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B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 56 AREA GUIDES 'THE GREAT LAKE STATE' PROVIDING PLANNERS OPTIONS FROM SMALL GATHERINGS TO FULL SCALE CONFERENCES BY BUCK SAMUELS Whether you are a meeting planner coordinating your client's next big event or a leisure traveler exploring destinations to share new family experiences in, the state of Michigan has you covered. Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lansing are the region's most populated destinations, each offering a wide assortment of meet- ing venues, lodging options as well as a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities that are sure to keep travelers well enter- tained. If you are a cityscape adventurer or an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie or a thrill- seeker, traveling with your family or mak- ing memories with fellow conference attendees—all are welcome to explore here with exciting and accessible experi- ences. You are on the brink of planning a trip so unique, it can only be classified as Pure Michigan. • • DETROIT • • With 100 new meetings, sporting events and convention wins, 200,000 attendees and over $200 million in direct spending in 2022 and beyond, Detroit is quickly becoming an unstoppable meet- ing and event destination. When you meet in Detroit, you get to meet Detroit. You get to connect with the people, be immersed in the proud, one-of-a-kind cul- ture and experience the city's commit- ment to sustainability. "The D" is proud to be the country's largest Black-majority city, with 50,000 Black businesses. Risk-taking entrepreneurs, creative incubators, edgy restaurants and spaces, funky hotels and three high-energy sports arenas all play a roll in what makes Detroit the perfect option for holding your next event. Plus, hard-hustling Detroiters are behind all of it. These new things — and more keep coming — are signs that Detroit is unequivocally an IT city. "The D" is a city that's being touted as ener- getic, experimental with a touch of the underground. And it's one that's more than ready to play the perfect host. Detroit is home to some of the largest and most accessible meeting venues sur- rounded by world-class hotels and restau- rants, offering conference attendees and leisure travelers plenty of amenities to plan large scale conferences to moderate size family reunions. In 2015 after a $279 million renovation, Huntington Place in downtown Detroit features 723,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 623,000 square feet of con- tiguous exhibit space and 141 meeting rooms. Another world-class convention center, Suburban Collection Showplace, is located in the metro Detroit region. Perfect for meetings, weddings and reunions, the venue is metro Detroit's premier convention and expo center with nearly 100,000 square feet of ballroom/banquet/meeting spaces and up to 36 meeting rooms. The venue is equipped with over 300,000 square feet of multipurpose exhibit floor/flexible event spaces, 39,000 square feet of pre-func- tion lobby space and an adjoining Hyatt Place hotel with 126 rooms. After a long day of conference ses- sions travelers will have many options to pick from when it comes to exploring Detroit's hidden jewels. From some of the best food, a top notch shopping scene and a robust nightlife "The D" will keep you well entertained. Feel free to explore some of the city's historical landmarks and cultural sites. Long known as Hitsville USA, The Motown Museum is home of the world- famous Studio A, where The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and countless others recorded with the Funk Brothers. Huntington Place • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center 1,298 The Westin Southfield Detroit 388 Hyatt Place Detroit Novi at the SC 126 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Huntington Place Total Space 723,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 100,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 40,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 141 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Detroit – (800) 338-7648 www.visitdetroit.com/meet-detroit.com M I C H I G A N