Planners interested in tapping into a “liquid” Midwest meetings destination can head to Grand Rapids, Mich., where, among other fluid opportunities, groups will find river activities, event venues with water views, an exciting lineup of craft breweries and waterborne pursuits at nearby Lake Michigan.
A great place to start is at DeVos Place, the anchor of the city’s meetings infrastructure. This standout Midwest convention center sets the scene for visiting attendees, as it’s situated alongside the Grand River and boasts beautiful water views from many of its meeting spaces.
Among DeVos Place’s function venues are the exhibit hall, with 162,000 square feet of uninterrupted space; a 2,404-seat performing arts theater; the River Overlook Meeting Rooms, which are located on the upper level and are well-suited for breakout sessions; the 40,000-square-foot Steelcase Ballroom; and the Secchia Lobby, which sports terrific views of the Grand River.
Beyond the convention center, there are other local function spaces that also provide picturesque river views, including jdek, one of the dining options at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids.
“It has great reception space for groups,” said Tim Nelson, director of convention services at Experience Grand Rapids. “The jdek provides a great view of the Grand River while attendees sip on cocktails and craft beer.”
Perhaps the most intriguing venues for group functions in Grand Rapids are the Gillett Bridge and the Blue Bridge, historic railroad bridges that were built with two tracks side by side.
“These pedestrian bridges are unique and fun event spaces,” Nelson said. “Groups can enjoy a meal and the views of the skyline and river around them at the same time.”
Bridge events, he added, can be spread out for the length of the bridge and may accommodate up to 1,000 people.
“Groups have incorporated activities such as fly-fishing demonstrations and a duck race,” Nelson said. “And they can also have live entertainment and dancing on the bridges.”
Another popular location for group events is Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is situated directly across the river from the convention center and main meetings-friendly hotels, including Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, CityFlatsHotel and Amway Grand Plaza, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel.
“For a great view of the Grand Rapids skyline, Ah-Nab-Awen Park is another exceptional event venue,” Nelson said. “The park is a large grassy area right alongside the Grand River. It also lies at the end of the Gillett Bridge, so large groups can combine the two areas.”
PageBreakThe park, Nelson added, lends itself to casual entertainment such as small concerts and outdoor movies.
Casual entertainment in Grand Rapids may also involve attendees toasting over some sudsy cold craft brews.
According to Nelson, the city is known for its craft beer scene and has more than 60 breweries within 60 minutes of downtown. Among those that offer group tours and tastings are New Holland Brewing, Grand Rapids Brewing Co., Brewery Vivant and Founders Brewing Co.
“Groups can sample different beers, take behind-the-scenes tours and get souvenirs to take home,” Nelson said. “Groups of no more than 15 can explore Grand Rapids on the Great Lakes Pub Cruiser, a bar on wheels. While you can’t drink on the Cruiser, it’s a fun way to experience the city and get from bar to bar.”
Grand Rapids is serving up more than just beer, as wine and various purveyors of spirits also call the city home.
Interested groups can check out Vander Mill, which produces delicious ciders made from apples, blueberries and more, and Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, which is particularly fun during autumn for wine-tasting and exploring on-site corn mazes.
And distilleries are becoming increasingly popular in Grand Rapids. The current lineup includes Long Road Distillers, which makes handcrafted vodka, malt whisky, gin and more; Gray Skies Distillery, where specialties include Michigan single-malt whiskey, apple brandy, spiced rum and coffee liqueur; and Artesian Distillers, which makes rum, cordials and more.
For groups seeking a fun on-water activity, Experience Grand Rapids recommends GR Paddling, which facilitates guided group canoe and kayak excursions in various area rivers, or a visit to Millennium Park, a great place for teambuilding events that features a swimming beach, splash pad and row boats.
Nelson added that fly-fishing with local guide services that offer both urban fishing experiences downtown as well as in nearby rivers is another well-received off-session activity.
“There is also kayaking or canoeing down the Rogue River in Rockford,“ he said. “And Lake Michigan beaches are 30 minutes away with swimming, charter fishing and lunch or dinner cruises available to groups.”
