Spotlight on: Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids CVB uses DMAI studies and metrics to determine and measure the economic impacts of meetings. The city recently landed a deal to host the American Quilter’s Society meeting for three years from 2012 to 2015. It is expected to have an economic impact of more than $45 million. Doug Small, president and chief experience officer of the CVB, says that while no industry is immune to recessions, meetings and conventions still offer long-term stability.

“2008 and 2009 were the worst I’ve seen in 29 years in this industry. We still didn’t have a single hotel close and most of our restaurants made it. I think our industry is actually pretty resilient,” he says.

The headquarters of multiple religious publishers including Zondervan and Family Christian Stores and six religious colleges or universities are in Grand Rapids, attracting meetings such as the United Church of Christ, Church of the Brethren and the National Association of Free Will Baptists in recent and upcoming years.

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