Medical Meetings & Conventions in Grand Rapids
The pioneering spirit of Grand Rapids flows throughout our destination like the mighty Grand River. Bolstered by collaboration, innovation, and the drive for advancement, the city is home to some of the most advanced healthcare, research, manufacturing and education facilities in the Midwest.
That makes Grand Rapids a perfect setting for medical meetings and conventions.
The Medical Mile
Downtown GR’s Medical Mile neighborhood, just steps from the city’s state-of-the-art convention center and 13 hotels, is the vital heart of our life-sciences industry. Medical Mile occupants include Corewell Health Butterworth acute-care hospital, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Valley State University Kirkhof College of Nursing, GVSU Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, Lemmon-Holton Cancer Center, Meijer Heart Center, Van Andel Institute, a groundbreaking medical research facility, and the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building, which drives synergy among academic medicine, healthcare delivery systems and industry partners.
Representing more than $2 billion of recent investments, these facilities are staffed by some of the world’s leading experts in their fields and equipped with some of the advanced technology available today – such as the world’s first vertically integrated platform for molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy, offered by BAMF Health.
Grand Rapids Hospitals
Grand Rapids is served by an array of first-class hospitals delivering excellent healthcare:
- Corewell Health Butterworth, Blodgett and Helen DeVos Children’s hospitals, part of Michigan’s largest integrated healthcare system.
- Trinity Health Grand Rapids, recognized as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals.
- University of Michigan Health-West, nationally ranked in more specialties than any other Michigan hospital.
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, the nation’s most comprehensive rehabilitation provider.
- Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Michigan’s first rehab hospital 100% dedicated to kids, opening in 2026.
Read about Grand Rapids' life sciences industry including education, research, patient care and medical manufacturing.
Fueled by an innovative, pioneering spirit, this collaboration has helped the city achieve one of America’s strongest economies – and it can help you…
Medical Device Manufacturing
Grand Rapids is a hub of manufacturing for medical devices, boasting Michigan’s highest concentration of healthcare equipment manufacturers. More than 50 of the area’s 500+ health science establishments are involved in medical device design, development, manufacturing and distribution.
Health and Wellness
Perrigo, a global provider of self-care products, opened a new North American headquarters along the Grand Rapids Medical Mile in 2022. Their presence here is emblematic of a community that proactively invests in health and wellness. From organizations like the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute to city-sponsored fitness programs to an abundance of local gyms, spas, nutrition centers and recreational opportunities, our focus is on making self-care inclusive and accessible to all.
Things to Do Near the DeVos Place Convention Center
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- 23 minute read
One of the many advantages of Grand Rapids’ downtown convention neighborhood is that…
Extend the reach of your event with supplemental web content before and after
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Shopping Stores Near the Convention Center
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- 10 minute read
One of the joys of meeting in a new city is the opportunity to explore local shops and discover…
The rise of Grand Rapids as a midsized meeting destination
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- 7 minute read
Meeting planners are well aware of the cost advantages of midsized cities vs. first-tier meeting…
Lunch Options a Half Mile or Less from the Convention Center
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- 13 minute read
A lunch break is a great opportunity to explore the culinary scene in downtown Grand Rapids…
FAQ About Sustainable Meetings in Grand Rapids
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Are you looking for a host city that can help you minimize the environmental impact of your next…
Unique meeting locations a short drive from Grand Rapids
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Off-site meetings can be game-changers, and, if you get creative with the location, they can be…
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport makes traveling easy
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When it comes to easy and efficient air travel, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in…
Grand Rapids Has a Team of Downtown Ambassadors Ready to Lend a Hand
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A hotel with a strong concierge service is a bonus when planning events, meetings, or conferences…
Grand Rapids breweries within walking distance of the convention center
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Grand Rapids was first dubbed Beer City USA in 2012. Since then, its reputation, and the reason for…
Off-site meeting spaces a half mile or less from the convention center
- by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Michael Croff for Experience GR.
- 10 minute read
Offsite conferences already shake up the routine and lend themselves to new ideas and discussion…
Grand Rapids North: Meetings and Amenities Just Outside the City Center
- by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Kelly for Experience GR
- 5 minute read
Just half a mile north of the city’s main convention campus sits another spot that is great…
The Future of Meeting Planning: Virtual and Hybrid Experiences
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- 4 minute read
Hybrid events—live, in-person gatherings that are streamed out to virtual audiences in some…
Looking for walkability? Try Grand Rapids
- by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Russ Climie for Experience GR
- 4 minute read
Downtown Grand Rapids is walkable – one of the top 14 walkable destinations in the U.S…
Our Talented and Experienced Team
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- 6 minute read
With more than 160 years of combined meetings industry experience, our sales and service staffers…
Leverage Our Resources For Your Meeting
The Experience Grand Rapids team can help you tap into local resources to support the specific needs of your medical meeting or conference. We provide one-on-one assistance to help you identify appropriate venue options and arrange session and keynote speakers. Our in-depth knowledge of the medical meetings sector can also help you negotiate such common obstacles as budget caps, regulations, complex reporting requirements, and more.
Contact EXGR National Sales Manager Laura Greiner to get started.