Michigan Meetings + Events Summer 2019

MICHIGAN MEETINGS + EVENTS // SUMMER 2019

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE JOHN LAMB BEST OF 2019 // HALL OF FAME

Plus six industry veterans and rising stars join the MIM+E Hall of Fame

B E S T

O F

2 0 1 9

3 1 C AT E G O R I E S including Best Event/Festival,

College/University Venue, Distillery and more

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Connect + Collaborate A restored landmark in the heart of downtown, The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit provides an energized setting for meetings and events of all sizes.

Across over 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, this historic hotel offers 20 versatile venues that can accommodate up to 800 attendees. These dynamic spaces are enhanced by state-of-the-art technology, locally sourced catering and thoughtful service.

In addition, 435 guestrooms and suites have been smartly designed to help guests recharge at the end of a productive day.

©2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

THE WESTIN BOOK CADILLAC DETROIT

1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226 United States T +1 313.442.1600 marriott.com/dtwcw

THE ALL-NEW

25,000 square feet of remodeled space State-of-the-art Crestron® sound system Vibrant “lake effect” design theme New air walls and LED lighting Private meeting planner office All-new digital signage

MEETINGS MODERNIZED New look, long history. For over 30 years, Governors’ Hall at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has been Northern Michigan’s premier meeting destination.

Newly renovated with updates to technology, services, and design—along with a brand-new meeting planner office—Governors’ Hall is ready for the future. See the transformation at grandtraverseresort.com/governorshall.

Owned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center

DOWNTOWN

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• Conference Rooms for 500 Delegates • 10 Breakout Rooms • Complimentary Wireless Internet • 2 On-Premise Restaurants & Lounges • Nightly Entertainment • 360 Bavarian-Themed Guestrooms • Walking Distance to Main Street • World Famous Frankenmuth® Chicken Dinners Bring the family along! We offer 4 pools, 2 water slides, and a family fun center.

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877.213.7664 FRANKENMUTHMEETINGS.COM ONE COVERED BRIDGE LN. FRANKENMUTH, MI 48734

WHERE BUSINESS GETS DONE #LOVELANSING, MICHIGAN

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Award-Winning Experts*

*Voted Best Large CVB in Michigan Two Years Running

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Central Location Boosts Attendance

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Access to Thought Leaders at Michigan State University

Summer 2019 MICHIGAN MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

30 FEATURES

35

50

Best of 2019

Hall of Fame Honorees

This year’s top players are unveiled in the magazine’s 14th annual reader’s choice awards. By Megan Swoyer

These stellar seven industry pros shine with enough star power to light up the sky.

By Ron Garbinski

DEPARTMENTS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 24 MEET & EAT Popular venues spotlight locally sourced menus.

B y Je a n i ne Mat low

30 DESTINATION Historic Bay City and its many legends stand ready to host and entertain. By Bill Semion 72 PROFILE Meet the boating industry’s Nicki Polan. By Megan Swoyer

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P H O T O S : T H E K E N S I N G T O N H O T E L ; G R E AT L A K E S B AY R E G I O N A L C V B ; MGM GRAND

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Summer

2019

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MEETING NOTES 11 PIN IT A sampling of Pinterest’s top 100 trends from 2019.

By Megan Gosch

12 BEHIND THE SCENES Iron Fish Distillery thrives as state’s first farm-based distillery.

By Kendall Van Horne

13 SIGNATURE DRINK Shake up a Wile E. Coyote

12

courtesy of Iron Fish Distillery

16

14 SUMMER SAMPLER Mackinac Island’s Mission Point continues its renovation projects.

16 RESTAURANT REVIEW Ocean Prime features swimmingly good service and delectable fare.

By Megan Swoyer

18 VENUE PREVIEW Relax and revitalize at the Hendryx Beach Retreat House.

By Kendall Van Horne

21 EVENT PREVIEW Concours d’Elegance of America celebrates its 41st year.

22 FACILITY REPORT Chemical Bank buys rights to Detroit’s Cobo Center nameplate.

ON THE COVER John Lamb is this year’s Lifetime Achievement honoree.

Photo by Tate Carlson

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INDUSTRY UPDATE 60 INFOGRAPHIC “The Future of Meetings & Events” identifies five macro-trends that will impact the future of meetings and events. Cou r t es y of P CM A Fou ndat ion a nd Ma r r iot t I nt er n at ion a l

62 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening around the state. Compi led by Ron Ga rbi n sk i 70 SNAPSHOTS Photos from the MPI Michigan Chapter’s midwinter event

P H O T O S : I R O N F I S H D I S T I L L E R Y ; J ’A D O R E D E T R O I T ; C H R I S C A S E L L A

20 INSTAGRAMMABLE Vintage views at the rebranded j’adore Detroit

pleasure doing business It’s where everything comes together. Where meetings are conducted with rhythm and grace. Where even before you meet and shake hands, you all begin to realize that you’re in a pre y great place.

TraverseCity.com

EDITOR'S LETTER

Journeys to Success

RO N .G A RB INSK I@T IGE ROAK .COM

Find, Friend, Follow

Find us online at mi.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues. /MIMEE TINGSMAGS

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@MIMEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSE VENTSMAGS

P H O T O : TAT E C A R L S O N

Ron Garbinski, editor

WHILE PREPARING THIS YEAR’S MICHIGAN M+E BEST OF 2019 readers’ choice awards and Hall of Fame stories, we enjoyed the amazing tales about our honorees via our award questionnaires. Many detailed their success adventures and others reflected on the many challenges they face.

Take the Accidentals of Traverse City, for example, winner of our Best Band category. The trio was on a western U.S. tour when their van broke down in Tucson, Arizona, described band members Sav Buist and Katie Larson. Here’s the story they shared with us: “While the van was in the shop, we parked our trailer across from our hotel rooms. When we woke up the next morning, our trailer and $70,000 worth of gear were gone.

“Luckily, we had brought our instruments inside to keep them warm the night before. But our PA system, our consoles, our monitors, our drum kit ... so much of our stuff was gone, overnight.

“We are fortunate enough to have an intense core of music lovers who funded a $35,000 GoFundMe within a week when insurance denied our claim. They made our post viral and helped garner media attention around the incident. As a result, we were able to continue to tour, to play music, to do what we love. We are so, so thankful for that.

“We are treating this as an opportunity to learn. So we’ve been looking at trailers, at locking and tracking devices, and making sure we have everything in order. It’s slow going, but the support of our community has made the load lighter. We couldn’t be more thankful for the chance to continue to do what we love.”

It’s a good ending that might help others learn from the trio’s nightmare.

A second example comes from Arielle Johnson, founder/CEO of Fierce Staffing & Consulting in Detroit. It’s about her sense of purpose: “As I was finishing college and preparing to work for the Marriott, I founded a nonprofit organization that would support young mothers like myself, Fierce Empowerment. After running the organization for a few years, I learned two things,” she reflects.

“First, there were significant barriers to making a livable wage and securing stable employment in the communities we served. Second, that as a small nonprofit we were not equipped to truly empower these communities. As a result, I founded Fierce Staffing, a social enterprise that would combine my love and success in the hospitality industry with my passion and commitment to my community.”

Today, we honor her as our Up-and-Coming Supplier. We love sharing her accomplishments and journey.

In addition to these shining stars, we recognize lots of others who also have amazing stories to tell. So take a few minutes to follow up with them—whether you know them or not—to offer congratulations and to learn more about the road they took to becoming an award winner.

SUMMER 2019

“ ”

mi.meetingsmags.com

Who’s your favorite “ keynote speaker?

EDITOR

Ron Garbinski

Queer Eye’s

Karamo Brown at Morgan Halaska PCMA 2019 ConvenMegan Gosch ing Leaders Kassidy Tarala Julianna Fazio Jeanine Matlow, Bill Semion, Megan Swoyer, Kayla Wurst EDITORIAL INTERNS ​Kendall Van Horne, Taylor Hafner MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Traci Bahlman, Holiday Market Catering • Paul Brown Greg DeSandy, Cobo Center • Larisa Draves, Draves & Associates • Carol Galle, CMP, Special D Events Lyn Gleasure, Bedrock Detroit • Janet Korn, Experience Grand Rapids • Lindsay Krause, Special D Events John Kuithe, Hospitality Specialists • David C. McKnight, Emerald City Designs Kat Paye, National Cherry Festival

Malcolm Gladwell. I’ve heard him three times.

DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATORS

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore Dianne Talmage Brittni Dye, Alex Kotlarek

Simon Sinek

Jeremy Wieland Emily O’Connell

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Lauren Madeja Jen McIlvaine

CREDIT MANAGER

April McCauley

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Sandy Powell Angela Beissel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES

Laurie Burger 586.416.4195 laurieburger@comcast.net

Rachel Martin, former NPR national security correspondent and current host of NPR’s Morning Edition Sunday.

2019

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Connect and Collaborate With over 47,718 square feet of flexible event and lobby space—including our Executive Meeting Center—The Westin Southfield Detroit offers an unsurpassed experience for conferences, meetings and other events, providing flawless execution, revitalizing food and beverage breaks, and modern amenities. Relax and refresh in our completely renovated guestrooms featuring all new Heavenly® Beds and Heavenly® Baths.

To book your stay or for more information on planning your event, visit marriott.com/dtwwi or call 248.827.4000

©2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes BEHIND THE SCENES

12

SUMMER SAMPLER

14

VENUE PREVIEW

18

FACILITY REPORT

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TREND-SPOTTING

Stay ahead of the curve with these crowd-searched trends and topics. B y M e g a n G o s c h

PHOTOS: ISTOCK.COM, GORAN JAKUS, WACOMKA; SANTJE09, NICKY LLOYD FULL REPORT: BUSINESS.PINTEREST.COM/EN/BLOG/100-PINTEREST-TRENDS-FOR-2019

Armed with insights from over 250 million monthly user searches, Pinterest takes the guesswork out of upcoming trend tracking with its official 100 Pinterest trends for 2019 report.

From travel destinations on the rise to the superfoods fueling new F&B concepts, current trends with staying power and soon-to-be stars give planners a sneak peek into the event trends of the near future. Keep an eye out for a few of these eye-catching faves:

GLOW UP: From cheeky custom messaging and unexpected branding opportunities to glowing photo backdrops and colorful uplighting, neon takes center stage to create the perfect pop of color.

PHOTOBOMB: For instant intrigue, smoke bombs are on the rise. Opt for a simple white haze to create an unexpected dramatic moment or tailor the smokey effect with bursts of colorful plumes for a playful photo backdrop.

UNEXPECTED ANTIDOTE: Well-known for its medicinal qualities, the elderberry is your next new superfruit.

With plenty of vitamin C, antioxidants and antiinflammatory qualities, this berry adds a healthy boost to meeting break smoothies, colorful salads and creative cocktails.

HIGH RISE: Greenery is always a welcome addition to any event space, but living walls are having a moment.

Transform raw or blank spaces with floor-toceiling vertical gardens for a lush urban jungle aesthetic.

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

BEHIND THE SCENES»

A NATURAL SPIRIT

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S IRON FISH DISTILLERY THRIVES AS STATE’S FIRST FARM-BASED DISTILLERY. B Y K E N D A L L V A N H O R N E

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The interior of the historic Iron Fish barn was updated to accommodate larger events.

meetings, weddings and graduation parties.

Since the distillery’s inception in September 2016, the owners have built a 5,000-square-foot production facility and tasting room, an entertaining place for gatherings and special events.

Last August, they added a 5,000-squarefoot barrel and rick house for aging their product. Above the production facility is a smaller event space that can accommodate around 45 people. That area also functions as an art gallery for local artists.

The distillery, located about 2.5 miles from Crystal Mountain, rates an ideal destination for guests and events of all kinds. People who also are exploring the area and looking to enjoy award-winning craft cocktails and live music are always welcome.

Iron Fish recently started serving fresh wood-fired pizzas using ingredients from the farm in addition to its regular menu items.

Rehmann CEO Randy Rupp says his pro-

fessional advisory services firm used the venue for a partner dinner last summer, and they already made reservations for their next event.

“The experience was outstanding. The barn, grounds and distillery are well kept and clean. The staff obviously care a lot about the place, and that translates into the desire to provide a great customer experience,” Rupp says.

“I just think it’s deeply relaxing for people to be here, even if they’re doing business or celebrating. It just feels removed from daily life, which is a good thing in this day and age,” Sarah Anderson adds.

For a new distillery, Iron Fish already has won numerous awards for its spirits, including the Michigan Woodland Gin being named a Top 5 Gin by Cigar & Spirits magazine in 2018, and the Michigan Winter Wheat Vodka winning the gold medal for varietal vodka at the 2018 World Vodka Awards.

P H OTO S : I R O N F I S H D I S T I L L E RY; (O P P O S I T E ) I S TO C K .CO M / @ Z E Y N E P 0 Z Y; IRON FISH DISTILLERY

In a world where guests are more concerned today with locally and sustainabily sourced food, it’s hard to compete with a distillery and event space where they can sip their cocktails while sitting near the very ingredients from which the spirits are made.

Whether listening to the buzzing bees that made the honey in the rum cocktails or sipping on gin while gazing across the way at the winter wheat that it’s crafted with, Iron Fish Distillery guests can enjoy cocktails that were made on-site basically from start to finish.

Iron fish is a phrase often used in literature to refer to steelhead trout, a fish that returns to its river of origin every year to spawn.

That’s how Iron Fish Distillery owners Sarah and Richard Anderson, who spent decades in Marquette, and David Wallace and his wife Heidi Bolger, who both work in Saginaw, came up with the name for Michigan’s first and only farm-based distillery.

“We all are people who have already been through our careers and raised kids. We lived in different areas of Michigan throughout our adult lives. But this part of the state is where my mother is from so we’re kind of returning to our origin as well,” says Sarah.

Richard and Wallace came up with the idea for the farm-based distillery while they were travelling around Scotland in 2014.

Within two years, the Andersons, Wallace and Bolger had the northwest Michigan operation up and running on Wallace and Bolger’s 120-acre farm near Thompsonville, which they purchased in 2011. They all work full time in different capacities running the distillery.

They make use of many of the original farm buildings, including a fully restored historic barn. The barn remains essentially unchanged from its original structure, giving it an authentic and rustic vibe. Surrounding windows allow light to pour in, creating a comfortable event venue for corporate parties, community

popular sibling, the Coyote Call, which was recognized as one of Michigan’s Top 14 Cocktails to Try by MLIVE Media,” she adds.

“The Coyote Call, the exact same cocktail but featuring Iron Fish Michigan White Rum instead, rings the Southwest flavors of lime, jalapeño and cilantro, with mint added for cooling and balance, shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker.”

Anderson reveals that the “accident” occurred when an Iron Fish bartender mistakenly poured the distillery’s Michigan Woodland Gin rather than its rum into the cocktail mix. “The botanical complexity of Michigan Woodland Gin and the flavors of the Coyote Call took this drink to the next amazing level,” she adds. “The Wile E. Coyote sneaks in alongside the Coyote Call to become an Iron Fish classic. It’s ‘Can I have another please?’ deliciousness!”

INGREDIENTS:

—3 sprigs fresh cilantro —6 large mint leaves —2 oz. Iron Fish Michigan Woodland gin —1 oz. fresh lime juice —1 oz. jalapeño-infused simple syrup*

SIGNATURE DRINK»

The Wile E. Coyote A mispour transforms one of its most popular drinks into an Iron Fish classic.

