Michigan Meetings + Events Summer 2022

City on the Move

DETROIT’S UNWAVERING SPIRIT

Shaking Things Up

DYNAMIC WAYS TO CAPTIVATE & ENGAGE

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

Raise a Glass!

VINEYARD AND WINERY VENUES

Waterside amenities abound at The Inn at Bay Harbor

MEET ME ON THE

WATERFRONT ENERGIZE & INSPIRE WITH THESE GORGEOUS VENUES ON THE WATER

MIMESU22_Cover_Final.indd 1

5/26/22 5:56 PM

CELEBRATION HAPPENS HERE

HENRY FORD MUSEUM

FORD ROUGE FACTORY TOUR

GREENFIELD VILLAGE

Book your next event at Michigan’s most award-winning event destination. Open minds and widen eyes as guests stand in awe at the power of inspiration. Make your event stand out in a place where innovation sets the stage for unforgettable experiences.

NOW BOOKING

2023

MIMESU22_Book.indb 1617 THF MM&E Summer222 Ad_FINAL.indd 1

thf.org/privateevents • 313-982-6220

5/26/22 5/13/22 2:23 3:12 PM PM

DISCOVER HOLLAND

HOLLAND CIVIC CENTER PLACE

Let us help you plan your next meeting!

Great Gathering Places • Hip & Historic Downtown • Unique Dutch Attractions Award-Winning Community • 1950 Hotel Rooms 800.506.1299 • holland.org • wendy@holland.org

3:12 PM

MIMESU22_Book.indb 1

5/26/22 2:23 PM

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

All-new digital signage

MEETINGS MODERNIZED New New look, look, long long history. history. For For over over 30 30 years, years, Grand Grand Traverse Traverse Resort Resort and and Spa Spa has has been Northern Northern Michigan’s Michigan’s premier premier meeting meeting destination. destination. With With our our nearly nearly $3 $3 been million million renovation, renovation, including including upgraded upgraded technology, technology, services, services, and and design, design, we’re bringing bringing the the future future of of meetings meetings to to life. life. Learn Learn more more at at we’re grandtraverseresort.com/meet. grandtraverseresort.com/meet.

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

MIMESU22_Book.indb 2

5/26/22 2:23 PM

MEET LIKE A LOCAL

MICHIGAN’S CAPITAL CITY OFFERS: Virtual Studio & Hybrid Meeting Capabilities • Free Services COVID Protocol Resources • Premier Lodging Including Two New Hotels in 2021 Greater Lansing Safe Pledge Showcasing Commitment to Health & Safety Central Location in Midwest Boosts Attendance • Flexible & Unique Venues Dedicated Staff Committed to Your Success

Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau LANSING.ORG | (517) 487-6800

MIMESU22_Book.indb 3

5/26/22 2:23 PM

Contents The Inn at Bay Harbor on the Lake Michigan coast is a go-to destination for waterfront events.

SUMMER 2 02 2

In Every Issue //

6 Editor’s Letter 14 Event Profile

The two-day Think Outside the Box conference offered creative ways to reimagine every aspect of events for a post-pandemic world.

18 Destination

Detroit is a perpetual city in motion and, as many planners are finding, a dynamic place to host events.

24 Meet + Eat

For spirited gatherings, consider Michigan’s vineyards and wineries.

30

48 People Profile

Emerald City Designs founder David C. McKnight puts the “wow” into floral and event design.

Meeting on the Water

BY DIANNA STAMPFLER

When it comes to venues with a view of the water, The Great Lakes State is hard to beat.

P H O T O S : E VA N S C H I L L E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C O U R T E S Y B L A C K S TA R FA R M S ; H AY E S D AV I D S O N

Feature //

4 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 4

5/26/22 2:23 PM

P H O T O S : E VA N S C H I L L E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C O U R T E S Y B L A C K S TA R FA R M S ; H AY E S D AV I D S O N

Meeting Notes //

9 Meeting Notes Opener

Activate the senses through infusion with the natural world.

10 Team Building

Lansing’s Sweet Encounter Bakery offers a sugary spin on team building with some spice thrown into the mix.

11 Signature Drink

PAMA Amore, the signature cocktail at 876 Baldwin, is a nod to the love and Italian heritage of the restaurant’s husband-and-wife owners.

12 CVB Spotlight

Flint and Genesee County, steeped in history and innovation, offer singular venues, a vibrant arts scene, and the state’s largest county park system.

Industry Update //

38 Infographic

The American Hotel and Lodging Association makes event predictions for 2022.

40 Regional News

Uncover venue and people news, association updates, award winners, and more.

46 Snapshots

The annual Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism was infused with a spirit of collaboration.

Top to bottom: Black Star Farms tasting room; Shinola Hotel

City on the Move

DETROIT’S UNWAVERING SPIRIT

Shaking Things Up

DYNAMIC WAYS TO CAPTIVATE & ENGAGE

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

Raise a Glass!

VINEYARD AND WINERY VENUES

Waterside amenities abound at The Inn at Bay Harbor.

MEET ME ON THE

WATERFRONT ENERGIZE & INSPIRE WITH THESE GORGEOUS VENUES ON THE WATER

On the Cover

The Inn at Bay Harbor is on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. PHOTO BY BRIAN WALTERS

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 5

MIMESU22_Book.indb 5

5/26/22 2:23 PM

EDI TOR’ S NOT E

My Things-to-Doin-Michigan List

mi.meetingsmags.com mimeetingsmags

» AS A LONGTIME EDITOR, I’m an inveterate list maker. My computer screen is a quilt of virtual stickies with shopping lists, to-do lists, catalogs of future ideas for this publication, indexes of podcasts to listen to, Netflix shows to watch, recipes to try, and books to read (high on that list is “Notes from a Public Typewriter,” a collection of missives that people wrote on a public typewriter Michael and Hilary Gustafson set out when they opened Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor in 2013).

In the center of my screen is a pale green stickie I’ve labeled “Things to Do in Michigan.” That compilation grew significantly as I edited this issue. Here are some of the things I’ve added, all of which make an appearance in the following pages: Stop by the Apparatus Room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel for an elderflower lemonade cocktail and its chestnut and squash risotto; visit Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant in Southwest Michigan wine country for some sips and a hike through the Mount Tabor Trails; climb into the Barrier Free Treehouse in For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum; and go apple picking on Blake Farms in Almont.

I hope as you read through these pages, you’ll be making some lists of your own— of venues and destinations for future meetings, of ways to ignite group gatherings (I’m confident you’ll find some inspiring ideas in the Think Outside the Box event profile on page 14), and of reasons to be optimistic about the recovery of the meetings industry.

Let’s keep in touch! Drop me a line with more suggestions on people, places, and topics you’d like us to cover. My inbox is always open.

SHELLEY LEVITT

Editor slevitt@greenspring.com

6 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 6

5/26/22 2:24 PM

Meet Mt. Pleasant Meeting Planners.

mi.meetingsmags.com

.

Mt. Pleasant’s central location makes meeting here easy. Home to Soaring Eagle Casino and Central Michigan University, this college town stands out amongst the rest for its small town feel with big city amenities.

PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES LAURIE BURGER 586.416.4195 | LBURGER@GREENSPRING.COM

info@meetmtp.com | (800) 772-4433 | meetmtp.com

GROUP EDITOR KATELYN BLOOMQUIST SENIOR EDITOR TODD R. BERGER EDITOR SHELLEY LEVITT ASSOCIATE EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONYA SUTFIN ART DIRECTORS MICAH EDEL, TRACI ZELLMANN SENIOR ART DIRECTOR TED ROSSITER

PRODUCTION MANAGER LY NGUYEN DIGITAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON ADVERTISING COORDINATOR MIKAYLA SNYDER SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST MADELINE BRAVERMAN

MME Summer Ad.indd 1

5/4/2022 4:27:17 PM

NT

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS ARTHUR MORRISSEY

ER

DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST AUDREY PICKERING

ION

CE

EVENT OPERATIONS MANAGER RICK KRUEGER

NT

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST TEGHAN MURPHY

EC

ON

VE

MARKETING + EVENTS COORDINATOR RACHEL TAYLOR

RT G

AG

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS KATHIE GORECKI

MO DY K VA N

REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612.371.5882 or email Lnguyen@greenspring.com.

VA

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE NATASHA BAJJU

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 866.660.6247.

9401 James Ave. S., Suite 152, Bloomington, MN 55431 Phone 612.371.5800 Fax 612.371.5801 HOUR MEDIA CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo

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

Michigan Meetings + Events is published quarterly © 2022 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

MEET IN MUSKEGON

SCHEDULE YOUR SITE VISIT VISITMUSKEGON.ORG

INFO@VISITMUSKEGON.ORG 231.724.3100

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 7

MIMESU22_Book.indb 7

5/26/22 2:24 PM

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.

8 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 8

TraverseCity.com 5/26/22 2:24 PM

M E E TI NG NOTE S Products, Places & Inspiration

Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin elevated its multi-sensory presentation using fresh citrus fruits and fragrant herbs.

SIGHT You can bring nature indoors

anywhere by incorporating green walls, water, herbal centerpieces, and natural, textured materials like wood and stone.

New York City-based florist Julia Testa instills natural elements like flowers, oranges, and succulents into branding events and product launches—imbuing creativity and cheerfulness in attendees.

Succulents add texture on a branded tablescape at a Vans shoes event

P H O T O S : J U L I A T E S TA F L O W E R S

THE GREAT INDOORS Activate the senses through infusion with the natural world. » EVENT PLANNERS often schedule meetings and events

in natural places near wilderness areas, at waterfront resorts, and at mountain event spaces. But there are many ways to bring nature into your events by making use of the architectural concept of biophilic design, which can be defined as seeking to engage most people’s innate desires to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment. If you think of yourself as an “event architect,” you can use nature to stimulate the senses.

