With meeting planners suffering high costs and limited space for their meetings in many first-tier U.S. cities, now is the time for the second tier to shine, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one city that’s shining bright. Its affordable prices, convenient Midwest location and robust F&B culture are unexpected and welcome surprises to planners looking for alternative locations that meet their budget and amenity needs.
It seems word is getting out. This year, Grand Rapids is drawing tens of thousands of participants with major events such as the Michigan Music Conference with 8,000 attendees, the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek with 22,000 attendees and Airports Council International Annual Conference and Exhibition with 2,000 attendees.
Upon arrival, attendees will be welcomed at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which introduced major upgrades last year as part of $500 million in infrastructure improvements planned for the airport in the coming years. The airport offers nonstop flights to more than 30 major U.S. cities.
The city’s convention center, DeVos Place, is a short 15-minute drive from the airport, too, and Lyon Square, the public plaza between DeVos Place and the recently renovated Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, is transforming into a gathering place with fresh lighting, green space and seating—a $12.5 million project projected to be completed by the end of the year.
As a craft beer connoisseur of sorts, the greatest surprise and delight upon my first visit to Grand Rapids was the brewery scene. Nationally recognized Founders Brewery is a must-stop for fans of award-winning brews and can host events of its own, although you’ll find more than 40 breweries within a 30-minute drive of the city offering a bevy of options. And if you don’t believe me, USA Today has named Grand Rapids America’s Best Beer City in 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Cheers to that!
[Related: Detroit Is Back in a Big Way for Meetings and Events]
Where to Stay in Grand Rapids
The 656-room Amway Grand Plaza overlooks the Grand River and is an anchor hotel for conventions in Detroit, conveniently located by skywalk to DeVos Place. This circa-early 20th-century building boasts more than 47,000 square feet of its own meeting space, including four elegant ballrooms and 30 meeting rooms and conference areas. It recently updated its historic lobby, adding onto its recent renovations.
Where to Eat in Grand Rapids
Farm-to-table cuisine reigns strong in many Grand Rapids restaurants. Popular spots like Terra, Grove and Bistro Bella Vita work with local farmers and purveyors to create fresh dishes for their menus. International flavors can be found, too, like downtown favorite Monsoon for northern Vietnamese cuisine, or global street food restaurant Roam, across the street from the convention center.
Fun Activities in Grand Rapids
Ranked among the most-visited art museums worldwide and named the Best Sculpture Park in the U.S. by readers of USA Today in 2023 and 2024, 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has the most comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection in the Midwest, the largest tropical conservatory in the state and a variety of gardens. It can host events, too!
Read more meeting and event news in Michigan.
Taking Off is a column from the desk of Senior Content Director and resident destinations expert, Danielle LeBreck, which uncovers the destinations you haven't thought of for meetings or events, from under-the-radar locales to new neighborhoods you should know about. Read more Taking Off columns here.