*This syrup is a 1:1 mixture of water and white sugar cooked until the sugar has dissolved. While the syrup is still very warm, add 1 or 2 halved, seeded jalapeños. Allow the mixture to infuse for 1 to 1.5 hours. Remove the peppers and store the syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Keeps for four to five weeks.

DIRECTIONS:

T

he Iron Fish Distillery, Michigan’s first farm distillery just a short drive south of Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, has blossomed into a fun gathering place, restaurant and award-winning maker of spirits.

“Our farmland is located within the natural and scenic Betsie River watershed, providing an ideal habitat for coy-

otes,” says Sarah Anderson, one of the distillery’s four partners. “Each spring, the movement of deer attract their attention, and the calls of the coyote can be heard echoing throughout the northern Michigan woodlands.

“Our Wile E. Coyote cocktail ‘accident’ celebrates the rarely seen but often heard coyote and builds off its

Place the cilantro and mint in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add Iron Fish gin, lime juice and jalapeño syrup. Top with ice and shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish.

Get Connected IRON FISH DISTILLERY ironfishdistillery.com | 234.378.3474

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

SUMMER SAMPLER»

MACKINAC ISLAND UPDATE

Mission Point continues its renovation with a complete Straits Lodge refresh.

W

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Clockwise from top: The Reserve Wine Bar is located next to the Boxwood Coffeeshop and Cafe; all 133 Straits Lodge rooms were completely renovated; outdoor events feature views of the Straits of Mackinac.

has there been a $1 million investment in the new 5,000-square-foot spa, the largest on the island, but Mission Point has also built programming with its sun-up sessions. For example, the activities team leads a hike to watch a magnificent sunrise near Arch Rock, hiking and biking and mediation stations throughout the gardens. Chef Matt Nelson is delivering on healthy group options and is always ready to customize menus based on client needs.”

Ware’s Top Meeting Activities » “Mission Point’s culinary demonstration is an interactive adventure with chef Nelson.

Guests create dishes found in our restaurants.

Culinary techniques that you can take home and use in your own kitchen are provided. The class ends with a tasting,” Ware says. » “Resort history and garden tours are always a hit for activities in the event lineup.” » “‘Painting with a View’ with one of Mackinac Island’s well-known artists is an interactive and soothing painting class. Guests learn brush strokes and creative color combinations while completing their masterpieces.” » “This is a staff top choice pick. Our cocktail infusion class is guided by one of our esteemed mixologists held in the cocktail garden. Guests learn how to create themed

cocktails and infusions with ingredients from the Mission Point Cocktail Garden.” » “Bike Building is a hit where teams compete to build a bicycle from beginning to end and then race to a finish line. As a finale, team members donate the newly-built bikes to the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.” » “The Signature Scavenger Hunt is a popular special offering where teams compete to discover clues around Mission Point and downtown to complete the hunt first. Customized scavenger hunts are available.” » “This season we’re offering equineassisted training workshops on leadership and experiential learning in partnership with Mackinac Horseman’s Association.” » “The intimate 14-seat Reserve Wine Bar is available for private tastings, dinners, receptions and events. This is the perfect spot for small groups wanting a unique space with fantastic views and an exclusive experience.” » “Many attendees ask about life on Mackinac Island. New this year, we have several island residents who can present sessions or speak and answer questions during lunches about what it’s like to live ‘on the rock’.”

Get Connected

MISSION POINT RESORT missionpoint.com | 906.847.3000

P H OTO S : M I S S I O N P O I N T R E S O R T

ith the sweet smell of lilacs and tulips in the air, we asked Liz Ware, vice president of sales and marketing for Mission Point, what’s new at the Mackinac Island resort this summer.

For starters, with the new owners and leadership at the resort over the past three seasons, there’s been $10 million invested in welcome renovations.

“We underwent the largest renovation of rooms on the island in one season ever with the entire Straits Lodge (133 rooms) being renovated this past winter,” Ware says. “In addition, Wi-Fi has been upgraded and air conditioning in the lobby and restaurants.

“Authenticity and the uniqueness of Mackinac Island are what clients, attendees and guests find most attractive,” she adds.

“Mission Point was built in the 1950s. The recent room renovations have inspiring color palettes and whimsical elements that bring the beautiful colors of nature indoors. We feel people have a biological need to connect with nature and that this connection affects our well-being, productivity and relationships. Our color palette brings together the crystal-clear blues of the lake, the hues of the beaches and the natural colors of the interior of the island.

“We’re constantly evolving and growing. Plans are underway for 2020, which will include complete renovations to the conference center, public spaces and restaurants.”

Wellness and well-being are growing in popularity. “Clients are looking for unique spaces for breakout sessions as well as breaks, activities and healthy foods. Attendees disconnect with the mainland and can focus on meetings and relaxing,” she adds. “Not only

DETROIT DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

RESTAURANT REVIEW»

SUBURBAN HOT SPOT

Prime space for meetings with swimmingly good service and delectable fare.

BY MEGA N SWOY ER

WE JUST LOVE IT when a topnotch restaurant can accommodate groups for meetings and events. That’s the case for Ocean Prime in Troy.

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The Motown Room can handle up to 10 for a meeting or dinner.

Undoubtedly, a meeting here is extra memorable not only due to its modern, clean-lined, sophisticated aesthetic, but also, of course, the food. With a diverse menu that focuses on beef and seafood (fresh seafood arrives six days a week), Ocean Prime also caters to current trends, notes executive chef Chris Mayer.

“Right now, we get a lot of requests for vegan and vegetarian foods,” Mayer says. “We’ll often go off the menu and do whatever the customer wants but always have a special vegan item ready to prepare, made of a tasty quinoa cake of potato and quinoa blend, served with roasted vegetables and tofu. I keep tofu in the walk-in at all times,” Mayer says. “Extra-firm!”

The energetic chef adds that he can substitute tofu for just about any of the meats on the menu. “Yes is always the answer,” he declares.

“We’ll do anything in our power to satisfy a customer.” Staff has even been known to run out to purchase a fresh tiramisu elsewhere.

“That’s not on our menu and a patron wished it was, so we sent someone on an errand.”

Speaking of cake, if your group wants a spe-

cial cake or dessert served after the meeting, or even a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, Mayer says, “no problem.”

But let’s get back to the dining experience.

Popular main dishes include the Chilean sea bass. “It’s the crown jewel entrée,” assures Kip Donlon, general manager. “It makes you feel like royalty.” Indeed, Mayer prepares it simply but deliciously, broiling it with what they call their seafood seasoning (a mix of nine different spices). “We broil it at 1,200 degrees so it gets a crust, and inside, it’s super flaky. You’d think it was cooked in butter,” Mayer says.

Teriyaki salmon and its shiitake sticky rice also are popular.

“I like the bone-in filet with brie and mushrooms,” says Donlon. Mayer adds: “Same, but with a rib eye cut. Rib eye is my end-all, be-all steak, medium rare.”

Top service, top food. You can’t go wrong.

The icing on the business cake is its referral program. “For business gatherings, we have a great referral program to reward repeat large party reservations,” explains Simich.

P H OTO : C H R I S C A S E L L A

With four meeting spaces that can be divided into five, this steak and seafood haven along the city’s Big Beaver restaurant row is just the ticket for meeting attendees and planners.

The largest space can seat up to 60, while a more intimate room, called the Motown Room, can accommodate up to 10.

“Each of the rooms, which is very soundproof, has televisions/screens for presentations,” explains Ocean Prime Sales and Event Manager Sue Simich, who is the point person for any party larger than eight. “The Motown was just added a few years ago,” she says, pointing to wall art of the Detroit skyline and Detroit vinyls (“representing Motown,” she says).

Another space is the Club Room, which can host 30. On a recent morning, Amerisure executives filled its chairs. Simich explains that the restaurant is a big draw for pharmaceutical dinners, financial services presentations and banking company meetings.

Often, attendees will opt to dine right in the spacious meeting rooms, ordering from a preset menu with three- or four-course options, or selecting fare off a full menu. “But sometimes, we will close the entire restaurant (companies or planners will do a buyout, for example) and we’ll then be able to accommodate 100 in the main dining room,” Simich explains.

PERFECT FOR EVENTS

Plan your special celebration at Four Winds New Buffalo. Silver Creek Event Center offers over 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can accommodate groups from 20 to 2,000.

Host a rockin’ party in Hard Rock Cafe. For a more intimate setting, you can book the Private Dining Room of The Buffet or Copper Rock Steakhouse.

With over 2,500 slots, 48 table games, 415 deluxe hotel rooms, and five delicious restaurants, Four Winds New Buffalo has everything you need to make your event a huge success.

To book your event, or for more information, please call 1-866-4WINDS1 ext 5219 to speak with our knowledgeable sales team.

1.866.4WINDS1 • fourwindscasino.com

Must be 21 years of age or older. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians invites you to play responsibly. If you think you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700. ©2019 Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. 3141-5.01.19

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

VENUE PREVIEW»

RELAX AND REVITALIZE

THE HENDRYX BEACH RETREAT HOUSE, tucked away on West Arm Grand Traverse Bay, shines as a surprising new discovery four miles south of Suttons Bay. It just opened in late 2018.

Proprietor Cheryl Hutchinson believes in sustainable restoration. So when she purchased the 1890-era lodge from the family of author James Hendryx, she kept the original structure intact, reusing and restoring everything in the building, including the stone base and wooden floors.

Hendryx’s lodge reflected his life as an outdoorsman who wrote some 56 novels and scores of short stories, mostly about his favorite settings in the Canadian and Alaskan wilderness. The successful author who traveled North America extensively died in Traverse City in 1963 at the age of 83. It’s said he loved to play poker in an upstairs room at the lodge with friends and that he even lost some of his surrounding property in a friendly wager.

His former lakefront lodge, now a remodeled three-story getaway, is nestled in the woods with an expansive deck providing inspiring sunrise-side lake views and 160 feet of private beach and shoreline. A lucky guest might even spot a bald eagle

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that lives in a nearby 200-year-old pine tree. The rustic elegance of the house gives off both a calming and motivating presence conducive for smaller gatherings, such as retreats or business meetings, all with available overnight accommodations.

“Whether you’re coming here to do an off-site or have a mixture of pleasure and meetings, it just seems to have all the components for a really relaxing, successful spot,” Hutchinson says. “You decompress, but you’re also revitalized. There’s something about being surrounded by the natural beauty here, whether it’s the water or the woods.”

The property is a 10-bedroom, six-bathroom lodge that can sleep 12-22 guests, depending on whether groups choose to bring spouses. The lodge is rented on an exclusive basis to groups and lends itself well to roundtable discussions and teambuilding activities. Groups can make their stay an experience all their own, including an option to cater food for an event with one of Hutchinson’s suppliers, bring along their own chef, or share in cooking duties in the retreat house’s fully equipped kitchen.

While the property feels remote, it’s a short 10-mile drive north of Traverse City along M-22 with easy access to nearby attractions, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and notable Leelanau Peninsula wineries. There is plenty to do both on the property and nearby. Activities

for groups include biking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, golfing, sailing and snowshoeing.

Hutchinson has hosted several yoga retreats at the lodge because the 2,000-square-foot deck that overlooks Lake Michigan is perfect for exercising.

“The lodge and the overall environment it offered allowed a ‘clear the mechanism’ freshness for everyone on our team,” says the head of HR administration at a financial services company that stayed at the lodge for its annual planning retreat.

“We arrived with all of our corporate, office, budget, compliance, colleague baggage and were transformed in a way that allowed us to engage with a clean slate and an open and unencumbered mind as we imagined and planned for what could be achieved in the coming year,” she adds.

The property also features a vintagestyle barn with about 2,000 square feet of event space and an attached apartment that could house an event planner or chef.

She owns another rental property in Suttons Bay, a historic stone schoolhouse converted into condos that can host 16 guests. So groups could split up to sleep at night and come together at the retreat house during the day. —Kendall Van Horne

Get Connected

DOTHE22.COM | 619.248.4600

P H OTO : J O H N L . R U S S E L L

TRAVERSE BAY LODGE OFFERS A FUN LAKEFRONT LOCATION FOR SMALL CORPORATE MEETINGS OR EVEN YOGA RETREATS.

Meet in the Past, the Present, or by the Sea

Make Monroe County, Michigan, your next meeting destination.

For more information on meeting and convention spaces, visit us at www.monroeinfo.com

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

INSTAGRAMMABLE»

Vintage Views

REBRANDED EASTERN MARKET VENUE SHOWCASES LOFT SPACE FILLED WITH THE WORKS OF LOCAL ARTISANS. J’ADORE DETROIT EVOLVED FROM A DREAM of a Michigan native who moved back to the Motor City a while back after spending 10 years in Chicago. Candice Simons started a local outdoor billboard business called Brooklyn Outdoor and from there went on to become a big promoter of metro Detroit.

Tell our readers about your venue and why it’s so special.

“The Loft at j’adore Detroit is an industrial-meets-chic venue. This hidden gem offers a panoramic view of the surrounding city and a unique aesthetic crafted by local Detroit artisans. The loft is a raw space that has been transformed. Our exposed brick walls are whitewashed and decorated with hand-painted murals designed by the city’s most famous painters. Our floors are covered with ornate rugs, and our ceiling is adorned with beaded chandeliers. We have a variety of seating options to suit the needs of your event. From tufted sofas to chairs and tables, the Loft can be crafted to match the unique needs of each celebration.”

What types and size range of events can your venue host?

“The loft is a 2,000-square-foot event space that can accommodate 60 people seated and 150 strolling. We have a fully functional kitchen and bar space with multiple entrances, bathrooms and plenty of parking with the option of valet for a small cost. Our multipurpose space is available for a wide variety of events, such as cocktail parties, seated dinners, speaking engagements, photography and filming, art and fashion events, lunch and learns, off-site meetings, corporate events and strolling dinners.”

What advice can you offer meeting planners?

“We believe in celebrating life’s biggest moments with your closest people all around you. Whether you’re clinking glasses of champagne to celebrate, creating community or bringing industry leaders together, we have you covered. The j’adore Detroit Events team also curates off-site events for those looking to take the worry out of planning. We’ll cover the details, you just show up ready to remember it all.”

Event spaces inside the Eastern Market district loft feature a comfortable and eclectic collection of furniture, lighting and local artwork.

Get Connected

J’ADORE DETROIT | jadore-detroit.com | 248.705.6085

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS! We love hearing from our readers. The Michigan Meetings + Events team is always looking for new and different venues to feature in our Instagram-Worthy section. Share your favorite sites and photos with editor Ron Garbinski at ron.garbinski@tigeroak.com.

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P H O T O S : J ’A D O R E D E T R O I T ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C O N C O U R S D ’ E L E G A N C E O F A M E R I C A

Part of her business activities today is a website of the same name devoted to entertainment, wellness, style, and food and drink. One of the properties connected with the website is The Loft at j’adore Detroit in Detroit’s Eastern Market district. The 2,000-squarefoot venue was rebranded last year from The Brooklyn Outdoor Loft into this new showpiece for the district at 2501 Russel Street.

Lauren Van Haaren, the site’s “resident foodie and cocktail guru” and publicist, shares some insights about the space.