SOUND Amplifying natural sounds of a flowing stream, breaking waves, or fluttering bird song into your event can be relaxing. All you need are some strategically placed Bluetooth speakers and a free app like myNoise, which has numerous natural white noise options, including walking in the woods, the Irish coast, and distant thunder.

SMELL Try infusing your event space

with essential oils, such as lemon, which stimulates energy and improves mood, and peppermint, which supports memory and concentration. The Canadian Corporate Meetings Network, which serves corporate meeting planners, uses “scent branding” to positively influence event goers. —Todd R. Berger

COMPILED

BY SHELLEY LEVITT

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 9

m MIMESU22_Book.indb 9

5/26/22 2:24 PM

M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiration

Team Building //

A SWEET TWIST ON TEAM COMPETITION members, gathered for a virtual class in adorning those sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, and a variety of other decorative edibles. On-site, the bakery can accommodate 24 guests for classes and up to 100 guests for receptions that might include a dessert bar or a 1980s theme with “shake and bake” passed appetizers.

Add a little spice to the classes by dividing groups into teams to compete for best honors as they decorate a cake with chocolate fondant. “We did that with a local accounting firm, and they loved it,” says Sweet Encounter’s owner Nikki Thompson Frazier. Other classes feature a mystery box with ingredients that aren’t revealed until the class begins and the clock starts ticking down. Another option is a French-themed savory class where a few steps are missing from the recipe.

Participants, for example, may have to figure out how much seasoning to add to the quiche. Or, in a meatball-making Italian feast, challenges might include distinguishing basil from tarragon or oregano.

Sweet Encounter also provides corporate and employee gifts. Thompson Frazier likes to get creative here, finding ways to incorporate a logo or company colors into cookies and cupcakes. Among her inspired creations was a holiday s’mores kit, with “We wish we had s’more employees like you” written in edible ink. sweetencounterbakery.com

P H OTO S : SW E E T E N CO U N T E R B A K E RY; (O P P O S I T E ) A D O B E S TO C K / M I M

rue to its name, Sweet Encounter Bakery offers team-building activities that are sugary good fun. For a holiday event, the Lansing-based bakery delivered handmade cookie-decorating kits to the employees of Dart Bank, which is headquartered in neighboring Mason.

Employees, along with some lucky family

Lansing’s Sweet Encounter Bakery can accomodate 24 guests for classes and 100 for receptions.

10 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 10

5/26/22 2:24 PM

Signature Drink //

PAMA AMORE

» HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM Paul Santoro and Dina Velocci spent three years renovating the celebrated Masonic Lodge building in downtown Baldwin to create a casually elegant dining experience that blends Michigan roots with European flair.

Opened in October 2021, the restaurant features an eclectic curation of art, including historical images and a wall sculpture that pays homage to Baldwin’s world-class fishery. A community table welcomes small gatherings, and the entire restaurant can be rented for private events (capacity 104).

P H OTO S : SW E E T E N CO U N T E R B A K E RY; (O P P O S I T E ) A D O B E S TO C K / M I M

“At 876, we love to mix it up and try new things,” says Velocci of the creation of the PAMA Amore. “And there’s just something about the taste of pomegranate that takes me straight to the Mediterranean, so we decided to play with PAMA liqueur. PAMA deserves its moment in the spotlight, adding a rich, warm color and flavor to any mixed drink.

Working in collaboration with our bartender, Bailey, one night, our PAMA Amore signature cocktail was born. Released on Valentine’s Day weekend, its name is a nod to our Italian heritage and a love of love.” » 1.5 ounces PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur » 1.5 ounces vodka » 0.5 ounce lemon juice Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, then double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon peel or edible florals.

PAMA Amore recipe courtesy of 876 Baldwin.

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 11

MIMESU22_Book.indb 11

5/26/22 2:24 PM

M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiration

Get to Know Flint and Genesee County

Steeped in history and innovation, this mid-Michigan area is also rich in the arts, parks, and one-of-a-kind venues.

BY SHELLEY LEVITT

Venues: The largest venue in Flint is the Riverfront Banquet Center on the University of Michigan-Flint campus. It can accommodate nearly 1,000 attendees for a banquet or reception and more than 2,000 theater-style. Grand Blanc, a Flint suburb, has several conference centers, including The Captain’s Club at Woodfield (capacity 300) and Genesys Conference & Banquet Center (capacity 2,000).

Wiens likes to direct meeting planners to some of the area’s one-of-a-kind venues, like Durant-Dort Factory One. Located on the riverfront in downtown Flint, it dates to 1880 and is where William Durant, co-founder of General Motors, first began manufacturing automobiles. Today, the restored factory is a soaring event space with vintage autos on display and a capacity of 300. Other distinctive venues include the historic Capitol Theatre (capacity 1,575), Longway Planetarium (capacity 175), Flint Institute of Arts (capacity 200), and Flint Institute of Music (capacity 100).

60 miles northwest of Detroit and 55 miles north of Ann Arbor, making it a convenient drive-to location. For destinations beyond Michigan, Flint is home to Bishop International Airport, which has nonstop flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Nashville, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and Tampa Bay.

Restaurants: “Whatever you’re looking for in a dining experience, we have it,” Wiens says. “In downtown Flint, you’ll find everything from upscale wine bars to barbecue joints and community pubs that have really good burgers and beer.”

Standouts include the chic Cork on Saginaw in a renovated bank building, the Great Gatsby-inspired Café Rhema, Soggy Bottom Bar, Torch Burger, and 501 Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy small plates while sipping martinis or specialty cocktails like blackberry bourbon lemonade.

Vibe: “We’re a place that has been built on a lot of history and tradition, and a legacy of

Must-Sees and Must-Dos: Take a self-

Flint’s Alley Fest in July brings performances and food vendors to downtown’s alleys.

Population: 404,794 (Genesee County) Transportation: Located in mid-Michigan, Flint and surrounding Genesee County are

makers,” says Alaina Wiens, executive director of Explore Flint & Genesee. “We are, to cite just one example, the birthplace of General Motors. People come here to create and celebrate and be whatever they want to be. That translates into a rich artistic and music scene with grassroots events that grow all over the county. [The] Flint and Genesee [area] is very diverse and character-rich, and the spirit of the people here is infectious. We’ve been through a lot, but we dig in, get things done, and problem solve.”

Hotels: The county has more than 20 hotels and 2,000 guest rooms. Hotels are typically

boutique size, with about 60 to 100 guest rooms. One of the newer properties is the 101room Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown, which is housed in a transformed 1920s bank.

guided tour of the more than 150 murals that turn the streets of Flint into an openair art gallery. (Yes, there’s an app for that— visit pixelstix.com.)

Stroll and nibble your way through the Flint Farmers’ Market. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the market is held in a former printing facility and has 50 year-round vendors, plus 20 more outside in the summer.

P H OTO S : E X P LO R E F L I N T G E N E S E E

CVB Spotlight //

12 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 12

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H OTO S : E X P LO R E F L I N T G E N E S E E

Clockwise from top left: Glassmaking demonstration at the Flint Institute of Arts; produce for sale at Flint Farmers’ Market; the Barrier Free Treehouse in For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum; making an interstellar discovery at Longway Planetarium

Immerse yourself in the Flint Cultural Center, which has eight institutions on its leafy campus, including the aforementioned Flint Institute of Arts and Flint Institute of Music, as well as the Longway Planetarium, The Whiting performing arts center, and Sloan Museum, a science and history museum that reopens in July after extensive renovations.

Get outdoors and explore Genesee County, which has the largest county park system in Michigan, including the 383-acre For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum. Be sure to stop at the Barrier Free Treehouse, which is open to the public and was featured on an episode of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters” series. Nearby is Stepping Stone Falls, one of the most scenic locations in midMichigan. The dam that creates these falls holds back the Flint River and creates 600-acre Mott Lake, where you can try your luck fishing for bluegill and bass. It’s an easy walk up the falls to a series of overlooks. At night, newly restored underwater lights illuminate the cascades.

Shop downtown Flint’s singular stores, including Comma Bookstore & Social Hub, which specializes in Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) books and art; SHIFT, a boutique with

a curated collection of fashion, housewares, health and beauty products, and gifts for kids; Reclaimed by Whaley, a vintage shop that benefits local foster youth; and Shops on Saginaw, a collection of Flint-based pop-up shops on the ground floor of the century-old Dryden Building.

How the CVB Helps: “We can help in whatever way a meeting planner needs,” Wiens says, “but we’re especially eager to build a unique experience that’s memorable for your attendees. We like to find nontraditional meeting spaces like an art gallery, the Farmers’ Market, former factories, or a historic venue that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places—spots you won’t find anywhere else. We also like to get people moving a bit every day with activities that take them outside the conference room.

One thing we want meeting planners to know is that Flint and Genesee County [are] especially magical in the wintertime when everything’s lit up, sparkly, and beautiful. And, if you need transportation when the temperature dips, we can arrange that, too.” exploreflintandgenesee.org/meetings

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 13

MIMESU22_Book.indb 13

5/26/22 2:24 PM

EVEN T P ROF I L E Think Outside the Box

Think Outside the Box

Meeting planner Kim Corcoran was full of clever ideas for shaking things up at a two-day event she planned and facilitated in Bay Harbor.

BY KIM CORCORAN

» IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD, planners need to imbue events with new energy and creativity. We wanted to put on an event for senior meeting professionals that challenged them to think differently about every aspect of the meetings they produce. Our Thin k Outside the Box event was held at the Inn at Bay Harbor on March 9-10, 2022.

