Mynorth Meetings 2019

Meetings IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR UP NORTH MEETING GREAT • 2019

AUTH E NTI C E XPE R I E N C E S , A M AG N I F I C E NT PL AC E

Meet in Northern Michigan More fun, better team building

Top Tips from Planners at: Crystal Mountain Boyne Resorts Grand Hotel Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Mission Point Resort

A supplement to

MISSION POINT mackinac island

2018

241 newly appointed guest rooms and suites Locally-sourced culinary offerings 38,000 square feet of flexible meeting space

The Perfect Choice for Groups in Michigan’s Must-See Destination One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 | www.missionpoint.com | 906.430.4561

Meetings A MyNorth Media Publication

PRESIDENT/EDITOR IN CHIEF CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR DIGITAL AND CONTENT EDITOR PROOFREADERS

Deborah Wyatt Fellows Katy Schumacher Emily Tyra Elizabeth Edwards Carly Simpson Elizabeth Aseritis, Caroline Dahlquist

CONTRIBUTOR

Molly Korroch

ART DIRECTOR

Gail Snable

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Theresa Burau-Baehr

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, SPECIAL SECTIONS

Rachel Watson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Breanne Kerner

WEB DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

WELCOME TO MYNORTH MEETINGS. Discover the laidback lifestyle, gorgeous lakeshores, top-caliber golf courses, craft food and drink and one of the most acclaimed wine regions in the nation, and know why once people gather Up North, they never want to depart.

When you tap into the beautiful, evocative setting and friendly vibes of Northern Michigan, you create the experiences that meeting attendees will love and long remember.

Consider the distinct recreation options and stunning event spaces at the venues in these pages. Seek out the resorts’ experts for the planning support and attention to detail that make your meeting a success. Whether on a legendary island, on a ski hill overlooking a sparkling lake, or in one of America’s coolest beach towns, you have a place for connecting and recharging that is second to none. (Just allow plenty of free time. Your group will thank you!) —the Editors

Jen Berigan Julie Parker Ann Gatrell Jill Hayes Meg Lau Chris Hunt Cyndi Ludka

Table of Contents 3 MISSION POINT | Mackinac Island

Find a secluded oasis with state-of-the art amenities on Michigan’s most famous island.

4 TOP 10 ROOFTOP SPOTS

We found your perfect after-meeting hangout (with a view to write

home about).

7 GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA | Traverse City Genuine service, smarter-than-ever technology and exceptional activities—all in one luxurious setting.

MARKETING DIRECTOR MARKETING COORDINATOR MYNORTH TICKETS MANAGER OFFICE MANAGER BOOKKEEPER

Erin Lutke Kara Jarvis

10 THE BEST WAY TO TEAM BUILD Offsite adventures! Make your next breakout relaxed and immersive

Hannah Malinowski Libby Stallman Kim Stewart

with these fun-loving possibilities.

13 BOYNE RESORTS | Boyne Country Flexible lodging and meeting spaces, stellar service, a vast range of world-class activities—plus beauty everywhere you turn.

15 CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN | Benzie County

Immerse in an award-winning resort paradise with exciting ways to pamper, play and connect.

A Supplement to

17 NETWORK LIKE A PRO

COVER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Proven strategies from a renowned meeting planner to make your next conference more meaningful.

Editorial & Advertising Offices 125 Park Street, Suite 155 Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: 231.941.8174 | Fax: 231.941.8391 Subscriber Services Visit MyNorth.com/sub to change your address or to review your account.

Please e-mail other subscription inquiries to info@mynorth.com or call 800.785.8632 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.

19 GRAND HOTEL | Mackinac Island Legendary attention to service and style, in a venue so gracious and beautiful, it can only be called grand.

20 MAPS & DETAILS

Northern Michigan Area Airports and Advertiser Directory.

Reprints Reprints available. Please call 231.941.8174.

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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Welcome to our Neighborhood.

Welcome to the very vibrant and very cool downtown Traverse City waterfront neighborhood called the Warehouse District. It’s the place we call home.

Come stay with us! Enjoy the modern design, lush bedding, spa-inspired showers, inspiring function spaces, free Wi-Fi, fresh cuisine, local craft beverages and live entertainment.

