Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN

Big E's Sports Grille

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025 – 7:00 AM

Experience Grand Rapids is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Grand Rapids and Kent County. Much of that organization’s efforts are to encourage tourists and convention planners to come to the area. The mission is to grow an exceptional community by sharing Grand Rapids with the world, using short-term promotions, long-term marketing and sales strategies, as well as focusing on community developments to impact the visitor experience.

The “Halo Effect” caused by the advertising and visitor experience improves how people view Grand Rapids (no longer Bland Rapids) as a place of opportunity, a fantastic location to raise a family, to launch a business, to go to college, to start a career, to find a vacation home.

Jaylyn McCloy is the Marketing Partnership Manager for EXGR. She will share with us the partnerships with various attractions, events, and service providers. You may be surprised what the future holds for the area!

Invocation: Eric Nelson
Introduction: Paul Chardoul

Grand Rapids

1. The seven P’s of Marketing: Product, Price, Place, Promotion, Process, Physical Evidence and People
2. “Grand Rapids is an excellent town. Regardless of what anyone says.” – Reddit
3. “Grand Rapids has an affinity for public art, and its craft brewery scene is one of the best in the nation.” – U.S. News & World Report contributor Anna Gustafson
4. Grand Rapids’ city motto: “Motu Viget” means “strength in activity.”