SURPRISES ALONG THE WAY To keep attendees on their toes, we did not give the exact locations of our evening events. We told them to wear comfortable walking shoes, and we would have dinner and tie in some educational topics along the way. For our first surprise, we walked a few blocks from the Inn at Bay Harbor to

Attendees with scorecards rating creative aspects of the event

Mammoth Distillery. There were unique craft cocktails to taste as we walked in the door. Later, attendees were given creative freedom to make their own cocktails.

SCORECARDS A restaurant in Bay Harbor that was rebranding invited us to do a menu tasting. Attendees were given scorecards, and they were asked to rate everything from design and décor boards to appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The restaurant, now known as NOMAD, will be using our scorecards to create their new menu.

P H OTO S :

ROOM GIFTS We sought to highlight using all five senses throughout the event. In each guest room there was an amenity box along with a handwritten note. Inside the box was a collection of items designed to stimulate the senses, including “thinking putty” to touch, fresh lavender to smell, and lemon lavender cookies and a lavender drink to taste.

WELCOME BUTTONS Instead of using name badges for the opening reception, we had everyone create their own button. With a variety of markers, crayons, and other craft items, attendees were encouraged to write their name and organization, then draw a small symbol, picture, or saying on their button that meant something to them. This was an effortless way to spur conversation.

14 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 14

5/26/22 2:24 PM

IT’S ALL IN THE SET How do you reimagine breakfast? Sometimes it isn’t the food but the way you set things up. We had one long, family-style table for 40 attendees, and every two or three seats had a different place setting.

Some were extravagant China patterns, some were Midwest-themed, some colorful, fun, and vibrant. This was probably the most photographed element of our program.

NOT-SO - GENERAL SESSION We wanted everyone to be comfortable, so we invited them ahead of the meeting to bring their favorite flannel or “up North” attire to wear. Prizes were awarded for the most creative outfits. For seating, we made comfortable seating groups, including poolside lounge furniture, Adirondack rocking chairs, a campfire circle (with a faux campfire), and inf latable comfy chairs. Everyone loved being able to choose a seating group that best fit their style.

P H OTO S : DA M E O N S P E N C E R

P H OTO S :

Counter-clockwise from bottom left: Faux campfire; craft cocktails at Mammoth Distillery; designing floral centerpieces; adding artistic touches to a name button

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 15

MIMESU22_Book.indb 15

5/26/22 2:24 PM

EVEN T P ROF I L E Think Outside the Box

ON A ROLL Judy Booth, vice president of sales for BOYNE Resorts, started our learning session showcasing different types of music and how they can affect how we feel and learn. Next, Oncore AV did a remote presentation on immersive audio visual. We also wanted to showcase how a presenter could present in a unique way. I was hidden behind a door, and when Judy and Oncore had completed their presentations, Judy said, “Speaking of creativity, where’s Kim?” The music started again, and here I come rollerblading in and around the room!

I facilitated the rest of the creative brainstorming on rollerblades.

FLORAL DESIGN TALK Kalin Sheick with Sweetwater Floral in Petoskey walked us through how to design our floral centerpiece and how each element related to our life, career, and work. The experience gave everyone a chance to let their guard down and really connect with others at their table.

The Takeaway

In true tea party fashion, lunch is served in style with delicious delicacies and theme-appropriate dishware.

TEA PARTY To close out our event, we had lunches brought out on three-tiered tea trays. By this time, everyone was buzzing with excitement and ready to take their new ideas back to their offices to create spectacular meetings.

Kim Corcoran is founder and owner of Destination Michigan and executive director of Meetings Michigan.

Here’s what impressed four planners who attended Think Outside the Box.

After two years of being apart during the pandemic, people don’t want to go back to traditional meetings.

When Kim entered a presentation on rollerblades, it was a wake-up moment. I don’t think I’ll be doing that for our members, but the lesson was that you need to do something new every 15 minutes or so to keep attendees engaged during presentations. Maybe that’s something like spinning a wheel between speakers and giving a $10 Starbucks card to a few winners.”

The small details, like seating arrangements, made a big impact on me. For one session, you could choose to sit in rocking chairs, bean bags, inflatable chairs, or lounge seating. It won’t work in every meeting setting, but it did make you think, ‘Hey, we don’t always have to sit at a conference table or classroom-style.’”

—Cathy Mayhew Director of communications, Associated General Contractors

Director, Michigan School Business Officials

The approach to meals was really ‘outside the box.’ For one breakfast, everyone had different place settings. Mine reminded me of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ while the setting of the person next to me was old-fashioned with a doily underneath the plate. It was a very easy icebreaker.”

—Stephanie Wohlfert

It was really fun to be a sounding board for NOMAD on their menu, wine, and décor pre-opening, and its a very cool way to do a networking dinner.

I could see partnering with a local restaurant that was opening or going through a transformation on a similar experience.”

—Kate Barber Director of sales, Suburban Collection Showplace

P H OTO : DA M E O N S P E N C E R

—Debbie Kopkau

Sales manager, Greater Lansing CVB

16 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 16

5/26/22 2:24 PM

Regional stories on the top meeting and event venues, advice from professionals, and reports on food, beverage, décor, technology and more!

Subscribe for free! meetingsmags.com/subscribe MIMESU22_Book.indb 17

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 17

5/26/22 2:24 PM

DE ST I NAT ION Detroit

Enjoying the summer sunshine at Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit

A City on the Move

» IT PUT THE WORLD ON WHEELS, introduced the Motown sound, and is a symbol of American grit and innovation.

For more than three centuries, Detroit has been one of the world’s most exciting cities—and it’s just getting started.

“Right now, there are 11 cranes above the skyline, with several of Michigan’s largest skyscrapers under construction, including the 49-story development at the former Hudson’s department store site,” says Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “A lot of people have decided that Detroit is the place to be.”

Special D Events, a Detroit-based destination management company, coordinates numerous meetings and conferences in the city each year. The team assisted in planning events surrounding Super Bowl XL in 2006, and they’re currently preparing for similar happenings around the NFL Draft, which will come to the city in 2024. Carol Galle, president and CEO of Special D Events, sums up Detroit’s singular appeal: “With Detroit, it’s about history and hustle,” she says. “The city has an authentic presence that people quickly sense and appreciate. When visitors talk

to our people, walk our streets, and sample our cuisine, they come away with a solid understanding of how our past continues to influence our future.”

DISTINCTLY DETROIT VENUES W hen the A merican Bus Association was seeking a location to host its annual Marketplace in 2023, which will bring thousands of bus and tour operators, suppliers, and travel industry representatives together, Detroit made perfect sense.

“I fell in love with the city as a kid,” says Peter Pantuso, the association’s president

P H OTO S : B I L L B OW E N ; (O P P O S I T E ) A D O B E S TO C K / JACO B ; N I CO L E F R A N Z E N

Detroit’s nonstop energy and innovation make it an inspiring destination for meetings and conferences. BY CHRIS WILLIAMS

18 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 18

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H OTO S : B I L L B OW E N ; (O P P O S I T E ) A D O B E S TO C K / JACO B ; N I CO L E F R A N Z E N

and CEO. “I grew up in Pennsylvania, but on a trip to Wisconsin, my dad made sure we stopped [in Detroit] and did a tour of an auto plant, and it stuck in my mind. I came back a few years ago for a conference, and I was wowed by all the renovations going on. It felt like a city that was rising from the ashes and really reinventing itself.”

The American Bus Association’s 2023 Marketplace will be held at downtown’s Huntington Place where, for more than 60 years, countless noteworthy events, including the annual North American International Auto Show, have been held.

The nation’s 16th largest meeting and convention center, the 2.4-million-square-foot facility, formerly known as TCF Center, recently underwent a $279-million renovation. Boasting spectacular river views, the expanded center has five exhibit halls, 100 meeting rooms, and eight banquet rooms, including Michigan’s largest ballroom.

There are also a 50,000-square-foot exterior plaza for outdoor event options and a threestory, 30,000-square-foot glass atrium.

Just across the street from Huntington Place is the Detroit Foundation Hotel, which brings modern style to smaller meetings and conferences. Named one of the best new hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2018, the 100-room Foundation features one of Detroit’s most popular restaurants, The Apparatus Room.

Its meeting and conference spaces can accommodate up to 120 people, and an outdoor reception deck features breathtaking city views. Another boutique property, The Shinola Hotel, opened in January 2019.

This trendy, modern hotel features 129 guest rooms, as well as a ballroom, conference center, bar, conservatory, and other meeting areas that can accommodate up to 180 guests for a variety of events.

For larger events, some of hospitality’s biggest names have made their home in Detroit. Inside the iconic Renaissance Center, long a symbol of the city’s perseverance and pride, is a Marriott hotel, featuring 100,000 square feet of meeting

The Detroit Institute of Arts is available for corporate events.

space with 46 meeting rooms of varying sizes able to accommodate more than 2,000 guests. The Renaissance Center is capped by Highlands, one of Detroit’s finest dining establishments, which offers unparalleled city views. Down the road is the Westin Book Cadillac. Opened in 1924 and included on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel is home to many of the city’s swankiest events. The Book Cadillac features more than 7,500 square feet of meeting space and is located just steps from a French cafe, coffee shop, bicycle store, and several city parks.

“Having large, name-brand hotels in the city like Marriott and Westin is critical

if we want to attract large events to our city,” says Galle, the president and CEO of Special D Events. “But we also love working with the smaller properties that really showcase our city’s personality. The Shinola Hotel and the Foundation Hotel, for instance, are always popular. Venue wise, we have all shapes and sizes.”

Me et i n g a nd c on fer enc e s pa c e i s also available at the city’s three worldcla ss ca si nos, a s wel l a s Ford Field a nd Little Caesa rs A rena . Cu ltura l venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and the Detroit Public Library ’s main branch, welcome corporate events, too.

The Shinola Hotel’s conference room and other event spaces can hold up to 180 guests.

