Member Newsletter

Welcome to warmer weather and the start of summer in Greater Lansing!

First, congratulations to everyone who made it through the busy month of May. Between graduation celebrations and several major events across the region, it was certainly one of our busiest times of the year.

As expected, MSU graduation weekend (May 1–3) once again proved to be the strongest hotel weekend of the year for our region. We are excited to report that both hotel occupancy and average daily rates were up for the weekend compared to 2025. Official May tourism and lodging numbers will be released later this month, and I’ll share a full recap and analysis in the July edition of Membership Moments with Melissa.

Looking ahead, be sure to join us for our next Membership Moments with Melissa on Tuesday, July 28, from 9:00–9:45 a.m.

We're changing things up a bit and welcoming a special guest, Tony Watson, General Manager of the Lansing Center. Tony will provide an inside look at what’s happening at the Lansing Center now that Legends Global has assumed management, including facility improvements, operational updates, and exciting developments on the horizon.

Reserve your spot today. 

As always, thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to seeing you in July!

Test your knowledge about Choose Lansing and see if you can determine which of these statements are a fact or a myth.

1. “Choose Lansing is a city or government agency.”

Myth. Choose Lansing is the region’s nonprofit destination marketing organization funded through lodging assessments and membership dues, not resident tax dollars. For more than 65 years, Choose Lansing® has helped strengthen Greater Lansing’s identity by attracting visitors, conventions, meetings, sporting events, and tournaments that support local businesses, generate overnight stays, and drive economic impact throughout the region.

2. “The region welcomes more than 6.7 million visitors each year, generating hundreds of millions in economic impact.”

Fact. Greater Lansing welcomes 6.7 million visitors annually, generating more than three-quarters of a billion dollars in economic impact and supporting more than 9,500 local jobs. Tourism helps strengthen small businesses, support workforce opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents across the region.

3. “Choose Lansing only represents and promotes the city of Lansing.”

Myth. Choose Lansing promotes the entire tri-county region, including Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties. The organization proudly supports tourism, events, attractions, and community initiatives throughout Michigan’s Capital Region.

Learn more at Visitors Generate Vital Economic Impact. 

Your annual invoice for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, will be emailed the first week in June 2026 and is currently available in the member portal. Payments can be made now by logging into the Member Portal. To ensure you receive your invoice promptly, please inform Melissa Nay to mnay@lansing.org if your organization's primary billing contact has changed in the last year or you have not received your invoice by June 8, 2026 via email.

We appreciate your ongoing partnership!

Melissa Nay, Director of Membership & Community Engagement at Choose Lansing, recently had the pleasure of presenting Will Cantrell and his dedicated team with a commemorative plaque in recognition of Candlewood Suites’ 25 years of service in the Lansing community.

Located in Lansing and connected to Forest Akers West Golf Course, the Henry Center for Executive Development, and the University Club of MSU, Candlewood Suites has been a valued extended-stay option for visitors to Michigan State University and the greater Lansing region.

For 25 years, their commitment to hospitality has made a meaningful impact on our community. Congratulations to the entire Candlewood Suites team on this milestone achievement.

Director of Membership & Community Engagement Melissa Nay was honored to present a plaque celebrating 25 years of summer fun to Jim Jennings and Dana Kilponen at the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center as they kicked off another exciting season following their opening on May 30.

Since opening in 2001, the Aquatic Center has become a favorite summer destination for residents and visitors alike. The outdoor recreation pool features a zero-entry pool, splash pad, water slides, diving boards, and more, offering fun for all ages throughout the summer.

For 25 years, the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center has helped create lasting summer memories and remains a popular seasonal attraction in the region.

Choose Lansing is pleased to announce that Jenn Morden, CTA, CMP, CMM, has been promoted to Director of Event Experiences. 

Jenn initially joined the Sales & Services team in 2022 and has been a team leader in services and event development for customers, partners, and the entire Choose Lansing team. Her creativity, drive, and passion for service have helped the Choose Lansing team achieve increasing sales success and event satisfaction. 

Congratulations, Jenn!

Learn more about Jenn Morden.

Allie Urlaub joined the Choose Lansing team as the Sales & Services Coordinator. Allie is a recent graduate of Michigan State University. 

Welcome to the team, Allie!

Learn more about Allie Urlaub. 

The Lansing Sports Commission is excited to announce the addition of Emily Price to the team. Emily joined the LSC as an intern and is now the Sports Coordinator. We are excited to continue incorporating her energy, strong work ethic, and fresh perspectives into everything we do.

Welcome, Emily!

Thank you for joining Choose Lansing and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce at our joint May mixer at One North Kitchen & Bar East Lansing! It was wonderful to catch up, connect, and welcome our newest members to the community. 

Choose Lansing is already looking forward to our next mixer on Thursday, July 30, 2026, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Lansing Duckpin. RSVP to secure your spot!

• 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.