Why Meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Because Grand Rapids is crafted for meetings. All the elements come together here to offer meeting planners and attendees a one-of-a-kind experience. That includes the services of the Midwest’s Best DMO (2024 Northstar Stella Awards).

We won the Stella Award for centering the voice of our clients – and here’s what meeting planners told us they most want to know about our destination!

Convention Center:

  • 162,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, 40,000 sq. ft. ballroom & 26 meeting rooms

Downtown Hotels:

  • 3 hotels (1,200+ rooms) connected to convention center by skywalk
  • 10 additional hotels (1,300+ rooms) within a 10-minute walk
  • 5 Marriott, 4 Hilton, 1 Hyatt, 1 IHG and 2 boutique hotels

Convenience:

  • 300+ restaurants, shops and entertainment venues within a 10-minute walk
  • Free bus circulates through downtown 7 days a week

Food & Beverage:

  • 6% sales tax and 23% service charge on F&B
  • Economical beverage solutions

Airport:

  • Nonstop service to 35+ destinations on 8 airlines
  • 16 minutes from downtown

Discover even more reasons to meet in Grand Rapids!

Search thousands of available hotel rooms located near event spaces throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County. Filter by square footage, number of rooms, capacity and location. View floor plans and compare options side by side.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers nonstop service to 35+ destinations on 8 airlines.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers nonstop service to 35+ destinations on 8 airlines.

Choose Grand Rapids for the most experienced, creative and personalized assistance in support of your event. From planning to attendance-building to on-site services, our team will surpass your every expectation.

quote
quote
Experience Grand Rapids is a 2024 Platinum Choice Award Winner
- Smart Meetings Magazine

Your Attendees Will Love Grand Rapids

They’ll experience one of CNN’s Top 10 American Towns to Visit – an easy-to-get-to, easy-to-get-around in destination filled with amazing attractions and things to do, excellent craft beverages and tasty dining options.

See what our clients have to say about us

Meeting Minds Blog

Expert Voices

The Value of Repeat Customers

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Kelly for Experience GR
  • GR text Must
    Read
  • 3 minute read

Whether you’re selling widgets or meeting destinations, the cost of acquiring a new customer…

Deck

Tips and Benefits of Offsite Meetings

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Kelly for Experience GR
  • GR text Must
    Read
  • 6 minute read

You know the drill. There's a meeting, there's a budget, and you need to find the most…

Planner's Toolbox

Shopping Stores Near the Convention Center

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Dorelle Brock for Experience GR
  • GR text Must
    Read
  • 10 minute read

One of the joys of meeting in a new city is the opportunity to explore local shops and discover…

Expert Voices

Our Talented and Experienced Team

  • by Experience Grand Rapids
  • GR text Must
    Read
  • 6 minute read

With more than 160 years of combined meetings industry experience, our sales and service staffers…

Facilities

Looking for walkability? Try Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Russ Climie for Experience GR
  • GR text Must
    Read
  • 4 minute read

Downtown Grand Rapids is walkable – one of the top 14 walkable destinations in the U.S…

Facilities

Grand Rapids' Airport is Full of Art

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR. Artwork: Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much by Reb Roberts.
  • GR text Must
    Read
  • 7 minute read

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA, or GRR as it is known locally) became home to an…

Our Crafted for Meetings brochure is aimed at groups wishing to meet in an urban environment, with all the amenities and infrastructure of a big city.

The city and its surrounding region have built one of the most successful economies in the U.S. over the past decade – and it’s fueled an unprecedented surge in capital expenditures. Here are just a few examples of recent investments.

Talk To Our Sales Team

Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way! Find email addresses and phone numbers. Contact us today.