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 19

MIMESU22_Book.indb 19

5/26/22 2:24 PM

DE ST I NAT ION Detroit

You can’t beat the view DINING IN THE D No visit is complete without sampling Detroit’s stellar culinary fare. “Detroit offers so much diversity among its people and its attractions,” says Galle, “and the same is true of our food. From fine dining to craft breweries, and from East African cuisine to coney dogs, there’s endless variety.”

One of the best ways to experience Detroit’s robust food scene is by exploring its neighborhoods. Greektown offers authentic Greek fare at The Pegasus Tavern and the Golden Fleece, and the neighborhood is also home to Fishbones, a New Orleans-inspired seafood restaurant, and the decadent Astoria Pastry Shop. Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, is where you’ll find Mudgie’s Deli, beloved brunch spot Bobcat Bonnie’s,

and delicious Italian fare at Ottava Via. Eastern Market is an eclectic collection of shops and restaurants, and a new $33-million redevelopment will soon feature The Mosaic, a 105,000-square-foot food hall with a rooftop bar, just north of the area.

If you’re looking for elegance, look no further than The Whitney in Detroit’s Midtown district. The celebrated restaurant offers f ine dining in an 1894 ma nsion a nd is ava i lable for specia l events and receptions. Guests seeking a uniquely Detroit dining experience can board the Detroit Princess riverboat, which offers beautiful views as it f loats down the Detroit River. The riverboat can a lso be booked for specia l events and private cruises accommodating up to 1,500 guests.

with Canada right across the river.

—CLAUDE MOLINARI, PRESIDENT & CEO OF VISIT DETROIT

IMMERSIVE DETROIT For team-building exercises or postevent hangouts, Detroit has no shortage of attractions. Its acclaimed River Walk, named the best in the country by USA Today, offers unparalleled city views and features a merry-go-round, concession areas, and several parks along its 3.5 miles.

Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, is available for all sizes of events.

20 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 20

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H O T O S : M I C H E L L E A N D C H R I S G E R A R D ; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I T O PA L M I S A N O

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosts many events, including in its spectacular Ford Freedom Rotunda.

“You can’t beat the view with Canada right across the river,” says Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit, “And there are $50 million in enhancements coming to connect it to the Ambassador Bridge, add a park with water features, and so much more.”

Detroit’s many urban parks are great places to unwind. Most popular is Campus Martius Park, located in the heart of downtown. The park features several drinking and dining options, a beautiful fountain, outdoor seating, and pop-up shops. In the winter, Campus Martius is home to an ice-skating rink under the city Christmas tree. In the summer, the ice is replaced with sand, drinks, and lounge chairs to create an urban beach oasis.

Sports fans won’t have to venture far to cheer on the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, or Pistons; all play in what’s known as The District Detroit, the densest concentration of four major sports teams in any urban core in the country. For those eager for some friendly competition of their own, The Garden Bowl offers 16 lanes in America’s oldest bowling establishment.

Art abounds here, too. The city is a popular cultural destination, with several museums and galleries, including the Detroit Institute of Arts—home to Diego Rivera’s renowned “Detroit Industry” frescos—Detroit Historical Museum, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of Afri-

can American History. At the Motown Museum, guests can stand where The Temptations and the Supremes created their legendary hits.

NEARBY VENUES Just outside the city’s limits is the Detroit Zoo, home to 2,800 animals representing 239 species. The zoo hosts hundreds of groups each year, from 20 to several thousand people. Larger groups have the option of renting the entire 125 acres of the zoo for an after-hours strolling reception or picnic.

A short drive from downtown Detroit in nearby Dearborn is The Henry Ford.

The 250-acre destination consists of five attractions: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Henry Ford Giant Screen Experience, and Benson Ford Research Center. “ The museum itself spans 12 acres with 9 acres of exhibits,” says Amy Cox, senior director of sa les at The Henr y Ford. “We can do events for up to 5,000 guests and as few as ten.”

Last fall, Kim Hoodin, an independent event producer, held a strolling reception at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation for 150 executives who were attending the annual meeting of a manufacturing institute. “Most of our attendees come from some sort of engineering background,” Hoodin says, “and

DETROIT BY THE NUMBERS

» Detroit has 42,000 available hotel rooms, 5,400 of which are located downtown.

» Downtown Detroit has three full-service casino hotels: MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City Casino Hotel, and Greektown Casino, with a combined total of 1,200 rooms.

» The Motown Museum is undergoing a 50,000-squarefoot expansion, which will include an outdoor plaza and exterior renovations.

» Nearly 100 new restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and coffee shops have opened in Detroit in the last three years.

» Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a Delta hub that is a 90-minute flight—or less—from 60% of the country’s population.

» Each year, the North American International Auto Show puts more than 500 vehicles on display.

Facts provided by Visit Detroit

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 21

MIMESU22_Book.indb 21

5/26/22 2:24 PM

DE ST I NAT ION Detroit

A penguin glides through the water above delighted Detroit Zoo visitors.

With Detroit, it’s about history and hustle.

313presents.com detroitfoundationhotel.com detroitpubliclibrary.org detroitzoo.org dia.org fordfield.com gmrencen.com greektowncasino.com thehenryford.org huntingtonplacedetroit.com marriott.com mgmgranddetroit.com motorcitycasino.com shinolahotel.com visitdetroit.com

P H OTO : B I L L B OW E N

GETTING AROUND when they walked into the museum, right past Detroit is the home of the automobile, but conan exhibit of presidential limos, they lit up. It ference attendees won’t need to rent a car to was like watching kids at Christmas.” explore the city before or after meetings. Pop-up A nna Hudson, director of meetings and bike and scooter rentals can be found throughevents for the Association for Packing and out Detroit, and the city’s public Processing Technologies, had transportation is convenient, a similar experience when she affordable, and easy to navigate. br ou g ht 2 5 0 a t t ende e s of a Plus, downtown, the elevated three-day conference at Detroit Detroit People Mover provides Ma rriott at the Rena issa nce tra n spor t at ion to a va r iet y Center to The Henry Ford, first of locations with stops at the for a tour of the Ford Rouge Renaissance Center, HuntingFactor y ( birthplace of iconic ton Place, Greektown, and more. ca rs l i ke t he Model A , MusDetroit will soon be home to ta n g , a nd T hu nderbi rd) a nd the first public electric vehicle —CAROL GALLE, then for an after-hours strollPRESIDENT & CEO OF cha rging road in the United ing reception at the museum.

SPECIAL D EVENTS S t ates . W hen completed i n “The venue was really accom2023, the mile-long road will modating to our group,” Hudson w i r e le s s l y c h a r ge e le c t r ic says. “One of the great things vehicles a s they move, w ith was people were able to wa lk no 30-minute stops to plug in or hunt down around with their food and drinks. It sounds charging ports required—just another way like a small thing, but it meant that people Detroit is living up to its Motor City moniker could enjoy the exhibits, which often isn’t the and history of innovation. case when you hold an event at a museum.”

22 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 22

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P

P H OTO : B I L L B OW E N

“ZOOM” Meetings REDEFINED

–

M1 Concourse is excited to announce the opening of a 28,500 SF state-of-the-art event center located immediately adjacent to the Champion Motor Speedway, where your guests can enjoy thrill rides around our 1.5-mile track that you cannot experience anywhere else. M1 Concourse is one of the most unique entertainment facilities in the Midwest. Our new event center is ideal for hosting signature events, including vehicle launches, charitable event galas, fashion and lifestyle showcases, and significant automotive and technology expositions.

1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac, Michigan 48341

LEARN HOW M1 CONCOURSE CAN ADD SOME “ZOOM” TO YOUR NEXT MEETING Call our Event Team at 1-866-M1-Track Ext 1 // events@m1concourse.com PREMIERE EVENT CENTER // 1.5 MILE PERFORMANCE TRACK // VEHICLE DYNAMICS ARENA MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 23

MIMESU22_Book.indb 23

5/26/22 2:24 PM

M EET + EAT Grape Adventures

Wine tasting at Black Star Farms Suttons Bay near Traverse City

Vineyards and wineries are spirited spots for group gatherings. » FROM THE LUSH VINEYARDS of the Traverse City area to independent wineries throughout the state, Michigan’s wine experiences are bountiful. For instance, the state is home to more than 140 wineries and four certified American Viticultural Areas, which means there are endless opportunities to relax with a glass while networking with colleagues, catching up with clients, celebrating a milestone, or commemorating an achievement.

“Wineries are just such a cool experience for groups,” says Allison Beers, owner of Traverse City-based Events North, which plans corporate events and gatherings. “That’s especially true when you’re able to reserve the entire place. You get to see things up close and personal in a way you don’t as a drop-in guest.”

From hip, intimate tasting rooms to sprawling vineyards and a bed-and-breakfast with breathtaking views, here are just a few Michigan experiences awaiting oenophiles.

3 NORTH VINES

Croswell

Kristi Nichols-Shopbell and her husband, Nate, founded 3 North Vines in 2007 after meeting at Michigan State University and forming a bond over a wine-tasting class. They planted grapes in 2008, opened their doors in 2014, and today, 3 North Vines offers several hard ciders, plus a variety of wines and sangrias made with grapes grown on the four-acre vineyard. The rural location, just a few miles

from the shores of Lake Huron, can host up to 50 guests in the tasting area and as many as 125 in the vineyards. Between sips and bites, groups can enjoy activities that include yoga and painting among the vines. Having both a vineyard (where the grapes are grown) and a winery (where the wine is produced) is rare, notes Kristi. “Most wine venues have one or the other,” she says, “but we enjoy being in control of the grape from beginning to end.”

BY CHRIS WILLIAMS

BLACK STAR FARMS SUTTONS BAY Traverse City It is located just minutes from downtown Traverse City, but Black Star Farms Suttons Bay feels a world apart. The 160-acre winery estate includes a spacious tasting room, luxurious 10-room inn, equestrian facility, and hiking trails.

