About Grand Rapids
A fun mix of indoor and outdoor living await those who visit the city of Grand Rapids. The city is rapidly expanding and is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest. Formerly known as the “Furniture City” but better known today as the “Beer City”, Grand Rapids is a great place to both work and play. The quickly developing city has had to adapt in recent years and as a result, has made an environment full of ingenuitive and talented companies and individuals.
The rise in capable companies means that you can organize your meeting space in Grand Rapids without worrying whether the companies in the area are up to par with your standards. From caterers to photographers, Grand Rapids has it all, ready for your next meeting.
Meeting Options in Grand Rapids
Planning a successful meeting involves hiring the right companies for the job as well as setting up the space in an optimal manner. With help from some of the expert companies in the area, you can be sure that your meeting will take place flawlessly.
- Event Planner
In order to plan a successful meeting, you need to plan ahead. That can be tough but with the assistance of a capable event planner in Grand Rapids, you can be sure that your meeting will proceed without any problems. From how to run the day to what to feed the crew, event planners will make suggestions and assist step by step.
- Caterers
Caterers are an optional piece to a meeting but can greatly improve the value of the meeting when added. By adding caterers, you allow the attendees to continue on focusing on the tasks at hand. A meal goes a long way to aiding productivity.
- Photographers
Having a photographer in your meeting to capture the productive moments can help highlight what important work you do. That can be used for a variety of purposes, from marketing to portfolio additions.
- AV Rental
The core of a solid meeting is ensuring that everyone who attends can hear the information being passed around. Having a good sound system should solve any audio needs.
Meeting Companies in Grand Rapids
With all that is involved in planning and setting up your meeting space in Grand Rapids, having a few companies that can assist you can make the difference in a good meeting and a great one. With these companies backing you, you’re sure to be successful in your ventures.
- J Photography of Grand Rapids, LLC
With over 15 years of experience in their craft, J Photography of Grand Rapids, LLC is a company that prides itself in delivering to the client’s expectations. Photographer Jodi understands the importance of a professional headshot, with 12 of her years working in the corporate world. With this professional photography company that works quickly and according to your schedule, you can be sure to capture the business and meeting aesthetic that is sure to fit well on your portfolio.
- Catered Creations Inc.
With some of the best food in town, Catered Creations Inc. promises to provide only the best food for their clients. Founded in 1986 by husband and wife duo Gary and Patti Zylstra, Catered Creations Inc. has always had the motto of serving “nothing but the best.” In their pursuit of clientele satisfaction, they make sure that you partner up with one of their family members to deliver only the best service. They cater to a wide variety of events, from social gatherings to corporate events and can ensure that members who attend the meeting only receive the freshest food.
- Speaker on a Stick
True to its name, Speaker on a Stick is an audio solution for those who want instant audio at an affordable rate. No audio experience is required to set up these simple speakers and can deliver great quality sound at virtually no expense. This is great for those who seek to have an immediate audio solution for their upcoming meeting. The company has an extensive how-to section on their website if you need assistance in setting up these audio systems, following their guide ensures that your upcoming meeting will flow smoothly without any hassles.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a large city and has many districts and neighborhoods. Ensuring you know where to find the right location for your upcoming meeting is vital and taking into consideration each area's pros and cons is important.
Advantages
- Unique culinary options
If you’re a foodie and enjoy exotic and unique meals, Grand Rapids is home to many specialties and exclusives. If you’re not up for that, there are many options of food places within the city and a wide range of diversity in the food scene is prevalent, from Asian to Mexican to African food.
- Many things to do
There is much to do in Grand Rapids, from the events and attractions to the exquisite nightlife that is in the city. There are multiple museums and galleries located throughout the city which ensures that you’re never bored.
- Nature is everywhere
The area where Grand Rapids is situated is perfect for outdoor activities. From the biking trails to the parks that are abundant in the area to the rivers and lakes that are set up in the vicinity of the city, you’ll never get bored of the outdoor activities that are available to you. Add an outdoor aspect to your meeting break time.
Disadvantages
- High crime rates
Grand Rapids has a higher crime rate compared to the rest of the state and the nation. Sticking close to populated and popular areas should help you to keep on the safer side of things.
- Fearsome winters
Although the summers may be bearable, they can be hot and humid at times. However, the season that should be watched out for the most is winter, as Grand Rapids has some of the most notorious winters in the entire nation.
- Dense populations
Grand Rapids is home to many people and the population is really compact in the sense that the population of over 150,000 people lives in the space of a few square kilometers. Expect congestion and traffic if you want to plan a meeting in the city.
Famous Locations in Grand Rapids
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of Grand Rapids’ biggest attractions with it drawing over 12 million visitors since it first opened. The garden has a wide variety of walkable trails and features two distinct paths: the Art Lover path and the Plant Enthusiast path.
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Michigan’s only president, Gerald R. Ford has a museum in Grand Rapids dedicated to the accolades and the dramatic story of the Ford Presidency. The museum tells the progressive story of America’s 38th president from childhood to the presidency but also houses a life-sized replica of the oval office and cabinet room.
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
Opened to the public in 1994, the Grand Rapids Public Museum contains three floors of exhibits open to the general public. The museum aims to educate the general public on the wonders of the natural world and features exhibits that dabble in all types of subjects.