Member Newsletter
October 2026
President's Message

We are looking forward to hosting the Inaugural Sports Tourism Summit at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, November 5. The summit is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who believe in the potential of sport to transform our region. Together, we'll learn about national trends, explore partnership opportunities, and develop collaborative strategies that elevate our destination as a premier sporting hub. The President & CEO of the Sports ETA will provide the most recent economic impacts related to sport tourism nationally as well as trends in the market. There will also be panel sessions on adaptive sports and collaboration. We hope to see you there!
To keep on the topic of sports, the Lansing Sports Commission will be hosting the NCAA Division I Regional Cross Country Championships in partnership with Michigan State University on November 13 at Forest Akers. Since we were hosting Division I event, the NCAA also awarded the Division III Regional Cross Country Championships in partnership with Olivet University to the Lansing Sports Commission and it will be held on November 14. It will be a busy weekend for the community and for our Sports Commission as we look forward to hosting these premier events for the NCAA.
Please reach out to me at jpingston@lansing.org if I can assist you in any way. Thank you!
Fall is officially here in Greater Lansing, which means football, thousands of MSU students back on campus, crisp fall weather, and, of course, pumpkin spice everything!
As we head into the fourth quarter of 2026, a lot is happening across our region, and I’d love for you to join me for our next Membership Moments with Melissa on Thursday, October 8, from 9:00–9:45 a.m. to talk about it!
This month, we’ll be talking all things Holiday Showcase, including this year’s theme, what to expect, important timelines, and more. We’ll also provide a quick update on where we stand as we head toward the end of the year and what’s ahead for our members.
Please register below to join us:
Register for Membership Moments with Melissa
A reminder that Holiday Showcase table reservation information was sent out on October 1. If you did not receive it, please reach out to me, and I’d be happy to get the information to you.
I look forward to seeing you on October 8!
Move beyond the classroom and put active violence response strategies into practice. Designed with hospitality professionals in mind, this interactive session builds on the foundational concepts covered in Active Shooter Preparedness & Warning Signs and serves as a practical introduction if you haven’t taken that course.
Participants will review key preparedness concepts and then take part in hands-on, decision-based exercises designed to simulate the types of situations hospitality employees may face. Through interactive drills, demonstrations and a tabletop exercise, you’ll practice assessing situations, making quick decisions and responding effectively in a fast-changing environment.
This session is focused on practical skills, situational awareness, and building confidence in knowing what to do when every second matters.
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
When: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: 500 E Michigan Ave. Ste. 180, Lansing, MI 48912
Parking: Free parking between Cedar & Larch Sts. Behind the Choose Lansing office.
Space is limited; please enroll only if you plan to attend. Register to attend at 2026 Active Violence Response 2.0.
Sports have the power to transform local economies and build community. Join the Lansing Sports Commission and fellow regional leaders for an insightful morning focused on emerging national trends, strategic partnerships, and community growth. This summit offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who believe in sport's potential to transform our region.
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Where: Spartan Stadium
Attendees will learn about national trends, explore partnership opportunities, and develop collaborative strategies that elevate Greater Lansing as a premier sporting hub.
Keynote & Panelists Include:
- John David, President & CEO of Sports Tourism and Events Association
- Seth Kesler, MSU Athletics Event Manager
- Jeff Latinen, MSU Auxiliary Sports Group
- Playmakers
- Dan Ekonen, Special Olympics of Michigan
- Chad Stevens, DeWitt Area Recreation Authority
Don’t lose out on valuable member benefits! Payments were due July 1st but if you did not receive your invoice in June, please let us know! You can update your invoice recipient via the member portal or send an email to mnay@lansing.org to ensure we have the correct contact information for the person who will be receiving your invoice. Payments can be made now by logging into the Member Portal.
We appreciate your ongoing partnership!
Congratulations to UnoDeuce Multimedia on 25 years of helping Greater Lansing nonprofits and community organizations tell their stories!
On their actual 25th anniversary, September 11, 2026, Melissa Nay, CTA, presented Paul Schmidt and the UnoDeuce team with a plaque commemorating this incredible milestone.
Their story is especially remarkable because they opened their doors on September 11, 2001. To begin a business on a day that changed our country forever, and then build it into 25 years of meaningful work in our community, is a true testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose.
For 25 years, UnoDeuce has helped organizations share the “why” behind their work and showcase the positive impact they are making in our community. As a small business, the UnoDeuce team understands how to work with small budgets while bringing big missions to life
Congratulations on 25 years, and thank you for helping tell so many of the stories that make Greater Lansing special!
Join the conversation online. Don't miss out on what's happening across Greater Lansing's tourism and sports scene. Join our exclusive member Facebook group to network with fellow members, share your special events, discuss tourism-related topics, and get updates on upcoming conventions, meetings, and sporting events occurring in the Greater Lansing area.