HAVE THE GREATEST NIGHT. EVER. AWESOME BANDS. AMAZING EXPERIENCES.

EVENT PREVIEW»

CLASSIC CARS

photo by jlbwedding.com

E3DETROIT.COM • 888-406-9011

Annual show features coveted Ferrari, Cadillac, Rolls Royce and Bentley collector vehicles.

The Concours d’Elegance of America, one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events now in its 41st year, returns to the historic grounds at the Inn at St. John’s for a three-day extravaganza of automotive, charity and lifestyle events.

Tours, tea and boutiques, special dinners, award presentations, an invitational art exhibition, seminars, a car parade and more are on the schedule. Sponsorship opportunities may still be available.

The July 28 Concours show will feature more than 300 significant rare, classic and magnificent vehicles from around the continental United States.

Among them are six of the most significant Cadillac V16s ever manufactured and the greatest collection of Ferrari road cars, Ferrari sports racers and Ferrari Formula 1 cars ever displayed at the Concours.

It will be a celebration of legendary Enzo Ferrari, his machines and the brand’s global legacy on the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Concours d’Elegance of America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and historical relevance of world-class automobiles. In recent years, the Concours has partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Project Beautiful Inside and Out, College for Creative Studies and Kettering University.

Through contributions and collaboration, the event’s focus is to positively impact the surrounding communities, youth and the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

This year’s honorees include: Collector of the Year, John D. Groendyke; Enthusiast of the Year, William “Bill” Warner; and Grand Marshal Wayne Carini.

M AKE YOUR MEETING GRAND

Our Complete Meeting Package includes accommodations, a full breakfast and dinner daily, meeting rooms, AV equipment, Wi-Fi, coffee breaks and a dedicated convention manager.

Plus, book 15 or more rooms and also receive: • One complimentary guest room • One welcome amenity • Half-price golf on The Jewel • A 45-minute evening reception to include beer, wine, champagne and light hors d’oeuvres For rates and other availability, contact: Director of Sales, Annie Farrell afarrell@grandhotel.com • 517-349-4600

This package is available over limited dates in 2019.

180033GRAND • g r a n d h o t e l. c o m

Concours d’Elegance of America JULY 26-28 The Inn at St. John’s, Plymouth concoursUSA.org

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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This Cobo Center marquee is part of an extensive digital signage system throughout the facility.

FACILITY REPORT»

A NEW IDENTITY

CHEMICAL BANK BUYS RIGHTS TO DOWNTOWN DETROIT’S COBO CENTER NAMEPLATE.

T

he Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) calls it an unprecedented naming rights contract for a convention center in America.

It’s an exclusive $1.5 million-per-year deal to rename Cobo Center announced with Chemical Bank, which will become TCF Bank after the merger of the two banks is completed. The naming rights is anticipated to generate $33 million for the facility over the next 22 years.

TCF Center will be the new name on the

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building by the end of 2019.

A $5 million annual state subsidy for the 2.4-million-square-footprint, the 17th largest in the United States, will end by 2024. The new naming rights deal is expected to help Cobo Center become financially solvent, but some say it may not keep the 59-year-old complex completely in the black long-term.

“This unprecedented naming rights agreement is a great win for all parties. Chemical Bank makes a strong statement of commitment to the region and secured naming rights

to a convention center that is growing in notoriety every day,” says Claude Molinari, general manager of Cobo Center.

The announcement “gives us all an important message: that public-private partnerships work, and that we continue to dedicate ourselves to serving the customers of this great center and to the rebuilding of a truly great American city,” says Larry Alexander, chairman of the DRCFA and president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There could not be a better partner than Chemical Bank.”

The bank, the largest headquartered in Michigan, will move into a new 20-story building in downtown Detroit, pending regulatory approval of the Chemical Financial Corp. and TCF Bank merger and construction completion.

“The taxpayers of Michigan receive significant benefit in sponsorship revenue to offset the cost of operating this amazing convention center and a great partner in a trusted Michigan-based banking institution,” says Molinari. “It speaks so very well of the rebirth of this facility, this city and this region that the most valuable naming rights deal for a convention center ever was executed in Detroit.”

In 2009, operational control of Cobo Center transferred from the city of Detroit to the DRCFA under a collaborative agreement by the Michigan State Legislature, Detroit, and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Each of the entities is represented by an appointed member on the DRCFA board. Larry Alexander was appointed by the governor and serves as chairman of the board.

Get Connected COBO CENTER | cobocenter.com | drcfa.org

P H OTO : CO B O C E N T E R

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 Ad will run: Michigan Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 Ad Size: 1/2 horizontal 7”x4.875” This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece.

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Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Where meeting attendance goes to grow Mt. Pleasant’s central location makes meeting here easy. Home to the Soaring Eagle Casino and Central Michigan University, this college town stands out amongst the rest for its small town feel with big city amenities. To assist you in planning, the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (MPACVB) provides professional guidance and services to make your next event one to remember. Meet here, in Mt. Pleasant where there’s just the right amenities, just for you.

Plan your meeting or event at www.meetmtp.com.

MPACVB | JD Copus | jd@meetmtp.com | (888) 772-2018

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MEET & EAT LOCALLY SOURCED MENUS

SPOTLIGHT ON REGIONAL FARE

Popular venues showcase area farmers and food producers to offer the freshest ingredients and best locally sourced menus possible. B Y J E A N I N E M A T L O W

SINCE DISCERNING TASTES can tell when food is fresh at meetings and events, serving local sources makes sense. Besides, there are plenty of other benefits of incorporating Michigan products into the meals that are carefully prepared in these top-notch settings.

At the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Josef Huber, corporate executive chef for AHC + Hospitality in Grand Rapids, says in addition to vegetables, their local items include dairy products such as ice cream and cheese along with eggs, turkey, poultry and pork.

“We have a lot of local farms and produce on the menus,” says Huber, who explains they mostly go through a supplier for traceability and accountability because food safety remains a top priority.

Although some clients, such as the Michigan

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Farm Bureau, insist on locally grown foods for their events, that can get tricky for a crowd of 2,000. Still, Huber says they can get great Michigan cheese, dairy, meats and produce, and they do a lot of business with FarmLink, which connects local farmers and food producers with venues like the hotel.

Others have specific requests, such as a dairy convention requesting milk from a particular farmer. “Some bring in products and showcase them at the event, which gives us a glimpse of what’s out there,” says Huber.

In the summer months when seasonal fruits and vegetables are more readily available, a lot of the produce at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck comes from local farmers.

Winter months can be a challenge, Huber says. “If it’s in season, locally grown tastes better, and it looks better because it doesn’t have to travel across the country to get to us. Local foods also build community and keep local farmers in business.”

Menu-Driven Local foods drive the menu at The Kensington Hotel in Ann Arbor and its on-site restaurant rel·ish, according to Daniel Fine, managing director and Loren Halprin, executive chef.

“We find the best local food and build the menu around that,” Halprin says.

P H O T O : A M WAY G R A N D P L A Z A

Amway Grand Plaza’s shrimp toast

AWARD WINNING DESIGNS FOR OVER TWO DECADES… IMPRESSION IS still EVERYTHING!

Thank You, MICHIGAN MEETINGS & EVENTS MAGAZINE!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ABBY ROSE PHOTO

Emerald City D esigns David C. McKnight, Owner

floral • pl anning • rentals • stationery

W W W. E M E R A L D C I T Y D E S I G N S . C O M 2 4 8 .4 74 .7 0 7 7

MEET & EAT LOCALLY SOURCED MENUS

Because Ann Arbor is such a coveted destination, their guests expect locally sourced foods.

The hotel offers a Local Flair package with Michigan snacks, such as Better Made, and the regional fare they serve is often paired with beverages from local distilleries and vineyards.

When selling meeting and event space, the hotel does as much to support the small local coffee shop as they do to support a farmer in Grand Rapids.

In the bigger picture, it’s about leaving a smaller footprint with something that has to travel 50 to 500 miles and is fresher and better tasting, says Halprin. “We’re passionate about local food, so we use as much as we can, and it’s a big talking point that people appreciate,” adds Fine.

Up to the Challenge At the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Krista Akerley, food and beverage buyer, says the chefs regularly incorporate local food and beverage items into their menus.

In the resort’s Aerie Restaurant, chef Bryan Petrick utilizes Werp Farms of Buckley weekly on many menu items. “They produce beautiful greens, root vegetables and microgreens that round out the plate,” Akerley says.

The banquet culinary team gets creative with local products for groups that request

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specialty menus using locally sourced items.

Beverage menus also spotlight local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries.

Although supporting local farmers and vendors is the biggest benefit of local products, being able to educate guests about these products is another win-win, Akerley says.

While sourcing specific items can be difficult, she loves a good challenge, such as the Northern Michigan Small Farms Conference that has been held at the resort for the past five years. The 800-person conference requires certain percentages of product utilized in all banquet meal menus to be locally sourced. At least 70 percent of the food served has to come from Michigan and 40 percent from within 125 miles of Acme. Taste the Local Difference surveys the menu to make sure it falls within the certified local food standards.

This year, Akerley sourced items for three events, 88 percent from Michigan and 81 percent from within the 125-mile radius of the event. “It always feels good to be able to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients,” she says.

Urban Showcase “We currently bring in produce from the Eastern Market, Chef’s Garden (OHIO), Artisan bread makers, local chocolates for guest amenities and Michigan-made prod-

ucts,” says Nassima Goumeziane, director of food and beverage for The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. “We also offer locally made products to our guests as welcome amenities.”

These practices let the hotel showcase specialty local products and provide guests with fresh, sustainable menu items. Investing in the community and giving back by supporting small businesses is another benefit. “Sourcing from around the region gives us the guarantee of quality and freshness, and it builds a strong bond with our local vendors,” she says.

At a recent event, the hotel offered a fourcourse locally sourced menu for more than 300 attendees. Executive chef Jonathan Konicki and his team, along with the meeting planner, took several trips to Eastern Market to speak with the local vendors who came to the event and showcased their products, such as teas, honey, breads and desserts that were part of the reception before dinner. “This helped a national company contribute to the local community,” says Goumeziane.

Planners are always looking for what’s fresh and unique, so customized menus are based on seasonal availability and tweaked as needed. “The result is always a beautifully designed and crafted menu that is appealing to the senses, great tasting and regionally inspired,” she says.

P H O T O : G R A N D T R AV E R S E R E S O R T A N D S PA

The Aerie Restaurant on the 16th floor of the Grand Traverse Resort’s tower strives to source locally to provide a true taste of northern Michigan.

Meet where you

love to play Four seasons and three resorts offer endless opportunities to meet, relax and restore in northern Michigan.

• Four-season playground • Quaint waterfront towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Boyne City • Flexible Event space including team building venues

844.811.3483

• Lodging options from standard hotel rooms and spacious condominiums • Fully customizable catering menus and variety of restaurants

BOYNE.com/meetings

Groupsales2@boyne.com

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Photos or images may appear fuzzy due to the low-res format of this file.

This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece. Photos or images may appear fuzzy due to the low-res format of this file.

FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 Ad will run: Michigan Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 Ad Size: 1/2 horizontal 7”x4.875”

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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MEET & EAT LOCALLY SOURCED MENUS

Starting From Scratch The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph is happy to support the local economy. “When we source items from local farmers, we cite them on our menus, mainly on our spring/ summer menus,” says Kelsey Cheyne, director of sales and marketing. “It’s important to sustaining a community. Plus, in the long run these options are healthier, and we are providing a better product for our guests.”

They’re proud of the fact that this allows them to be a “scratch kitchen,” she adds. Still, their executive chef has to be creative in the winter months as the hotel’s menu changes seasonally. Fortunately, they have one local farmer with a greenhouse who supplies microgreens year-round, and they also try to pickle items whenever possible.

Inn at Harbor Shores’ charcuterie

Main Attraction

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Most of the locally sourced ingredients on The Henry Ford’s menus come from within a 200mile radius of the facility.

in this state, and we have very good communication with the farms.” They’ll sit down in advance to discuss what can be planted and plan their menus around it.

Most of the locally sourced items come from within a 200-mile radius of The Henry Ford’s front gate with a few exceptions, such as dried cherries from Traverse City. The key between the chef and the sales team is knowing when something will be in season and available.

For meeting planners and those with a sales or event planning team, Cox says, “Make sure you have a plan to label and mark the food.

It really helps people get in on your mission when they know that food is local.”

Get Connected AMWAY GRAND PLAZA amwaygrand.com | 616.774.2000 GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA grandtraverseresort.com | 231.534.6000 THE HENRY FORD thehenryford.org/host-an-event | 313.982.6220 THE INN AT HARBOR SHORES innatharborshores.com | 269.983.1111 THE KENSINGTON HOTEL kcourtaa.com | 734.761.7800 THE WESTIN BOOK CADILLAC DETROIT marriott.com | 313.422.1600

P H O T O S : I N N AT H A R B O R S H O R E S ; T H E H E N R Y F O R D

Amy Cox, senior director of sales, and David McGregor, executive chef at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, share their relationship with regional fare. “We know our customers like that quality of food,” says Cox. “Our venues are experiencing some of the highest ratings for food.”

As McGregor explains, many of their products come from big local purveyors, such as Guernsey Dairy, which is located nearby.

Bread is baked locally for the building and year-round hoop houses stretch the selection of seasonal items during the winter.

“The whole basis of cooking for chefs starts with getting the best possible ingredients,” he adds. “They speak for themselves, they’re so fresh.”

Timing plays into the menu too, notes Cox. “We find out when an event will be and recommend what will taste good at that time, such as our gazpacho, which is fantastic.”

The local food movement has a domino effect too. “It’s a partnership you’re building with your community,” McGregor says. “It feels so much better to support my neighbor, and they in turn support us. It all comes full circle.”

Cox agrees: “We become family with some of these partners that do dinners with us. We have rich Michigan produce and food heritage

4 hours from anywhere in the continental U.S. NOW THAT'S AN EDGE

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100,000 sq. ft. Convention Center | 10,000+ Guest Rooms | Over 60 Hotels

DESTINATION BAY CITY

BAY CITY REIMAGINED—AGAIN

Historic river city and its many legends are ready to host and entertain. B Y

BILL SEMION

BAY CITY LOVES TO REINVENT ITSELF EVERY SO OFTEN. It seems this community, nestled between the Thumb and forefinger of Michigan’s mitten and astride the Saginaw River, changes shape and creates a renaissance that is about as successful as any town could hope for today.

In its past, it’s been a shipping port, lumbering center, naval ship-building complex, auto manufacturing hub and farming belt.

And now, add tourism and events center to the list, with so many choices for your activities in a town of 33,000 residents that it can literally boggle the mind.

Bay City’s emergence as a place to shop and have fun now centers on major hotels, fun events, a state park with great waterfowl and bird watching, one of the best places to fish for walleye in North America in Saginaw Bay, and a vibrant downtown that mixes old school

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charm with a never-stand-still verve.

Here’s a look at what Bay City holds for your next meeting or event.

Downtown Waterfront Linked by four major bridges to the city’s west side, downtown has that old-timey compact feeling with a vibrancy that doesn’t quit. Drive down Washington Avenue, and the facades from its life as an 1800s lumbering center for the region’s then-vast white pine forests stand out in a mix with the new and renewed.

