf Club, an exceptional 18-hole course nestled in Saugatuck. Ravines offers outstanding playing conditions and incredible value, as well as an idyllic event venue for up to 175 attendees. Deemed perfect for championship play by Palmer himself, Ravines showcases stunning surroundings, top-tier service, and the perfect venue for celebrations of every kind.

Hungry after the long day? Head over to Ravines’ sister restaurant, The Butler. This Saugatuck staple in the heart of downtown features delicious cuisine and the best waterfront views in the area from its two-story patio.

Experience excellence in golf, events, and dining! For more information about Ravines, The Butler, and RedWater’s other remarkable establishments throughout West Michigan, visit RedWater.com.

SAVOR, SWING, CELEBRATE RE D WATER

Restaurants

Boatwerks Waterfront

The Butler

Lake Bluff Grille

RedRock Grille

Golf Simulators

LiveGolf Studios at Macatawa & Muskegon

Event Venues

Boatwerks Waterfront

Macatawa Golf Club

Muskegon Country Club

Ravines Golf Club

Experience excellence in dining, golf & events! Visit RedWater.com for more information about RedWater’s establishments throughout West Michigan.

PHOTOS (LEFT TO RIGHT) R edwater (2), Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau

GAYLORD AREA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU

989-732-4000 | gaylordmichigan.net

CENTRALLY LOCATED in the heart of northern Michigan, Gaylord stands out as an ideal destination for meetings and conferences, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is a standout feature. With an array of championship golf courses, these world-class golf facilities let attendees unwind and network on the greens, adding a touch of relaxation to busy agendas.

Gaylord’s hospitality and event infrastructure ensures seamless planning experiences. Gaylord offers accommodations, modern conference facilities, and exceptional dining to meet the needs of any group.

Let Gaylord’s harmonious blend of natural beauty, outstanding golf opportunities, and first-rate event amenities set the stage for a successful and memorable gathering.

DURING

NEXT MEETING, balance work and play at Crystal Mountain, located in the northwest corner of lower Michigan, just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. At this four-season, family-owned resort, you can choose an indoor or outdoor meeting space where natural beauty inspires creativity and productivity. Enjoy the

convenience of on-site lodging, dining, shopping, and other activities, including Crystal’s two championship golf courses, both rated four stars by Golf Digest.

Elevate your team’s synergy with a hike through Michigan Legacy Art Park or find relaxation at Crystal Spa, rated No. 3 in the Midwest by Spas of America. At Crystal Mountain, every meeting becomes a memorable experience.

Meet, Stay, Repeat!

Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference Center

From crafting communications to in-depth post-event analysis, artificial intelligence is changing the face of meetings and events

BY JULIE KENDRICK

Ifyou haven’t yet had a chance to use artificial intelligence (AI) to plan, manage, or review the metrics of a meeting, your fellow planners would probably say, “Come on in, the water’s fine!” While some industry professionals might be hesitant about a new technology that’s being so heavily touted, and while there are clear dos and don’ts for those new to these systems, most of the experts we spoke with are positive and hopeful about the ways these tools can improve and streamline the work people do every day. In fact, according to Stefan Deeran writing in Forbes magazine, this year is “poised to be a breakout year for AI-powered events.”

While the acronym AI is heard all the time, it’s a good idea to clarify what’s usually meant when someone is talking about AI. Specifically, it’s a collection of different automated technologies that can make tasks easier and improve the quality of the way they’re completed. These technologies are very good at discovering patterns, searching data, translating languages, answering questions, and making predictions. And, even better, they can often perform these tasks more quickly and accurately than humans can. When industry professionals consider the types of work done in meeting and event planning, they can probably see what a big impact this technology will have on the industry.

Which Programs to Use And For What purpose

The meetings and events experts we consulted offered some on-target recommendations for ai programs they’re using in all areas of their businesses. Here are just a few:

ChatGPT

This is probably the one that’s most familiar to people. As explained by Heather Seasholtz, vice president of operations at CM Event Solutions in Alexandria, Virginia, “It’s ‘generative’ AI, which means that as people ask it questions or give it information, we’re feeding its database.” That reality comes with a caution, says Seasholtz. “If incorrect information is being added, then you may not receive factual information back. Always check your information.”

