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GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA
PHOTO FROM LEFT: RILEY JAMES // DAVE WEIDNER
TR AVE R S E CIT Y
In the world of Northern Michigan meetings, there’s one spot that qualifies as the Big Kahuna—Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Set on 900 acres of rolling golf course, forested grounds and Lake Michigan shoreline, the resort has the muscle and capacity to host even the mightiest of groups, accommodating up to 2,500 meeting guests in style and specializing in corporate and association groups. Larger groups mean more demands for keeping a wider variety of folks engaged and delighted, to which the resort says: No problem. A luxury spa and three championship golf courses are major draws, while other guests will find themselves at the 100,000-square-foot fitness facility fitting in a yoga class or solo sweat session. Down at the private Resort Beach Club, meeting attendees are steps away from a meditative paddle on East Grand Traverse Bay—all without ever leaving the property. “Coming to this area, there are so many things to do,” says Ryan Buck, director of sales. “One of the benefits of us being a prominent fixture in a smaller community is our Northern Michigan contacts and relationships. For example, if a group requests a custom wine tour and tasting, our event design manager will handle everything for you. Normally a planner would have to take care of this planning; don’t do more work than you have to!” Exploring nearby Traverse City allows for group outings with an urban flair—craft distilleries, indie films and museums await—but the resort is also a quick jump from Old Mission Peninsula’s vineyards and wineries, the perfect spot for an off-site team bonding experience or relaxing day trip. CASE STUDY “A notable insurance company with approximately 600 people holds its annual meeting/celebration with us,” Buck says. “They enjoy the flexibility and ease of working with SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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us, especially the 19,000-square-foot pillarless ballroom with access to a garage that easily manages semi-trucks.” NEW IN 2020 This spring, the resort will open an entertainment facility called The Den, consisting of two bowling lanes, axe throwing, an escape room and a bar. LOCALS LOVE “The Traverse Area Recreational Trail is a local favorite,” Buck says. The paved rails-to-trail TART system winds for miles all the way into Leelanau County and is easily picked up by guests at the Bunker Hill trailhead in Acme. HOT TIP “Don’t forget we’re a year-round destination,” Buck says. In winter, the resort offers indoor tennis and a water playground and pools, while outdoor options include sleigh rides at nearby Antler Ridge Farms, cross-country skiing on the VASA Pathway and downhill skiing at Mt. Holiday. QUICK FACTS » Property acreage: 900 » Health club capacity: 100,000 square feet » Total options for meeting spaces: 600 » Total meeting space: 86,500 square feet » Largest single meeting space: 19,320 square feet » Total attendees: up to 2,500 » Getting there: 10 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport
Find more things to do at MyNorth.com/Traverse City
MyNorth Meetings 2020
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3/13/20 2:56 PM