Head up the street from venerable Herman

Hiss jewelers, a longtime downtown anchor, then west along Center Avenue. Here, lumber barons built mansions that still dominate just west of downtown, including The Historic Webster House. The red brick mansion now hosts a beautiful bed and breakfast with eight guest rooms that opened in 2010, featuring original fireplaces, period furnishings and an on-site spa.

“We can have 30-40 guests for corporate events, weddings and other gatherings, and in summer, we can also offer outdoor events.

I have an in-house caterer and can do buffets,

P H O T O S : B AY C I T Y B O AT L I N E S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) A N G E L S H A R I S E P H O T O G R A P H Y

Bay City Boat Lines offers tours, cruises and private charters on the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.

Fun Facts » Bay City, along with nearby Saginaw and Midland, forms Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay region. » The first European settler here built a log cabin on the Saginaw River’s east side in 1831. » Bay City was established in 1837.

The Webster House is one of the many lumber baron mansions in the downtown area of Bay City.

sit-down dinners and hors d’oeuvres,” reports owner Deborah Ingersoll.

Nearby, you’ll find another restored historic venue, the 1904 Pere Marquette Depot.

Formerly the train station for various railroads, it was restored in 2008, and now offers meeting space for up to 180 in its former waiting room, says Kacie Hugo, event coordinator.

“We work with local caterers here including Fusion One Café and the Old City Hall restaurant, and the Uptown Grill whether it be for a ceremony, a reception, you name it. They are all phenomenal,” she says.

Antiquer’s Paradise Head back toward the river for another view of that past-present mix. Water Street, nearest the river, was notorious in the 1800s for its bars catering to lumberjacks, who’d occasionally “fall” through a convenient trap door and wake up at a lumber camp in the woods.

Fast forward and Water Street is now famed as an antiques center, with six stores within a short stroll of each other.

Elaine Fournier and her husband began the rush here by opening the Bay City Antiques Center, specializing in European and primitives in a former furniture store.

The Fourniers began their antique business in Sebewaing, a small town at the base of the Thumb, moving to Bay City in 1983. Now it’s easily the largest antiques mall of its kind in the three-state region, she says.

“There are more than 60,000 square feet open to the public, and there are other boutique stores around us as well,” Fournier adds. Six years after opening, they bought the building

next door and opened another antiquing spot to house private vendors. It now has more than 100 booths.

Setting Sail Soon, other antique sellers followed. Then the Fourniers had another idea: Why not offer tours of the river that shaped this town?

They opened Bay City Boat Lines and now the Princess Wenonah and The Islander cruise on daily trips in season.

“The Princess Wenonah carries 150 passengers for private charters and events, and we can arrange catering and book entertainment, or you can on your own,” Fournier says. The Islander is licensed to carry 129.

On Friday nights, join the public for a themed sunset cruise on Princess Wenonah that includes a band. Enjoy a narrated morning cruise aboard the Islander that may go downstream through downtown Bay City and the Bangor/Essexville area, or upstream past wildlife-filled marshes and river mouths.

The Bay City area is a major migratory bird route and stopover, and site of the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail, part of one of the Midwest’s major flyways.

During the upcoming July 18-21 Tall Ships Celebration, which happens here every three to four years, both boats will offer narrated tours alongside the visiting ships, Fournier says.

In a nod to the city’s shipbuilding history, head to the river’s west side to tour the 418-footlong USS Edson, a retired Navy destroyer, part of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. It’s moored just downstream of the former Defoe shipyards, says Administrative Assistant Carla

» In lumbering’s 19th-century heyday, Water Street was lined for miles with sawmills chewing up huge white pine logs sent down the river from camps throughout the region, using connecting waterways like the Shiawassee, Cass and Flint rivers. When new building foundations were dug long after, workers often encountered several feet of sawdust left from those mills. » The Michigan Sugar Co., cooperatively owned by nearly 1,000 sugar beet grower-owners in the region, is the nation’s third largest sugar producer, with an ability to produce more than a billion pounds of Pioneer and Big Chief sugar annually. » Don’t pass up visiting St. Laurent Brothers across from the antiques stores. It produces all-natural peanut butter on the premises. Their slogan? “Nuts since 1904.” » Bay City’s Riverwalk extends 13 miles south from Bay City State Park, including a walkway over the Saginaw River. » Winter visitors see a veritable city of shanties set up on the river ice when it’s cold enough. Most anglers are trying for walleye. » Interested in a walleye fishing charter on Lake Huron if visiting in warm weather?

Check out the Michigan Charterboat Association’s website for a full list.

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DESTINATION BAY CITY

The outdoor patio at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City - Riverfront overlooks the Saginaw River. The Delta College Planetarium (right) features Dome360 shows and other special events open to groups.

Uptown Delights Real Seafood’s Bay City version occupies a riverside spot in the newly opened Uptown area, upstream of downtown, and ushers in another signature Bay City rebirth of this part of the riverfront that used to be occupied by industry.

Besides being one of Ann Arbor-based Main Street Ventures’ signature restaurants, Real Seafood can also be a great meeting

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destination, according to Main Street District manager Jeff Ridinger.

“What makes our property unique is that we have a great view on the river, and more importantly, Main Street Ventures is quality driven in both food and service. Everything is from scratch, and our seafood arrives daily. If you’re looking for a meeting with an interesting space, we fit that niche,” Ridinger explains.

The restaurant can accommodate up to 30 guests for meetings in a private dining area and has dockage available.

Around the corner from Real Seafood are two other new eateries, Costela Brazilian Steakhouse and the aforementioned Uptown Grill, which offers both catering and event space for up to 60 persons after the restaurant closes at 3 p.m. Groups can bring their own adult beverages.

Uptown also includes the first hotel on our where-to-stay menu, the Courtyard By Marriott Bay City. Stephanie Starling is the sales manager at the Courtyard, which stands a few footsteps from the water.

“We have space to accommodate all your needs, and we make it as easy as possible for meetings. There is no setup, cleanup or teardown expense. We make it a one-stop shop for meetings and partner with the Sunrise Pedal Trolley, as well as fishing charters that will take you onto Saginaw Bay after its walleye,” she says.

Opened in 2016, the hotel has 100 rooms,

a saltwater pool, and it offers groups meeting space for up to 130 seated banquet-style in two conference rooms. There is also an outside patio space facing the river that can seat 90 with in-house catering available.

Riverwalk Adventures Guests can also use the Riverwalk to get downtown, and you can watch the annual three-day Bay City Fireworks Festival over the water, this year July 4-6, and the Rockin’ on the River powerboat races, July 13-14. That event also includes outdoor concerts at the Wenonah Park Friendship Shell concert space.

Or book your group downstream at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront, where Jamie Ralph, CMP, director of sales and marketing, will assist.

“We sit on the site of the old Wenonah Hotel, on the river, adjacent to Wenonah Park.

The DoubleTree features 150 guest rooms, fitness center, on-site restaurant, indoor pool, and our events space holds up to 550 guests with full-service catering and convention services,” Ralph says.

Every room overlooks the river or the unique cityscape, and the Rockin’ the River powerboat race happens in front of the hotel.

There’s an outdoor events space that can hold 90 guests, he adds. The hotel is also a short walk from downtown’s antique centers.

Also nearby is the Comfort Inn Bay CityRiverfront. Sales Manager Tamera Reder says

P H O T O S : M A R I A N K R A U S P H O T O G R A P H Y ; D E LTA C O L L E G E P L A N E TA R I U M

Monteiro, and is into its sixth season.

“We looked at bringing a Defoe-built ship here, but none were available, and we decided on the Edson,” she says. “We can do guided tours or station guides throughout the ship.

Ninety percent of it is open.”

Visitors can tour both topside and below deck, and the Edson can host up to 150 for events. “We do have a couple of catering companies we work with, or groups can do their own,” Monteiro adds.

Two more waterborne opportunities await visitors aboard the Appledore IV and V, both two-masted schooners. Appledore IV, formerly kept in Traverse City, is 85 feet long and welcomes up to 48 passengers. Appledore V is 65 feet, and both schooners can take up to 24 three- to four-hour cruises down the river and into the bay.

There are limited catering options aboard, says Scott Ellis, the director of marketing for BaySail, which owns and operates the vessels.

MUSKEGON, MI

the hotel offers a business center, a pool fitness room and 99 rooms, including some with river views.

“Comfort Inn is within walking distance to the Riverwalk, the downtown Delta College Planetarium and the antique shops. We offer two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 36 on the main floor,” Reder adds.

“We’re the only hotel on the east side that offers a free full hot breakfast buffet. We also allow you to use your own licensed caterer to allow flexibility for the type of food and more wiggle room in your budget,” she explains.

A few miles west is the venerable Bay Valley Resort & Conference Center, which can host up to 350 people in the Royal Troon ballroom, with additional meeting rooms for smaller events and functions. There are 100 hotel rooms and an on-site Desmond Muirheaddesigned 18-hole golf course. After your round, join the crowd in the lounge for a sandwich and cocktail.

Now you can easily see why Bay City could star in your next event, no matter the size.

Get Connected “Bay City is a charming riverside community that delights meeting attendees up to 550 persons,” says Sonja Wood, meetings sales manager for the Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB, which includes the Bay City area. Looking for help with a special event?

Ask for Wendy Scott. gogreat.com

VISITMUSKEGON.ORG

Bernadette Benkert 231-724-1123 bernadette@visitmuskegon.org

241 newly appointed guest rooms and suites.

Locally-sourced culinary offerings.

38,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. www.missionpoint.com 906.430.4561 | info@missionpoint.com

2018

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AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENT EXPERIENCE Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a top cultural destination in the Midwest— and an extraordinary place for your next event. With a 158-acre campus showcasing our incredible gardens and internationally acclaimed sculpture park, Meijer Gardens is a unique venue that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

We offer flexible indoor event spaces and superb outdoor spaces. Our entire facility is available for an exclusive affair. In addition to complimentary admission for your guests for the duration of your event, you’ll enjoy: • Event coordinating services to guide you effortlessly through the planning process • State-of-the-art AV equipment and certified technician services • Excellent in-house catering, or choose from our select list of premier caterers • Special corporate discounts ranging from 5% to 15% off room rental charges • Free parking for all of your guests

LEARN MORE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/HOST OR CALL 616-975-3146.

I-96 AND EAST BELTLINE, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN | #MEIJERGARDENS

Drumroll please … as we announce the winners and runners-up of the much-anticipated

Michigan M+E Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards.

Compiled by Megan Swoyer

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BEST AUDIO-VISUAL/VISUAL PRESENTATION PROVIDER B L U E WAT E R

bluewatertech.com | 800.344.6575 Business managers who oversee corporate off-sites and company meetings often like to shake things up. And so do the folks at this Southfield-based group of planners and innovators, says Scott Schoeneberger, managing partner.

“A little bit of creativity can go a long way to assist. Technology, lighting, scenic and unique activations can completely transform

an ordinary space into something entirely different,” he shares. “If you can’t find an unusual space that works for you, make one!”

As for brand activations, he says: “Make it hands-on, make it immersive, and your audience will want more of it.”

An interesting observation: “The headsdown time spent on our devices day after day is creating more of a demand for face-

Best Meeting/Event Planning Company outside Metro Detroit Area

EVENTS NORTH eventsnorth.com | 231.883.2708 Owner/founder Allison Beers says clients of her 11-year-old Traverse City full-service meeting and event management agency are focused on the overall experience of their events.

“Elevating the attendee experience with attentiongrabbing locations, fresh and new room ideas, locally sourced food and unique excursion offerings elevate the experience for the attendee to give them a lasting memorable impression of the event. We can’t wait for the next decade,” she says.

“We’re lucky to work with some truly fun and passionate people. We love when our clients can put their trust in us and fully focus on what they need to and leave the rest to us. We love when everything has wrapped and our clients are already talking about the next event!”

Runners-up: All Grand Events; A Day in May Events

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to-face interactions,” he adds. “We see more events including, and being designed around, moments that offer a mutual experience. From New Age ‘speed dating’ to unusual shared moments, immersion facilitates more human connection and interaction.”

Runners-up: Motown Digital; PSAV

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Best Convention Center (Non-University)

G R A N D T R AV E R S E R E S O R T A N D S PA grandtraverseresort.com | 231.534.6000 Runners-up: The Inn at St. Johns; Cobo Center

Best Golf Venue

G R A N D T R AV E R S E R E S O R T A N D S PA grandtraverseresort.com | 231.534.6000 Runners-up: The Inn at St. John’s; Crystal Mountain

P H O T O S : G R A N D T R AV E R S E R E S O R T A N D S PA ; ( O P P O S I T E ) B L U E WAT E R ; E V E N T S N O R T H

Nestled among freshwater beaches and hardwood forests of northwest Michigan’s Acme near Traverse City, the resort is miles away from ordinary. Featuring nearly 600 guest rooms and 86,500 square feet of meeting space, the facility welcomes groups of up to 2,500. The 900-acre property is also home to three championship golf courses, the renowned Spa Grand Traverse, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Aerie Restaurant & Lounge.

When Sales Director Ryan Buck thinks of meetings these days at the resort, fun comes to mind. “Meetings are becoming more experiential. Gone are the days of sitting in a room passively listening to speakers at a weeklong conference. Now, groups are planning hands-on meetings, unique team-building activities, and excursions to explore the Grand Traverse area.”

Those can include a “kayak and brew” tour, a “dinner in the vines” event or the new Orvis Fly Fishing School, which is great for team-building.

The award-winning resort showcased its $1 million remodel of Governors’ Hall, the largest meeting space in northern Michigan at more than 19,000 square feet, during the big annual state tourism conference in March. The hall features updates to technology and décor and also offers a new meeting planner office. The facility also renovated its Executive Boardroom and the award-winning Spa Grand Traverse.

“We’ll be introducing the new Jack’s Taproom (formerly Jack’s Sports Bar) and making updates to other meeting spaces,” Buck says. Thinking of checking this facility out?

Remember this: There are few places where you can enjoy the beach one minute, championship golf the next, and still have meeting space for up to 2,500!

BEST DISTILLERY GRAND

T R AV E R S E DISTILLE RY grandtraversedistillery.com 231.947.8635

Claire Moen, director of marketing, is excited that the company’s hometown Traverse City location has been refurbished and now offers an event space. “We can host anything from business meetings to showers,” she says. “Because we are a craft distillery and make everything from grain to bottle ourselves, we offer tastings of our products, create craft cocktails using our spirits and offer tours at our production site. We want to immerse the public into the world of craft distilling and the events held with us give people a taste of what we do every day.”

Not to mention they give attendees something to write home about. These days, Moen says, people are more interested in the quality of the spirit they’re drinking over the quantity for the price. “Today, consumers are more educated about the spirits industry since the microdistilling industry took off about 10 years ago.”

What’s hot now? A gin that’s been aging for two years in barrels that once aged maple syrup, a straight wheat whiskey and a cherry smoked whiskey.

Runners-up: Iron Fish Distillery; Two James Spirits

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Best Caterer

in Metro Detroit Area (On- or Off-Site)

A N D I A M O C AT E R I N G & E V E N T M A N AG E M E NT andiamocatering.com | 248.643.6000 With its fresh, innovative and high-quality culinary creations, it’s no wonder clients big and small contact this Troy-based catering guru to deliver exceptional goods.