We do great meetings, too.

Hotel Indigo Traverse City 263 W. Grandview Parkway Traverse City, MI 49684 t: 231.932.0500 Reservations: 877.8.INDIGO (846.3446) hotelindigo.com/TraverseCityMI

facebook.com/hotelindigo @hotelindigo

Meet at Michigan’s Premiere Winery Estate 160 acres of indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, catering, and fine wine.

Come for a day meeting, celebratory dinner, or multi-day retreat at the Inn.

Multiple Venues · Wine Tasting Catering · Meeting Coordination Accommodations · Creative Activites JUST 12 MILES NORTH OF TRAVERSE CITY 2 3 1 . 9 4 4 .1 2 5 8 | E V E N T S @ B L A C K S TA R F A R M S .C O M | 1 0 8 4 4 E . R E V O L D R O A D | S U T T O N S B AY, M I

Kite Flying on Mission Point Resort Lawn Arch Rock

Mission Point

PHOTOS BY KELLY REWA (LEFT) & DAVE WEIDNER (RIGHT)

MACKINAC ISLAND

Mission Point Resort offers a charming, refreshing experience for visitors to Mackinac Island. Located on the east side of town, Mission Point is just steps from Mackinac’s original butterfly house and the historic St. Anne’s Church. A visit to Mission Point is the perfect blend of business and pleasure.

It offers over 38,000 square feet of flexible meeting spaces, including a state-of-the-art conference center, soundstage, and outdoor patio. Cuisine is a highlight, with innovative catering options, including five onsite eateries. Making the visit an all-ages event is easy with a variety of family-oriented amenities, including newly renovated family suites, kids club and babysitting services. The resort also boasts a beautiful spa where guests can enjoy steam rooms, saunas, and their signature Lilac Facial and Body Treatment.

WHO TO KNOW Debbie Denyer, Leah Pierce, and Kristen Kaselitz. Each is an industry specialist and can tailor a meeting to your organization’s specific needs.

WHAT TO DO Onsite: Mission Point serves up a variety of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy. Not to miss: the 18-hole executive

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putting course with real bent-grass greens. After dusk, guests can try their hands at glow-in-the-dark putt-putt. Mission Point is also home to a gracious outdoor swimming pool, onproperty bike rentals, and kite flying. When venturing off the resort, guests can easily explore the beauty and history of Fort Mackinac, take a carriage ride, and—most definitely—sample some fresh fudge! Or, simply enjoy a drink on the great lawn while watching freighters pass in the Straits of Mackinac.

Offsite: The resort’s position on the east side of the island offers a perfect sunrise vantage point. Mission Point offers a stunning sunrise hike—an incredible way to start the day.

When out on your bike, don’t be afraid to break free from the perimeter and explore the trails that weave the island’s interior. There are a variety of beautiful limestone formations hidden throughout the wilder woodlands of the island.

Find more things to do at MyNorth.com/Mackinac

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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Top 10

Rooftop Spots When it’s time for a breakout session, soak up breezes and a bird’s-eye view of an unforgettable Up North landscape. These stunning rooftop venues in Northern Michigan offer your group the perfect oasis. Call ahead for reservations and the precise services to meet your needs.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Hotel Indigo

THE FRANKLIN

SOL AZTECA

160 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY 231.943.2727 | OFFTHEMAPHOSPITALITY.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 100 ON THE DECK, 50 INSIDE UPSTAIRS

105 E. WASHINGTON ST., MARQUETTE 906.273.2222 | SOLAZTECAMQT.NET MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 40

Sip a craft cocktail or a glass of rosé on the upstairs deck while you scope out downtown. The charcuterie and cheese board from the in-house butchery is only the beginning of the delicious casual cuisine you can expect.

Serving authentic Mexican Cuisine and a view of Lake Superior. Get Dos Equis on draft along with the famous Parrillada Mexicana Fajita.

HOTEL INDIGO 263 W. GRANDVIEW PKWY., TRAVERSE CITY 231.932.0500 | IHG.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 100

Located across the street from West Grand Traverse Bay, this full-service rooftop bar and dining area has an unmatched view. There aren’t many who would turn down a pineapple jalapeño margarita paired with a summer sunset.

