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Member Newsletter

February 2026

President's Message

Julie Pingston

At about this time next month, we’ll be welcoming you at Choose Lansing’s Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Lansing. There is plenty of good news to share and positive stories to tell about the uplifting things that happened in 2025 within the tourism and hospitality industry. There were records broken, new venues opened and unique events hosted. I’m looking forward to seeing you there to share all the highlights!

We will also be recognizing our CTA of the Year and recognizing our CTAs of 5, 10, and 15 years. I hope you will be able to join us on March 3 from 8:30-10:30am as we get together to celebrate the amazing people in hospitality. Stay warm and thanks for all your support! Please reach out to me at jpingston@lansing.org if I can assist you in any way. Thank you!

Membership Moments with Melissa

Thank you to everyone who joined us on January 15 for our latest Membership Moments with Melissa. We always appreciate the time and engagement from our members. If you were unable to attend, the full video recording is available in the member portal for you to watch at your convenience.

During this session, we shared key data highlighting our strongest hotel performance days and weeks projected for 2026. Unsurprisingly, major Michigan State University events—including football weekends and graduation—continue to lead the way as our top demand drivers.

We invite you to join us for our next Membership Moments with Melissa, where we’ll take a deeper dive into the work of our Sports Commission and the impact it has on our region. We’ll also preview several significant sporting events scheduled for the second quarter and discuss how they contribute to our community’s overall economic vitality.

Register now for our next session on April 13 from 9:30-10:15 a.m.

 

Join us on March 3, 2026, to celebrate a year of growth. Network in person with Choose Lansing members, community leaders, and CTAs. See an overview of Choose Lansing's highlights and accomplishments for 2025 and a glimpse into our 2026 initiatives. 

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Where: Newly renovated Crowne Plaza Lansing

  • 8:30 - 9:15 a.m.  Networking and Complimentary Breakfast
  • 9:15 - 10:00 a.m.  Program
  • 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Networking and Departure

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Choose Lansing is excited to announce that the 2026 Visitor Inspiration Guides have arrived! These comprehensive guides are packed full with information to help visitors plan their perfect Lansing getaway, from family fun and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and delicious dining. 

You can find the 2026 Visitor Inspiration Guide on our website, in our visitor center or you can request a copy be mailed to you. 

 

Get Your Visitor Inspiration Guide

 

Join us for an update from MDOT on the third phase of the significant construction happening on US-127 between Lake Lansing Rd and I-69. We will also get updates on other projects that will be of significance in our region.

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026

Time: 9:30-10:30 AM

Where: Virtually on Zoom (link will be sent in your confirmation email)

Choose Lansing, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, & Michigan Department of Transportation to host this event.

Register to Attend

 

 

Brandon Markle, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown was recognized by the American Hotel & Lodging Association as the Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year! Brandon was honored as a young professional under 30 who energizes the industry with fresh perspective, inspires those around them, and represents the future of hospitality leadership. The event was at the Awards Gala in Los Angeles, California.  Congratulations Brandon!

Meet Brandon Markle

 

Due to the lack of qualified bidders for the project and a contract not being awarded, the CSO project on Washington Square will not happen during the 2026 construction season and will be delayed for a minimum of 2 years. The City is investigating the best way to move forward with the project.

There are still several CSO projects still planned for other sections of Downtown and surrounding areas including the start of the Cherry-Pine-Kalamazoo separation project in the spring. Below is the location map of projects taking place this year.  Additional CSO Project updates can be found on the City of Lansing’s website at: CSO 019 | Lansing, MI - Official Website.

A full construction map can be found on the City’s site regarding all upcoming construction and bridge projects planned, including those that will impact Michigan Ave. and the Kalamazoo Street bridge at (Construction Map | Lansing, MI - Official Website).

 

Highlights from Winter Mixer

 

We had an incredible turnout for our 2nd FIERCE Women in Sports event and inaugural FIERCE Girls in Sports event. Thank you to each and every one of you for making it such a memorable event. We were so inspired by the conversations and connections made. 

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Highlights from FIERCE Women in Sports

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New Members

Grand Grillin

Grand Grillin – Home of Vicki’s Chicken Fresh, flavorful, and made to satisfy! At Grand Grillin, we serve up delicious wraps, crisp salads…

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Shake Shack - Lansing

Shake Shack is a modern roadside burger stand serving elevated classics made with premium ingredients. The menu features made-to-order Angus beef…

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Sidebar Dine & Tap

Sidebar is the perfect space for happy hour with friends and family gatherings. You'll love our restaurant because our friendly staff will treat…

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Powerly

Powerly is a portable charger rental kiosk that gives guests easy access to self-service power banks—boosting average value per customer at…

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Upcoming Conventions & Sports Events

  • Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Monday, November 16, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

All classes will be located at the Choose Lansing® offices, located at 500 E. Michigan Ave.  Ste 180. Free parking is available in the back of the building that can be accessed from both Cedar & Larch Streets. Light refreshments are provided at each class.

Register for a class.

Apply to the Kristina Kauffman Scholarship Fund

Contact Melissa Nay with any questions.at mnay@lansing.org or by phone at 517-377-1410.

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