Also, she notes, “ChatGPT 3.5 [the free version] is only loaded with information up to January 2022, so information can be dated. This is especially important if you’re asking about destinations and venues that may have changed ownership or closed after that date.” Additional up-and-comers moving into the generative AI space include Bard by Google, Jasper Chat, and Spark. chat.openai.com

Sidebar continued on next page

Continued from previous page

Facial recognition

From registration to security, this tool is fast gaining traction. Top vendors include Amazon Rekognition and Zenus, which use facial recognition to track attendee engagement and analyze demographic groups. aws.amazon.com | zenus.ai

Matchmaking and collaboration

Large-scale conferences can benefit from fast and accurate ways to pair up attendees based on their interests, experience, and goals. Software programs like Grip sift through social networks to provide hyper-refined matches. And when those matches want to interact, tools like collaboration.ai can create preselected groups and assign them to seating, workshops, and interactive free time to brainstorm together. collaboration.ai | grip.events

Platforms

“There are many platforms leading the way in demonstrating how AI can streamline event management and significantly enhance the attendee experience,” says Hwansuk Chris Choi, a professor at the University of Guelph in Canada. “One is Hubilo, which has a matchmaking feature that’s particularly noteworthy. It uses AI to connect attendees based on interests and professional backgrounds, and its realtime data insights help organizers make informed decisions during an event.” Socio Labs is a platform that amplifies events’ reach and impact through social media by monitoring online conversations and identifying key influencers. “This helps organizers engage with the audience more effectively and measure the social media footprint of their events,” Choi says. hubilo.com | socio.events

“In event planning, AI has emerged as a transformative tool, significantly enhancing various aspects of the process,” says Hwansuk Chris Choi, a professor at the University of Guelph’s School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management in Ontario, Canada. This technology allows planners to create meetings and events that are perfectly targeted to the specific needs and goals of attendees. Choi noted that planners are currently using it for a host of frequently cumbersome or time-consuming tasks like writing personalized communications, “matchmaking” like-minded people, selecting collaborative groups, providing instant answers to attendees’ questions, translating languages, conducting return on investment (ROI) analytics, and more.

START NOW AND GO SLOW

“AI is going to change how most of us spend time on the job. It’s better to get your feet wet and at least use the tool daily so you can understand it.”

Recording and transcribing

Many planners have been using Otter.ai for meeting transcription and automatic meeting note generation. Colibri is another tool for recording meetings, displaying real-time transcription, and generating notes. Tools like Supernormal and Beulr can integrate with productivity tools like Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. beulr.com | colibri.ai otter.ai | supernormal.com

If all this discussion of a brave new world of AI is creating a bit of anxiety for planners, this might be the right time to take a deep breath and talk with some peers who are already using it. “Don’t be threatened by AI, which is why I encourage everyone to get onboard now,” says Jan Tolle MacDonald, manager of global accounts at Scottsdale, Arizona-based HelmsBriscoe. “To stay relevant, it never hurts to stay on top of developments that could shape the work we do. As planners, it’s easy to stay focused on the job at hand, but AI is going to change how most of us spend time on the job. It’s better to get your feet wet and at least use the tool daily so you can understand it.”

—Jan Tolle MacDonald, manager of global accounts, HelmsBriscoe

This is still a relatively new technology, however, so meeting planners should proceed with caution. Gretchen Culver, owner and creative director at Rocket Science Events in Minneapolis, Minnesota, notes, “Given where AI is at right now, it’s important not to completely delegate a task. This technology still needs oversight. AI can create some compelling marketing collateral for your clients, but make sure you proofread to ensure it’s on message. Or, use AI to create the first draft and then fine-tune with your insight and knowledge. Don’t go overboard with AI at the event, either. People are still warming up to the idea and aren’t interested in using technology just for technology’s sake.”

Her thoughts are echoed by David Beckett, vice president of business model and performance at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting in Aurora, Ohio, who says, “From smart chatbots for customer service, to lead retrieval intelligence, and for reporting design, AI will have an impact on meetings and events. I think it will be on the operational efficiency front more than the product and sales front. I’m cautious about promises that early adopters and promoters shout about AI, since they tend to be the same people who jumped on cryptocurrency or beacon technologies. We will see more and more use of AI, but you don’t need to get caught up in the shiny object.”

