A mile a minute

Have you ever noticed that most people describe distances in time? I am an hour away, the mall is in about 15 minutes, I have 40 minutes until I am done running this mile.

In that spirit, I can proudly say that I live 25 minutes away from the beaches of West Michigan. They have won awards for the beauty, fun, and activities they provide visitors, but I want to recognize them for something greater – tradition.

Every year we walk to the end of the pier in Grand Haven, sit next to the picturesque light house, and watch the sun set. What I learned this year is that I am not the only one with this yearly task. Between weddings on the beach, campers taking their family vacations along the beachside campsites, and summertime festivals, there is much to see and do along Michigan’s West Coast. Unique shops, unforgettable dining experiences, and an upbeat atmosphere have drawn many visitors and convention goers to daytime excursions along the lakeshore year after year.

Why not show your group the Urban Beat of GR and the Lakeside Retreat of Michigan’s West Coast? It’s only 30 minutes away – and miles of memories to follow.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game... For A Meeting?

I like to think out of the box for meetings – and by box, I mean a normal meeting space. I am a true product of my surroundings, and the more creative the space I am in, the more excited I get about the topic! Here’s the newest location I have seen for a meeting: The Fifth Third Ballpark. Fans flock there for a great baseball game or festival, but did you know that they have a great space for holding meetings? Break out sessions can be in the suites and Expo tables and/or large group sessions in the Pepsi Stadium Club (they all look out over the field). Have a key note speaker? How about a podium on home plate! Just don’t forget to let your attendees get that 7th inning (or session) stretch!

Nature vs. Nurture

I’m a girl whose garden consists of a large pot with some pansies on my balcony. When I visit anything with natural features, I’m in love! This week, I had a meeting at the Prince Conference Center, located on the Calvin College campus in GR.

Set in the midst of a nature trail system with beautiful flowers and trees, it certainly beats the idea of meeting in room with four walls and some tables! Large windows look out to great views wake you up from the caffeine comatose that you can find yourself in after a long day of meetings (or is that just me?). Guests receive the nurture of great catering and the comforting design – including two fireplaces!

Did I mention that there are 69 hotel rooms attached to this space? Who needs a big garden when I can just visit the Prince Conference Center? Now that’s low maintenance!

So Much For That New Car Smell...

On a sunny day here in GR, I am reminded of my first real “services” experience at the CVB. Last summer we had a large convention that provides youth activities for younger attendees. Tim Nelson, our Services Manager, noticed some changes in their program when they arrived and thought others in the community may have been in the dark on the new plans.

We discovered that the John Ball Park Zoo was not aware that 200 kids were coming to their facility - all with plans for buying lunch at their concession stands and meeting in a pavilion that was already reserved for another group! In about two days, with the help of the Zoo staff, a new pavilion was reserved and tickets were purchased and distributed ahead of time for a fast admission.

We had 400 hotdogs, two hundred bags of chips, and four giant lemonade dispensers ready for the kids to dive right in. Of course, the picnic feast was transported to the pavilion in my brand new car - I was craving hot dogs all week!