“We can do everything from a lunch meeting for the office that just wants to get out of downtown Traverse City for the afternoon to an overnight retreat for the executives of a corporation with board meetings, wine tastings, winery tours, cooking classes, yoga in the vines, and guided hikes,” says Ingrid Olson, sales and catering manager at Black Star Farms.

Sherri Campbell Fenton, Black Star Farms’ managing owner, adds, “This is a very relaxed, rural setting, and we understand the need for some corporate groups to have discretion and privacy.”

Black Star Farms’ event space, which includes the centennial Pegasus Barn,

P H O T O S : B L A C K S TA R FA R M S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C H AT E A U A E R O N A U T I Q U E ; 3 N O R T H V I N E S

Grape Adventures

24 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 24

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H O T O S : B L A C K S TA R FA R M S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C H AT E A U A E R O N A U T I Q U E ; 3 N O R T H V I N E S

has a capacity of 150 guests for a seated dinner, but that increases to 175 if you opt for a strolling reception.

Last December, Sandy Scarbrough held the holiday party for the staff of Scarbrough Family Eyecare in one of Black Star Farms’ private rooms. “It was lovely to have a space to ourselves rather than be in the middle of a restaurant,” she says.

In fact, Scarbrough was so impressed with the service and food (which included gluten-free and vegetarian options) that she’s planning her son’s wedding at Black Star Farms in June.

CHATEAU AERONAUTIQUE Jackson and Irish Hills Bringing new meaning to “wine flight,” Chateau Aeronautique calls an old airplane hangar home. Chateau Aeronautique began with a cozy tasting room and a winemaking operation in the hangar, but today, a boutique tasting room, adorned with paintings, chandeliers, and a bar constructed from retired wine barrels, also overlooks the grass runway. Both the original tasting room and the new tasting room are available for small events. In 2017, the winemaking operation was moved to a new 8,000-square-foot facility located on 26 acres in the Irish Hills. With a 6,000-square-foot outdoor seating area, it’s available for events of all sizes. Chateau Aeronautique also operates the Blue Skies Brewery in Auburn Hills—its 5,500-square-foot all-weather Biergarten can also host corporate gatherings.

Fun fact: Every bottle label features a 1940 Stearman biplane, a fitting adornment since owner/winemaker Lorenzo Lizarralde is a pilot.

Chateau Aeronautique’s Biergarten in Onsted

CHATEAU CHANTAL

Traverse City

Located on Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal offers not only a vineyard and winery but also a charming bed-andbreakfast with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay and Power Island. The B&B can accommodate up to 44 guests in its 12 rooms, while the 2,000-square-foot Hospitality Room can host 100 attendees for a reception. Groups can sample more than two dozen different wines, tour the cellar,

Spring at 3 North Vines in Croswell

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 25

MIMESU22_Book.indb 25

5/26/22 2:24 PM

M EET + EAT Grape Adventures

Bucolic Chateau Chantal near Traverse City

enjoy a wine dinner, and attend wine seminars and hands-on cooking classes. For an especially elevated experience, guests can hike the Founders’ Trail, which bends its way through the 65-acre estate.

GRAPE BEGINNINGS WINERY

Midland

P H O T O S : K Y L E B R O W N L E Y ; S T. J U L I A N W I N E R Y A N D D I S T I L L E R Y

Since 2015, Grape Beginnings has brought the world to Midland.

“Our slogan is ‘worldly wines made local,’” says manager Chris Whitted. “We get the juice from around the world and make great wine here in Michigan.”

The result is a boutique winery with an eclectic selection and the ability to craft French, Italian, and other international wines on-site. Cozy and intimate, the place is a popular gathering spot. That’s especially true in the summer, when its patio in downtown Midland provides a perfect location to sit with a glass of cabernet and listen to live entertainment. Grape Beginnings also hosts quarterly wine-and-cheese pairings as well as wine-and-chocolate pairings. The winery is available for dinners and private tastings for up to 40 guests.

The Apollo Tasting Room at St. Julian Winery and Distillery is available for corporate events.

26 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 26

5/26/22 2:24 PM

!"#$%&'()*(%+&(,&$-% ".(/"0*%"0*(1-$*2&*34%+

Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference Center Old World Charm with Modern Day Convenience Let us assist you with planning a meeting or event in Frankenmuth!

• 10 Meeting Breakout Rooms • Complimentary Wireless Internet • 2 On-Premise Restaurant and Lounges • Live Nightly Entertainment

• 360 European-themed Guestrooms • Walking Distance to Main Street Shopping and Attractions • World Famous Frankenmuth® Chicken Dinners plus Custom Menus

!"#"$%"&'%&&'()*+,'-'.)&/,$,&.,'.,&0,$

)12'.342526'!57682'(912:'/591;21<=>?:'@%''ABCDA'E'F591;21<=>?<22>718GHI3<''E''JKBCCKLJDKCMMA

e than Forustmora mee ting … j

P H O T O S : K Y L E B R O W N L E Y ; S T. J U L I A N W I N E R Y A N D D I S T I L L E R Y

From traditional conference spaces to historic landmarks, world-class galleries to the great outdoors, you’ll be amazed when you tap into what’s here below the surface—where history and opportunity come together to forge a place like no other. Make the most of your time together when you meet in Flint & Genesee.

X

FLINT & GENESEE

ExploreFlintandGenesee.org

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 27

MIMESU22_Book.indb 27

5/26/22 2:24 PM

M EET + EAT Grape Adventures

ST. JULIAN WINERY AND DISTILLERY Paw Paw Today, Michigan’s most-awarded winemaker, St. Julian, operates six tasting rooms, but Paw Paw is where it all began.

The winery recently celebrated its 100th a nniversa r y ma king w ine from fr uit to glass on-site. Tours are available for groups, along with a tasting room and patio for sampling St. Julian’s wines, ciders, cocktails, and slushes. The Apollo tasting room, warmed by a fireplace and with capacity for 60 people seated and 100 standing, is available for corporate events. Audio, live music, catering, and more can be accommodated.

“When you walk into our tasting room, you’ll be met by a friendly crowd,” says Alyssa Sonnevil, St. Julian’s director of marketing. “At St. Julian, we enjoy having a good time and want to share that experience with our guests.”

D F B

Grape Beginnings Winery’s patio in Midland is a great summer spot to enjoy wine and live music.

A pioneer in Michigan winemaking, Tabor Hill celebrated its 50th year of harvesting in 2021. Both the tasting room and the rustic, upscale dining room are available for private events, with room for up to 225 guests. Guests are encouraged to bring a bottle along with them as they hit Mount Tabor Trail, a 3.5-mile hike through the woods and vineyards.

“We love being able to offer a truly unique experience,” says Meagan Veldman, member engagement specialist at Tabor Hill.

“No matter where you are on our property, the vineyard is always in sight!”

3northvines.com blackstarfarms.com chateauaeronautiquewinery.com chateauchantal.com grapebeginningswinery.com stjulian.com taborhill.com

PHOTOS: GRAPE BEGINNINGS WINERY; TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT

TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT Buchanan Located in southwest Michigan’s wine country, Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant offers award-winning wines and fine dining in the heart of a vineyard.

B

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant has space for up to 200 guests.

28 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 28

5/26/22 2:24 PM

We W

PHOTOS: GRAPE BEGINNINGS WINERY; TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT

Breathtaking BreathtakingView...

View... ...Outstanding ...OutstandingService Service DoubleTree DoubleTreebybyHilton HiltonPort PortHuron Huron Freighters FreightersEatery Eatery&&Taproom Taproom Blue BlueWater WaterConvention ConventionCenter Center 800 800 Harker Harker Street Street | Port | Port Huron, Huron, MIMI 48060 48060 810.984.8000 810.984.8000

We We look look forward forward toto welcoming welcoming you you toto Michigan’s Michigan’s Thumb Thumb Coast!

Coast!

taproom taproom

www.DoubleTree.PortHuron.com www.DoubleTree.PortHuron.com WINDOW WINDOW GR APHICS GR APHICS

MIMESU22_Book.indb 29

www.FreightersPH.com www.FreightersPH.com

www.BlueWaterConventionCenter.com www.BlueWaterConventionCenter.com MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 29

5/26/22 2:24 PM

On the

Water The Delamar Traverse City has meetings and events spaces that look out onto the blue waters of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.

30 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 30

5/26/22 2:24 PM

SIX VIEW-PACKED PLACES TO GATHER IN THE GREAT LAKES STATE

BY DIANNA STAMPFLER

hen it comes to meeting on the waterfront, Michigan is hard to beat. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, the state has the longest freshwater coastline—3,288 linear miles—in the United States. What’s more, the state is home to 11,000-plus inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. Whether you’re planning a board meeting, conference, banquet, or cocktail reception, Michigan offers a variety of venues with water views that exhilarate, energize, and inspire.

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 31

MIMESU22_Book.indb 31

5/26/22 2:24 PM

PORT HURON

The 34,000-square-foot Blue Water Convention Center opened in early 2015 at the foot of the iconic Blue Water Bridge, which spans the St. Clair River and connects Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

Offering views of Canada and passing freighters, the strikingly modern facility is available for gatherings that range from meetings and seminars to full-scale conferences and trade shows.

At more than 20,000 square feet, Lake Huron Hall, the largest space within the Convention Center, can accommodate up to 1,600 people. The more intimate Riverview Suites, ideal for board meetings, have direct access to Blue Water’s international deck and a total capacity of 140. For banquets or exhibitions, the Grand Ballroom has a maximum capacity of 350 for theater seating, 184 for a reception, and 175 when configured classroom-style.

The attached 149-room DoubleTree by Hilton boasts an additional 4,470 square feet of meeting space with five distinct meeting rooms, as well as on-site dining or catering from Freighters Eatery & Taproom.