THE SHED BEER GARDEN 423 S. UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY 231.922.9518 | THESHEDBEERGARDEN.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 80

Enjoy a glass of Bowers Harbor Pinot Grigio or a Diabolical IPA from North Peak with a chopped brisket sandwich and your creative juices are sure to be flowing.

PANGEA’S PIZZA 135 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY 231.946.9800 | PANGEASPIZZA.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 80

Just follow the alluring smell of handmade pizza to the rooftop of Pangea’s Pizza. Built in 2018, this new space has a view of the bay and some of the best slices in town. Oh, and the loaded fries—outstanding.

STAFFORD’S WEATHERVANE RESTAURANT 106 PINE RIVER LN., CHARLEVOIX 231.547.4311 | STAFFORDS.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 70

NORTH STAR LOUNGE 230 N. FRONT ST., MARQUETTE 906.228.2580 | THELANDMARKINN.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 35

Take the elevator up to the sixth floor at the Landmark Inn and find yourself face to face with the Marquette skyline and Lake Superior.

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS 800 BAY HARBOR DR., BAY HARBOR 231.439.2600 | GREATLAKESCFA.ORG MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 180 SEATED, 280 STANDING

The rooftop terrace offers an unforgettable view of Lake Michigan, portable bar service for events and 4,200 square feet of space.

DUFFY’S GARAGE AND GRILLE 317 E. LAKE ST., PETOSKEY 231.348.3663 | DUFFYSGARAGEANDGRILLE.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 35

You may come for the award-winning burger and beerbattered fries, but you’ll stay for the sweeping view of Little Traverse Bay.

BLU MOON BISTRO 125 S. JAMES ST., LUDINGTON 231.843.2001 | BLUMOONBISTRO.COM MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 80

This local hot spot is serving Japanese and French fusion cuisine in downtown Ludington. Pair the volcano sushi roll with lemongrass sake on the upper-level deck.

New Holland rum, Traverse City cherries, fresh mint, and Vernors come together in the signature cocktail: The Michigan Mojito. Pair with the oak-plank whitefish and the scenic view of the winding Pine River.

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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MEET HERE. PLAY HERE. RETREAT HERE. Bay Harbor Village Hotel and Conference Center is the prime Northern Michigan destination for your conference or meeting. With flexible spaces, customizable catering options, stunning views, world-class amenities, and a wide variety of seasonal events, it’s the perfect place to mix business with pleasure.

Come and enjoy the breathtaking views at our inviting condominium hotel or one of our charming rental homes. Relax and enjoy waterfront dining, shopping and soak in the amazing sunsets on Lake Michigan.

bayharborvillagehotel.com groups@bayharbor.com 888-bayharbor

Golf Course at Grand Traverse Resort

Maple Bay Natural Area

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

PHOTOS BY CARLY PASZEK (LEFT) & RACHEL WATSON (RIGHT)

TRAVERSE CITY

Grand Traverse Resort is the largest meetings destination in Northern Michigan, and offers the best of all worlds: a luxurious setting with a simultaneously relaxed atmosphere. “We smile at everybody in the halls,” says Public Relations Manager Jillian Manning. Grand Traverse Resort is a place where you can enjoy both your family and your colleagues—sometimes together. “We’re seeing more meeting guests bringing their families to the resort, so they can enjoy off-time from the conferences together,” says Manning, and Grand Traverse Resort staff makes sure both adults and kids have fun and relax. “You’re able to get so much more out of the experience when you can engage in a variety of ways and not just in the conference room,” says Manning.

WHO TO KNOW Director of Sales Ryan Buck has worked in the hospitality industry for almost 25 years at properties in Traverse City, Chicago, Miami Beach, and San Francisco, with the last five years at Grand Traverse Resort.

WHAT TO DO Onsite: Alongside their award-winning golf courses, spa, and dining, Grand Traverse Resort invites you to enjoy bonfires on the beach, fly fishing lessons, and an indoor water playground. Your event design manager works with you and your team to develop the kind of activities and experiences that will exactly fit the tone and scope of your meeting. In the past, some groups have even run 5Ks for charity and held group yoga classes on the beach.

