When it comes to promoting Michigan as a destination for meetings and events, it is a group effort. This was especially apparent last October at the 2024 IMEX America in Las Vegas, where the Michigan contingent had a significant footprint.
IMEX America is a huge opportunity to attract business. Some 15,000 people attend the event, including more than 5,700 domestic and international buyers who make appointments to meet with destination marketing organizations, destination management companies (DMCs), venues, and properties in advance. The Michigan group included Meetings Michigan, Rock Events, several convention and visitors bureaus and DMCs, hotels, and convention centers. Many shared space in the Meetings Michigan booth, while Visit Detroit and Experience Grand Rapids had their own.
Grand Rapids-based property management company AHC Hospitality joined Experience Grand Rapids in its booth. “IMEX is like the Grand Prix of the industry shows, so we’ve been attending for years,” says Ron Brondyke, vice president and corporate director of sales at Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, one of AHC’s Grand Rapids properties. Meetings Michigan Executive Director Kim Corcoran explains that Michigan used to have a 200-square-foot presence at IMEX America, but now, between Visit Detroit, Meetings Michigan, and Experience Grand Rapids, organizations from the state claim nine times that amount.
Visit Detroit Sales Director Andrea Cadotto says it is common for participants to introduce potential clients to others in the Michigan group. “There might be somebody we’re speaking with who we can walk right across the aisle,” Cadotto says.
Traverse City Tourism Director of Sales Brett Bowman says such collaboration helps everyone involved. “If a planner’s needs are better suited for another region of Michigan, we readily connect them with the appropriate contacts.”
As Corcoran puts it, “We all work together to bring more business to Michigan.”
