Member Newsletter
February 2026
President's Message

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
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 AttendUnited Airlines announced that it will introduce new nonstop service between Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport beginning May 7, 2026. The route will offer four daily nonstop flights, providing travelers with seamless access to United’s global network. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Thursday, January 29.
Learn MoreBrandon 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 MarkleDue 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).
Thank you to all who attended our winter CTA & Member Mixer at the Hidden Gem Event Venue!
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.
Read MoreNew 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…
Read MoreShake 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…
Read MoreSidebar 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…
Read More2026 Joint Expo and Operators Day | American Water Works Association - MI Section
Lansing Center | February 9-11, 2026 | 1,500 Attendees
2026 Annual Conference | MI Transition Services Association
Lansing Center | February 18-20, 2026 | 350 Attendees
UCE - Epic Cheer
Lansing Center | February 21, 2026
UTSA Midwest Level 4 Closed Girls 16
Court One | February 13-16, 2026
MSU Club Dodgeball
IM West | February 21, 2026
2026 FCCLA State Conference | MI Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
Lansing Center | February 23-26, 2026 | 500 Attendees
2026 Winter YMCA Youth in Government
State Capitol Building | February 26-March 1, 2026 | 815 Attendees
2026 MICAPP Student Leadership Summit | MI College Access Programs and Personnel
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing | February 28-March 1, 2026 | 300 Attendees
mParks | MRPA 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show
Lansing Center | March 2-6, 2026 | 450 Attendees
2026 MI FFA Annual State Convention
Campus of MSU | March 4-6, 2026 | 3,000 Attendees
2026 Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference
Lansing Center | March 5-8, 2026 | 1,500 Attendees
NJCAA Bowling National Championship
Royal Scot | March 5-7, 2026 | 240 Athletes
Howard E Van Camp Invitational
Biggby Coffee Ice Cube East Lansing | March 6-8, 2026 | 315 Athletes
MI Horse Council | 2026 MI Horse Expo
MSU Pavilion | March 6-8, 2026 | 1,800 Attendees
MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals
Breslin Center | March 12-14, 2026
NASP State Tournament
Lansing Center | March 13-14, 2026 | 925 Athletes
National Association of Landscape Professionals | 2026 National Collegiate Landscape Competition
Kellogg Center & Lansing Center | March 17-21 2026 | 1,500 Attendees
NAIA Bowling National Championship
Royal Scot | March 19 - 21, 2026 | 192 Athletes
MHSAA Girls Basketball Finals
Breslin Center | March 19 - 21, 2026 | 240 Athletes
County Road Association of MI | 2026 Highway Conference and Road Show
Lansing Center | March 23 - 26, 2026 | 875 Attendees
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. | 2026 Conference
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center | March 26-29, 2026 | 350 Attendees
2026 MSU Jr. MANRRS Leadership Symposium
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center | March 26-29, 2026 | 500 Attendees
YMCA MI Youth in Government | 2026 Winter (2) Youth in Government
Lansing Center & DoubleTree by Hilton | March 26-29, 2026 | 815 Attendees
Michigan Color Guard Circuit Championships
Breslin Center | March 28, 2026 | 1,500 Athletes
Great Lakes Gun Shows
Lansing Center | March 28-29, 2026 | 3,000 Attendees
- 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.
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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