Gardens and sculptures, rare aircraft, unforgettable architecture, a Dutch windmill and a new performance hall where world-class musicians perform are among the wonderful backdrops available for memorable off-site group events in Southwest Michigan.
This eclectic lineup only gets more impressive when planners consider the built-in entertainment possibilities—from viewing artwork to handling flying simulators—the intriguing decor that needs no add-ons and the ease of planning meal functions at the following venues.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is particularly well-suited for off-site events where teams benefit from bonding and relationship-building outside the office, according to Annemarie Smartz, facility rental manager at the attraction.
“The beautiful views are inspiring and creativity and problem-solving flourish in such a natural, peaceful environment,” she says.
Rental spaces here accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000 people, or planners can rent the entire facility or the amphitheater for an exclusive experience for groups of up to 1,900.
“We can accommodate every type of event—conferences, trade shows, meetings, galas, receptions and banquets,” Smartz says, adding that on-site catering, multiple breakout spaces and in-house audiovisual specialists make the planning process seamless.
Each rental includes complimentary admission so attendees can enjoy indoor docent-led sculpture and greenhouse tours or a narrated tram tour of the outdoor sculpture park.
“Our Sculpture Park scavenger hunt is also popular,” Smartz says. “Teams will be searching for various sculptures throughout the park while learning about the artists. We try to suggest ideas that fit in with the timing of exhibitions, so, for example, during the holidays the exercise will include Christmas and holiday traditions from around the world.” PageBreak
Air Zoo, Portage
Situated in Portage to the south of Kalamazoo is Air Zoo, an aviation and space museum that includes a movie theater, amusement park-style theme rides and a fleet of more than 50 rare aircraft.
“We are the perfect group destination because there is something for everyone,” says Debra Mixis, spokeswoman for the attraction, citing the Women in Aviation and Space exhibit, the World War II collection of rare and historic planes, and the only SR-71 Blackbird aircraft in the world. “An event at the Air Zoo is truly a unique experience, as there is no other museum or venue that can offer all the activities and variety of experiences for an event.”
The Air Zoo offers meeting rooms and a boardroom that are suitable for smaller groups, and the facility can also accommodate up to 1,500 people for a reception and 500 for a banquet.
Mixis adds that groups accommodated at the Air Zoo include those desiring classroom, lecture hall or exhibit floor settings, and that an on-site cafe and catering are available for all types of meals and budgets.
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, East Lansing
Located on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) is the hottest new venue in Michigan, according to Sandra Szymanski, development and membership coordinator for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.
“Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the museum itself is a work of art,” she says, adding that the country is paying attention to the museum after the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Architectural Digest all touted its features. “Groups that book at the Broad MSU love the buzz that the building’s popularity brings to their event. The Broad MSU provides the perfect canvas of creativity.”
The sleek, stainless steel facade is a must-see for groups meeting in the Lansing area. Its expansive glass in oblique shapes provides a cool, modern backdrop to any event, Szymanski says.
And inside is equally impressive.
“Guests can mingle amid some of the best contemporary art of our time, or take a private tour with a Broad docent,” Szymanski says. “Uniquely paired with a historical collection, the Broad MSU is poised to spur thought-provoking dialogues among its visitors.”
A variety of groups are welcome, as large receptions, intimate meetings, dinners, lectures and office parties are all accommodated. Event planners can select caterers from an approved list or work with the museum’s in-house Starbuck’s Cafe to provide light refreshments. PageBreak
Windmill Island Gardens, Holland
Located near the heart of historic downtown Holland, which just landed on the Forbes list of America’s 15 prettiest towns in August, is Windmill Island Gardens.
“With 36 acres of beautiful gardens and green space, you will find your group relaxing and amid the scenery that includes waterways, reproduced Dutch architecture and a working Dutch windmill that grinds grain into flour,” says Alisa Crawford, event coordinator and miller at Windmill Island Gardens.
The venue includes a permanent pavilion, which has a finished floor inside and space to accommodate up to 300 people for retreats and corporate events. Additionally, the pavilion has sides that open so groups have the option of “letting the outdoors in for a white tented look,” Crawford says, or continuing the event with the doors closed if the weather is inclement.
“If events are held during the day, during our season from late April to early October, attendees may wish to tour the windmill, or take a walk around the windmill side of the island, which is one mile,” Crawford adds. “For team-building events, the group may want to consider bringing kayaks and kayaking around the island or into Lake Macatawa.
Windmill Island Gardens works with a list of caterers that offer a wide range of possibilities, including everything from box lunches to a delicious plated meal.
The Block, Muskegon
The Block, downtown Muskegon’s newest performance hall and rental space, is an elegant, historic and affordable gathering space that has been completely redesigned with contemporary flair and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, according to Cathleen Dubault, business development manager for the West Michigan Symphony.
Features of the venue include soaring beamed ceilings, an indoor balcony, exposed brick walls, a full-service bar, large windows sporting views of Muskegon Lake and an outdoor deck that’s scheduled to be unveiled in 2014.
“Guests love The Block for its upscale, cool vibe,” Dubault says, adding that holiday parties, award banquets, luncheons, business meetings, training sessions and other events are accommodated at the venue. “Our long-throw projector can beam a 20-foot by 11-foot image on the front wall, so we can also accommodate Super Bowl parties, football games or movies.”
Plus, the list of catering options is long, as planners can use a preferred caterer or one of their choosing.
Regular contribtor Carolyn Blackburn is impressed with the work of architect Zaha Hadid and thinks the new Broad Art Museum looks spectacular.