Culver, like many planners, asserts, “AI will transform every facet of event planning and design.” As she puts it, “It’s a rapidly improving and expanding technology, and it shouldn’t be ignored. People are coming into contact with AI in their daily lives, so why should events be any different? I see it as a tool to alleviate pain points in the planning process and during events. Its customer service abilities are a great benefit not just for attendees, but also for planners. The AI customer service tools have gotten so good that it’s hard to believe a human isn’t the one answering your question.”

BECOMING BETTER WRITERS WITH AI

Probably the single biggest use for AI right now is generating original content. MacDonald says she uses ChatGPT every day, and she has even downloaded the app for on-the-go queries and edits. “At a minimum, I use it to review emails, but I also use it to get new ideas or concepts I might have missed otherwise,” she says. “I have also

used it to review contract clauses, and I have been surprised by its accuracy. But, of course, I still need to edit and verify.”

Beckett says that it “can really improve content writing required for session descriptions and titles, to help better connect with the desired audience.” Kastina Morrison, the founder of venue consultant and manager Bigger Picture Solutions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, uses it to help write captions for multiple venue Instagram accounts. “Each venue has a different brand voice, so I ask ChatGPT to provide adjustments in tone.” She finds that it’s been easy to use, noting, “The biggest tip to help in working with it is you have to talk to it like you’re having a conversation. Ask if it can help you with a project and then ask what it needs to help you.”

It’s important to also note that AI can provide good starting points for what you want to write, but those responses require an actual human to review and revise the work they produce. As fast and efficient as these tools are, they’re still no match for the experience and authentic voice of a professional planner.

SUSTAINABILITY SAVVY

Infographic » WHEN IT COMES TO SUSTAINABILITY in events, it can be hard to know where to start. From decor and plastic water bottles to food waste and carbon footprints, meetings and events can have a huge impact on the environment—whether it’s a meeting of 10 or 10,000. According to Feeding America—a nationwide nonprofit network of food banks, food pantries,

and local meal programs working to end hunger—nearly 80 million tons of food are wasted in the U.S. each year, which is equivalent to 149 billion meals. Plastic Oceans International, a global nonprofit working to end plastic pollution, reports that of the more than 380 million tons of plastic produced each year, up to 50% is for single-use purposes. While the numbers might seem intimidating, to the right are just a few ways planners can create more eco-friendly events to help reduce waste and better conserve resources.

380 milliontons ofplastic isproduced annually.

50% of plastic producedannually is s ing leuse.

l ly in t he U.S.

Decor + Production

Avoid single-use or throwaway items like pens or plastic bags for event swag.

Employ sustainable light and energy sources such as LED bulbs and solar power.

Use recyclable event stationery and signage and incorporate reusable decor into your setup.

Invest in flowers and plants native to the region for displays that will both enhance your event space and support local businesses and ecosystems.

Venues + Suppliers

Consider local sites to avoid large amounts of plane or car travel.

Plan environmental group activities like trash pickup or tree planting.

Work with sustainable caterers that prioritize local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly ingredients.

Choose venues and hotels with sustainability certifications and eco-friendly operations.

Food + Drink

Donate excess food to local food banks or pantries.

Compost leftover organic materials.

Provide reusable water bottles for attendees.

Manage portions and preferences using advanced attendee meal selection.

Low Commitment, High Reward

When Michigan’s two International Live Events Association (ILEA) Chapters—one north, one south—decided to merge into a single statewide organization, they wanted new ways to connect. And what better way is there than over coffee?

That’s how ILEA Michigan’s monthly Coffee, Connections & Coworking events came to be. “We decided we wanted to do more that will truly fulfill the need of

providing events and networking throughout the entire state of Michigan,” says ILEA Michigan President Connie Seibt. “We knew we were going to be focusing on the Detroit area as well as Traverse City, because that’s where the majority of our population is. But we wanted to branch out to other cities.”

