Member Newsletter

Happy New Year! Get the most out of your membership with this quarterly virtual meeting, which will ensure you are "in the know" in the Lansing Region as we enter into 2026.

This quarter's Special Guest will be Beth Jespersen, Research & Technology Systems Manager at Choose Lansing. Beth will share preliminary numbers of how we trended for 2025 and how we are trending going into 2026 

Other topics discussed this quarter will be:

- Quick recap from the October Membership Moments with Melissa 

- Update on 2025 tourism stats

- Marketing data updates from the website and our visitor impact

- Hot upcoming conventions and sporting events for January, February & March

- New restaurants, developments, and other impactful projects in the region that will affect tourism

We will end our session with a SOUND OFF moment, during which you can ask your burning questions and share important information!

When: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Time: 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.

Where: Virtually on ZOOM (link sent in registration confirmation)

***This meeting will be recorded and sent out to registrants after. Please sign up even if you cannot attend so you will get the recording.

REBECCA SELESKY, Chair – Student Life & Engagement and Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University

TRACIE KENT, CTA, Vice-Chair - Residence Inn by Marriott & TownePlace Suites - East Lansing

ERIC HOLMSCHEID, CTA, Secretary/Treasurer – Wharton Center for Performing Arts

MARCUS KIRKPATRICK, Past-Chair - Delta Charter Township Parks & Recreation

CINDY BOWEN, CHA, CTA, - Crowne Plaza Lansing

WILL CANTRELL - Candlewood Suites Lansing

KELLIE DEAN - Dean Transportation/Dean Trailways

ELAINE HARDY - City of East Lansing

GABRIELLE LAWRENCE - Ingham County Commissioner

DOROTHY E. MAXWELL, MPA, CTA - Max Weingar Group

“We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of business professionals and community leaders comprising our Board,” said Choose Lansing® President & CEO, Julie Pingston. “As always, our goal in 2026 will be to work together for the best interest of our hospitality partners and to continue to grow tourism in the Greater Lansing region.”

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

Join us for a FREE seminar at our Choose Lansing office in downtown Lansing. This is a two-hour basic class for First Aid, CPR & AED. The class provides a quick and easy way to obtain the necessary tools in case of an emergency. Our certified trainer, Andy George, will teach the quick basics to help you in an emergency until trained help arrives. This course is taught in a dynamic and hands-on way, with a National Safety Council industry-leading curriculum and content from experts in occupational first aid training.

*** This is a basic knowledge class, so you will not receive a full certification.

When: Monday, January 26, 2026

Time: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Choose Lansing Office | 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 180

Parking: Ample free parking is available on site, accessible from Cedar and Larch streets

Escape the winter blahs and treat yourself to a fun evening out! Enjoy light appetizers, sip on a complimentary first drink, and soak in great vibes with live music from Angry Talent Entertainment's own, Dan Laird. It's the perfect mid-winter pick-me-up and an event you won't want to miss!

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: The Hidden Gem Event Venue | 4230 Charlar Drive, Holt, MI 48842

Parking: There is plenty of onsite parking

FIERCE Women in Sports was created on the principle that Females Ignite, Empower, Respect, Collaborate, and Engage with one another to expand our networks and strengthen relationships.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026,  we’ll come together to hear inspiring guest speakers Dr. Jen Fry, Coach Kristen Kelsay, and Cathy George who will share their insights on the power of mentorship and how sport can serve as a universal language to bring people together. 

When: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Location: MSUFCU Headquarters Building 1

Registration Fee: $25

Learn more and register to attend FIERCE Women in Sports

New for 2026 is the launch of FIERCE Girls in Sports Clinic. This is a dynamic, empowering clinic designed to ignite confidence and connection in young female athletes. At the heart of the program is the belief that Females Ignite, Empower, Respect, Collaborate, and Engage through sport. This principle drives every part of the clinic as we aim to build stronger relationships, self-esteem, and leadership skills in girls from 3rd to 6th grade. 

When: Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Don Johnson Fieldhouse

Registration Fee: $10

Participants will rotate through 5 exciting stations, each featuring a non-traditional sport:

Field Hockey - Margi Whittingham, Development Program Director, Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey

Pickleball - East Lansing native and Professional Pickleball Player, Kristin Reinhart and top-ranked Female Pickleball Player in Greater Lansing, Downi Fernburg

Golf - Michigan State Women's Golf All-American, Former Professional Golfer & Former Head Coach for Notre Dame Women's Golf, Caroline Powers-Ellis and Michigan State Women's Golf Big Ten Champion & First Tee of Mid-Michigan Board Member, Rachel Sampson

Archery - Grand Ledge Archery Head Coaches Lacey Rumzek & Trevor Secord

Esports - Former Collegiate Esports athlete, Christy Hacker and Michigan State University Varsity Esports

Learn More & Register to Attend FIERCE Girls In Sports Clinic

The Michigan State University Museum will reopen to the public on January 14, 2026, after its first major renovation in more than 75 years. The renovation includes more flexible spaces, modernized restrooms, and significant climate control upgrades that will ensure a sustainable and thermoregulated environment for generations to come. 

Brick Row is the name of the bold redevelopment that will transform six historic brick buildings on the 600 block of East Michigan Avenue into a mix of commercial spaces and residential homes. The buildings will have 15 apartments and 6,900 square feet sectioned into 6 different storefronts. Brick Row's name pays homage to its historic original brick structures and the stories they hold, blending historic architecture with fresh energy to create a hub in one of Lansing's most active districts. 

Julie Pingston, President and CEO of Choose Lansing, recently met with a delegation from Lansing's newest Sister City, Suceava, Romania. During the meeting, the Romanian delegates received an in-depth overview of Lansing's tourism and hospitality industry. 

The Sister Cities program aims to create lasting bonds through cultural, educational, and business exchanges. As Suceava and Lansing continue to build their relationship, both cities look forward to future collaborations that benefit residents and local businesses alike. 

Our members are invited to join the ranks of over 500 local Certified Tourism Ambassadors trained to give our visitors a positive impression of the Greater Lansing community. 

The Member Portal is your one-stop shop for maximizing your membership benefits. Choose Lansing offers convenient in-person or Zoom virtual training to best fit your schedule. Here's a glimpse of what you can accomplish:

Boost Your Online Presence

Update your business listings on both Lansing.org and LansingSports.org to ensure potential customers always have the latest information.

Showcase your business with fresh photos on your website listing.

Generate Business & Leads

Access the convention calendar to see who's in town. Great for outbound marketing.

Respond directly to leads for hotels, meeting facilities, or sports venues.

Offer exclusive discounts or special coupons to attract new customers.

Connect & Network

Easily connect with your industry peers and expand your professional network. 

Manage Your Account & More

Post hospitality job openings directly to the website to find top talent. 

Pay your membership dues quickly and conveniently.

Promote your public events.

Order visitor guides for your guests and clients.

Update your contact information so you never miss an important update.

Contact Beth Jespersen with questions or to set up your member portal training. 

• Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


• Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


• Monday, May 11, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


• Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


• 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.