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Member Newsletter

October 2026

President's Message

Julie Pingston

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

Learn more and register to attend.

 

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. 

Mixer Highlights

 

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Upcoming Conventions & Sports Events

  • 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.

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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