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Offsite: Should you be interested in exploring, groups enjoy the resort’s assistance in navigating Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, winery tours, canoeing and kayaking, and the very popular kayak and brew tours, which are basically pub crawls on water! Grand Traverse Resort is adept at arranging activities, transportation options, and more. Staffers are happy to recommend specific vendors, restaurants, and destinations.

Off the beaten path: Maple Bay Farmhouse and Natural Area is a beautiful pocket of nature, preserved by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Located less than ten minutes from the Grand Traverse Resort, Maple Bay is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and Lake Michigan.

Depending on the season, visitors can hike, cross country ski, swim, or hunt.

HOT TIP Grand Traverse Resort’s newly renovated Governor’s Hall is able to comfortably host meetings of over 2,000 people. The hall is also equipped with new state-of-the-art technology for both sound and visual aids.

Find more things to do at MyNorth.com/TraverseCity

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THE ALL-NEW

25,000 square feet of remodeled space State-of-the-art Crestron® sound system Vibrant “lake effect” design theme New air walls and LED lighting Private meeting planner office All-new digital signage

MEETINGS MODERNIZED New look, long history. For over 30 years, Governors’ Hall at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has been Northern Michigan’s premier meeting destination. Newly renovated with updates to technology, services, and design—along with a brand-new meeting planner office—Governors’ Hall is ready for the future. See the transformation at grandtraverseresort.com/governorshall.

Owned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

The Best Way to Team Build

Brys Estate

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

How to create a group activity your crew will actually love? Find ways to bond in the fun and the sun, Up North, of course. Here are six sure bets.

Bryant Park

Boardman River

GRAB YOUR CLUBS Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls is home to two championship golf courses—the Alpine and the Monument. The Alpine offers beautiful views and strategically placed hazards while the Monument serves as an ode to golf ’s great course architects.

BOYNEMOUNTAIN.COM

At Bellaire’s Shanty Creek Resort, you can book “stay and play packages.” The resort’s four courses have received recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. SHANTYCREEK.COM If you’re heading to Gaylord, Treetops Resort has 1,500 green acres stretching as far as the eye can see.

Have a ball. TREETOPS.COM

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN (LEFT) & LYDIA MEJIA (RIGHT)

DO A PUB CRAWL TC Cycle Pub combines the best of beer and bikes.

Pedal a 14-passenger bike bar to some of Traverse City’s best breweries. (Smaller groups? The TC Circle Cycle seats four to six.) Each tour is two hours and starts and ends at the Filling Station. Want to be on the water? Check out Paddle for Pints. Whatever floats your boat! TCCYCLEPUB.COM; PADDLEFORPINTS.COM

GO ZIPLINING Wildwood Rush is home to Northern Michigan’s ultimate ziplining experience. The Boyne City attraction has more than 7,000 feet of zip lines and five

suspended sky bridges. Treat the team to views of Lake Charlevoix from the tree-top platforms, and you can race each other on the 1,200-foot racing zip line. It’s the only one of its kind in the Midwest with three parallel lines and speeds of over 40 miles per hour. WILDWOODRUSH.COM

DO A DIY FOODIE SCAVENGER HUNT Send teammates on a mission, then meet up at a public park for one amazing picnic feast using Northern Michigan ingredients. Maxbauer’s Meat Market in Traverse City has house-smoked brats, sausages, hot dogs, jerky—the goods. Head to Fustini’s for fresh oils and vinegars. Find artisan loaves at Bay Bread.

Pick up local smoked whitefish dip, beverages in a can, and produce at Burritt’s Fresh Market. Bryant Park at the base of TC’s Old Mission Peninsula has a picnic area, restrooms, charcoal grills, shady pines and a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach.