Its expertise includes cocktail parties and strolling dinners, or chef-plated meals at the location of your choosing. Its sales team ensures personalized attention and ease throughout the planning process.

Corporate gatherings include high-end cuisine and customer service for such clientele as the Grand Prix, The Parade Co., Ally Challenge, Jazz Fest and more.

For something more casual, they suggest treating your team to anything from box lunches for a small conference to a casual buffet for board meetings and employee appreciation gatherings.

Andiamo also offers food station-themed events for seminars and networking. Eight banquet centers throughout metro Detroit also are available, plus another in the Romulus airport.

Best Caterer

outside Metro Detroit Area (On- or Off-Site)

Runners-up: Forte Belanger; Holiday Market Catering

Z I N G E R M A N ’ S C AT E R I N G & E V E N T S In today’s world of fast, fast, fast, this Ann Arbor company observes that nearly everything is happening on a shorter and shorter time line.

“We are getting clients with less turnaround time more than ever before and we, as event professionals, have to change our systems and mind-set to accommodate short notice requests and still provide incredible service and results,” says Event Manager Terra Brock.

It always comes down to service, though, doesn’t it? Those who believe that also tend to be award winners. “Everyone who is hired at Zingerman’s receives a training ‘passport’ that requires them to take classes on our great food, how our business operates, and giving memorable service,” says Brock. “We teach them service recipes to use to give every client for every event (and each one of their guests) the best service we can,” she adds.

They’ve been known to pass Smørrebrød (Scandinavian small-bite, open-faced sandwiches) at events where attendees are from Denmark. Name your desire, Zingerman’s probably can fulfill it.

Runners-up: Black Star Farms; Bavarian Inn Restaurant

BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (In Town/Area Less than 50,000 In Population)

M AC K I N AC I S L A N D CVB mackinacisland.org 906.847.3783

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This CVB is a go-to organization for thousands upon thousands of visitors annually to popular Mackinac Island. What puts the organization in the spotlight more than anything is its ability to stay on top of new island goings-on, which isn’t an easy task!

Each day, a funnel of new information pours into its charming office, located just off the ferry docks.

Executive Director Tim Hygh reports that Grand Hotel added four Cupola Suites, bringing the hotel’s guest room total to 397. Bicycle Street Inn & Waterfront Collection added 29 rooms.

New tours and demonstrations at Fort Mackinac include a “Women of the Fort” walking tour. A redesign of hole No. 2 on The Jewel golf course includes a creek now running across the fairway, adding to the beauty and challenge of the hole. The Island House Hotel opens with a fresh look in all of its rooms. And the new Mackinac Island Botanical Trail is officially open. And there’s more to come!

Runners-up: Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and CVB; Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

P H O T O S : Z I N G E R M A N ’ S C AT E R I N G & E V E N T S , A N D I A M O C AT E R I N G & E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T H E A C C I D E N TA L S , B R I A N H O C K E N S M I T H ; M G M G R A N D C A S I N O

zingermanscatering.com | 734.230.2300

BEST BAND

T H E A C C I D E N TA L S theaccidentalsmusic.com | 231.409.2003

Traverse City’s female-fronted, multi-instrumentalist power trio—Sav Buist, Katie Larson and Michael Dause—have been called “the most emotionally compelling songwriters of our time” by NPR. Their music is edgy, indie folk rock. They’ve been described as “defiant, powerful and undaunted.”

Last year, they enjoyed the chance to work

on a studio album with John Congleton, one of their bucket list producers. More recently, they hooked up with another must-work-with producer, Tucker Martine. They also released their live album at four Michigan shows in April. They recently returned from their first U.K. tour.

“Music is kind of an amazing thing because

it tends to unite,” says Buist. “The whole experience, every person we shake hands with, adds up to the collective whole of why we love what we do.” Keep an eye—or ear— out for this trio!

Runners-up: Killer Flamingos; Three Men and a Tenor

Best Casino

MGM GRAND DETROIT mgmgranddetroit.com | 877.888.2121 Treat your clients to not only one of the best spots for trying your luck at gambling, but also one that offers headline music and concerts, from live music (Motown is always great) at AXIS Lounge to a virtual golf experience at Topgolf Swing Suite that’s fun for golfers and nongolfers alike.

The $800 million facility features some 100,000 square feet of casino space, 400 hotel rooms, about 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and can accommodate events up to 1,200 people.

Feeling lucky? Head to one of its nearly 3,500 slot and video poker machines or get comfortable at a table game. From sizzling hands of Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em and High Tie blackjack to traditional favorites like roulette, it’s a good bet one of the 150 table games is sure to lure.

Hungry? Patrons will find everything from classic burgers to bigtime steaks at this winning casino. Good luck!

Runners-up: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort; Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

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Best Décor Provider

EMERALD CITY DESIGNS emeraldcitydesigns.com | 248.474.7077 Runners-up: Art Craft Display; Event Source

Best Meeting/Event Planning Company in Metro Detroit Area

EMERALD CITY DESIGNS emeraldcitydesigns.com | 248.474.7077 Runners-up: Special D Events; Top That! Event Creating texture and movement are two ways to turn heads these days when it comes to floral arrangements, says Emerald City Designs owner David C. McKnight. The trend is organic-feeling, moody colors and not the ordinary.

“We’re starting to bring more color in,” McKnight says, “whereas previous years have been all about white. While white floral and greenery is still very much on trend, we’re mixing in muted jewel tones.”

The studio is also seeing a lot less shabby chic and more of what he calls city chic. “We’re mixing all metals, including rose gold and copper, and lots of greenery.”

It’s never a dull moment at one of Emerald City Designs’ events. And if you’re outside, expect the most fun diversions, such as wish lanterns to set off into the sky once the sun goes down.

Regarding food, McKnight offers this: “As planners, we love to recommend interesting late-night snacks besides the traditional sliders/ pizza. How about a churro station?”

The Farmington Hills firm is a full-service design and rental studio for any floral, rental, stationery or planning and coordinating needs.

Event specialists design, deliver, install and pick up rental items with efficiency and ease.

Best College/University Venue

KE LLOGG HOTE L AND CONFE RE NCE CE NTE R kelloggcenter.com | 517.432.4000 Kristina Reitler, CMP, CTA, director of sales for Spartan Hospitality Group in East Lansing, reports that over the next few years guest rooms are being refreshed and renewed with new, brighter wall coverings and soft goods.

This award-winning facility knows of what it speaks, after all, Kellogg Center is the on-campus learning lab for The School of Hospitality Business. “Our guests truly appreciate connecting with our student team members,” Reitler says.

With some 20 different meeting spaces, including a 300-seat auditorium, the center is Michigan State University’s on-campus hotel, with close proximity to greater Lansing’s cultural, educational and athletic events.

Runners-up: The Michigan League, U-M; Michigan Union, U-M

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Best Transportation Company METRO CARS

metrocars.com | 800.456.1701 You may not know this, but Metro Cars’ corporate brands include companies in not only Grand Rapids and Detroit, but also Sacramento, California and Reno, Nevada, reports Paula Mikola, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Taylor company.

Of note for those who like to make their luxury car reservations super easy: The company now has an app, and reservations have never been simpler. With the Metro Cars app, you can book/ cancel reservations, view and email receipts, view your driver’s information, and receive text and email alerts when they are on their way.

As for reliability, Metro Cars has been led since 1990 by some of the most talented transportation experts in the country. Large-scale transportation operations feature a combined corporate-wide fleet of nearly 350 professionally maintained, chauffeur-driven vehicles, including sedans, stretch limousines and limousine coaches, executive vans, shuttles and luxury motor coaches. All chauffeurs are uniformed, securityscreened and drug-tested.

P H OTO S : M E T R O C A R S ; V I V I A N O F LOW E R S H O P ; (O P P O S I T E ) E M E R A L D C I T Y D E S I G N S ; K E L LO G G H OT E L A N D CO N F E R E N C E C E N T E R

Runners-up: Blue Lakes Charters Bus Rental; Dean Transportation

Best Florist in Metro Detroit Area

VIVIAN O FLOWE R S H O P viviano.com | 800.848.4266 This St. Clair Shores-based flower shop opened in 1937. Today, it also offers prop rentals, linens and other design elements to fully service clients. The company recently expanded with a fifth location in downtown Rochester.

Oh, the pressure of it all! With the rise of social media comes the challenge of creating the perfect event, says Elizabeth Viviano, a fourth-generation Viviano family member and product development/marketing assistant. But with that social media competition, she says, “Let’s us do what we do best.”

Viviano is seeing more natural, asymmetrical, and garden-looking elements and designs, from arches to bouquets. “Gold and copper accents are also popular, and clients are even choosing to mix metallics to create a more unique look.

“We love to see the smile on our clients’ faces [when they first see their floral arrangements] or when they first walk in to their decorated venue,” Viviano says.

Runners-up: Emerald City Designs; Blossoms

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BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE outside Metro Detroit Area (Non-Hotel)

F R E D E R I K M E I J E R G A R D E N S & S C U L P T U R E PA R K meijergardens.org | 616.957.1580 Among the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, the 24-year-old Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is one of the top 30 most visited museums in the United States.

The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, one of the nation’s largest interactive children’s gardens and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater.

Team-building activities include scavenger hunts, art projects or cooking programs, says Stacie Niedzwiecki, director of hospitality.

Venues range from 10 banquet rooms, six classrooms, a farmhouse with a barn, Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, a gar-

den parlor and additional greenhouses and gardens. “We customize events using our locations to complement our clients’ themes and needs,” she explains.

Fun times: art-lover dinners in a museum atmosphere, bloody mary bars, barbecue fare from the new smoker, Cocktails in the Conservatory, Cocktails with the Curator and more.

A new $5 million catering kitchen, which opened last year, and the Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, which opened in May, was part of a $115 million expansion project. “We are always growing, always beautiful and always new,” Niedzwiecki says.

Runners-up: Traverse City Opera House; Black Star Farms

Best Meeting/Event Venue in Metro Detroit Area (Non-Hotel)

THE HE NRY FORD thehenryford.org/privateevents | 313.982.6220 “Our venues can bring the wow factor to your group from the moment you enter each of our attractions,” says Senior Director-Sales Amy Cox, whether it’s entering Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and seeing the massive DC-3 plane just ahead as you walk through a reimagined Independence Hall, or stepping aboard one of our historic steam locomotives to get from cocktail hour to dinner in Greenfield Village.”

Cox says the Dearborn facility is more than just a unique location, it’s an immersive experience. “Our attractions provide settings for inspiration,” she explains. “Attendees can climb aboard the Rosa Parks bus, see the vehicles that changed the way we view mobility, and walk amongst the homes of the innovators of our past.”

Event attendees discover that staff here goes above and beyond with exemplary service and culinary creations. “For us, it’s more than what puts a smile on our clients’ faces,” Cox says, “It’s what takes their breath away.”

Runners-up: Fox Theatre; Detroit Zoo

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BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (in Town/Area More than 50,000 in Population)

T R AV E R S E C I T Y TOURISM traversecity.com | 231.947.1121

BEST CRAFT BREWERY/BREWPUB S H O R T ’ S B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y shortsbrewing.com | 231.498.2300 It’s no wonder this family-friendly Bellaire company took top honors. It stays on top of things, especially trends. “Low-calorie requests seem to be popping up a lot recently. The health-conscious crowd has more beer options,” says Tony Hansen, head brewer at this northern Michigan facility.

He says Brut IPAs are becoming pretty common and are “here to stay.” Short’s is currently finishing a project that involved installing three 280-barrel fermenters and completing the building around those tanks, as well as upgrading its break room, bathrooms and offices. “We’re also planning and getting ready to begin construction on a large warehouse,” Hansen says.

Those looking for something new should try the recently launched Juicy Brut, which is a hybridstyle beer with the juiciness of an NEIPA and the dryness of a Brut IPA. “We also have a cider called Mosa, which is a dry cider blended with orange juice to create our version of a cider mimosa.” Cheers!

Runners-up: Founders Brewing Co.; Bell’s Brewery

Best Rooftop Venue HOTEL INDIGO

P H OTO S : S H O R T ’ S B R E W I N G CO. ; H OT E L I N D I G O ; (O P P O S I T E ) F R E D E R I K M E I J E R G A R D E N S & S C U L P T U R E PA R K , A N T H O N Y J . N O R K U S ; T H E H E N R Y F O R D

hotelindigo.com/traversecitymi | 231.932.0500 Oh, to have that perfect location! The 107-room Hotel Indigo in Traverse City certainly does. Its fabulous H&L Social rooftop bar is a prized venue overlooking scenic Grand Traverse Bay. Long before happy hour upstairs, though, meeting planners often take advantage of the beautiful locale, situated smackdab in winery country and steps from the pristine shores and beaches of Lake Michigan. Not to mention all the cultural diversions near this chic bayside property.

Inside, there’s flexible meeting and event space with windows offering natural light and incredible views, complete with full-service catering and event support.

Margaret Morse, director of sales and marketing, reports they’re remodeling the restaurant, adding a private dining area/additional meeting space; installing audio-visual capabilities in the ballroom; redecorating the lobby; and adding artwork throughout the hotel.

This CVB faces a tough (yeah, right?) job promoting the small-town charm and urban energy that merge in this fun Lake Michigan region. Historic and modern, rustic and refined, the area is considered the Cherry Capital of the World, where a bountiful land paves the way for inventive culinary experts, craft brewers, winemakers and distillers with 40-plus wineries lining the vast rolling shoreline.

The region also is a hot bleisure destination. “We’re seeing meetings that encourage families to attend have greater attendance, longer stays and create a more relaxed environment for participants,” says Tori Piersante, vice president of sales. Traverse City “is a perfect destination to accomplish that.”

Whatever your needs, staff can arrange for team-building activities that include kayaking, biking or brew and wine tours and tastings, scavenger hunts and more. Tough job, right?

Runners-up: Detroit Metro CVB; Experience Grand Rapids

Runners-up: Detroit Athletic Club; Sky Deck at Detroit Opera House

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Best Ski Resort

Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space (Less than 200 Guest Rooms)

T H E I N N AT S T. J O H N ’ S theinnatstjohns.com | 734.414.0600 Runners-up: Inn at Black Star Farms; Hotel Indigo

Best Service

(Meeting/Event Venue)

T H E I N N AT S T. J O H N ’ S theinnatstjohns.com | 734.414.0600 Runners-up: Crystal Mountain; Grand Hotel When you think of a boutique hotel, you may be thinking “small,” but The Inn at St. John’s, with 118 guest rooms, in Plymouth offers one of the largest meeting and conference spaces in southeast Michigan, with 48,000 square feet.

That includes four breathtaking ballrooms, an executive boardroom and 17 additional meeting spaces. From 5ive Steakhouse to the lavish gardens to the pool and 27-hole golf course, this property also boasts a AAA Four Diamond rating that confirms service is St. Johns’ top priority.

When Tawnya Johnson, CHSP, director of sales and marketing, contemplates what’s new in the way of food offerings, she shares it often pertains to health. “We’re seeing more and more planners request healthy menu options and food options to promote wellness, focus, energy, etc.”

She’s proud of the just-completed full guest room renovations, including new carpet, furniture, wall coverings, drapery and artwork.

Once you’re there, it’s a given that you’ll want to come again.

C R Y S TA L M O U N TA I N

crystalmountain.com | 231.378.2000 When you consider all of its delightful amenities, it’s easy to understand why skiers love Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville.

