Grand Rapids

Lots of meetings, fresh ideas, flexibility and a dedicated team are all required to pull off the best. 

The French bistro at the JW serves up memorable classic fare; prepares for even more improvements.

Amway's historic Lumber Baron Bar offers springtime favorites. 

Isn't it Grand?

More good news for meetings and events continues to pour out of the Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport.

The airport reported an almost 6 percent increase in passengers—2,811,622 total in 2017—flying and in out of the Grand Rapids facility. That record established the best year in the airport’s 54-year history, and marked the fifth straight year of record-setting growth.

The airport saw growth in 11 of 12 months during 2017, and experienced 53 months of growth over a 60-month period.

From philanthropy workshops to glow-in-the-dark yoga, planners are moving to more meaningful ways to interact.

More than 55 CEOs and professional staff members of the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus enjoyed the inspiring sights of Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize Nine during the group’s 24th annual educational conference in September.

The two-and-a-half day event, at the DoubleTree Hotel 28th Street Airport in Grand Rapids, was packed with professional content directed to destination marketing teams. It featured eight speakers and 15 vendor displays. 

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.

Randi Talmage was recently hired as sales manager at JW Marriott Grand Rapids.

1. How did you get into the industry? 

Robert Snyders, who retired in late March 2017, served for 20 years as the National Sales Director for Experience Grand Rapids.

“Bob has been an integral part of the sales team at Experience Grand Rapids,” says Tom Bennett, vice president of sales and services of Experience Grand Rapids.

20 Monroe Live brings an extra dose of urban sophistication to downtown Grand Rapids.

The sleek new space, which opened Feb. 1 and is owned and operated by House of Blues Entertainment, will allow planners to create surprising, dynamic and memorable events for crowds of up to 2,600.