SIP WINE Select a few wineries and head out to Old Mission Peninsula for bay views and some of Northern Michigan’s finest wines. WINERIESOFOMP.COM

TAKE ‘EM OUT TO A BALL GAME As a member of the Northwoods League, the Traverse City Pit Spitters’ roster is full of top-tier prospects who will be drafted by Major League teams—it’s gonna be a good game! NORTHWOODSLEAGUE.COM

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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Meet where you love to play Four seasons and three resorts offer endless opportunities to meet, relax and restore in northern Michigan.

• Four-season playground • Quaint waterfront towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Boyne City • Flexible event space including team building venues

888.323.0898

• Lodging options from standard hotel rooms and spacious condominiums • Fully customizable catering menus and variety of restaurants

BOYNE.com/meetings

Groupsales2@boyne.com

Inn at Bay Harbor

Boyne Highlands

Boyne Resorts BOYNE COUNTRY

Detroit native Everett Kircher moved to Northern Michigan to build a ski resort in 1947, and from that moment, Boyne Resorts carved a niche, offering the very best in year-round sport and leisure experiences in the country. Today Boyne Resorts’ Michigan portfolio includes two premier mountain and golf resorts, Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, and the Inn at Bay Harbor.

“Because we are family owned, we are nimble and openminded,” says Matt Alagna, Michigan Director of Sales.

“Meeting and conference planners continue to look for new and exciting ways to enhance their attendees’ experience.

We are all about creating lasting memories at each Boyne Resort. We love when our planners tell us their attendees were happy because there is so much to do.”

PHOTOS BY RACHEL HAGGERTY

WHO TO KNOW Alagna is quick to credit staffers across the resorts. “Boyne is blessed to have many repeat customers at each of our resorts, they all love our staff. Many staff members have been with Boyne for many years—without question that is a strength.”

TOP IN TECH “We have upgraded our audiovisual equipment and services at Boyne Mountain, and we are proud to be partnering with Oncor AV for audiovisual and technology provisioning at Boyne Highlands and The Inn at Bay Harbor,” says Alagna.

EXPLORE THE PROPERTIES “Each of our resorts offers diverse opportunities, from spectacular Lake Michigan shorelines to world-class trout fishing to scenic chair rides with views of Northern Michigan

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that are breathtaking,” says Alagna. Add in beautiful accommodations, outstanding food and beverage quality, plus attentive and tenured service, and Boyne Resorts serves up a winning combination. » BOYNE HIGHLANDS AND BOYNE MOUNTAIN Find championship-caliber golf, the best in Midwest skiing, tennis, mountain biking and the popular zipline tours. (Guides make the experience fun for all—first-time riders and those more than ready to take the leap.) » INN AT BAY HARBOR “We take people outside and apologize for the view...”

Alagna jokes. Adirondack chairs, hammocks, and cabanas offer the perfect vantage point for enjoying the Lake Michigan shoreline and “million dollar” sunsets. Each of the Inn’s 115 rooms was newly renovated, and as an Autograph Collection resort, the Inn at Bay Harbor offers high-end service quality, and an intimate setting that’s phenomenal for smaller groups.

HOT TIP Up-and-coming performers, handpicked from across the nation, create unforgettable Broadway-style performances at Boyne each summer. The Young Americans Dinner Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1978, making Boyne Highlands a Michigan dinner theatre destination.

Find more things to do at MyNorth.com/Boyne

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain

Iron Fish Distillery

Crystal Mountain

PHOTOS BY COURTNEY JEROME (LEFT) & LYDIA MEJIA (RIGHT)

THOMPSONVILLE

What began as a small ski resort in the sixties has grown into a world-class, four-season destination featuring skiing, golf, and a luxury spa. Crystal Mountain is home to a variety of meeting spaces including classrooms, theaters, conference centers, and an outdoor amphitheater. Accomodations range from standard hotel rooms to private lodges for groups. The resort staff is eager to meet your every need, and makes a great effort to continually invest in the property. “We are continually updating our accommodations and public spaces,” says Vice President of Sales Arah Johnson. Choosing Crystal Mountain for your meeting or event means that all amenities will be in top condition.

WHO TO KNOW VP of Sales Arah Johnson (“Arah” sounds like “Sarah” without the S!). Johnson has been with Crystal Mountain for 22 years and is a true local. She will always point you and your group in the right direction.