Included in its 102 acres of skiable expanse with a 375-foot drop are 58 downhill slopes (27 lighted for night skiing), glade runs and terrain areas, all served by six lifts and two magic carpets. Then there are 25 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing, with 4 kilometers of those lighted for nighttime adventures.

Committed to energy and environmentally sustainable energy practices, the resort received the 2018 National Ski Areas Association Climate Change Impact Award. Its Crystal Spa ranks 22nd on Spas of America’s Top 100 list.

Recent upgrades are new screens in meeting rooms and new projectors for the Northwest Territories meeting/ banquet venue. The Inn at the Mountain original suites were renovated.

The new rooftop terrace, part of a 31,200-square-foot expansion to the inn, can accommodate 70-80 people.

The Pavilion tent now has a concrete floor and a bigger footprint for functions of 250-300 people.

Runners-up: Boyne Resorts; Shanty Creek Resorts

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P H O T O S : T H E I N N AT S T. J O H N ’ S ; C R Y S TA L M O U N TA I N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) B L A C K S TA R FA R M S , LU X L I G H T P H OTO G R A P H Y; A B BY R O S E P H OTO G R A P H Y; B LO O M F LO R A L D E S I G N

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BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

AB BY ROS E PH OTOG R APHY abbyrosephoto.com | 734.846.2852 Keeping an eye on her subject is one thing, but owner Abby Rosenbaum also keeps an eye on photography trends and best practices, which have served her Ann Arbor business well over the past few years.

“Trends in photography are constantly shifting,” she says. “Some years imagery seems to skew bright and airy, other times dark and moody. I always try to keep my work classic—keeping images subtly on-trend without going overboard. You don’t want your images to look dated in 20 years!”

When it comes to photographing weddings, she says: “Today’s brides want it all—bold, editorial images, photojournalistic captures, creative portraits and classic, wellexecuted family portraits. I see just about every kind of wedding out there—big, black-tie ballroom affairs, rustic barn weddings, intimate elopements and everything in between.”

Best Winery

B L A C K S TA R FA R M S blackstarfarms.com | 231.944.1258 It’s all about the guests’ requests, and these days more of them are asking for food stations at their events, reports Sherri Campbell Fenton, proprietor of the 160-acre vineyard estate in Suttons Bay. “We have also seen an increase in the number of requests for wine tasting stations. It makes for an interactive, fun, often educational and relaxed setting.”

One popular social and post-meeting offering is alfresco wine-paired vineyard dining. If the attendees aren’t staying at the luxury inn, they can bus in from nearby Traverse City.

Other interactive diversions are cooking classes, estate tours, hiking and snowshoeing on more than 3 miles of trails, or biking to other nearby sights or wineries.

The facility added new banquet chairs, mattresses, carpet, artwork, lighting in the barn and paint, while the tasting room is undergoing spring renovations. “With the addition of a banquet room, which accommodates 150 guests, coupled with the ability to easily convert a smaller event space into a board room, we’re welcoming more business groups,” Fenton says.

She says lots of couples are embracing offbeat venues such as breweries, museums, distilleries and gallery spaces.

Runners-up: Sarah Brown Photography; Lola Grace Photography

Runners-up: Chateau Chantal; Leelanau Wine Cellars

Best Florist

outside Metro Detroit Area

BLOOM FLOR AL DESIGN bloomfloraldesign.com | 231.675.9017 Having trained at the prestigious Flower School New York and School of Floral Design, Paris under master designers, the Charlevoix-based staff’s experience and creativity are unsurpassed.

Using flowers in their most natural state, the team turns out combinations with a customized palette, color and texture, creating a distinctive design. Extra cool: Bloom sources flowers from only the finest growers, sourcing as many flowers as possible locally and domestically, including their own specialty cutting gardens.

Runners-up: Frankenmuth Florist; Wasserman’s Flowers

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BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDER (DJs, Non-Band, Speakers, Other)

M I K E S TA F F P R O D U C T I O N S “Nothing is more important to us than listening to our clients’ wishes and delivering a remarkable experience,” says Kurt Colone, vice president of sales and entertainment for the Troy-based wedding and corporate event-production company that offers DJs, photography, HD videography and more.

“Our company consists of fun, gifted and experienced team members working with cutting-edge technology and driven by an authentic desire to make people happy. Plus, we’re not afraid of always surpassing our own standards.” If you’ve not used videog-

raphy at an event in a while, give it another try. Videography has never looked better, he says. And the best part? People often don’t even know the cameras are rolling.

“We’re not a stamping plant, where everyone is going to get the same end result,” he says. “Our process is rare because we allow the customer to get as involved in the editing process as they want, which makes their photos and video truly special.”

Runners-up: Black Tie Productions; 2Bays DJs

Best Event Rental Company A R T C R A F T D I S P L AY

artcraftdisplay.com | 517.485.2221 It’s hard to believe that this exhibit industry leader (offices in Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids) can get any better, but it is, thanks to its new state-of-the-art hybrid UV printer. In addition, a new flatbed digital cutter allows it to precisely cut and route materials up to 2 inches thick.

Wood, plastic, metal and traditional printing materials can all be printed with four-color custom graphics and cut into custom shapes.

The company offers 100 percent recyclable signage and display pieces made from rigid corrugated cardboard. “The material is extremely strong and durable, plus it can be fully printed with four-color custom graphics,” says Jennifer Daley, HR manager/special projects.

“Displays, entrance units, sponsor boards, and specialized furniture, such as cocktail tables, can be completely custom printed. The best part is, these pieces can be shipped and stored flat, saving on shipping and labor costs. When it’s time to update their displays and signage, the cardboard pieces can simply be recycled.”

Runners-up: Emerald City Designs; Event Source

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P H O T O S : M I K E S TA F F P R O D U C T I O N S ; A R T C R A F T D I S P L AY ; ( O P P O S I T E ) S TA F F O R D ’ S B AY V I E W I N N ; A M WAY G R A N D P L A Z A , J A M E S S T E I N K A M P

mikestaff.com | 248.689.0777

Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space (More than 200 Guest Rooms)

A M WAY G R A N D P L A Z A HOTEL amwaygrand.com | 616.774.2000 This landmark, originally opened in 1916 as the Pantlind Hotel along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, boasts numerous bars and restaurants, a fullservice salon and 47,000 square feet of meeting space. It seems to always be improving upon itself.

Take the Rendezvous, the hotel’s recently renovated lobby bar. Here, you’ll find relaxing on-trend design elements, all in the name of exquisite.

Best Small Inn with Meeting/Event Space S TA F F O R D ’ S B AY V I E W I N N staffords.com | 231.347.2771 The green scene is alive and well at the inn, says Angie Whitener, director of sales. “A lot of groups are taking our duty to Mother Earth seriously—and it’s refreshing. Gone are the days of bottled water, paper at meetings and overly lavish food displays. Now we are seeing water bottle filling stations, paper communication turned electronic and locally sourced food served for meetings and events.”

At her award-winning facility, guests and meeting attendees take advantage of outdoor offerings between meetings or as group activities. Options include everything from snowshoeing, snowmobiling and river rafting to winery tours to Lake Michigan fishing on a charter boat and Petoskey Stone hunts along the waterfront. She can set up team-building programs that involve a ropes course and “zip-line fun!”

Owner Stafford Smith first visited the inn in 1957. It’s the oldest summer hotel (1886) north of Grand Rapids. The Howard Room can accommodate 80-130 guests and includes a built-in dance floor.

These days, the crew is busy overseeing the exterior renovation of the iconic glass tower, scheduled to be complete in 2021.

The two-year project will introduce floorto-ceiling windows and result in energy savings of 10-15 percent, reports General Manager Mike Donnelly.

The beloved AAA Four Diamond rooftop restaurant and lounge, Cygnus27, suspended operations for 12 months to undergo exciting interior renovations. If you’re there on Sunday, indulge in the expansive new brunch at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. Pastries and desserts made fresh daily at the hotel’s award`winning bakeshop. What a way to start— or end—a meeting!

Runners-up: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa; Crystal Mountain

Runners-up: The Inn on Ferry Street; Hotel Walloon

BEST EVENT/FESTIVAL

T R AV E R S E C I T Y N AT I O N A L C H E R R Y F E S T I VA L cherryfestival.org | 231.947.4230 The best part about the weeklong fest (this year, it’s June 29-July 6) that promotes one of Traverse City’s most notable crops besides the yummy cherries, of course, is the diverse activities offered to attendees. Whatever you’re into, the festival has an event for you. From live music concerts to gourmet meals to kids’ activities to air shows, it’s a hubbub of action-packed fun.

Festival media manager Susan Wilcox Olson says trends include “all things foodie!” In addition, the air shows are a must-see, she notes. “Then there’s Bay Side Entertainment on the shore side of West Grand Traverse Bay.” Wilcox also shares an insider secret: if you happen to be at Hotel Indigo June 29-30 during the festival, check out the rooftop menu. During the air show, pull up a seat there and enjoy cherry-themed fare. “It’s one of the best views in town,” she says.

Runners-up: Grand Rapids Art Prize; Ann Arbor Art Fair

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Photo credit Myra Klarman

Challenge Everything.

Create Anything.

As a vibrant university town powered by innovation, Ann Arbor has always attracted big thinkers across industries – leading to even bigger ideas and bolder solutions. And with extraordinary meeting spaces, an exciting culinary scene, a walkable downtown and a knowledgeable staff to guide you every step of the way, Ann Arbor is the ideal destination for meetings and groups with big ideas of their own.

Start planning at DestinationAnnArbor.org/meet

These stellar seven shine with enough star power to light up the sky.

The Michigan Meetings + Events Editorial Advisory Board deliberated over the many fascinating nominations submitted in seven Hall of Fame categories. After intense scrutiny, the board voted in the following superstars—from veteran display experts to creative meeting planners. To all: please take a bow!

By Ron Garbinski Photos by Tate Carlson

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A Learning Moment: “Being in the business for 28 years, I am still amazed that I am still learning all the time. We are always pushing the envelope, planning and executing events that require more and lead us into new design and engineering territory. I never say no.

Instead I am motivated to see what can happen.”

Most Memorable Moment: “Meeting with Roger Penske to consult and provide rental elements for the Food and Beverage Fan Experience for Super Bowl XL in Detroit. His impressive leadership and attention to detail, focusing on all parts of the fan experience and the impact that this major event had on Detroit’s image and reputation taught me volumes about the precision of planning and the demands of excellence.”

Personal Philosophy: “To do the very best I can to represent each client—to honor their ideas, to utilize all the skill and talent at my disposal and to act as the catalyst to make each event a reality according to the client’s vision, no matter what the challenge may be.

I work hard to be prepared, listen more than I speak and deliver on promises.”

On His Role: “My energy is focused on sales, from researching clients, refining themes and designs, to engineering unique and on-trend parties and professional events.”

Career Path: “I was motivated by parents who worked hard and taught me to recognize opportunity. The early days of delivering papers and teaching tennis lessons eventually led to the serendipity of landing on the sales team at Display Group in its inception.

My role here has grown to include serving as president of the Michigan chapter of International Special Events Society (now ILEA) and collaborating closely with Detroit Metro CVB. I have been honored to participate in and enjoy the growth of this small company that began with a modest dream to encourage a community to see possibilities in creative ideas and has grown to impact a city and its movement toward a real vision.”

Valuable Skills: “Being in a live events business, staying calm and collected throughout the entire process is critical. You only get one chance to make it memorable. You have to be focused, flexible, ready with solutions to exceed the client’s expectations.”

LI F E TI M E AC H I E V E M E NT

John Lamb

Vice President, Sales and Theme Engineer; Display Group; Detroit

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U P -A N D - CO M I N G M E E TI N G P RO F E S S I O N A L

Tina Genitti

General Sales & Corporate Relationships Manager; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill; Sterling Heights On Stage: “I have always loved people and making sure they have a fulfilling time during their nights out. From a young age, I watched both of my parents run a seamless dinner theater operation [Genitti’s Hole in the Wall in Northville] where every single person would leave with a smile on their face and couldn’t wait to come back.

I was addicted to hospitality and service from a young age and am so happy to be able to stay in this field and pass along the service that I was taught.”

On Her Role: “My role is general sales and operating manager at the amphitheater. I work daily with our valued partners at the venue making sure that from start to finish, their entertainment experience expectations for the partners and their guests is exceeded. I plan and execute many events for our organization from charity to concerts to VIP events and more.”

Memorable Moment: “Opening my first solo show on board the Disney Fantasy cruise ship during my time at Disney Cruise Line. The script was memorized, the dance moves were rehearsed, and my smile was on point. The rush I got when stepping onto the stage in front of 4,000 people on my own, solely to entertain the crowd was riveting and out of body.”

Life Philosophy: “This old adage still rings true—treat others like you want to be treated. I am a stickler for good service and expect it for my friends, family and myself when I am out. I always try to deliver to my clients the same service that I would expect for myself.”

Standing Apart: “My improvisation, acting and show-ready skills are put to work every day. I’ve been told that I make my clients and guests feel like ‘a part of the family,’ and to me that is the most flattering compliment to receive. Once you build a trust and a meaningful relationship with those you work with and work for, the rest is easy. ”

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On Her Role: “It combines my marketing background with my love of meetings and events. The programs I create, plan and execute bring together professionals with the hotels, resorts, CVBs and other suppliers that make the meetings and events happen.”

Valuable Skills: “Creativity is my most valuable skill. I have to constantly ‘think different’ to keep ahead of the curve and create events that will be valuable to the audiences I serve. I want people to look at my events and say, ‘Hey, did you see what Destination Michigan did this time?’ I want to be the one setting trends in the meeting industry, not following them.”

Most Memorable Moment: “I think that the day I signed the papers to own my own company, managing Destination Michigan and Meetings Michigan, was a significant milestone. I have always wanted to own my own business. It’s a dream come true.”

Work Philosophy: “Work hard, play hard is my No. 1. But a close second is surround yourself with people that are good at what they do and make you better at what you do. I think those that are at the top of their field know how to surround themselves with the right people.”

Business Differential: “I would say passion, but there are so many passionate people in this business. I think the one thing that sets me apart is initiative. Seeing an opportunity and taking the initiative to make something new happen is a quality I think that is rare and that I like to think that I have in my tool belt.”

B E ST M E E TI N G P RO F E S S I O N A L

Kim Corcoran, CMP

President; Destination Michigan/Meetings Michigan; Dexter

Career Path: “I didn’t know the meetings/ events industry existed when I was in high school and college. I wanted to be in sports marketing, and it was while working for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Co. on the sports side that I learned about the hospitality industry. I also worked as a national sales manager at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for five years before being hired

by Viktor Incentives and Meetings to lead a meetings division of the company and developed Meetings Up North, which we later rebranded as Destination Michigan. I also started Meetings Michigan, a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to bring more out-of-state meetings to Michigan. I helped to build both organizations for 10 years and then purchased the rights to the brands and became a business owner of Destination Michigan and Meetings Michigan in 2014.”

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Job Changes: Sara was selected for this honor while performing event coordinator duties for Quicken Loans in Detroit, where she worked for more than three years.

Earlier this year, she joined the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Southfield.

