Ten Reasons Why Your Next Meeting Should be in Greater Lansing

Lansing is essentially the demographic center of Michigan, located within 90 miles of 90 percent of the state's residents. That central location makes it easy for attendees and suppliers to reach, which helps boost attendance. It's easily accessible by car with only an hour drive time from Grand Rapids, Detroit and other metro areas. If your group has out-of-state members, the Capital Region International Airport has nonstop service linking Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and more. 

The meeting professionals at Choose Lansing are at your service and ready to help. And they're incredibly good at it, leaving nothing to chance and fulfilling your every wish. They put out requests for proposals for meeting space and hotel rooms before you arrive and they can provide on-site support staff during your event. They assist with custom requests because they are partners who are in-step and aligned with your group at every turn. 

Lansing has a great variety with more than 30 hotels and 5,000 rooms that can accommodate your group overnight. There are rooms for every price range and every amenity desired. Options include multiple downtown hotels, one of which is connected to the Lansing Center with a skywalk, hotels near campus in East Lansing, and others throughout the community. 

East Lansing is home to the Michigan State University Spartans, and “Go Green!” is a rallying cry for the region. From solar paneled cover carports to reducing environmental footprints by buying local, Choose Lansing can provide you with a list of resources on environmentally friendly facilities and local programs that support green meetings. Learn more in our sustainable meetings article. 

Lansing residents epitomize Midwestern hospitality and go out of their way to help guests. Locals are quick to share hidden gems on where to go and what to do. Additionally, there are more than 500 Certified Tourism Ambassadors trained to make sure your visit is a positive experience.

While minor league baseball games and Michigan State University athletics are popular pastimes for visitors, Greater Lansing has even more to offer! There are 30 golf courses within 30 miles. Craft beverages are available at numerous locations on the Craft Beverage Pass. You can kayak or bike along the Grand River. Performing arts are on stage at small theaters and the nationally recognized Wharton Center for Performing Arts. There are plenty of opportunities to inject fun into your meeting or event.

Lansing's bustling downtown puts you and your event attendees within dozens of restaurants, entertainment venues, and unique shopping opportunities. Whether it's heading out for lunch, an after-the-meeting dinner, or going to a Lugnuts baseball game, you don't have to go far in Lansing. The Lansing River Trail is a great spot to get outdoors for some exercise before the day starts or to end the evening.

As Michigan's Capital and the home of Michigan State University, Greater Lansing offers a wealth of legislators, lobbyists, researchers, university experts and trade association authorities who can address your group. Business leaders in specialized fields, such as the automotive, health and insurance industries are also available. 

The average per-day cost including food, lodging and incidental expenses is among the most affordable in the Midwest. Enjoy all the amenities you desire while saving money! 

Imagine the perfect place for your group, and Lansing can meet that demand. The Lansing Center offers 23 meeting rooms inside a 125,000-square-foot facility on the Grand River. Looking for something smaller? How about a suite at Jackson Field? Or perhaps your group wants to have a private space in a brewery or distillery? Lansing Brewing Company or American Fifth Spirits are great options. There are art museums, history centers, and even the Breslin Student Events Center on the campus of Michigan State University, all perfect unique venue options.