WHAT TO DO “The recreation is almost endless,” says Johnson. Open all year, the resort provides extensive activities every day.

In the summertime, it’s trail hikes, mountain biking, swimming or lounging by the pool, golf, paintball, or scaling the 32-foot climbing wall. Wintertime activities are focused on the mountain itself with downhill skiing, snowboarding, and

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both cross country and skate skiing. You can also enjoy the spa, which is complete with steam spas and heated floors for relaxing inside on a cold day.

The Michigan Legacy Art Park is an onsite outdoor sculpture park open year round. Guests can take themselves on a guided tour of the art, attend one of the park’s many tours, or schedule a private tour. The park also includes a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that is a perfect spot for a memorable meeting. “It’s a truly special place,” says Johnson.

HOT TIP For those who enjoy their spirits—and a modern yet warm atmosphere—Iron Fish Distillery is just down the road from the resort. Iron Fish is the first farm distillery in Michigan, which means they actually grow and process grains on site.

Guests can take a tour of the distillery and enjoy tastings of whiskey, vodka, rum, gin (don’t miss the barrel-aged gin) cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and of course the peaceful farmstead views.

Find more things to do at MyNorth.com

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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Of fish, ponds & meetings.

You know about small fish and big ponds. Big fish swim nearby and danger lurks. There’s no such danger here. Your meeting will be in a pond of its own.

It will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and furnishings. So, you will be productive, your goals met, and your people happy.

And when you are ready for teambuilding, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is right outside our door. The viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America named it the Most Beautiful Place in America. You can bask in its beauty. Or you can golf or fish or shop or spa or enjoy galleries, vineyards, breweries, gourmet restaurants and so much more.

Go ahead. Be the big fish. We think you’ll like it.

Glen Arbor, MI 49636 | thehomesteadresort.com | 231 334 5300

Network Like a Pro Whether you are headed to an after-work event with a dozen colleagues or a conference with hundreds of attendees, it’s good to have some hot networking tips in your hip pocket. We went straight to an expert: Traverse City’s Allison Beers, who has almost 20 years of meetingplanning experience through her agency, Events North.

I read somewhere that networking is one letter away from not working.

Then, I laughed out loud. Seriously … with as many opportunities as there are out there to mix and mingle, grow your connections and pursue new friendships, there are just as many ways you can make these activities ineffective for your personal and professional growth.

Here are some of my favorite tips to make the most of your time and keep your networking encounters successful.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Many conferences have directories of attendees you can review in advance.

Are there exhibitors that you should meet who might help your business grow? Make a plan, put it in writing and seek out the people you would like to meet.

PHOTO COURTESY EVENTS NORTH

WHO SAYS WINGMEN (AND WOMEN) ARE JUST FOR BARS? Nothing gives you more confidence walking into a room of strangers than having a buddy along for the ride—a wingman, wingwoman or wingfriend.

The key is to establish the most important ground rule before you walk in the door: you two already know each other, if you find yourselves only talking to each other you must go make new friends together.

FRESHEN UP FIRST Take a few minutes to brush your teeth, eat a mint, comb your hair, buff up your shoes a little. You never know who you might meet that could be a future client or employer.

PLAN OF ATTACK MAKE NEW FRIENDS You’ve got your wingfriend, fresh breath and you’re ready to network. Now what?

Not everyone brings a wingman. Find the people who are alone, take your wingfriend and introduce yourselves. Then, after you are all well acquainted say to your new friend and wingfriend, “Let’s go make more friends.”

SLOW YOUR ROLL I know networking events always have amazing food, but it’s hard to make new friends while eating. If you can, grab a snack before or grab dinner afterward with your new friends. Take it easy on the beverages too.

SHAKE IT BABY, SHAKE IT Speaking of shaking hands… Your handshake is as important as anything else that you do. I know this sounds totally corny, but if you think you have a weak handshake, practice. Use a friend who won’t tease you too much for practicing.

Get in there with a good grip and make eye contact.

THE BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE Plan ahead for the placement of your business cards. You don’t want to be digging in the bottom of your purse or deep in a wallet, accidently have someone else’s card in front and almost hand that one out, or find one crammed in your pocket that looks like it might be the last one you own.

