Find the information you need to know when planning a meeting in Grand Rapids. See safety guidelines, requirements, travel updates & openings.
Grand Rapids, Michigan boasts an unprecedented level of cooperation between public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Fueled by an innovative, pioneering spirit, this collaboration has helped the city achieve one of America’s strongest economies – and it can help you deliver one of your most effective and memorable meetings.
When you hold your event in Grand Rapids, you benefit from:
Grand Rapids offers the widest range of meeting space in Michigan – and some of the most distinctive meeting space in the Midwest. Grand Rapids has a solution for every group size and budget, from a leading-edge convention center in the heart of downtown to dozens of excellent spaces close to tourist, dining and shopping spots. Need help deciding where to meet? Check out our region profiles.
The newly renovated Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is the best in North America, according to an Airports Council International ranking for airports serving 2-5 million passengers annually. Air service includes 120+ nonstop flights a day to 20+ popular destinations. Downtown is just a 15-minute ride away.
Downtown Grand Rapids is situated at the intersection of two major expressways, and it’s within a day’s drive of half the U.S. population. Chicago is three hours away by car and Detroit is a two-and-a-half-hour trip.
Grand Rapids is also accessible by Amtrak, with connections throughout Michigan and the Midwest.
Grand Rapids leads Michigan and the Midwest in going green. Fast Company named us “America’s Greenest City”– an ideal host for sustainability-focused groups, and any group concerned about the environment.
Our Grand Response™ services team goes the extra mile to help you plan, promote and conduct a memorable meeting. Unlike many other cities, we work hand-in-hand with area hotels and facilities to help coordinate and implement your vision. It's a true team approach - and you're the most valued team member.
Grand Rapids has been named one of America’s Super Cool Cities (Expedia, 2017), 1 of 52 Places to Go Worldwide (New York Times, 2016), the #1 U.S. Place to Visit (Groupon, 2015) and America’s #1 Travel Destination (Lonely Planet, 2014). It’s jam-packed with fun things to do and see after the meeting ends – including world-class art, beer, dining, nightlife and the incomparable delights of Lake Michigan beaches.
Contact us for even more reasons why Grand Rapids is the ideal choice for your next meeting!
Beer City Eats is an eight-part video series launched in 2019 that follows Grand Rapids native, Adrian “AB” Butler as he samples his way through the nuances of Grand Rapids’ breweries and learns that
The gift shops in Grand Rapids’ local attractions offer one-of-a-kind items perfect for unique gift giving all year round. If you’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time to tour local attractions
During a time when there has been an increased emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors, Kent County offers a variety of parks and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. In fact, the Kent
We all have days when we want to dine on a dish that provides a little extra sense of comfort. For some that might be ordering pizza, a cheeseburger, or mac n’ cheese, while for others, sweet treats
One of the distinct benefits of living in West Michigan is that we can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. It’s one of the reasons visitors like coming here. No matter the weather, there’s plenty to
School in 2020 is looking quite different from previous years, and thankfully, Grand Rapids area attractions have acknowledged this change as well. Just because your children spend the day attending
Happy fall, everyone! I’m Ben Darcie, and I’m a 12-year veteran of the Grand Rapids beer scene, including being a beer writer for 10 years and working in the beer industry itself for eight years. In
The end of summer is made easier with the arrival of fall and all the new fun it brings in West Michigan. Take advantage of these activities and get outside with friends and family at one or all of
Fall is typically when downtown Grand Rapids transforms into an arts epicenter during ArtPrize. People flock to West Michigan from all over the world to compete in or simply experience the
If you’ve been craving the craft beverage scene around Grand Rapids during these past few months of seclusion, you’re in luck. Many of the local businesses that offer unique adult beverages have
With COVID-19 putting a halt to many pride celebrations around the world, Grand Rapids included, you may be looking for creative ways to celebrate June as Pride Month. Grand Rapids is home to many
Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Grand Rapids’ local businesses, restaurants, retailers, attractions, and events are suspended during the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.
