Downtown Grand Rapids is walkable – one of the top 14 walkable destinations in the U.S., according to Trips to Discover. Attendees at meetings and events held at any of the city’s downtown venues have everything they could need within a few short blocks. Take a look: Hotels There are 13 hotels…
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Adam London had a challenge. As a board member of the National Environmental Health Organization, he and his colleagues are responsible for planning an education conference that draws health officers from across the country each year. Their conferences were losing money, despite the fact they were…
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If your organization is meeting in Grand Rapids, which has been known as Beer City USA since 2012, it would be a shame not to visit one of its many breweries. Fortunately, seven of them make it easy to mix business with some pleasure by offering meeting space within a short walk of the city’s…
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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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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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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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There is a certain energy to a city’s downtown with its hustle and bustle. But sometimes, as a meeting planner, you want a different vibe. The area surrounding Grand Rapids has several options to take…
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