Meetings are big business, in Grand Rapids and around the world. The U.S. Travel Association’s Global Meetings Industry Day is an annual international day of advocacy showcasing the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities.
Grand Rapids celebrated this year’s April 11 event by hosting local meeting planners at The Goei Center on the city’s West Side. The group enjoyed lunch and a hands-on succulent arrangement workshop – an example of the many experiential opportunities available to groups who meet here.
Our luncheon was one of 100 events across the globe, and our LinkedIn post about the day one of 4,000+ social media posts reaching millions of users around the world. The celebration also garnered 850+ media mentions highlighting the contributions of the meetings industry to local economies.
The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, JW Marriott Grand Rapids and McKay Tower participated in the day by lighting up in blue, joining iconic landmarks across the globe, including New York’s 1 World Trade Center and Toronto’s Exhibition Place.
Grand Rapids hosted 261 meetings in 2023, bringing 175,914 attendees to town who spent money in local shops, restaurants, attractions and more. That’s why meetings matter to Grand Rapids – on Global Meetings Industry Day, and every day.