{"id":468,"date":"2009-05-19T00:02:47","date_gmt":"2009-05-19T00:02:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shutterbooth.wordpress.com\/?p=468"},"modified":"2009-09-09T14:38:56","modified_gmt":"2009-09-09T18:38:56","slug":"michigan-meetings-and-events-magazine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shutterbooth.com\/photo-booth-rental-detroit\/2009\/05\/19\/michigan-meetings-and-events-magazine\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Meetings and Events Magazine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shutterbooth is proud to have been a part of Michigan Meetings + Events<\/em>, the premier magazine for meetings and events professionals working in Michigan. \u00a0 They\u00a0 set a new record this year, casting more votes than ever before. \u00a0\u00a0 So give yourself a pat on the back for being the best at caring enough about Michigan\u2019s meeting and event industry to recognize these outstanding individuals and companies.\u00a0 Congratulations to their winners listed below!Editor’s Picks:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nWATERFRONT VENUE
\nMackinac Island<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nNEW ATTRACTION
\nVillage at Grand Traverse Commons<\/strong>
\nThe project is only at the halfway mark, but the Village at Grand Traverse Commons is already a hit with meeting planners. A growing number of restaurants, shops and other businesses are literally giving the former mental hospital a new lease on life and new options for planners. \u201c[Planners] want to do dinner at Trattoria Stella and take people shopping in the Mercato,\u201d says Mike Norton, head of media relations for the Traverse City CVB. \u201cDefinitely, it\u2019s become a big part of the mix.\u201d (Traverse City, www.thevillagetc.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nNEW GREEN VENUE
\nMind Body & Spirits
\n<\/strong>Greening your event still takes a little extra work (although the results are so worth it), so when a venue like Mind Body & Spirits comes along, it makes going green that much easier. From the ground up\u2014actually, below the ground, as the building is heated and cooled by a geothermal system\u2014the restaurant is a lesson in sustainability. The cuisine is healthy, as local as resources currently allow and all over the map. On and off-premise catering available. (Rochester, 248.651.3663, www.mindbodyspirits.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nOUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLIER
\nBig Bear Adventures<\/strong>
\nPlanners tell me they\u2019re always looking for post-meeting recreation ideas and I love what Big Bear has to offer: Four seasons of great outdoor activities accessible to just about anyone in a group. Depending on experience (and willingness to get wet), you can canoe, raft, tube, kayak or \u201ccat\u201d (catamaran) down the Sturgeon River at very reasonable rates. In the wintertime, rent cross country skis or snowshoes, or enjoy a guided winter raft trip. Bundle up and go with the flow! (Indian River, 231.238.8181, www.bigbearadventures.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Readers’ Choice Winners:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nAUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATION PROVIDER
\nKLA Laboratories<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Schmaltz Productions, City Animation
\nKLA Laboratories celebrates the company\u2019s 80th anniversary in business this year, but the only thing vintage about KLA is their dedication to quality, service and safety. If you\u2019ve attended a conference at the Lansing Center, a Pistons game at the Palace (the loudest arena in the U.S. thanks to KLA) or stayed at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, you\u2019ve seen and heard their work. In addition to audio-visual installations, they offer event production support and rentals, too. (Dearborn, 313.846.3800, www.klalabs.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nSERVICE
\nThe Henry Ford
\n<\/strong>Runners up:<\/em> Boyne Highlands Resort, The Inn at Bay Harbor
\nAt The Henry Ford, it really does take a village\u2014double entendre fully intended here\u2014to give the kind of service that makes an event successful, from the first person you meet to staff not-so-behind the scenes. Volunteer Rose Siwak is a good example (you might find her answering questions in one of the Village gardens). \u201cWe serve the visitors as if they are our family,\u201d says Siwak, \u201cby sharing our knowledge and skills in a friendly, pleasant and fun way.\u201d (Dearborn, 313.982.6220, www.thehenryford.org<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nFLORIST
\nViviano Flower Shop<\/strong>
\nRunners up<\/em>: Blumz by JRDesigns, The Flower Company
\nThe presence of fresh flowers at a meeting or event signals that you\u2019re attending something special. Understanding what it takes to deliver that special touch made Viviano\u2019s a winner. \u201cCorporate meetings and events are all unique,\u201d says Senior Account Executive Mike Czaja. \u201c[The] work is often much more involved than just floral work. We\u2019ll do whatever is necessary to get the job done.\u201d (St. Clair Shores\/Shelby Township\/ Chesterfield Township, 800.VIVIANO, www.viviano.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nECO-FRIENDLY SUPPLIER
\nFord Rouge Factory Tour<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Grand Traverse Resort, Sysco
\nA tour of the Gold LEED-certified Ford Rouge Factory is an education in green innovation, from the \u201cWorld\u2019s Largest Living Roof\u201d overhead to the air tempering system. Morning, all-day and evening private event packages featuring the five-part tour are available to groups of up to 1,350 guests. \u201cCocktails and hors d\u2019oeuvres served way up on the observation deck in the evening is stunning,\u201d says Amy Cox, director of event sales at The Henry Ford. (Dearborn, 313.982.6220, www.thehenryford.org<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nRESORT
