Chris Douglas is Director of Conference Office at the Church of the Brethren National Office in Elgin, Ill.
Briefly state what your job entails.
Planning the annual business meeting of the denomination along with activities for non-delegates, including children and youth of all ages.
What type of meeting did you hold in Grand Rapids?
Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, with more than 2,400 attendees.
Was anyone particularly helpful in executing your event?
Tim Nelson from Experience Grand Rapids worked with us from the day we signed the contract through the end of our event.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about meeting in Grand Rapids?
They appreciated the excellent facilities, including DeVos Place, Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott and Courtyard, as well as the many things to do in Grand Rapids.
Are there any experiences that you would recommend for groups meeting there?
I recommend visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
How does Grand Rapids compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
Grand Rapids has a good “feel.” It’s a small enough city that it’s easy to find your way around, yet large enough to have excellent amenities, restaurants, museums, etc. The people in the hospitality industry there have been especially easy to work with and very helpful!
Would you return/recommend Grand Rapids to other meeting planners?
Yes, I recommend it, and we have already booked to return in 2020 because we like the city, the people and the facilities.