Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401511
Detroit's influence stands as strong as the sounds of the Motown Museum, which preserves the birthplace of a musi- cal legacy that moved the world, and there are many more stories throughout The D. History and its makers are show- cased at The Henry Ford. Culture and contributions are celebrated at the Arab American National Museum. From the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to Greektown, Mexicantown and Corktown, you'll find worldwide wonders waiting around every corner. Discover Detroit, America's great comeback city. A s s o c i a t e Director of Sales Sheila Neal and the rest of the team at the Visit Detroit are eager to make your event in the Motor City your best meeting yet! Planning a meeting in Detroit places you close to you and your atten- dees — only a 90-minute flight from 60 percent of the nation's population via the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). • • GRAND RAPIDS • • Grand Rapids, Michigan boasts an unprecedented level of cooperation between public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Fueled by an inno- vative, pioneering spirit, this collaboration has helped the city achieve one of America's strongest economies – and it can help you deliver one of your most effective and memorable meetings. Nightlife is booming with over 50 restau- rants in the downtown area alone and the fastest growing entertainment district in the state. The city offers top-notch per- forming arts and award-winning hotels and B & B's. The Grand Rapids/Kent County area is also becoming known as a golf mecca with premier championship golf courses and it is located only minutes from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. Anchored by DeVos Place Convention Center and Van Andel Andel Arena, the downtown convention campus is com- pact and easy to navigate. Yet it encom- passes an impressive array of amenities and attractions for your attendees to enjoy – including seven hotels, six muse- ums, 100+ shops and restaurants, and a bustling nightlife scene. The Convention Center features a 162,000-sq. ft., column free exhibit hall, a 40,000-sq. ft. ballroom and 26 individual meeting rooms (32,000 sq. ft.). Since 1971, the year Lyman Parks was voted in as the city's first African- American mayor, the African-American community has become more tightly woven into the fabric of the city while still maintaining its own unique identity. According to the 2010 census, one out of every five Grand Rapids residents is an African-American, and one in every seven area businesses is owned by an African- American. • • LANSING • • Location for your next big event can mean absolutely everything. From the amenities you need to all the extras attendees demand, there is no better choice than Greater Lansing. Greater Lansing is 90 minutes away from 90 percent of the state's population, mak- ing it easily accessible for attendees, exhibitors and speakers. This commu- nity is also in the heart of the Midwest, making Michigan's Capital City a prime destination for regional and national events of all kinds. Lansing Center is a state-of-the-art convention facility located in the heart of Lansing's entertainment district, fea- turing panoramic views of the scenic downtown area. Situated among beau- tiful rain gardens and fountains along Michigan Avenue, Mid-Michigan's pre- mier meeting and banquet location has over 175,000 sq. ft. of contemporary space including nearly 72,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit halls and 20 break- out rooms. Located on the banks of the Grand River, it is conveniently con- nected to abundant parking options and the Radisson Hotel via a covered pedway. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Great Lansing Michigan CVB (888) 252-6746 https://www.lansing.org B M & T ••• July/August 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 47 AREA GUIDES Devos Place Convention Center Photo Credit: Devos Place C.C. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS JW Marriott Grand Rapids 333 Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton 681 DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport 226 Embassy Suites – Downtown Grand Rapids 250 Plaza Grand Rapids Airport Hotel & Conference Center 320 EXHIBITION FACILITIES DeVos Place Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 162,000. sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 26 Largest Ballroom 40,000 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Grand Rapids (800) 678-9859 https:/www.experience.com