Get Involved with Your Community and Experience Grand Rapids
Are you proud of your community? Would you like to make it even better? Experience Grand Rapids offers a number of ways to get involved and support our vision to make Grand Rapids and Kent County the must-experience destination of the Midwest.
We are the official Destination Marketing Organization for Grand Rapids and Kent County. We inspire tourists and conventions to visit the area, boosting the local economy and the many individuals and organizations who work in hospitality-related businesses. But we don’t do it alone – we rely on community members to create great places, events and activities for visitors to enjoy, train the next generation of hospitality talent, spread the word about the amazing things the region has to offer, and more.
Below is a list of ways you can help us make Grand Rapids and Kent County more attractive for business and leisure travelers. You’ll also be making this a better place to live, work and play!
Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
We’ve partnered with Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Public Schools to establish a local chapter of a nationally recognized learning curriculum at Ottawa Hills High School. Educators, students, tourism partners and community advocates interested in the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism can contact us for details and support opportunities.
Bring it to GR
Do you belong to an organization or group that holds regional or national meetings? You can help us bring your meeting to Grand Rapids. Just tell us a little about the organization and provide a contact. We’ll take it from there – and if we’re successful, we’ll recognize you as an official Grand Host.
Calendar of Events
Is your organization hosting an event or activity that would appeal to visitors and residents? Add it to the Calendar of Events on ExperienceGR.com. Our website gets more than four million pageviews a year, so it’s a fantastic way to broaden the reach of your message. And it’s free!
Discover Tourism Grant Program
Do you have an idea for improving a local neighborhood or community? We’re offering grants from $500 to $5,000 to help local individuals and organizations create lively, inviting spaces where both visitors and residents want to spend time. Click here for details and a grant application.
Friends of Experience GR
This quarterly email newsletter keeps you informed of EXGR programs, promotions and developments that impact the community. Be the first to know! Sign up to receive the newsletter here.
Hummingbirds Local Influencers
Hummingbirds is a network of local social media influencers we’ve engaged to generate authentic content about different community events and activities. Hummingbirds earn local perks for their social media posts. Click here to learn more about the program and sign up to join.
Model Talent Database
We’re looking for “real-life” people of all ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, cultures, and sexual orientations to appear in EXGR print and video promotions. Fill out an application to join our Model Network. Models are paid $50 an hour!
Volunteer Opportunities
Our STARS volunteer program enlists local residents to help groups stage successful meetings and conventions in Grand Rapids. That can include everything from assembling welcome bags to staffing informational kiosks. It’s a great way to meet new people from across the region, the country and the world. Email Convention Services Specialist Kahlisha Mosley if you’re interested.
We are tremendously grateful for any way you choose to get involved. We hope to hear from you soon!