\nBoyne Mountain
\n<\/strong>Runners up:<\/em> Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
\nSkiing, splashing and sliding, golf and a whole lot more. But this is what readers remember: \u201cWhen it came time to plan the Team Leader Retreat for Graff [Chevrolet of Bay City] last year I called Steven [Scribner],\u201d writes Lisa Kusey-Rechsteiner. \u201cSteven initiated everything and got the ball rolling\u2026Our group was treated so well that I decided to have my Team Leader Retreat for the Magic Bean Cafe at Boyne as well.\u201d (Boyne Falls, 800.TO. BOYNE, www.boyne.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nCASINO
\nOdawa Casino Resort<\/strong>
\nRunners up<\/em>: MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino
\nMaybe they should go back to calling it Victories. Odawa Casino Resort (formerly Victories) edged out two heavyweights in a very tight race. Odawa\u2019s sleek O zone nightclub and its \u201cparty pods\u201d make it a northern Michigan standout, as does Sage, the casino\u2019s fine dining establishment. The 137-room hotel recently earned a three-diamond rating from AAA. Odawa also offers 19,000 square feet of meeting space, but what online reviewers frequently mention is the friendly and helpful staff. (Petoskey, 877.442.6464 ext. 8086, www.odawacasino.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nHOTEL WITH MEETING SPACE (Less than 200 guest rooms)
\nThe Inn at Bay Harbor<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> The Townsend Hotel, Cherry Tree Inn and Suites
\nPart of the Boyne property family, the Inn at Bay Harbor\u2014A Renaissance Golf Resort, has been earning well-deserved notice of its own. In 2008, the Inn\u2019s 10th anniversary, it made the list of the 500 World\u2019s Best Hotels and was awarded Silver Medal Status by Golf magazine. The scenery, inside and out, is stunning, but even the most beautiful venue will disappoint without good service. So take note: The Inn at Bay Harbor consistently ranks in the top five of customer satisfaction surveys for all Renaissance Resorts. (Bay Harbor, 800.862.6963, www.innatbayharbor.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nCONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
\nTraverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
\nCVBs are a welcome mat, one-stop shop and invaluable source of information and support for planners. This year the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCCVB) earned the top spot with voters like Bernadette Droste of the Michigan Dental Association. \u201cThe staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful,\u201d says Droste. \u201cQuality, promptness and courtesy all are important to me, and they are obviously important to the TCCVB too.\u201d (800.TRAVERSE, www.visittraversecity.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nNEW VENUE (Opened within last year)
\nTIE: Great Wolf Lodge<\/strong>, Westin Book Cadillac Detroit<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Flat 151 and Wilderness Crossings, Doubletree Suites Fort Shelby
\n– The Great Wolf Lodge\u2019s (pictured left) new conference center addition clearly made a splash with readers. To keep business separate from pleasure (that would be the waterpark, arcade, mini golf course and MagiQuest), the center has a dedicated entrance and includes a ballroom, 13 meeting rooms, a pre-function area, audio-visual and high-speed Internet access. (Traverse City, 231.941.3600, www.greatwolf.com\/traverse<\/a>)
\n– Since its $200 million renovation debuted last fall, the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit has been one of the city\u2019s best ambassadors, reminding Auto Show journalists and other guests of past glory, present success and hopefully a brighter future. For planners, it\u2019s a reminder that venues dressed to impress\u2014those gorgeous ballrooms, the stately boardrooms\u2014 still awe attendees. (Detroit, 313.442.1600, www.bookcadillacwestin.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nHOTEL WITH MEETING SPACE (More than 200 guest rooms)
\nRitz-Carlton, Dearborn<\/strong>
\nRunners up<\/em>: Boyne Mountain, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
\nI had the opportunity to attend a cooking class and dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn recently. It served as a reminder what a classy place it is. The ladies and gentlemen of the Ritz know that every point of contact counts, from a welcoming \u201cGlad you\u2019re coming, looking forward to seeing you\u201d e-mail to the friendly restroom attendant. But what struck me most is I didn\u2019t feel like I was at a hotel\u2014it felt more like someone\u2019s beautiful, gracious home. You will too. (Dearborn, 313.441.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nCATERER
\nForte Belanger<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Quality Kosher Catering, GrandView Catering
\nForte Belanger remains at the top of their game when it comes to catering. Creative, high-quality cuisine is only part of the equation. \u201cI know (clients) will be taken care of with superior service and attention to every detail,\u201d says Heather Monaghan, event coordinator at the GM Heritage Center. \u201cIt really goes beyond their amazing cuisine. John Forte\u2019s team ensures that each of their events is a memorable experience for the guests.\u201d (Troy, 248.288.3300, www.fortebelanger.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMEETING\/EVENT VENUE, No Hotel (in Detroit Metro Area)
\nThe Henry Ford<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> GM Heritage Center, Rock Financial Showplace