On Her Role: “I’ve always known I wanted to be in a people-centric position. In my new position, I advocate and support our organization’s mission through our walk events (Ann Arbor and East Lansing locations). It’s a change from the logistics side of event planning that I’m used to in past positions, but I love learning and executing events in different capacities.”

A Learning Moment: “In our industry, people say no to a lot of ideas. I’ve learned that it isn’t because the ideas are bad, it’s because they aren’t right—and there’s a huge difference. I think I share the very common fear of nobody showing up to your event. It’s the one thing you can never control.”

Memorable Event: “Vikram Bhaskaran, global head of vertical strategy and marketing at Pinterest, was one of my keynote speakers and he told me the event was really impressive. I can’t tell you what that meant to me on so many levels.”

Work Philosophy: “Bill Murray said, ‘The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything: the better you are with your loved ones, the better you are with your enemies, the better you are at your job, the better you are with yourself.’ I say a version of this in my head nearly every day. I’m very creative. I can see something and imagine what shape it could take or what transformations could be made. It could be a costume for a model or a set for a stage. It could be a song or lights or linen choices. I am able to imagine the outcome and make it a reality.”

U P -A N D - CO M I N G S P E C IA L E V E NT S PLANNER

Sara Carolin

Development Manager; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Metro Detroit/ Southeast Michigan Chapter; Southfield

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Career Path: “I received my undergrad degree in theater and my graduate degree in business. Those have both been priceless in the positions I’ve held. I’ve worked in HR for the government and a hospital, and I’ve worked in events in corporate and multiple nonprofit sectors. I look forward to continuing to put my planning powers to use for the greater good in nonprofit work for a long, long time. In my new role, I want to use my skills and experience to support my organization’s mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat Type 1 diabetes and its complications.”

B E ST S P E C IA L E V E NT S P L A N N E R

Dorothy DeBlasio

Catering and Conference Services Manager; Black Star Farms; Sutton’s Bay First Steps: “I’ve been working in the food and beverage industry since I was 13. I always knew I wanted to be a part of food and beverage and the hospitality industry.

The event industry was a good fit for me because of how detail oriented I am. I really like a plan in my work and personal life!”

On Her Role: “I sell, detail and execute events for Black Star Farms. I’m with my clients from the beginning to the end. I also manage the department, which includes overseeing all day-to-day operations for three distinct venues, manage and develop strategy, handling business operations for the events department and leading a team of 15 employees when fully staffed.”

A Learning Moment: “That it is okay if your personality does not always align with your clients. Learning how to read what is important to your client will help you exceed the expectations of the most discerning guests.”

Work Philosophy: “I believe in building a great team and leading by example. When preparing for a big event, I go through all the details with my team and make a plan for the event. I rely on my team to help execute all events. Details, details, details!”

P H O T O B Y D A N S T E WA R T P H O T O G R A P H Y

On Personality: “My goal is to provide excellent service to all my clients. I have a bubbly personality and am very detail oriented. I feel that these characteristics are what help to put my clients at ease to know everything is taken care of. My most valuable skills are details and patience.”

Career Path: “After graduating from Appalachian State University, I started my career as a conference services assistant at the Biltmore Estate. While there, I was a part of both the catering sales and conference service departments. I also helped it start the off-site catering division of the catering sales department. I moved with my husband to northern Michigan in 2014 and shortly after started my job at Black Star Farms. My goal now is growing our event business and continuing to be the premier destination for social and corporate events in northern Michigan.”

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In the Beginning: “Going into college, I had plans to be a computer engineer. I still consider myself some sort of engineer based on the complex problems I have to solve and find innovative ways to make work on the fly in this industry.”

On Her Role: “It’s my job to understand the needs of the client and anticipate the needs of their guests. I have to determine the experience and personality needs of the team I am building. During execution, I’m managing both vendors and teams to ensure they are all operating in excellence.

The name of the game is sales, sales, sales.”

A Learning Moment: “It was during an event where I had excitedly allowed mostly beginner staff to work. I was proud that we had employed so many individuals who were learning and looking for more opportunity. I quickly learned the importance of ensuring diversity in experience on an events team.

The event was a success but would have been a lot less stressful had there been a more experienced team.”

Most Memorable Moment: “It was walking through the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta during the Major League Soccer AllStar Game, watching Fierce Staffing brand ambassadors interact with VIPs, executives and fans. Our 40 brand ambassadors and event staff worked throughout the all-star week managing F&B, décor, and logistics for partner and executive events.”

What Makes You Different: “We invest in quality trainings that will contribute to client satisfaction and the future success of our workers. We commit to paying a livable wage for every shift, which ensures that staff continue to show up ready and excited to work. We understand that it is impossible to be confident on any job if you are struggling at home. We connect our staff in need to wrap around support services.”

Career Path: “After receiving my hospitality business degree from Michigan State University, I was recruited into the Marriott Management Development program, where I trained at the Downtown Detroit Courtyard. I soon joined the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center events management team. My journey as an entrepreneur began immediately after leaving the Marriott, working as a production assistant on major events, such as the SEC Football Championship, Final Four Fan Fest, BET Awards Experience and more.”

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Arielle Johnson

Founder and CEO; Fierce Staffing & Consulting; Detroit

B E ST S U P P LI E R

Liz Andre-Stotz Owner; Parsonage Events; Clarkston

On Her Role: “It’s one part manager, one part designer and one part ‘Aunt Liz.’ I run my studio with as much structure as I can in a business that is known for being chaotic and ever-evolving. The designing aspect of my business is what consumes my mind much of the time. I’m constantly looking for inspiration in art, pop culture and nature. I enjoy the process of getting to know my client’s design needs, but also getting to know them. This is when I become Aunt Liz.” Valuable Skills: “I find my ability to work in stressful situations to be my most valuable skill. You can be an amazing designer and business person, but if you can’t execute the plan during most-high pressure situations, you’ll fail. I like to unwind after a big event with a large Diet Coke from McDonald’s and the company of my coworkers. We like to discuss the event like a game day wrap-up.”

Most Memorable Moment: “My work was published in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, and one of my bouquets was in Martha Stewart Wedding Top 22 Most Liked on Instagram. If Martha says it’s good, I believe her.”

What Sets Her Apart: “I started my business with my family in mind. My business allows my staff and me to have the flexibility to make it to baseball games and dance recitals. I move forward in an event with the intention of ‘wowing’ my client. I always put the designs and client experience ahead of profit. I’m not a millionaire, but I’m always proud of my business at the end of the day.”

Career Path: “I’ve enjoyed the event atmosphere for as long as I can remember. One of my first jobs in college was at Palace Sports and Entertainment where I really caught the bug. I loved the crowds, the excitement of the performances and sporting events. I knew then that I wanted to work in the events industry. I spent several years coordinating the guest experience at the Detroit Institute of Arts during exhibitions, including the Splendors of Ancient Egypt and Angels of the Vatican. These experiences led me to begin my own business in event design. I am able to couple my love for action and art in one amazing career.”

Future Plans: “I want to offer custom-event structures (chuppahs, arbors, stands, hanging implementations, custom pieces) to my fellow designers for purchase and/or rental in the near future. I’m fortunate to have a husband who can build anything.”

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MEETINGS FROM THE TOP

T H E Y S TA R T H E R E Overlooking the Chicago River and the city’s iconic skyline, LondonHouse Chicago puts you at the heart of everything the Windy City has to offer.

With 452 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 25,000 square feet of spectacular event space, and a range of inspired catering options, LondonHouse offers everything you need to make your next meeting unforgettable.

®

B O O K TODAY: Sales@LondonHouse.com 8 5 E A S T W A C K E R D R I V E A T N O R T H M I C H I G A N AV E N U E

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IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

Grand Rapids s Lansing s Detroit Promo Code: MIME0806

www.chasecreative.com FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 Ad will run: Michigan Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 Ad Size: 1/2 horizontal 7”x4.875” This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece.

Photos or images may appear fuzzy due to the low-res format of this file.

This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece. Photos or images may appear fuzzy due to the low-res format of this file.

Lincoln MKT and 10 passenger Mercedes Sprinter Limo

FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 Ad will run: Michigan Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 Ad Size: 1/2 horizontal 7”x4.875”

Metro Cars is your number one source for reliable, safe, upscale transportation. With vehicle options ranging from our well-known sedans and SUV’s to equipment for larger groups, we’ve got you covered.

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Industry Update EXPERT ADVICE 64

WHAT ATTENDEES WANT

New study identifies five macro-trends that will impact the future of meetings and events.

Research courtesy of PCMA Fo u n d a t i o n a n d Ma r r i o t t International

“THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS industry’s future is being shaped by so many factors—from people’s desire to be part of a broader community to their expectations when they travel. [‘The Future of Meetings & Events’] brings a real-world and provocative lens to where planners, attendees and suppliers will be heading in the years to come,” says Tammy Routh, senior vice president for global sales at Marriott International.

Download the full report at pd.pcma.org/FutureTrends2019.

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PEOPLE NEWS 66

SNAPSHOTS 70

1.

EMOTIONAL Intelligence Designing with the end-user in mind

Meetings and events will need to move past reactive adjustments to adopt a proactive approach to personalized experiences, understanding the needs of participants before they arrive.

At meetings and events, participants can no longer be treated as a homogeneous crowd or a series of behavioral data points, but instead must be recognized as an individual, understood on a deeper emotional level, and treated accordingly.

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS ––– AI and Tech to Unlock Intelligence ––– Employee Agency to Act on Their EQ

PEOPLE PROFILE 72

2.

ORCHESTRATED Serendipity

Engineering and embracing the unexpected for more meaningful moments Experiences must embrace freedom and surprise, freeing consumers from the constant constraint of schedules or agendas. By embracing the unexpected, we can engage participants and leave a lasting impression.

“There’s that whole concept of ‘sweatworking’—like SoulCycle—let’s arrange a workout in the morning that fosters some serendipitous connection. That’s how you end up meeting people that you wouldn’t normally meet. I like those things where people who are organizing these structured events are actually thinking beyond the event itself. What will people do outside of our programming? How can we structure that? The point of this whole event is to create these human collisions.” —Amy Blackman, senior advisor, A Hundred Years

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS: ––– Create Human Collisions –––Leverage Context ––– Embrace Natural Serendipity ––– Deprioritize Convenience

INFOGRAPHIC

3.

MULTIMODAL Design

Designing for adaptation and iteration Every event has a unique objective and audience, and a space must reflect each event’s specific personality and needs. From technological infrastructure, to architecture, to furniture and fixtures, space is critical to any event and should be designed to adapt to the ways that participants will engage with one another, with the content of the event, and with the space itself.

Investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle predicts that by 2030, 30% of all commercial office space will be consumed as “flexible space” that can transform to fit the needs of individual employees, as well as collaborative group dynamics.

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS ––– Design Space that Assumes Change ––– Design for Differences –––Sensorial Tech to Enable Empathy

4.

BIGGER THAN Oneself

Acting on a meaningful message You can’t just provide content anymore. Every event must have a message. Participants want to understand what’s important to a business and experience events that deliver that message down to the smallest detail.

According to a 2018 Mintel report on responsible brands, 51% of consumers in the U.S. agree that an environmentally responsible product is worth paying more for.

5.

CLEAR SENSE OF Place

Leveraging geography for deeper enrichment The most memorable events celebrate local surrounding, enriching visitors, exposing them to the local culture, and connecting them with the community to increase engagement.

“The devil is in the details. I see these organizations that put on events about sustainability, but then they don’t give you a refillable water bottle and have disposable plastic all over the place. You’ve got to pay attention to the details. It’s credibility. Follow through.” —Amy Blackman, senior advisor, A Hundred Years

“It’s not just about utilizing the convention center anymore, and instead, it’s about utilizing all the assets within the city to create that really personalized experience based on the interest of the participants that are going to the conference.” —Sherrif Karamat, CEO, PCMA

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS

––– Honor the Place—Keep It Local ––– Distance Helps Disconnection ––– Don’t Forget Human Nature

–––Be Polarizing ––– Design Down to

the Details

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS

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REGIONAL NEWS

• Firekeepers Casino Hotel (2015), Battle Creek • The Townsend Hotel (1988), Birmingham • The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel (2003) • The Henry, Autograph Collection (1989), Dearborn • Greektown Casino-Hotel (2016), Detroit • MGM Grand Detroit (2008) • MotorCity Casino Hotel (2009), Detroit • The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit (2010) • Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton (1995), Grand Rapids • JW Marriott Grand Rapids (2007) Amway Grand Plaza

• Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites (2012), Kalamazoo • Grand Hotel (1994), Mackinac Island • the H Hotel (2013), Midland

ANNUAL TRADITION»

22 EARN AAA FOUR DIAMOND HONORS AAA Michigan named its 2019 Four Diamond Awards during the annual Michigan tourism conference at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in March.

AAA says a Four Diamond hotel is refined and stylish, providing upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. A Four Diamond restaurant provides distinctive fine dining, creatively prepared

and skillfully served, often with a wine steward, amid upscale ambience.

There are 1,722 hotels and 656 restaurants in the United States earning the Four Diamond rating. There are no Five Diamond winners in Michigan.

The 18 hotels and four restaurants, along with the first year, that received a current, consecutively maintained Diamond Rating are:

• Four Winds Casino Hotel (2017), New Buffalo • The Inn at St. John’s (2011), Plymouth • Royal Park Hotel (2006), Rochester • The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport (2003), Romulus • Hotel Walloon (2016), Walloon Lake • Rugby Grille (2001), Birmingham • Iridescence Restaurant (2001), Detroit • Café Cortina (2003), Farmington Hills • Cygnus 27 (2004), Grand Rapids

Historic Detroit Bank Building Features Two-Story Event Space The Bedrock Event Team extended the time through March 2020 that it will keep open the State Savings Bank space for corporate and social events. After that, the venue may be used for other development projects. The main floor of the historic three-story, neoclassical designed bank in downtown Detroit, which was built in 1900, offers more than 14,000 square feet of event space. Interior features include carved Roman arched colonnades with bronze grillwork and gold leaf detail on the two-story high ceiling in the main room.

Estimated capacity is 600 for a reception or 400 for a seated event. 313.373.8720

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P H O T O S : J A M E S S T E I N K A M P ; S TAT E S AV I N G S B A N K

STUNNING VENUE»

REGIONAL NEWS

EXPERT ADVICE»

POWER TO THE PEOPLE Event engagement leads to successful experiences.

BY K AY L A W UR ST

EXPERIENCES are all the rage, and we have watched trends emerge with gamification, augmented reality thrills, social media and virtual reality. So how can you stay on trend with your meetings and events?

By creating experiences that are tailored to your participants and encouraging engagement—that is giving the power to the people. Here are a few success stories you can learn from.

KAYLA WURST IS A MEETING AND EVENT MANAGER FOR SPECIAL D EVENTS IN FERNDALE AND DETROIT, WHERE SHE’S WORKED SINCE 2014.

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C H O O S E YO U R O W N J O U R N E Y Netflix released its first interactive film with Black Mirror called Bandersnatch, which allows the viewer to be an active player in the story giving them control over how the plot unfolds.

With multiple endings and story paths, the experience is different for every viewer. Putting your participants in charge of content might sound scary, but a few simple inclusive concepts you can incorporate are crowd polling, peer-driven meetings or silent meetings.

Popup art installations, such as the Museum of Ice Cream or the Color Factory, are not only highly photogenic, but these Instagram-centric experiences are here to stay.

