One of the best things about meeting in a new host city is the opportunity to get out and explore local flavors. One of the best things about meeting in Grand Rapids is the abundance of dining options within a casual stroll of our convention center. We’ve compiled a list of eateries located a half…
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When meeting planners reach a high level of knowledge, expertise and experience in the industry, they face the question: should I get certified? One of the best-known certifying bodies, The Convention Industry Council, offers a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation to distinguish experts…
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Off-site meetings can be game-changers, and, if you get creative with the location, they can be combined with a lot of effective team building – or just plain fun. Ever tried your hand at target ax throwing with your coworkers? Or ridden a funicular to get to your meeting site? How about…
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The COVID-19 pandemic called for rapid and innovative responses from Michigan’s government, business, nonprofit and healthcare leaders. The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, located at DeVos Place Convention Center in downtown Grand Rapids, highlights how West Michigan’s convention center owner and…
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The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA, or GRR as it is known locally) became home to an impressive art collection as part of its commitment to highlight and support the thriving art culture in the Grand Rapids area. Two expansive murals and a large stone sculpture completed by local artists…
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You know the drill. There's a meeting, there's a budget, and you need to find the most effective venue to deliver the message. One of your first decisions is whether to hold the meeting offsite. There are lots of advantages to doing so, says Holly Froumis, Director of Business Development at Grand…
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What will large-scale meetings and events look like amid concerns over the coronavirus? In some respects, not much different from before. They will still feature teams of people dedicated to delivering a comfortable, enjoyable and safe event experience that offers great food, useful content…
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Hybrid events—live, in-person gatherings that are streamed out to virtual audiences in some way—have been part of the meetings and events industry for years with varying degrees of success and comfort…
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When you hear the term “international meeting,” your brain might automatically go to large cities like New York City or Los Angeles. But smaller destinations, like Grand Rapids, Michigan, have a lot to offer meeting planners and their international attendees, including a more personable experience…
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Meeting planners, is the bottom line hanging over your head when you search for a destination? You might find more budget-friendly options by skipping the popular, first-tier locations and looking at…
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