Take pride in your cards. When you leave, it will be your lasting impression on the people you meet.

1ST GRADE RULES AGAIN: INCLUDE EVERYONE Nothing makes others feel more excluded than walking up to a conversation where a few people are talking and the group continues to talk and doesn’t even acknowledge that you walked up.

The part that makes it weirder: the

Allison Beers moment when you have to decide if you just slowly walk away or stay there to continue to hear a story that has lasted 5-plus minutes and you still can’t catch on. So, it doesn’t matter who is talking. When someone new enters the conversation, make quick intros and get back to the super funny story about Aunt Becky’s cat.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU I know you want to tell your friends all about what you do, where you’re from, what your pets’ names are, but remember to ask questions about them as well.

Make sure the relationship is mutually beneficial for all who are networking.

PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN! If you want to catch up on email, stay at the office. If you’re at a networking event, nothing makes you more unapproachable than the sight of you looking down at your phone. Stash it away. If you need to check in on something, step away from the crowd.

FOLLOW UP Take the business cards you receive and right when you get home, write on the back of them. Facts that you learned, where you met them, possible opportunities, who you might be able to introduce them to, etc. If you had a great connection, send a follow up email, or stick a card in the mail saying you enjoyed getting to know them. Follow-up is just as important as making the connection.

Allison Beers is the owner of Events North, a meeting and event management agency headquartered in Traverse City and serving clients all over the country. Allison also travels the country as a public speaker with Put Your Phone Down! A Serious Yet Humorous Look at Business Etiquette.

MyNorth Meetings 2019 • MyNorth.com/Meetings

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the

Music House museum Connecting You with the Enduring Magic of Music

events • meetings • banquets

Contact us today for your next meeting, event, or special occasion 231-938-9300 www.musichouse.org

planning

a meeting in Northern Michigan?

Make the meeting more memorable.

Tuck a complimentary Vacation Guide into your guests’ welcome bags or hotel rooms.

Contact Erin Lutke, Erin@Mynorth.com to request copies.

Located in downtown Traverse City, Corner Loft possesses a 120 guest capacity, 3 large projection screens, WI-FI access and a modern rustic - chic vibe. Call for a tour today!

201 E FRONT ST • TRAVERSE CITY 231.883.9367 • CORNERLOFTTC.COM

View from Grand Hotel

State Park Shoreline

Grand Hotel MACKINAC ISLAND

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is a Michigan icon. While it’s commonly celebrated as a vacation spot for families, it also has a long history of hosting meetings. “It’s the backbone of our business,” says Managing Director Ken Hayward. In fact, there are some businesses that have continually met at the hotel for more than 90 years. Spending time at Grand Hotel is an experience guests are excited to share with their friends.

Staying with Grand Hotel means everything is taken care of as soon as you step off the ferry. Business groups are matched with a single convention manager who coordinates every aspect of the stay from reservations to meals.

Grand Hotel does more than accommodate. They provide an unforgettable setting no matter the size of your group.

A small gathering is easily elevated when held at the hotel’s Cupola Bar, and networking becomes a convivial and elegant experience out on the hotel’s historic porch. The hotel boasts 24,000 square feet of meeting space all under one roof. This is an historic setting ushering in a new, relaxed and inclusive era of meetings.

WHO TO KNOW Director of Sales Annie Farrell has been with Grand Hotel for more than 20 years. She’s your go-to for the ins and outs of the operation, and knows exactly who you should talk to.

WHAT TO DO Offsite: “Grand Hotel wouldn’t be Grand Hotel without Mackinac, and vice versa. We certainly don’t take that for

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granted and we love to play up the amenities of the island,” says Hayward. Eighty-five percent of Mackinac Island is part of the state park system, and it’s almost impossible to get lost—a great place to let kids be kids. Its many trails and secluded lakeside shores are the perfect place for a good trek by foot, bicycle, or horseback.

Off the beaten path: Woods Restaurant is a Bavarianthemed hideaway tucked into the interior of the island and approached via horse-drawn carriage. The restaurant is inside a quaint Tudor mansion steeped in rustic charm. Before their meal, guests are treated to freshly popped popcorn while enjoying a game at America’s oldest operating duckpin bowling alley.

