My Grand Rapids Experience

By Glen Walstra
Executive Director
Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools

Giving leadership to a convention scheduled in Grand Rapids is always an event that I look forward to. Every three years, the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools brings over 5,000 faith-based school teachers to either Detroit or Grand Rapids. 2006 was our year to sponsor our convention in Grand Rapids and we were thrilled to have over 5,300 registrants and 216 Exhibitors.

As is often the case though, our highlights almost always comes in unexpected ways. My really memorable moment came simply through a conversation with one of our more experienced teachers in the registration area. I did not know this lady nor did she know me. I simply saw her, wide eyed, and somewhat mesmerized by all that was happening around her. My simple question as I approached her was “Are you enjoying the convention?” Her response surprised me as she excitedly said, “I have taught for almost 35 years in a little Catholic School up north. Our school has never been able to afford to send us to a MANS convention, but this year one of our parents made a generous donation to send our small staff. And, do you know what, last night was the first night I have ever stayed in a hotel. Can you believe it, I got to stay at the Amway Grand Plaza!”

With exuberance, she went on to tell me, “My experience here has been unbelievable. The Van Andel Arena is such a beautiful place to sing and celebrate our faith and listen to a keynote speaker in comfort. Exhibit space in DeVos Place is so spacious and the art show was beautiful. And yesterday, in getting from place to place, I never even had to go outside. Everyone I have met in Grand Rapids is so helpful.”

WOW – As a convention planner, it does not get better than this.

Radisson Kalamazoo Center supports our business interest...

"Phadia US Inc. holds several training sessions for both customers and new employees throughout each year. The Radisson Kalamazoo Center supports our business interest by making our guests and employees feel at home and is our number one choice for meeting our hotel accommodation needs.

We receive seamless service from the Radisson staff time-and-time again. I do not recall a request that they have not been able to fill. Our guests, including our international guests, continuously praise the hotel for the atmosphere and professional and pleasant service."

Mari Norris, Phadia US Inc

Grand Rapids Testimonials

Jon Rice, National Association of County Engineers
We may not have been a big player in the realm of conference events, but Grand Rapids made us feel as if we were.
4/13/06

Ron and Tana Kelly, Wesleyan Church
Our conference, we believe was the best ever (and we’ve been attending them since the beginning) and not because we were at the helm…Ron and I both feel “how can we top Grand Rapids?”

Ken Martin, Director of Shows, American Philatelic Society
“The willingness of the CVB to help us promote attendance for our show helped us achieve record attendance.”
August 2005

Jay Smith, Attendee Stampshow, Scandinavian Philatelic E-News
“I have just returned home from five days at Stampshow in Grand Rapids. Other attendees I spoke with agreed the show and hospitality at the convention center, Amway Grand Hotel and restaurants were very impressive. Kudos to the entire APS staff for having the courage to pick a new venue that proved to be truly Grand.”
August 2005

Mr. Anthony Weathespoon, Forest Products Society
“Attendees were impressed by Grand Rapids and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The service all around was excellent.”

Ms. Deb Sinex, American Association of Meat Processors
“According to comments received (from conventioneers) ‘great city and facilities’. Better than most cities in the past.”

Sysco Food Show
In comparison to other cities, Grand Rapids was a very economical city to hold our meeting and enjoy entertainment – don’t change.
July 2006

Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites

I have held two meetings at the Radisson in Kalamazoo, MI. I did not know what to expect of a Radisson and especially in a market like Kalamazoo. It was a wonderful experience. The sleeping rooms were terrific and the meeting space the most varied I have seen at any hotel.

I definitely would not hesitate about going back to this hotel again. It truly was a great experience.

Sincerely,

Susan Pfitzenmayer
President
Meetings Plus