Gilda’s LaughFest debuted in 2011 in Grand Rapids as the first-ever community-wide comedy festival in the nation. Every year, internationally-renowned comedians and local talent tickle the funny bones
I’ve been to plenty of concerts in plenty of venues in my time – everything from student unions to professional sports stadiums. And while they were all great performances, I’ve never had a musical
With nearly 80 breweries within an hour of its downtown, Grand Rapids – also referred to as Beer City, USA – is a hotbed for craft beer. From hops to dark stouts, you can always find an interesting
Valentine’s Day on a Friday is the perfect excuse to grab your sweetie for a night (or two) on the town enjoying all Grand Rapids has to offer. With water views, a pedestrian-friendly downtown,
In the Grand Rapids area, an increasing number of women are shaping the craft beverage business. From positions like director of operations to co-owner, here are a few of the women who are taking
Grand Rapids has seen an influx of themed bars and restaurants over the course of the past few years. Many are right downtown, but there are a variety that are outside the city’s core too. Spanning
Hard seltzer continues to attract new fans across the nation and is one of the hottest new trends in boozy drinks. Hard seltzer, or spiked seltzer, is an alcoholic beverage containing carbonated
As if beer wasn’t reason enough to visit some of the great breweries of Grand Rapids, many of them offer a superb selection of music. We’ve asked Grand Rapids area breweries about their live music
Whether you and your family have cabin fever, or if you’re looking for a fun date idea or even a solo night out, check out these fantastic events that tie Grand Rapids’ food, drinks, culture, and art
Many people kick off the new year with resolutions to get healthier, save money, or learn new things while others eschew the entire notion. As a busy mom, one of my resolutions is to turn “I wish”
Cider Week GR has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We hope to celebrate Michigan cider later this Fall. Hard cider lovers rejoice! Grand Rapids, primarily known for its craft beer scene, is devoting a
If cabin fever has kicked in thanks to the low temperatures and mounds of snow outside, it's time to bring a little summer fun to your winter. The Grand Rapids area has several family oriented water
When Kris and Jason Spaulding opened the doors to Brewery Vivant in 2010, the French and Belgian inspired beers opened eyes to styles of beer rarely seen in Grand Rapids, and even West Michigan as a
The term “dive bar” has evolved in meaning over the years. What once meant an uncertain destination for many now points to an off the radar, unpretentious spot that serves great drinks and is full of
Cocktail Week GR is back for its fifth year of creative cocktails and fun! Restaurants, bars, and distilleries are showing their creativity with specially crafted Cocktail Week GR spirits,
Several bars and distilleries in Grand Rapids have elevated the standard gin and tonic (G&T) by using local or house-made spirits and adding a variety of botanicals and other spices to create a unique
Cider Week GR has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We hope to celebrate Michigan cider later this Fall. Grand Rapids will devote seven days to the local cider scene for the third annual Cider Week GR.
As the temperatures are shifting toward the coolness of fall, many people are searching for fun, indoor activities to experience during the chilly months. While you may not be sweating outside, you
Don’t let the weather rain on your parade–- or your entire day! From trampoline parks to escape rooms, brewery tours to roller rinks, there are a lot of fun, indoor experiences in Grand Rapids.
Just because autumn is approaching and the summer heat will soon break, doesn’t mean festival season is over. Grand Rapids has plenty of festivals and events to attend as summer draws to an end.
Grand Rapids has been named America’s Best River Town (Outside Magazine) and one of the country’s Top 10 Beach Towns (National Geographic). So it’s no surprise that the area is a mecca for stand up
Whoever said nothing in life is free hasn't been to Kent County, Michigan. The greater Grand Rapids area offers a wide variety of no-cost activities to keep you busy throughout the fall. So take out
In Grand Rapids, you don't have to travel far to escape the lights of the city for dark, starry country skies. About a 25-minute drive from Grand Rapids, in Lowell, amateur astronomers and curious
Most people love to enjoy an afternoon at the zoo and to explore local museums. However, for people with sensory challenges, these typically family-friendly spaces can include loud or unexpected
If you have never been to Grand Rapids Pride Festival, you’ll want to check it out on Saturday, June 15 from noon to 10 PM at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. One of the largest one-day events
Food City Built is serious about its cuisine, which brings another new element to the city. Lunch and dinner will showcase small plates inspired by Collazo’s Puerto Rican heritage and Caribbean
Surrounding Grand Rapids’ bustling city center is an abundance of biking trails that wind through a variety of the area’s diverse landscapes. West Michigan’s warmer months offer the perfect
A sure sign that summer has arrived in Grand Rapids is the annual three-day Festival of the Arts (commonly called Festival), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The festivities kick off
Adrenaline junkies or anyone looking for unconventional things to do in Grand Rapids, look no further. Whether you’re visiting the city or are a local looking for something new to do, we’ve curated a
Summer festivals in West Michigan are the perfect way to enjoy your favorite things or discover something new. From June through September, Grand Rapids offers many affordable, family-friendly
Underground Cookie Club. Daddy Pete’s BBQ. Do Your Wurst. D&D’s Gluten-Free. Patty Matters, winner of the 2019 Food Truck Burger of the Year award by Mobile Cuisine. These are just a handful of more
Grand Rapids has a national reputation for beer, but that’s not the only beverage in town to sip on. For those who prefer wine, Grand Rapids offers a wide range of places to indulge in delicious grape
No matter the time of year, it’s always nice to get some fresh air, change up the scenery, and explore new venues. Experience Grand Rapids continues its focus on accessibility with an installment
After 10 years of the annual art competition, ArtPrize® will now move to a biennial competition. This means the next ArtPrize competition will take place in Grand Rapids in 2020: September 16-October
Find out why Grand Rapids is the ideal place to plan your meeting. Get our free Meetings Essentials Kit and a Travel Guide to help you start planning.