Just for kids: Grand Hotel is eager to work with you to create unforgettable experiences for your employees and their families. For example, they are currently working with a medical group whose conference will include a “mini medical school” for children to learn about what their parents do at work all day.

Find more things to do at MyNorth.com/Mackinac

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Pictured Rocks NL

NORTHERN MICHIGAN AREA AIRPORTS Christmas Munising

Sault Ste. Marie Brimley

Newberry

75

Cherry Capital Airport 231.947.2250; tvcairport.com AIRLINES: Delta, United, American Airlines

Hessel Manistique

2

DAILY FLIGHTS TO: Chicago, Detroit Mackinac Island

Drummond YEAR-ROUND: Chicago, Detroit, Sarasota Island SEASONAL SERVICE: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Denver,

St. Ignace

LAKE HURON Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington Dulles,

Gladstone

anaba

LAKE MICHIGAN

Cheboygan

PELLSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT

MAP AREA

Pellston

Newark, New Jersey, New York LaGuardia CAR RENTALS: Avis (231.946.1222), Budget (231.947.3883), Enterprise (231.922.2800), Hertz (231.946.7051), National/Alamo (231.947.1560)

Harbor Springs

Petoskey Charlevoix GRAND TRAVERSE BAY Boyne City

Mt. Pleasant

Pellston Regional Airport 231.539.8441; pellstonairport.com

Northport Peshawbestown

131

AIRLINES: Delta Connections Gaylord

Suttons Bay

NUMBER OF DAILY FLIGHTS TO:

75

Traverse City Acme

31

Manistee

CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT-TVC

MANISTEE COUNTY BLACKER AIRPORT

Detroit: 2-4 daily (varies seasonally) Lewiston

Kalkaska

CAR RENTALS/TRANSPORTATION:

Avis (231.539.8302), Hertz (231.539.8404), Mackinaw Shuttle (231.539.7005)

Grayling

Manistee County Blacker Airport Houghton Lake

Cadillac

231.723.4351; flymanistee.com AIRLINES: PublicCharters/North Country Sky NUMBER OF DAILY FLIGHTS TO:

Service to Chicago Midway CAR RENTALS/TRANSPORTATION:

Mowry Rental (231.723.4351)

Ludington

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Bay Harbor Village Hotel

Crystal Mountain

The Homestead

MyNorth Vacation Guides

(page 6) 888-bayharbor bayharborvillagehotel.com

(page 14) 855.734.1379 crystalmountain.com

(page 16) 231.334.5300 thehomesteadresort.com

(page 18) 800.836.0717 mynorth.com

Black Star Farms

The Ellison Place

Hotel Indigo

(page 2) 231.944.1258 blackstarfarms.com

(Inside Back Cover) 989.448.7575 miellisonplace.com

(page 2) 231.932.0500 hotelindigo.com/TraverseCityMI

Park Place Hotel & Convention Center

Boyne Mountain Resort

Grand Hotel

Mission Point

(page 12) 888.323.0898 boyne.com/meetings

(Back Cover) 517.349.4600 grandhotel.com/meetings

(Inside Front Cover) 906.430.4561 missionpoint.com

The Corner Loft

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

The Music House Museum

(page 18) 231.883.9367 cornerlofttc.com

(page 8-9) 800.748.0303 grandtraverseresort.com

(page 18) 231.938.9300 musichouse.org

(page 6) 231.946.5000 park-place-hotel.com

M ake Your Meeting grand

Our Complete Meeting Package includes accommodations, a full breakfast and dinner daily, meeting rooms, AV equipment, Wi-Fi, coffee breaks and a dedicated convention manager.

Plus, book 15 or more rooms and also receive: • One complimentary guest room • One welcome amenity • Half-price golf on The Jewel • A 45-minute evening reception to include beer, wine, champagne and light hors d’oeuvres For rates and other availability, contact: Director of Sales, Annie Farrell afarrell@grandhotel.com • 517-349-4600

1-800-33GRAND • g r an dhote l. com