\nThe Henry Ford has been a perennial winner in multiple categories since we launched Michigan\u2019s Best of Awards in 2005, and here\u2019s why. \u201cI [voted for] The Henry Ford because of their unique venues and the excellent service given to an event planner by their staff,\u201d says Julianne Joseph, head of corporate development for White Construction. \u201cThe Henry Ford exudes professionalism in everything they do, and they make sure that all of a client\u2019s needs are met and exceeded.\u201d (Dearborn, 313.982.6220, www.thehenryford.org<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMEETING\/EVENT VENUE, No Hotel (outside Detroit Metro Area)
\nLansing Catering<\/strong>
\nRunners up<\/em>: Hagerty Center, DeVos Place
\nSpartan Chassis Inc. holds a Fire Truck Training Conference at the Lansing Center every August. \u201cTheir attention to detail and swift response time is what we need for our conference and that is what we get year after year,\u201d says Shows, Events and Promotional Strategist Andrea Hussey. If the Lansing Center\u2019s response time can please fire truck technicians, imagine how satisfied your group will be. And that\u2019s not all. \u201cThe facilities are impeccably clean,\u201d Hussey notes. (Lansing, 517.483.7400, www.lansingcenter.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nTEAMBUILDING VENUE\/FACILITATOR
\nCamp Daggett Adventure Center<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Brook Lodge, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
\nA beautiful log lodge, 100-plus acres of forest and 1,400 feet of Walloon Lake frontage provide the background scenery for corporate teambuilding programs at Camp Daggett. Full and half day packages utilizing ropes courses and problem solving activities can be customized to your groups\u2019 schedule and needs. Weather uncooperative? The camp has a nearly 5,820-square-foot Indoor Adventure Activity Center with the same elements. (Petoskey, 231.347.9742, www.campdaggett.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nRESTAURANT WITH PRIVATE DINING
\nAndiamo<\/strong>
\nRunners up<\/em>: Big Rock Chophouse, Opus One. TraVino Traverse Wine and Grille
\nIt\u2019s not too surprising readers came up with Andiamo for this category, considering that the majority of their 11 locations offer private dining. Want a waterfront venue for a small group? Try Andiamo St. Clair Shores Lakefront or Andiamo Detroit Riverfront. Holding a banquet for 1,000? You\u2019ll want Andiamo Warren. While each location has a distinct personality and atmosphere, they all have something in common: great Italian food. (www.andiamoitalia.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nGOLF VENUE
\nBoyne Highlands<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Red Run Golf Club
\nThe Golf Channel\u2019s \u201cBig Break X: Michigan\u201d shot at Boyne Highlands Resort last year, showcasing the resort\u2019s 72 holes of championship golf. Best of voters already know Boyne Highlands is one of Michigan\u2019s crown jewels of golf: this is the second hole-in-one for the resort in this category. Follow in the TV series\u2019 competitors spikes with a Big Break package for the golfers in your group or just take advantage of the complimentary nine-hole par three. (Harbor Springs, 800.TO.BOYNE, www.boyne.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMEETING\/EVENT PLANNING COMPANY
\nDestination Michigan<\/strong>
\nRunners up<\/em>: Special D Events, Planit Michigan
\nBecause their now four-time Best of award-winning services aren\u2019t limited to just northern Michigan, last year Meetings Up North became Destination Michigan. Whatever you call them, they\u2019ve earned the recognition. Just some of the testamonials: \u201cMost dedicated team I ever worked with.\u201d \u201cFrom beginning to end, the professionals at Destination Michigan exceeded our expectations.\u201d \u201cYou guys are the BEST!!!!\u201d We couldn\u2019t have said it better. (Traverse City, 866.876.6784, www.destinationmi.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nENTERTAINMENT (Band, DJ, entertainer, etc.)
\nMike Staff Productions
\n<\/strong>Runners up:<\/em> Maggie McCabe, Mega 80s
\nYour trusty editor is a writer, not a public speaker, so I was happy to hand over the microphone to a professional DJ at Michigan Meetings + Events\u2019 <\/em>2008 Best of Awards gala. Kurt Colone from Mike Staff Productions was the hit of the party; having him back again was a given. He\u2019s a great example of the quality service, talent and ability available through Mike Staff Productions and how their expertise can take your event to the next level. Readers agree, evidently. (Troy, 248.689.0777, www.mikestaff.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nRENTAL SERVICE PROVIDER
\nSpecial Events Rental<\/strong>
\nRunners up:<\/em> Art Craft Display, Taylor Rental Center\/Party Plus
\nSpecial Events Rental recently made its Hollywood debut\u2014their truck rolls through the closing credits of Clint Eastwood\u2019s Gran Torino<\/em>. But readers have already made Special Events Rental a star, designating them the best a second time. \u201cSpecial Events Rentals is a forward thinking rental company that strives to fulfill their clients’ needs,\u201d says Natalie Matovski, lead designer at Forte Belanger. \u201cWe are proud to have them as a partner.\u201d (Warren, 586.755.0000, www.specialeventsrental.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shutterbooth is proud to have been a part of Michigan Meetings + Events, the premier magazine for meetings and events professionals working in Michigan. \u00a0 They\u00a0 set a new record this year, casting more votes than ever before. \u00a0\u00a0 So give yourself a pat on the back for being the best at caring enough about…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-7","category-blog"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t