Ask to join the Choose Lansing/Lansing Sports Commission Member Facebook Group.
Thank you for joining us and fellow members and CTAs for a beautiful afternoon at Woldumar Nature Center. We hope you enjoyed the scavenger hunt and explored the nature center's 180 acres of hiking trails and indoor event spaces.
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Read MoreUpcoming Conventions & Sports Events
2026 MOA Annual Fall Seminar | MI Optometric Association
Lansing Center | October 6-8, 2026 | 450 Attendees
MI Nurses Association House of Delegates 2026
DoubleTree | October 8-10, 2026 | 175 Attendees
46th MSU Black Alumni Homecoming Weekend
Quality Inn Suites | October 8-12, 2026 | 300 Attendees
Mitten Kitten
Ingham County Fairgrounds | October 9-11, 2026
2026 Michigan Catholic Women's Conference | Diocese of Lansing
Lansing Center | October 9-10, 2026 | 1,000 Attendees
2026 Fall Michigan Vintage Fest
DoubleTree | October 10-11, 2026 | 3,000 Attendees
Fall Brawl Lacrosse Tournament
Hope Sports Complex | October 10-11, 2026 | 1,400 Athletes
2nd Annual Comet Classic
Royal Scot | October 11, 2026 | 510 Athletes
2026 Annual Leadership Conference & Exhibit Show | MI Association of School Boards
Lansing Center | October 14-18 , 2026 | 2,200 Attendees
MACD 2026 Conference | MI Association of Conservation Districts
Lansing Center | October 19-22, 2026 | 400 Attendees
MI Association of School Psychologists Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Fall Conference
Crowne Plaza Lansing | October 21-23, 2026 | 300 Attendees
2026 Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of MI Summit
Lansing Center | October 24-25, 2026 | 600 Attendees
2026 October Show | Great Lakes Gun Shows
Lansing Center | October 24-25, 2026 | 3,000 Attendees
2026 CedarFest Regatta
Lake Lansing - MSU Sailing Center | October 24-25, 2026 |
MHSAA Boys Soccer Finals
Grand Ledge High School | November 7, 2026
2026 Summit on Ending Homelessness
Lansing Center | November 3-5, 2026 | 600 Attendees
2026 Tremaine Dance
Lansing Center | November 5-9, 2026 | 500 Attendees
USA Powerlifting Michigan State Championships
Lansing Center | November 7-8, 2026 | 300 Athletes
Back to the Hardwood Volleyball Tournament
MSU Student Recreation and Wellness Center | November 7-8, 2026 | 720 Athletes
AIM 2026 Road Show | Habitat for Humanity of MI
Crowne Plaza Lansing | November 10-12, 2026 | 350 Attendees
SHAPE Conference 2026 | SHAPE MI
Lansing Center | November 11-,14, 2026 | 200 Attendees
NCAA DI Cross-Country Regional Championship
Forest Akers East | November 13, 2026 | 1,785 Athletes
NCAA DIII Cross-Country Regional Championship
Forest Akers East | November 14, 2026 | 2,058 Athletes
251st Marine Birthday Ball *6th Engineer Support Mich
Lansing Center | November 14-15, 2026 | 375 Attendees
MIAEYC November Event | MI Association for the Education of Young Children
Lansing Center | November 15-18, 2026 | 100 Attendees
2026 November Youth in Government | YMCA Government in Youth
State Capitol Building | November 15-17, 2026 | 350 Attendees
2026 Midwest Reps Winter Program | Midwestern Representatives Association
Lansing Center | November 16-19, 2026 | 150 Attendees
2026 MDARD All Staff Meeting | MI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Lansing Center | November 18, 2026 | 525 Attendees
MiMTSS Conference 2026
Lansing Center | November 18-20, 2026 | 1,200 Attendees
TICOM Tourism Conference | Tourism Industry Coalition of MI
Graduate East Lansing | November 19, 2026 | 100 Attendees
2026 Michigan Heritage Rodeo | MI Heritage Rodeo
MSU Pavilion | November 20-22, 2026 | 300 Attendees
MSP Trooper Recruit School 152nd Graduation | MI State Police
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing | November 20, 2026 | 800 Attendees
2026 November (2) Youth in Government | YMCA MI Youth in Government
State Capitol Building | November 22-24, 2026 | 350 Attendees
47th Michigan Convention of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (MCYPAA) | Lansing Area Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing | November 27-29, 2026 | 500 Attendees
- Monday, November 16, 2026, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, February 18, 2027, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 10, 2027, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 20, 2027, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, May 17, 2027, 1 p.m. to 5 pm.m.
- Wednesday, June 9, 2027, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 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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