Looking for a convention destination where your attendees can meet, stay and play within a compact city footprint? Look no further than the Downtown Grand Rapids Convention Neighborhood. It encompasses a state-of the-art convention center, 2,500 hotel rooms and 200+ dining, shopping, culture and entertainment options – all within the space of a 10-minute walk!

DeVos Place

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Meeting in Devos Place
Fact: DeVos Performance Hall has a seating capacity of 2,400.

DeVos Place convention center and DeVos Performance Hall are located along the Grand River.

Photo by Brian Kelly Photography

DeVos Place Convention Center

DeVos Place boasts more than 240,000 sq. ft. of convention, ballroom and meeting space overlooking the Grand River. With input from Steelcase – a Grand Rapids company recognized as the global leader in workplace environments – it incorporates many design and technology innovations that help people and businesses make more effective connections. It also features a 2,400-seat performance arena that can be booked for meetings and conventions.

Skywalk

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DeVos Place is connected via climate-controlled skywalk to three hotels, five parking structures and Van Andel Arena, multipurpose facility. Attendees can attend your convention, dine at 10+ restaurants, take in a show and enjoy a good night’s sleep – all without ever stepping foot outside.

Van Andel Arena

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Van Andel Arena - drone photo.
You can access venues like Van Andel Arena from the DASH West route.

Van Andel Arena, 12,000 seat venue.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Van Andel Arena

Ranked as one of the world’s top-grossing arenas in its size category, the 12,000-seat Van Andel Arena hosts large-scale entertainment events from superstar concerts and kids’ shows to rodeos and pro hockey games. It can also be booked for meetings and conventions.

Downtown Hotels

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Grand Rapids' Convention Center is centrally located nearby plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants, and activities.

Grand Rapids' Convention Center is centrally located nearby plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants, and activities.

Photo by Grand Rapids Aerial Drone Video - Bradley Scott

Downtown Hotels

Thirteen downtown hotels – six brand-new within the past few years – offer a wide range of budget and amenity options. The Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, JW Marriott Grand Rapids and Downtown Courtyard Marriott are linked to DeVos Place (and each other) in our skywalk system.

Additional national hotel brands include AC by Marriott, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hyatt Place and Residence Inn by Marriott. CityFlatsHotel and the pet-friendly Morton Hotel deliver a boutique hotel experience.

Museums

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Museums

Culture vultures rejoice: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts are all located with a few blocks of DeVos Place. These are ideal day diversions for families traveling with attendees.

Shops

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Shops

60+ downtown stores cater to those in need of some retail therapy after (or between) a busy convention schedule. Shop for art, clothing, gifts and more. Don’t miss the Downtown Market Grand Rapids, a local foods emporium that’s home to 20+ gourmet food vendors and restaurants.

Restaurants

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MDRD

MDRD

  • 187 Monroe Ave. NW

Restaurants

Trip Adviser hailed Grand Rapids as Michigan’s Best Food City – and our plethora of downtown restaurants is a major reason why. There are more than 130 restaurants in the convention neighborhood, ranging from upscale steakhouses and wine bars to pizza and burger joints. Eight downtown breweries (did you know Grand Rapids is Beer City USA?) serve up fantastic food along with delectable craft beers, ciders and spirits. Many eateries are equipped for outdoor dining – in every season!

Nightlife/Entertainment

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