Given its size and f lexiblity, the Blue Water Convention Center has hosted a

range of events, from the Port Huron Boat Show and Mid-Michigan Gun & Knife Show to the Fa ith Luthera n Couples Retreat and Michigan Fine Arts & Quilters Convention. State associations representing broadcasters, libraries, veterinary technicians, county officials, and more have chosen to host their annual conferences at the convention center.

In November, the Michigan Festivals & Events Association heads to Port Huron for its annual convention, which draws hundreds of attendees with dozens of breakout sessions, catered meals, a vendor trade show, and a full-scale musical showcase with bands, comedians, and other entertainers.

Board consultant Brian Wolters helped plan last fall’s annual gathering of the Michigan Society for Healthcare Engineer i n g , wh ich d rew more t ha n 30 0 attendees to the Blue Water Convention Center. “I’ve always been more drawn to Northern Michigan,” Wolters says, “but I was pleasantly surprised by both Port Huron and Blue Water. The water views were terrific; some of our meeting rooms, as well as a patio, were right on the water. We’ll be returning to Blue Water in September for this year’s conference.” bluewaterconventioncenter.com

NORTHPORT BAY RETREAT NORTHPORT

Off the beaten path near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and just steps from Grand Traverse Bay sits Northport Bay Retreat, an exclusive and private four-season corporate sanctuary. If a remote environment is what you’re looking for to keep your team focused and on task, you’ll want to consider this venue, which boasts 16 guest rooms. McDonald’s, Quicken Loans, and Medtronic are among the companies that have held retreats here.

D E L A M A R T R AV E R S E C I T Y

BLUE WATER CONVENTION CENTER

P H OTO S : ( T H I S PAG E A N D P R E C E D I N G S P R E A D)

The Delamar Traverse City can host events for 10-400 guests, including gatherings on a private waterfront terrace.

32 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 32

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H OTO S : B LU E WAT E R CO N V E N T I O N C E N T E R ; N O R T H P O R T B AY R E T R E AT

D E L A M A R T R AV E R S E C I T Y

P H OTO S : ( T H I S PAG E A N D P R E C E D I N G S P R E A D)

At 22,000 square feet, the mansion-like venue features several private meeting spaces, including a conference room. The spacious great room offers cozy seating, a fireplace, and plenty of windows that let in natural light and provide panoramic views of the bay, including the spectacular sunrises. The lower level is devoted to recreation with a wet bar, fitness center, pool table, pingpong table, air hockey table, foosball table, big-screen television, and stereo system.

Northport Bay Retreat’s dining room accommodates 64, while the fully equipped kitchen provides plenty of space for meal prep. For stress-free gourmet options, Epicure Culinary in Traverse City can handle catering orders of all sizes.

Just outside the doors, guests of Northport Bay Retreat have access to a lakeside deck; dining patio with a large gas grill, hot tub, fire pit, and plenty of lawn seating; and a boat slip, along with more than 6 acres of property and 340 feet of bay frontage for exploring. On the Leelanau Peninsula, more than two dozen wineries,

Northport Bay Retreat boasts 340 feet of frontage on Grand Traverse Bay.

breweries, cideries, and distilleries—along with unique restaurants and retail shops— prov ide off-premises enter ta inment. antonco.com/northportbay DELAMAR TRAVERSE CITY TRAVERSE CIT Y

Along the southern edge of Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn recently unveiled its $10-million renovation and rebranding as the Delamar Traverse City. Touted as a “full-service upscale resort,” this 173-room property has the look and feel of a boutique hotel with common areas that blend an eclectic vibe with an industrial flair.

The meeting rooms, for groups up to 200, have been enhanced in design and technol-

The Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron sits at the foot of the Blue Water Bridge between Michigan and Ontario, Canada.

ogy, with state-of-the-art services for both in-person and hybrid events. Corporate packages are designed with the specific groups in mind, taking experiences beyond the boardroom with a series of curated team-building activities like sommelier-led wine-pairing dinners, mixology cocktail classes, boat cruises on the bay, and off-site tours to the area’s award-winning wineries.

“The Delamar was suggested due to its location on the water and because it was close to where we could do an outdoor activity,” says Vicky Glossa, who recently coordinated a gathering for a group of 10 Starbucks team leaders from around Michigan. “It didn’t disappoint! We went tubing on Mount Holiday and had a blast.”

Delamar guests will find a welcoming lobby (and a complimentary glass of bubbly upon check-in); heated indoor and outdoor pools (as well as cabanas, a hot tub, and a sauna); a garden terrace featuring fire pits, lush greenery, and lawn games ( like bocce and cornhole); onsite yoga classes; e-bike and watercraft rentals; live music (Thursday through Sunday); and upscale dining at Artisan Waterfront Restaurant. Upcoming projects include a full-service spa and private docking facilities for guests arriving by boat. While Delamar offers everything guests need under one roof, the hotel is within walking distance from downtown Traverse City ’s expanding collection of restaurants, shops, and attractions. delamar.com/traverse-city

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 33

MIMESU22_Book.indb 33

5/26/22 2:24 PM

PETOSKEY

Stretching out along Little Traverse Bay 4 miles southwest of downtown Petoskey, The Inn at Bay Harbor is the most luxurious and picturesque venue in the region.

More than just a pretty facade, this is one of only two Marriott Autograph Collection hotels in Michigan, with 116 guest rooms and suites (including two- and three-bedroom units), a full-service spa, afternoon tea service, a fine-dining restaurant and wine bar, world-class golf, and an array of elegant meeting spaces both on and off the property, including, seasonally, at the nearby Bay Harbor Golf Club.

The 3,504-square-foot Arlington Room is the largest meeting space, accommodating between 140 (classroom) and 250 (reception). It is one of five spaces on the Inn’s lower level, next to the Occidental (1,200 square feet), Clifton (1,508 square feet, divisible into two rooms), and the 390-square-foot Boardroom. The mainlevel Sagamore Room has the best views and is ideal for banquets of up to 80 or recep-

tions of up to 100. The 2,205-square-foot Tower Suite and 5,400-square-foot Penthouse Suite offer an exclusive event experience, and, like all the inn’s event spaces, provide state-of-the-art technology.

We really like the beauty of the area—it’s a treat for the attendees as well.

—Diane Dick, Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators

Outside of business, there are plenty of regional activities to educate and entertain.

Within walking distance, guests will find the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, which offers a variety of musicals, concerts, and theatrical performances. The Little Traverse Bay Ferry docks overnight in Bay Harbor, providing service to both Harbor Springs and Petoskey between Memorial Day and September (or October, weather permitting).

The Bay Harbor Golf Club recently added scenic golf cart tours along Little Traverse Bay, in addition to its stellar golf options on

three courses—The Links, Quarry, and Preserve (with unmatched views of the bay). The Petoskey Wine Region includes 14 distinct wine-tasting rooms, many with outdoor patios, small plate offerings, and live music.

Groups interested in taking a step back in time can enjoy a guided walking tour with local tour company Petoskey Yesterday, focused on the early resort history, haunted sites in downtown Petoskey, and one of the area’s most famous summer residents, Ernest Hemingway.

“Our association has been using The Inn at Bay Harbor for the past few years for our Women in Leadership Conference and our Small and Rural Conference,” says Diane Dick, of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.

“We really like the beauty of the area—it’s a treat for the attendees as well. There are lots of options for fun activities to do with your attendees, depending on the time of year. This year, we are going to try a ‘Petoskey Stone’ walk on our own to see if we can find any of the coveted state stones.” innatbayharbor.com

P H O T O S : A A R O N P E T E R S O N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C A I T LY N A N D E R S O N / D R U M M O N D I S L A N D R E S O R T

THE INN AT BAY HARBOR

The picturesque Inn at Bay Harbor is one of two Marriott Autograph Collection hotels in Michigan.

34 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 34

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H O T O S : A A R O N P E T E R S O N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C A I T LY N A N D E R S O N / D R U M M O N D I S L A N D R E S O R T

Top to bottom: The charmingly rustic Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center on northern Lake Huron nestles into its 2,200 woodsy acres; A private meeting room within the Pins Bar & Grill at the Drummond Island Resort.

DRUMMOND ISLAND RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER DRUMMOND ISLAND For a rustic island experience, the Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center, located on northern Lake Huron, delivers on all counts. Situated on 2,200 acres with both waterfront and woodland venues, this year-round property is accessible via a short 15-minute ferry ride from Detour Village on the eastern Upper Peninsula mainland. The Charlton Group came here for a company retreat and Jeep Jamboree held an event on the property.

The resort offers several event spaces for small- to medium-sized groups, including the Mackinac Room with a boardroom setting for 15; the log Annex, with a capacity of 80; and the farmhouse-chic Brooder House, with exposed beams and a seating capacity of 175. There is a private room in the Pins Bar & Grill (adjacent to the resort’s bowling alley) as well as additional small group spaces inside the main restaurant.

Drummond Island Resort offers a variety of northern-inspired accommodations, including The Lodge with its 40 log cabin-style rooms. The property also features 16 distinctive cottages and cabins, like the four-bedroom Wright Cottage with a secluded setting overlooking a private pond or two-bedroom Sparky Anderson Cottage named after the legendary Detroit Tigers manager and broadcaster. Resort activities include paintball, clay and skeet shooting, kayaking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball.

“Our championship golf course, The Rock, is absolutely beautiful with spectacular views and abundant wildlife,” says Caitlin Anderson, sales manager at the resort. Drummond Island itself is an outdoor paradise, with plenty of opportunities for off-roading, biking, paddling, and exploring for both group attendees and the friends and families who have the good fortune of joining them. drummondisland.com

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 35

MIMESU22_Feature_WatersideVenues TRB KB.indd 35

5/26/22 3:53 PM

We’re able to ensure any experience aligns with a company’s vision.

any experience aligns with a company’s vision. Branded ice sculptures, choreographed dances, highly tailored food and bar menus—we’ve really done it all, and we’ve entertained companies across all major industries, including the automotive industry, health care, tech, finance, real estate, and more.”

