DESTINATION LANSING
DANCING THROUGH LANSING
The capital of Michigan, Lansing has a bounty of unique venues and team-building opportunities for groups to explore. B Y K A S S I D Y T A R A L A
LANSING ISN’T JUST THE CAPITAL OF MICHIGAN, but it’s also the central hub for the entire state—literally; it’s located within 90 minutes of 90 percent of the state’s population,
The region, which has more than 5,000 hotel rooms, offers a variety of venues and more than 75 dining and nightlife spots within walking distance of Lansing Center, the downtown convention facility. Lansing also boasts a multitude of festivals and events that are great for companion tours and evening entertainment for meeting attendees. "The Greater Lansing area is home to over 20 craft wineries, microbreweries, cider mills and distilleries," says Tracy Padot, vice president of marketing communications for the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB). "Most facilities offer tours and tastings for groups making them the perfect option for off-site special events during conventions and meetings.” Padot says Lansing is a popular meeting destination throughout all seasons of the year. The same amenities that make it an appealing
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location in the summer are the same things that draw crowds in during the winter. “In Greater Lansing, group events are important to us and treated as such. Sometimes in a larger destination you can get lost among the crowd,” Padot says. “We were also the first CVB in the state of Michigan to implement a Certified Tourism Ambassador program in 2010. We have over 500 front line hospitality staff trained as Greater Lansing CTA’s ready to serve the visiting public.” Also, Padot notes that many planners don’t realize that the majority of GLCVB’s services are free, making the planning process for a meeting, corporate event or lengthier teambuilding retreat simple and cost effective.
American Fifth Spirits Though Lansing is brimming with large venues and event spaces, American Fifth Spirits
offers a cozy alcove for small to midsized groups. Private bookings of the tasting room are available for groups as well as cocktail classes for team-building. The tasting room, which can accommodate 80 people, can be used for events in conjunction with the newly redecorated barrel room “Our ambiance, location, wonderful staff, and unique cocktail menu make us a prime meeting place in the downtown Lansing area. We work with each guest or client personally to ensure that we deliver the best possible experience and tailor each experience to them,” says General Manager Jessica Reed. Reed says groups often take advantage of American Fifth Spirits’ private cocktail classes for unique team-building opportunities. During these classes, groups are able to become their own bartenders. “It’s a great idea for groups that are a little stressed, need
P H O T O S : M AT T M O H U N D R O (O P P O S I T E ) JA M E S H A E F N E R P H OTO G R A P H Y; H A R L E Y J S E E L E Y; AMERICAN FIFTH SPIRITS
making it both eventful and accessible for groups located throughout the state.
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