At your next exhibition show, combine intriguing

displays with premium content for your audience and their social media feed because if you didn’t ‘gram it, did it even happen?

I M M E R S I V E E N T E R TA I N M E N T Good food is omnipresent these days, so it’s not enough to attend an event and have a good meal.

Look for interactive ways to offer amazement and a few hours of escapism.

A dinner show called “Le Petit Chef” uses 3-D projection mapping to take the diner on a unique culinary journey through flavors, sights, sounds and tastes. Imagine your plate coming to life during the awards show all while seated at your table.

MEASURING EMOTIONS Customer experiences are not just rational, they have a strong emotional dimension, too, especially for events. Datakalab, a new software technology, can measure the facial expressions of your audience and analyze their emotions in real-time.

Event professionals can study personal learning styles, content priority and engagement from previous meetings. And speakers can adjust their presentations instantaneously based on live feedback. Also, no postevent survey results needed. That’s a bonus!

Meeting and event planners are focusing more and more on engagement rather than filling a conference agenda with breakout sessions and slide presentations. Incorporating new ways to surprise, encourage playfulness and participation are not only important, but key elements to a successful meeting.

P H OTO : (O P P O S I T E ) W I L L I A M J . H E B E R T

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TIME TO PLAN ON PERFECTION UNDER THE LIGHTS»

Grand Rapids Outdoor Venue Makes More Improvements

The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater in Grand Rapids continues to improve with significant expansions over the past two seasons.

Projects included renovation of the Steve and Amy Van Andel terraces for sponsor seating, addition of new support areas for visiting artists, backstage and loading dock improvements and increased space in the general seating area.

A new concessions building, which is anticipating LEED certification this summer, has been added, resulting in quicker food and beverage service and increased capacity. An expanded plaza area within the gates will help shorten lines and wait times. An improved point of sale system with quick chip technology will speed up purchases at the new concessions building.

Fifth Third Bank also renewed its title sponsorship of the popular summer concert series through the 2022 season.

Planning the perfect meeting is easy at FireKeepers. Easily accessible from the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Detroit, the event staff and facilities are second to none. Enjoy over 20,000 square feet of flexible space and nine easily-accessible meeting rooms all located just steps away from the energy of the gaming floor so the focus remains on your event.

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REGIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE NEWS» AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown, AHC+Hospitality opened this spring with Melissa Stanley, Nicholas Curtis, Jeffrey Burns and Lindsey Ochmanski as operations managers of the 130-room hotel. Under General Manager Ryan Schmied’s leadership, the opening team, comprised of all Grand Rapids natives with prior experience at AHC+Hospitality managed hotels, will ensure smooth operations of housekeeping, beverage and food service, and sales departments.

Stanley worked her way up from room attendant to her most recent position as executive housekeeper at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. She brings 11 years of experience at the 337-room luxury hotel, multiple award recognitions and certifications in housekeeping excellence and familiarity with Marriott brand standards to her new position.

Curtis served as sous chef at The Kitchen

by Wolfgang Puck within the Amway Grand Plaza and assistant food and beverage manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown.

Burns previously served as assistant general manager on the opening team at The Kitchen

by Wolfgang Puck. He also worked with JW Marriott Grand Rapids and Amway Grand Plaza to help streamline operational efficiencies.

Ochmanski will utilize her experience as restaurant event coordinator at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids’ signature restaurant, six.one.six, in managing operations at the new property.

Michigan Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus officers for the 2019 calendar year are President Chris Rowley (Mount Pleasant); Past President Linda Hoath

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(Sault Ste. Marie); Vice President Amanda Wilkin (Charlevoix); Secretary Janet Korn (Grand Rapids); Treasurer Mindy BradishOrta (Jackson); and Members-at-Large Jack Schripsema (Lansing) and Tim Hygh (Mackinac Island). MACVB is comprised of CEOs and staff from 48 member bureaus.

New Meeting Professionals International Michigan Chapter board of directors for 2019-2020 are: President Alanna Klomp, CMP, West Michigan Whitecaps/Fifth Third Ballpark; President-Elect Julie Oatman, CMP, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort; Immediate Past President Julie Crowgey, CMP, CTA, Michigan State University; Vice President Membership Karalee McKinstry, The Graduate Ann Arbor; Vice President Education Terra Damchuk, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; Vice President Communications Kristina Kauffman, CTA, Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau; Vice President Finance Maryellen Jansen, CMP, CTA, Riehl Solutions; Vice President Leadership Development Debbie Hughes, CMP, Michigan District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod; Director of Social Media Jennifer Berkemeier, Cobo Center; Director of Monthly Programs Jennifer Moeckel, CMP, Grand Hotel; Director of Strategic Partnerships Roni Rogers, CMP, EVENTI; Director of Membership Care Brie Kear, Boyne Resorts; Director of Regional Conference Nick Stratton, Radisson Plaza Hotel; and Director of Fundraising and Special Events Sonja Wood CMP, CTA, GMS, Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.

NoHo Hospitality Group named Mary-Catherine Moore its new director of events and catering at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit.

NoHo is the food and beverage operator for the hotel and oversees all venues, including San Morello, Evening Bar, The

Brakeman, Penny Red’s, the Living Room, inroom dining and event spaces. With more than 10 years of experience in sales and events, she has been a key member of the NoHo team since 2013 and relocated to Detroit specifically for this project. Over the past five years, Moore has held various positions with the company, including private events coordinator at Locanda Verde, events manager at Little Park and NoHo Hospitality’s Manhattan restaurants and most recently, assistant director of events at The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (Ford House) in Grosse Pointe Shores and Fair Lane, home of Clara & Henry Ford, (Fair Lane) in Dearborn have new leaders.

Thirty-year museum and historic sites expert Mark Heppner is the new president and CEO at the Ford House. He has served the historic house museums for the last seven years as vice president of historic resources and most recently, interim chief of operations over both Ford House and Fair Lane following the retirement of former president and CEO Kathleen Mullins in 2018.

Bob Bury is president and CEO of Fair Lane. After Bury stepped down from his position as executive director and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society in 2018, he joined the Ford estates as interim president and CEO during the transition following Mullins’ July retirement. He brings a host of insights from his 20-year career at AT&T and most recently, his 16 years at the Historical Society, where he saw to the success of several important initiatives for the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Ford House is in the midst of a major expansion with the construction of two new buildings—a 40,000-square-foot state-of-theart visitor center and a 17,000-square-foot administration building—set to open in May 2020. The project is the first new construction in 25 years and the largest since the estate was built in 1929.

BIGGER FASTER BETTER Fair Lane continues the restoring and reimagining of the home and estate. The ongoing restoration involves fine detailed work by world-class artisans and specialists as well as major upgrades to the estate’s infrastructure.

John Schoelles has moved

into the position of controller, managing finances and IT at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. Sherri Campbell Fenton, having joined the family business in 2016 to handle communications and public affairs, is expanding her role as managing owner to oversee the inn, culinary services, events and communications. She is the daughter of the original investor, Kerm Campbell.

Tony Farragh is the new

director of sales at The Homestead in Glen Arbor. He most recently served as the area general manager and previously as area director of sales for Good Hospitality Services in Kalamazoo, where he was responsible for the Towneplace Suites by Marriott and the Hampton Inn and Suites.

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CON N ECTION

A CONFERENCE CALL CAN’T PROVIDE The Crystal Center offers a dozen meeting room spaces with flexible seating for up to 350 people, as well as multiple private breakout rooms and networking areas inside and outside. Stick around and enjoy over 260 lodging rooms, delicious dining and endless mountain activities.

Make it a meeting to remember at Crystal Mountain.

MAKE IT YOUR MOMENT. The Kent County Hospitality Association named new leadership. Kyle Holst, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids North, is president. Elizabeth Naber, director of sales at the Hampton Inn & Suites

by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, is vice president after serving a year as the organization’s secretary. Aimee Misiewicz, director of sales for the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids and AC Hotel, is secretary.

Doug Kessler, assistant general manager of the new Embassy Suites Downtown Grand Rapids, is treasurer.

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REGIONAL NEWS

greatlakesbay We truly love helping meeting planners create successful, rewarding and fun-filled meetings and events for attendees.

All of our convention and visitors bureau services are free!

SAVING YOU PRECIOUS TIME

by finding venue options that meet your needs SHARING CONNECTIONS

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for entertainment, speakers, offsite events, local history, transportation and attractions PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION

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MARKETING - THAT’S WHAT WE DO!

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Pure Michigan Wins HSMAI Adrian Awards

The Pure Michigan team won gold and silver Adrian Awards for advertising and public relations excellence in the 62nd annual competition presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

That brings the total to 25 Adrian Awards for Travel Michigan since 2013. Travel Michigan works with Weber Shandwick, McCann and Universal McCann’s Birmingham office and travel team to help build the Pure Michigan brand through web, media, public relations and digital marketing. The Pure Michigan brand was created by the Birmingham office of McCann Detroit.

The Pure Michigan Fall and Seek took home gold in the Public Relations–PR Campaign– Influencer Marketing category.

The entry details: “With more than 600 miles between the northernmost point and the southernmost point, fall colors last upwards of six weeks across the state. During this period, Pure Michigan invited audiences to experience the season through an authentic travel journey led by three social influencers as they trekked across Michigan. The community had the chance to influence the trips via Facebook and Instagram polls that guided their destinations. In addition to engaging social content, the program featured a visu-

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P H OTO : A N G E L A M E S Z A R OZ

Meetings Manager – Sonja Wood, CMP, CTA, GMS

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ally appealing landing page and was amplified through media outreach and paid promotion aimed at inspiring fall travel across Michigan.”

The Pure Michigan: Postcard from Michigan campaign won silver in the Advertising–Single Entry–Television category.

The entry details: “This iconic campaign has transported viewers out of their everyday life and showed them the way life should be. A new television ad titled “Wish You Were Here” was launched in spring 2017. The script was crafted to read as a postcard inviting a friend or family member to come and experience the best Michigan has to offer. Climb dunes, sail breezes, walk along beaches and get lost in forests. The visuals showcased breathtaking views of Michigan teasing viewers to witness the unexpected beauty of the state. The advertisement ran nationally for three months in the spring and early summer. During a time of political and social turmoil, the campaign showcased Michigan as an escape from all of that where all are welcome.”

David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, a part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., also was named to HSMAI’s list of Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds. Lorenz has almost 20 years of experience in international travel marketing.

This award is selected by a panel of senior industry executives to honor 25 of the hotel and travel industry’s best and brightest minds.

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SNAPSHOTS MID-WINTER SYMPOSIUM

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Consumer behavior expert and author Shawna Suckow, CMP, shared her industry insights during the Meeting Planners International (MPI) Michigan Chapter’s annual Mid-Winter Symposium and Silent Auction in February.

Suckow’s “Meetings 3.0” session focused on the evolution of technology, culture and generations that have led to changes in what audiences now demand and how planners must react to those changes. Her afternoon presentation assessed event practices that need to be disregarded because many of them no longer effectively serve planners or their clients. shawnasuckow.com/blog About 115 MPI Michigan members attending the day-long program also heard an industry forecast from Kerri Boytis of the American Express Global Business Travel group.

The night before the presentations, members participated in the chapter’s 2nd Annual Trivia Night at the host facility, The Kensington Hotel in Ann Arbor.

Proceeds from the annual silent auction fund continuing education for planners, chapter scholarships, promotional activities and special projects. mpiweb.org/chapters/michigan

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Industry Experts Address MPI’s Mid-Winter Event

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1. Renee Lewis, Kristy Madurski, Ashleigh Culler and Mary Winckler.

2. Speaker Shawna Suckow. 3. MPI MI President Julie Crowgey. 4. Brenda Haight, Ariel Backus and Leanne Sandoval. 5. Kristy Madurski, Sarah Strasberger, Ashley Ault, Dana Hahn and Lindsay Krause. 6. Patti Ingleson and Jamie Ralph. 7. Randi Talmadge, Heidi Schmitt and Jodie Cady.

—Photos by Jennifer Berkemeier

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at ron.garbinski@tigeroak.com.

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BRING YOUR GROUP TO

GILLESPIE Few venues in South Bend Mishawaka match the Gillespie Conference and Special Events Center’s combination of

prime location & all-inclusive feel.

Two hotels totaling 250 guest rooms pair with 15,000 square feet of versatile meeting space for an exceptional conference destination.

Even more, it’s situated near major highways and across from the iconic University of Notre Dame.

MICHIGAN

G RAND RAP ID S DETRO I T

SOUTH BEND

INDIANA

MEET IN THE BEND Located 10 minutes south of the IndianaMichigan border, Gillespie is less than two hours from Grand Rapids and about three from Detroit. It offers easy access to Notre Dame, downtown South Bend’s restaurants and attractions and the bustling Mishawaka retail district.

PEOPLE PROFILE NICKI POLAN

MAKING A SPLASH

Nicki Polan’s job truly floats her boat.

BY MEGA N SWOY ER

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boat. The owner of a fiberglass 15-foot Boston Whaler Montauk fishing boat, Polan says she and her family can haul their rig just about anywhere.

There’s no doubt Polan, who has a master’s degree in business management from Walsh College, is where she’s supposed to be.

“I love to be on or near the water. I’m an

outside person. I’d say eight or 10 times a year we’re meeting at a member location or a regional gathering, and usually it’s on water, which is icing on the cake!”

Get Connected MICHIGAN BOATING INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION mbia.org | boatmichigan.org | 734.261.0123

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

A

fter Nicki Polan graduated from Michigan State University, one of her neighbors (on Brendal Lake in Oakland County), who, at the time, was president of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, suggested Polan interview for an open position there.

But her heart was set on living in Chicago. “More than a year later, while I was still living in Chicago, I learned of a different job available and went for it when home in Michigan for a visit. And I’ve never regretted that decision.”

Thirty-one years later and Polan, a White Lake Township resident married with two teen sons, is still with the association, now with 350 members and in its 61st year. For the past six years, Polan’s been the executive director. Members include everyone from boat dealers and marinas to boat stores, insurance companies, dock specialists and just about any business related to boating.

“Boating is a big deal here in Michigan,” says Polan, whose organization, based in Commerce Township, organizes three boat shows, including the big Detroit Boat Show in February at Cobo Center, which is “considered a top five in the country.”

The other two are the Novi Boat Show and the Metro Boat Show. Michigan is ranked as the third largest marine market in the country behind Florida and Texas. Boating has an annual $7.4 billion impact on Michigan’s economy.

“We’re a nonprofit trade association, so all funds we receive go back to the industry through education programs, boating awareness programs, lobbying in Lansing for boaters’ rights and other things.”

Polan, an avid boater whose kids and husband enjoy fishing and water sports, shares that her favorite part of her job is the people.

“This industry is filled with friendly, motivated, upbeat and energized people who bring joy to other people. They love boating and the boating lifestyle.”

She also loves that her job is never dull. “I’ve learned how to tap kegs and how to lobby. On any given day, I could be meeting with a congressional leader or unloading items for a boat show.” And if it’s good weather, she might be in a

Imagine an event that could truly change people’s perspectives. One that could open minds and widen eyes as guests stand in awe of the power of unlimited inspiration. Make your event stand out in a place awards galas to product launches, we’ll make sure your vision is fully realized and your event is completely inspired.

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