The 117-foot bi-level vessel Infinity accommodates 130 passengers for a mingling reception. There are intimate seating areas on the open-air decks, while the main level is equipped to host plated dinners.

At 138 feet, the tri-level craft Ovation caters to larger groups of up to 300 guests.

Overlooking the bow, the ma in-level Atrium features a VIP head table with seating throughout the space for another 60-plus. The mid-level is adorned with more casual seating areas for after-dinner networking, and the wide-open upper deck is an inviting place for gathering on warm summer evenings.

Both yachts cruise between April and September, with docking options at four different downtown Detroit locations.

There are a lso options for pairing an excursion with activities at Waterview Loft for a “land and sea” event. infinityandovation.com

PHOTO: COURTESY INIFITY AND OVATION YACHT CHARTERS

INFINITY AND OVATION YACHT CHARTERS DETROIT For groups that want to meet on the water, Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters in Detroit operates two stylish vessels that deliver a memorable experience on the international waters of the Detroit River.

“From product launches to team building off-site and annual award ceremonies, Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters is the destination Detroit-area businesses choose for high-impact events,” says Laura Stewart, director of sales, managed venues, at Infinity. “With countless ways to customize a cruise, we’re able to ensure

Yachts from Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters cruise the Detroit River with the Renaissance Center looming in the background.

—Laura Stewart, Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters

Meet where you

love to pla

36 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Feature_WatersideVenues TRB KB.indd 36

5/27/22 10:27

PHOTO: COURTESY INIFITY AND OVATION YACHT CHARTERS

Meet where you love to play

you

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

Visit Boyne.com for future information or reach out to one of our meeting specialists at Groupsales2@boyne.com.

To book your event, speak to our team at 231-549-6012 • Four-season playground MIMESU22_Feature_WatersideVenues TRB KB.indd 37

• Lodging options from standard hotel rooms and

5/26/22 5:51 PM

I ND U STRY U PDATE Infographic

FINDINGS AT A G L A N C E

THE YEAR OF THE “NEW” TRAVELER

T

he American Hotel & Lodging Association has released the 2022 State of the Hotel Industry Report produced in collaboration with Accenture. The report is based on the Travel Readiness Index, the Global Consumer Pulse Research survey, and the Annual Holiday Shopping Survey. Accenture conducted the two surveys in August 2021, and, with the index, the company tracks various parameters since February 2020 and compares data to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019. There were other sources informing the report, including data from Cvent and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Only 58% of meetings and events are expected to return.

Technology will be even more critical in a property’s success.

I L L U S T R AT I O N S : A D O B E / H V O S T I K 1 6 ; ( I C O N S ) A D O B E / B OY KO . P I C T U R E S ; ( B A C KG R O U N D ) A D O B E / A R U N R O M K A E W

Occupancy rates and room revenue are projected to approach 2019 levels in 2022.

38 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 38

5/26/22 2:24 PM

I L L U S T R AT I O N S : A D O B E / H V O S T I K 1 6 ; ( I C O N S ) A D O B E / B OY KO . P I C T U R E S ; ( B A C KG R O U N D ) A D O B E / A R U N R O M K A E W

T E C H N O L O GY T R E N D S TO WAT C H Technology is playing an increasingly important role in making it possible for the hotel industry to respond to travelers’ changing needs and preferences.

Keeping it human with technology

Remapping the guest and staff journeys

Shifting in-house technology solutions

Expanding the use of agile PMS

The personalization of technology will take another leap forward, with hotels using digital technologies to ease workloads and further satisfy each individual guest with a new visitor experience.

Mobile, self-service devices are allowing guests to navigate much of the traditional traveling journey— from booking to checkout— without having to interact directly with staff.

More hotels will move from in-house technology tools to “off-the-shelf” offerings from industry vendors.

Hotel operators will increasingly turn to property management systems (PMS) with a network of integrated partners offering expanded capabilities.

O C C U PA N CY A N D R E V E N U E Hotel occupancy is expected to continue trending upward from the historic lows of 2020, averaging 63.4% for the year, or 1.3 billion room nights.

Room revenues are projected to reach $168 billion.

168b

$

The report predicts a 228% leap in spending in the United States by international travelers compared to 2021.

72 86.9 1

72% of surveyed meeting planners are sourcing events with an in-person component.

%

/4

want to provide great service, but with labor

228

One quarter of meetings being sourced are hybrid.

Our venues

%

markets tight, it

%

works out well that meetings are coming back at a manageable pace.

The report projects that only 58.3% of meetings and events will return in 2022, with 86.9% back in 2023.

— KIM CORCOR AN , CMP E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DESTINATION MICHIGAN/ MEE TINGS MICHIGAN

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 39

MIMESU22_Book.indb 39

5/26/22 2:24 PM

I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

Tour //

Historic Tour in Manistee County » MANISTEE COUNTY has one of the finest collections of historical buildings in Michigan, and a collection of eight themed self-guided tours highlight more than 100 of these sites. But now, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office, the Manistee County Visitors Bureau is expanding these attractions with Origins Walk, set to debut this summer. Origins Walk, which will start west of the existing Riverwalk, will feature 20 sculptural plaques that highlight the people who first settled in the region (both indigenous leaders from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and European settlers from the 1880s) while also depicting the evolution of the community’s landscape over time.

P H OTO S : V I S I T M A N A S T E E CO U N T Y; (O P P O S I T E ) H U N T I N G TO N P L AC E

Groups that make Manistee a destination can take advantage of a variety of venues and attractions, including two golf resorts, Arcadia Bluffs and Manistee National Golf & Resort; Portage Point Resort, a circa-1903 property designed by the same firm as Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel; Little River Casino Resort; and the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, which features the historic 500-seat Ramsdell Theatre and adjacent Hardy Gallery (capacity 120). visitmanisteecounty.com

Manistee Riverwalk

40 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 40

5/26/22 2:24 PM

P H OTO S : V I S I T M A N A S T E E CO U N T Y; (O P P O S I T E ) H U N T I N G TO N P L AC E

Restaurant News //

WHAT’S COOKING AT HUNTINGTON PLACE

Detroit’s convention center, Huntington Place, not only has a new name—it was formerly called TCF Center—but it also has some new items on the catering menu.

Executive chef Stephan Blaser expanded the plant-based selections with a focus on sustainability, took a “whole-animal” approach, expanded the use of made-in-Michigan ingredients and products, and offered more regional favorites. Blaser points to a few local partners: Avalon International Breads, Lagrasso Produce, Fairway Packing (for custom-made burgers and other meat and poultry), Dearborn Sausage, Great Lakes Coffee, Great Lakes Chips, and Better Made Chips. Expect beverages like Faygo soft drinks and Vernors ginger ale, plus selections from Michigan wineries and breweries.

A “Michigan Flavors” reception menu features smoked Michigan country ham, a buttermilk waffle crisp topped with confit Mallard duck, a tasting of Michigan mushrooms, and local ruby red trout. huntingtonplacedetroit.com Michigan Crispy BBQ Pork Belly and White Bean 9 Grain Salad: crispy BBQ spiced pork belly, Michigan white bean and 9 grain salad, simple Napa cabbage slaw

People News //

NEW MARKETING DIRECTOR AT WEST MICHIGAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION Erin Murphy has been promoted to marketing director for West Michigan Tourism Association (WTMA) after serving as marketing manager since June 2021. A native of Grand Rapids, Murphy is passionate about promoting her home region. “I love how you don’t have to drive far to experience so many amazing towns and communities,” she says. “You’re never far away from a lake, and you can easily find whatever you’re looking for—from big-city amenities to sweet small towns full of charm.”

Hotel News //

AHLA REPORT Hotel business travel revenue will be down in 2022.

While the hospitality industry is beginning to rebound as the pandemic seems to wane, hotel business travel is still taking time to recover. (See also Infographic on page 38.) According to a report issued by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), leisure travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year.

However, the 2022 report projects that hotel business travel revenue will be down 23% from 2019, which equates to a $20-billion decrease.

Some states are disproportionately impacted. New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington are among the states projected to end 2022 with the largest percentage declines in hotel business travel.

Michigan is expected to end the year with a revenue decline of 16%— down from $1.454 billion in 2019 revenues to $1.222 billion in 2022.

“While dwindling COVID-19 case counts and relaxed CDC guidelines are providing a sense of optimism for reigniting travel, this report underscores how tough it will be for many hotels and hotel employees to recover from years of lost revenue,” notes Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “The good news is that after two years of virtual work arrangements, Americans recognize the unmatched value of face-to-face meetings and say they are ready to start getting back on the road for business travel.” ahla.com

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 41

MIMESU22_Book.indb 41

5/26/22 2:25 PM

INDUSTRY UPDATE Regional News

New Venues //

MEETING ON THE FARM, PART ONE Last August, Blake Farms completed a $1-million redevelopment project that transformed a former garden center into Blake’s Backyard, a year-round retail and entertainment venue. Located in Almont, about 50 miles north of Detroit, the Greenhouse at Blake’s Backyard can be rented for private events. The venue features greenery walls, rolling garage doors, rustic farm-style tables, a running indoor waterfall, and outdoor patio and can accommodate 120 guests. Planners will want to inquire about the doughnut wall that features cider mill doughnuts made in-house with cider produced from the farm’s apples, as well as cocktails featuring Blake’s hard ciders. Private events can also be booked at the 150-acre apple orchard in nearby Armada. The Apple Barn accommodates 120 guests, the Orchard Square Tap 50 guests, and the Orchard Square Tent, fully heated during cooler months, up to 250 guests. blakefarms.com The Greenhouse at Blake’s Backyard

Goldberry Woods pool

42 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 42

5/26/22 2:25 PM

P H O T O S : ( O P P O S I T E ) B L A K E ’ S B A C K YA R D ; J E R E M Y F U D E R

CRYSTAL

MEETING ON THE FARM, PART TWO The tagline for Goldberry Woods is “a modern farm resort.” That means comfort and options abound on this 30-acre property located on the shores of the Galien River in Union Pier. Conceived as a fully functional microfarm, plants mature in the greenhouse nursery here, while fresh fruit ripens in the orchard. The fields produce an everchanging bounty of annual and perennial vegetables and small fruit, including asparagus, peppers, heirloom tomatoes, beans, peas, lettuces, and brassicas.