Now ILEA Michigan is rotating coffee meetups the second Wednesday of each month in Traverse City, the Detroit area,

Ann Arbor, and other locations. The idea is, “How do we reach the state without people having to drive too far?” Seibt explains. Schedules are announced in advance and members attend as they can. Two ILEA Michigan board members are typically there, and the rest falls to whomever has the time. “I love the concept,” Seibt says. “It’s low commitment—come as you please.”

ileadetroit.com

MICHIGAN AN EARLY ADOPTER OF TOURISM EXCHANGE USA

» TRAVEL MICHIGAN IS LAUNCHING A NEW business-to-business portal designed to make it easier for international travel planners to book experiences in Michigan. Tourism Exchange USA is an online global marketplace that enables Pure Michigan’s convention and visitors bureau partners and members to register at no cost. “CVBs help us sign up hotels, attractions, and experiences, so when planners come to the Tourism Exchange, they can say ‘Alright, I want to plan a visit to Michigan—to Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Grand Rapids, for example,’” explains Nick Nerbonne, Travel Michigan’s media, digital, and industry relations director. “They can look at those markets and see what accommodations are available. Are there restaurants that can accommodate groups? Are there museums they want to visit? They can actually book and plan everything right within the exchange.”

A landing page serves as the gateway to explain how the program works and links to the exchange website. “This landing page on michigan.org, which is kind of the entryway, will have the appropriate links for suppliers to sign up to get started,” Nerbonne says.

Michigan is among the first states to adopt the program, which is sponsored by Brand USA. Travel Michigan offered webinars to introduce the program. michigan.org

Left to right: Emily Bosh Garner, Connie Seibt, Elise Luddy, and Katie Alexander of ILEA Michigan at Cahoots Cafe in Ann Arbor

Beer City Booth Wins Big ESTLER HELMS MACVB IN 2024

Travel Marquette CEO Sus an Estler will lead the Michigan Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) as president this year. The organization is comprised of 51 member convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) around Michigan. Through MACVB, these CVBs and their staff members are committed to collectively advocating for Michigan’s travel industry while providing leadership to members through education and communication.

Other officers appointed for 2024 include Janet Korn of Experience Grand Rapids as vice president, Brad Barnett of Visit Keweenaw as secretary, and Julie Pingston of Choose Lansing as treasurer. Directors-at-large include Bob Lukens of Muskegon County, Jen Sistrunk of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Trevor Tkach of Traverse City Tourism.

“We are excited to move into this new year working alongside our partners in hospitality and tourism to positively impact our state’s travel industry,” Estler says in a prepared statement. “Our board of directors at MACVB looks forward to advocating for you, working to create helpful policies, and implementing innovative ways to support communities throughout Michigan.” visitmichigan.org

» WHEN THE EXPERIENCE GRAND RAPIDS convention sales team takes its show on the road to trade shows, it brings along an authentic piece of the Beer City USA it represents. Composed of Experience Grand Rapids, DeVos Place Convention Center, and AHC Hospitality staff, the team’s most recent booth win was first place and Best in Show at the 2023 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.

Grand Rapids has garnered multiple accolades as a beer destination for more than a decade, and Experience Grand Rapids has helped build the brand, which has its own logo. Called the Grand Rapids Taphouse, the booth is set up to not only look like a brewery complete with local tap handles but also offer tastings to those who stop in. Besides team staff who attend, the cofounder and president of Grand Rapids’ Founders Brewing Co. is typically there to serve and discuss craft beer.

Experience Grand Rapids’ Vice President of Sales and Services Mary Manier says she and Director of Events Andie Newcomer have worked together on the project, selecting Indiana-based Wise Owl Productions to design the booth after a request for proposal process.

Currently 10-by-30 feet in size, the booth is adaptable to other sizes and themes. “We bring the same part of the booth to the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA),” Manier says. “At RCMA, it’s not a taphouse—it’s a coffeehouse, and we serve local coffee.”

The Grand Rapids Taphouse (or other iterations of it) is traveling to five shows this year: RCMA, IMEX America, Connect Marketplace, ASAE, and U.S. Travel’s IPW. Manier says it’s key to overall convention marketing efforts. “It’s not only about what the booth looks like, but also about how we work with our partners and our own team, being energetic and welcoming. As people go by and look at our booth, we say, ‘Hey would you like to try a beer?’” Manier says. “We have had planners come up and say, ‘I never would have thought about Grand Rapids, so tell me a little bit more.’

