Special Events
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Sunday, April 13, 2008
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“Driving Tourism” Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will open exclusively for us as we come together for a FAM at the GRAM! Become a more “cultured tourist” by arriving early for the Sunday night Welcoming Reception at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Break the ice, and warm to the occasion over wine, as you meet old and make new friends in the most prestigious art museum in western Michigan!
NEWS FLASH!
Michigan Chapter of Meeting Planners International will hold its annual education conference at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel at same time as Driving Tourism 2008!! Although details are still being worked out, the events management teams of MMPI and the lodging association are already discussing ideas to take advantage of this opportunity. This much is already known. The “FAM” event at the Grand Rapids Art Museum on Sunday evening is likely to be a little more crowded and a whole lot more fun!
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Monday, April 14, 2008
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AAA Diamond Awards Luncheon
12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Hotels and restaurants throughout the state compete for and covet AAA of Michigan’s prestigious Diamond Awards. Join us for a “chef’s best” luncheon, sponsored by AAA Michigan where all four and five Diamond Award winning restaurants and properties are recognized for being one of the “best of the best.”
“Pure Michigan” Reception
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join Travel Michigan’s George Zimmermann and the rest of our industry in enjoying the best of “Pure Michigan” food, fare, and hospitality. We’ll whisk you across Michigan roadways, in Michigan-made vehicles to the gorgeous Meijer Gardens (yes, it’s in Michigan) for an all-Michigan event that will keep tourism marketers mentioning Michigan throughout the coming year.
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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“A Taste of Grand Rapids Breakfast Buffet”
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Begin hungry and end happy as you start your day with industry friends at our full breakfast buffet. Enjoy Amway Grand’s best breakfast compliments of the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Driving Tourism” Trade Show & Luncheon
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Experience the art and beauty of the new JW Marriott, as you visit and dine with exhibitors at the Driving Tourism Trade Show. Learn about exciting products and services that can save you money, market your destination and enhance your business operations. Compete for the best in prizes and expansive overnight packages in our bigger-better Silent Auction, benefiting MHMRA’s Educational Foundation, and bring your staff to compete in the first-ever “Pro-Am Housekeeping Olympix.”
Special General Session Presentation
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 In her second term, Governor Granholm demonstrated her tremendous commitment to our industry in this year’s State of the State address when she announced her intent to provide up to $50 million in additional funding for tourism and business promotion, without imposition of new taxes, fees or assessments. In 2005, the governor also supported our industry by signing legislation requiring state schools to open after Labor Day and advocating for the one-time placement of $15 million dollars in tourism promotion funding from the 21st Century Jobs Fund.
Conference Closing Event: “Stars of the Industry” - Dinner and Awards Ceremony
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The evening begins with the Celebration of Tourism Reception at the JW Marriott, amidst drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy networking, collaborating and planning for the summer season. Then join MSU Basketball Coach Tom Izzo in recognizing the achievements of our industry’s very best employees at our “Stars of the Industry” Dinner and Awards Program. We’ll be celebrating the excellence of tourism and lodging employees, in categories ranging from sales and marketing, to housekeeping, to awards for collaboration, “green operations” and more! And of course, we’ll be presenting our “Hotelier of the Year” and Travel Michigan’s “Outstanding Achievement in Michigan Tourism” award for 2008. Join us for the event of the year!
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