Goldberry Woods is available for private retreats and gatherings. Groups can rent the eight-bedroom main inn, the four-bedroom River’s Edge House, the three-bedroom Creekside Cottage, or the entire property.

Eric Haberichter, who owns the property with his wife, Julie, says Goldberry Woods has hosted a range of groups, including law firms, a national home-improvement store, start-ups, corporate leadership groups, a CPA firm, a medical supply company, and staff from Michigan universities.

“Most groups that have stayed with us have looked to mix their business with pleasure,” Haberichter says. “We can offer the business aspects, including projector and Wi-Fi, but we also offer lots of opportunities for people to connect with each other and with nature. Guests can use our kayaks and canoes to [meander] down the river that wraps our property, borrow a bicycle to ride to the beach, hike trails through our forest, stroll through our organic farm and orchard, feed our chickens and ducks, play badminton or volleyball, work on a puzzle, and so much more. Guests can also explore Harbor Countr y w ith a l l of the beaches a nd dunes, wineries, breweries, distilleries, antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, hiking, and fantastic restaurants.”

SUCCESS

FOUR PEOPLE, OR 350. No matter the size of your group, success is more likely here because of all there is to do outside our well-appointed meeting rooms: ski, golf, swim, bike, snowboard, shop, hike, dine, relax. Start planning your Crystal success today.

THOMPSONVILLE, MI

C R YS TA L M O U N TA I N .C O M

Ad Number: Perich Job No: Colors: Format: Version:

PP-CM-22314B 22314 4/C 1/2 Page Ad 05.10.22

Trim: Bleed: Live:

4.875" x 7.375" NA NA

goldberrywoods.com

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 43

MIMESU22_Book.indb 43

5/26/22 2:25 PM

I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

New Venues //

A Lakeside B&B in Onekama

Located in Onekama and built in 1900 as the summer residence of lumber baron and Manistee Mayor Charles Canfield, Canf ield House was purchased, completely renovated, a nd reopened a s a year-round bed-and-breakfast in 2021.

Featuring 200 feet of Portage Lake frontage, the property now offers a lakeside fire ring and new dock for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The six-room house can be rented for small retreats and groups up to 125 accommodated for meetings and receptions. canfieldhousebnb.com Canfield House

Certifications //

The Events Industry Council’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, established in 1985, is recognized around the world as a badge of excellence in the events industry. JodieAnn Cady, an independent event project manager based in Mason, is among the professionals in the inaugural class of CMP Fellows, a program launched last year.

In announcing the first class of CMP Fellows, Amy Calvert, CEO of the Events Industry Council, notes, “We developed the CMP Fellows program to offer unique

peer-to-peer experiences, [provide] a forum for collaboration for those CMPs who had demonstrated exemplary leadership a nd a commitment to lifelong learning, and to recognize and reward t he lon g-ter m ach ievement s a s pa r t of our commitment to supporting and showcasing the value of ongoing professional education. The caliber of applications was truly humbling, and it was inspiring and motivating to read about the achievements and dedication of all of those who applied.”

P H OTO : C A N F I E L D H O U S E

HIGH HONOR FOR MICHIGAN PLANNER

44 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 44

5/26/22 2:25 PM

Meetings That Take Flight.

MEETINGS WITH

Adventure in Mind!

No one in the industry does awe-inspiring views and stunning landscape like Treetops! A change of scenery can give your crew a f resh perspective on challenging projects and motivate!

Located Where the Major Champions Play.

WWW.TREETOPS.COM | 855.420.9183 | MICHIGAN’S MOST SPECTACULAR RESORT.

IN YOUR INBOX

P H OTO : C A N F I E L D H O U S E

Digital stories on the top meeting and event venues, advice from professionals, and reports on food, beverage, décor, technology and more!

Stay up-to-date!

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM/NEWSLETTER-SIGNUP-MICHIGAN

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 45

MIMESU22_Book.indb 45

5/26/22 2:25 PM

S NAP S HOT S The 2022 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism

1

2

The 2022 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism

6

1. Connie Koepke, Jessie Black, Paula Priebe, Kristin Phillips 2. Christopher Thompson 3. Laith Al-Saadi 4. Patrick Brys, Julie Rogers, Jim MacInnes, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Amy Cox, Jamie Furbush, Susan Estler, Liz Ware 5. Quentin L. Messer Jr. 6. Jermale Eddie, Jenna Arcidiacono 7. Nick Shelton, Wendy Winkel, Jamie Furbush, Lydia Wilder, Christie Bierlein, Kelly Carmien, Joanna Nelson, 8. Jennifer Petrous Ollinger

5

7

Some 500 travel professionals gathered on April 19-21 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme for the annual Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Among several speakers was Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who ended her address by noting the “magical power” of travel. “It builds empathy by bridging divides and literally allows you to walk in someone else’s shoes, helping us make music together,” she said. “The importance of travel and power of perspective cannot be overstated, especially in 2022.”

8

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

P H O T O S : M I C H I G A N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P.

4

3

46 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 46

5/26/22 2:25 PM

f l o r a l • p l a n n i n g • r e n t a l s • s t at i o n e r y

W W W . E M E R A L D CIT Y DESI GNS.COM

P H O T O S : M I C H I G A N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P.

2 4 8 . 4 7 4 . 7 077

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 47

MIMESU22_Book.indb 47

5/26/22 2:25 PM

P EOPLE PROFI L E David C. McKnight

M+E: You started Emerald City Designs back in 1993. Tell us what initially interested you in floral design and why you named the company Emerald City.

DCM: I was climbing the corporate lad-

der and found myself assisting a couple of colleagues with a wedding and a 50th birthday celebration. I found it so gratifying, especially the execution of the details, that I found myself thinking, “How can I start this as a career?” As for the name, high school was a pivotal time in my life, and we did Wizard of Oz-themed floats for two homecoming years. As you walk to Emerald City, you have hopes and dreams—hence, Emerald City Designs.

M+E: How would you describe Emerald

City’s esthetic, particularly when it comes to designing for corporate events?

DCM: We enjoy coming up with unique

ways to tastefully tie in the company’s branding. Whether it’s with their logo or company colors, we want their character infused within the event without being too ostentatious. We love to brand with graphics on candles, dance floor emblems, and the classic gobo-light effect. Then, we get a bit more playful using management names for signature cocktails and mocktails at the bar.

M+E: As we move into a post-pandemic

world, do you see event design changing in any way? Less showy? Less serious?

More playful? Or more over the top?

DCM: We’re seeing equal parts of all of

Full-Service Flair

Event design veteran and florist David C. McKnight mixes elegance with fun. BY SHELLEY LEVITT » DAVID C. MCKNIGHT is no stranger to Michigan Meetings + Events. Emerald City Designs, the Farmington Hills-based full-service floral design and special events company he launched nearly 30 years ago, regularly appears as a winner on our “Best Of” lists. Planners know they can count on McKnight for the unexpected— whether that’s rolling out a churro station for dessert or setting off wish lanterns as the sun sets over an outdoor gathering.

M+E: You’re a colorful, recognizable figure in Detroit. Is there another side of David C. McKnight that might surprise people?

DCM: Over the past few years, I have vol-

unteered to arrive at special occasions and parties as a “painted special guest.” DCM, the Colorful Character, is a new brand I’ve created, and I’m enjoying these intimate, interactive experiences. Some of my most recent characters have been Madhatter, Curious George, and the Grinch. emeraldcitydesigns.com

P H OTO : M A RV I N S H AO U N I

David C. McKnight in the Detroit Opera House

these in current events. The pandemic has affected everyone differently. Some are returning to larger celebrations while keeping it intimate in feel—planning a strolling dinner with extra time built in to really socialize and connect, for example.

Others are still enjoying an intimate setting with a smaller guest list.

48 MIM+E » SUMMER 2022

MIMESU22_Book.indb 48

5/26/22 2:25 PM

YOUR GETAWAY. REIMAGINED. Escape the world for a while and enjoy endless action and indulgence. Celebrate your winning moments. Taste the good life. Lounge around in plush accommodations. And do it all over again

P H OTO : M A RV I N S H AO U N I

tomorrow. It’s all here at Michigan’s most exciting destination.

MI.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 49

MIMESU22_Book.indb 49

5/26/22 2:25 PM

5 REASONS

TO HOLD YOUR NEXT MEETING ON

MACKINAC ISLAND

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

More than 100,000 square-feet of meeting rooms for events big or small.

Support f rom professionally trained staff so you don’t have to sweat the details.

So many things to do for attendees – horse-drawn carriage rides, fudge tasting, hiking, biking, golf, shopping and much more.

Fantastic menus of excellent dining with upscale and casual options and vibrant nightlife, too.

Historic and unique places to stay, f rom world-class resorts and one-of-akind hotels to quaint cottages, luxury condos and Victorian B&Bs.

Request an Island Meeting Guide MACKINACISLAND.ORG

MIMESU22_Book.indb 50

5/26/22 2:25 PM