“When you walk in our booth, you could be walking into several different breweries in Grand Rapids, so it’s a true, genuine feeling,” she continues. It’s so authentic, in fact, that some forget it’s not the real thing. Newcomer describes how some 2023 ASAE attendees brought food, sat down at one of the booth’s tables, got a beer, opened their laptops, and stayed. “They leave, we clean it up just like a wait staff,” she says. “And we go, ‘OK, who’s next?’” experiencegr.com

Supporting Accessibility

Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) around the state applied for grants that will help them promote and educate potential visitors about accessibility. Last August, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved $1 million in U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration funds to help DMOs develop fully accessible websites to meet the needs of those who are visually and hearing impaired. All 16 applicants who applied received grant awards in late January.

The project—along with accessibility in general—has had a strong push from recently retired Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz. With DMO budgets already tight, Lorenz says procuring special funding for accessibility promotion is key. “I have said a million times, if we’re not doing all we can to be welcoming to all including the disabled traveler, we’re not being welcoming to all,” he says. Grants will help some of the state’s DMO partners enhance their websites so they can be easily navigated by those who are blind and hearing impaired. Others could impose assessments to enhance Americans with Disabilities Act compliance at certain locations.

Choose Lansing has already done a lot of work with its website but still applied for a grant that President and CEO Julie Pingston says would help enhance accessibility among some local attractions and hotels by creating opportunities for audits. Choose Lansing checked with its partners before applying for the grant. “They’re excited to have the audit done,” she says. “Anything to be more welcoming.” michiganbusiness.org

TICOM NAMES 2024 LEADERSHIP

» THE TOURISM INDUSTRY Coalition of Michigan (TICOM) has named officers for the upcoming calendar year. Kim Corcoran of Meetings Michigan will serve as president. Other officers include Vice President Holly Laurencelle of MLive Media Group, Treasurer Jada Paisley of the Michigan Golf Course Association, Secretary Jenelle Jagmin of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, and Directorsat-Large Derek Bajema of the Michigan Soft Drink Association, Dan McCole of Michigan State University, and Chad Wiebesick of Destination Ann Arbor.

TICOM is comprised of 55 member organizations throughout Michigan. They represent attractions, corporations, media, statewide tourism industry associations, and destination marketing organizations. The organization’s purpose is to unify the travel and tourism industry and give Michigan travel and tourism leaders the strength of purpose, knowledge, and support.

“I’m thrilled to be leading TICOM in 2024, which is our 30th year together uniting the travel and tourism industry in Michigan,” Corcoran says. “We have a lot of work to do, but we have a strong, dedicated board and enthusiastic members who are ready and willing to lend a hand when needed.” tourismworksformichigan.org

DETROIT & GRAND RAPIDS AIRPORTS EARN HIGH MARKS

» WHEN IT COMES TO STANDOUT Michigan airports, the state’s top two are getting high marks. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), the state’s largest, and Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, second largest, have garnered top spots in several different ratings.

According to the J.D. Power 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Detroit ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction for mega airports. DTW Vice President of Communications Erica Donerson says the airport offers about 800 flights a day among 17 scheduled passenger airlines to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents. In 2022, the airport saw more than 28 million passengers pass through its terminals.

GRR took the top spot last year in the USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards for best small airport. Six airlines operate out of GRR with nonstop flights to more than 30 major U.S. cities. In 2022, over 3.4 million travelers used GRR. “Our airport continuously strives to provide an exceptional guest experience through innovative expansions, modern and accessible facilities, friendly customer service, an easy and convenient airport journey, and by proudly serving as West Michigan’s gateway to the world,” says GRR President and CEO Tory Richardson.

grr.org | metroairport.com

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Choose Lansing/Andrew Schmidt, TICOM, Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association

Kristy Durso, the keynoter at the Choose Lansing Accessibility Summit last fall

Kim Corcoran

MRLA HONORS INDUSTRY STANDOUTS

The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) recently recognized outstanding industry professionals for going above and beyond to contribute to the positive image of Michigan’s hospitality industry.

