When it comes to easy and efficient air travel, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is in a bit of a sweet spot. It’s big enough to be serviced by six airlines and offer 30+ daily nonstop flights to major cities, but small enough to be easy to navigate and get…
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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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Many destinations have “signature events.” If you go to Hawaii, chances are you’ll attend a luau. Headed to Orlando? An event at Disney is likely in your future. But what about Grand Rapids, Michigan? That’s the question Amy Young, president of Destination Consultants, asked herself. “I realized…
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Meeting planners are well aware of the cost advantages of midsized cities vs. first-tier meeting destinations. It’s just that affordability often takes a back seat to the allure and amenities of larger metropolitan areas. Grand Rapids, Michigan is upending that calculation by investing in meetings…
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As a meeting planner, it’s a wonderful thing when your convention center has everything you need for your event – true one-stop shopping. But sometimes it’s nice to take a meeting off-campus and enjoy the host city. The new environment might spark new ideas. "Every time I host an event or meeting…
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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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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 know that accessibility is a key component to successful conferences, meetings and events. In addition to being within a day's drive of the half of the U.S. population, Grand Rapids'…
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Food and beverage teams at hotels and meeting venues have to be flexible to cater to the needs of their various clients. Meal planning for hundreds of high school students might look very different…
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Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan, are known for their strong agriculture business, including farm markets and farm experiences. In fact, even those in the agriculture industry gather here to learn best practices and share ideas. In February of 2016, the International Fruit Tree Association met…
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