Jennifer Sistrunk, executive director of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2021, was named the association’s 2023 CVB Star of the Year. Both retiring at the end of last year, Larry Brown of Affinity Group and Dave Lorenz of Travel Michigan both received Stellar Legacy Awards. mrla.org

PEOPLE NEWS

Sarah Ombry is the new marketing and communications director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. A graduate of Michigan State University, she most recently served as the marketing and public relations manager for Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.

Julie Pingston , president and CEO of Choose Lansing, was named the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. She received the recognition at the annual ATHENA Lansing Celebration held in December at Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Michigan State University.

Melinda Porter has been named office administrator at the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. Previously with Petoskey Plastics, Porter brings more than 30 years of experience and administrative skills to the role.

Bella Scalise is the new meeting and event manager at Events North in Traverse City, responsible for managing Events North client meetings and operational staff. A graduate of Albion College, she previously served as event coordinator with Events North, as an account analyst in digital commerce, and in marketing for a large financial services company.

Doug Small , president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, received the 2023 Siena Heights University Outstanding Alumni Award, recognizing those who have made outstanding professional achievements or volunteer contributions, demonstrated strong leadership characteristics, and served as role models for others.

Alfred Snow was hired by Destination Ann Arbor as its director of sales and service. Snow’s experience spans multiple sectors of the tourism industry: at Visit Central Florida, he played a crucial role in recruiting and executing meetings and events, and he managed event marketing at ESPN.

4

Destination Michigan Showcase 2023

Racing go-karts, ax throwing, throw bowling, and pocket soccer might not be your typical trade show diversions, but they were front and center during the Destination Michigan Showcase 2023 at High Caliber Karting and Entertainment in Okemos near Lansing in November. The theme was adding experiences to conferences, and the event itself was designed to be a prime example. In addition, destinations, hotels, venues, speakers, audiovisual, technology, and other service providers from around Michigan were on hand to meet with attendees.

1. Cheryl Anne Farmer

2. Sammi Corcoran 3. David Hume

4. Mike Concannon 5. Viviana Vidal

6. Throw bowling at High Kaliber Karting and Entertainment 7. Laurie Burger

8. Kristen Hoover

SNAPSHOTS Destination Michigan Showcase 2023

Hospitality Is His Superpower

Paul Beachnau works to put Gaylord on the map

BY KATHY GIBBONS

Paul Beachnau took his last college exam on a Friday, graduated on Saturday, moved back to Gaylord on Sunday, and began his job as the executive director of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce on Monday. He was 22.

Now 60, he has never regretted staying in his hometown or in the same line of work. He not only led the chamber then but also helped form the Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau where he is also executive director.

“We have always been independent organizations,” he says. “But we also have had a very firm stance that we need to work together. I have always felt the tourism bureau needed to be the chamber’s biggest fan, and the chamber needed to be the tourism bureau’s biggest fan.”

Beachnau likes to share a quote he heard from Bill Geist of DMO Proz of Madison, Wisconsin: “Tourism is a first date for economic development.” He says that’s borne out by some of the community successes he has witnessed and shared in: furthering the Alpine Village concept that originated in the 1960s to give what had been “a sleepy northern Michigan town” an identity that put it on the map.

“We were able to leverage that same philosophy into developing the Gaylord Golf Mecca brand and what we call our ‘All Outdoors’ brand—our tagline and logo,” he says. “It’s no coincidence that our business and economic growth parallels almost identically with the formation of the tourism bureau.”

Since then, Gaylord has evolved to become what Beachnau describes as “sort of a retail hub for northern Michigan.” Meanwhile, he has been able to enjoy a career that couldn’t have been a better match for a man who loves people, marketing, Michigan, and the outdoors. In fact, he most recently received the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers’ Golden Glow Award recognizing his dedication to natural resources and traditional outdoor sports.

“My kids always used to tease me—they still do: ‘Dad, how was your day? Did you take someone out skiing today? Are you taking someone golfing? Going to lunch?’” he laughs. But at the end of the day, his career is something he simply excels at.

Beachnau keeps his positive outlook even after recently experiencing a devastating house fire. It was a total loss, but he’s rebuilding and says, “All things considered, I’m OK.”

“Hands down, it’s tourism and hospitality,” he says. “My sister-in-law says hospitality is my superpower.”

PHOTO Erin Leigh Imagery

Paul Beachnau outside the Otsego Resort in Gaylord