Why Pick Southwest Michigan for Your Events

Looking for the perfect spot for your next meeting, team event, or celebration? Look no further! Sarah Steffens, our marketing coordinator and group sales specialist, is your go-to guide for why Southwest Michigan should top your list. Her enthusiasm and insider knowledge will win you over. We recently asked Sarah to share her top tips and insights to help make your planning a breeze.

Meet Your Dedicated Event Planning Partner

Q: Tell us about you and why you joined the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council.

A: I was born on the East side of Michigan and grew up in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. This gave me a broader perspective on what different areas of the country offer to meeting and special occasion planners. I attended Central Michigan University where I earned a B.A. degree in Art Education. One of my artistic passions is photography. I have professionally attended many weddings and special events, which gives me a deeper understanding of what matters to planners and what memorable experiences the hosts and guests want. These are not just one-day events, they are lifetime stories. 

When the marketing and group sales position came up at the Tourist Council in 2022, I had over 15 years of experience working with tourists. The job description made me incredibly excited. I lived in South Haven and saw how the Tourist Council promoted the region’s attractions and experiences. It was fresh and fun. The opportunity to be part of that thrilled me. I knew this position was a perfect fit for me and I am so glad the team saw that too. 

Q: How does your approach to assisting meeting or wedding celebration planners stand out from others?

A: I offer two things that most planners look for when selecting a destination and organizing an event. First, I listen and take the time to engage with them so they feel comfortable telling me as much as they can about what type of experience they want to create for their attendees or guests. For some, this is their first time planning an event and they want more than anything to make it the best anyone has attended. For others, they are well-versed in the planning game. They want it to be better, to attract more attendees, avoid glitches, and get great reviews. 

I listen to what they say but also help them share what’s in their hearts. 

Second, I am an idea person. I know this area and all it offers for small meetings and conventions, c-suite and sales rep retreats, family reunions, weddings, sports team tournaments, and group vacations. I can make suggestions, provide itineraries, look into how we can meet special requests, and save you valuable research time. You will breathe easier after we meet. 

Tailor Your Event to Your Vision and Budget

Q: How do you balance planners’ expectations with their budget limitations?

A: I encourage planners to share their vision with me, no matter the budget. In Southwest Michigan, we offer a wide range of venues and attractions without the hefty price tags of larger metropolitan areas — though we can absolutely provide luxurious options if that’s what you’re looking for. Once you share your “dream” meeting or celebration, we will work together to align it with your budget. Thanks to my close relationships with venues, caterers, restaurants and pubs, vendors, and attractions, I can uncover opportunities you might not have thought possible. You can trust our team to deliver beyond your expectations while staying within budget, ensuring you feel confident about every dollar spent.

Present Remarkable Experiences in a Breathtaking Setting

Q: Why should you meet or celebrate special occasions in Southwest Michigan?

A: This is an incredible natural destination far from the fast pace and congestion of the big cities. You and your attendees will love Lake Michigan’s wide-open beaches and dunes, the scenic vineyards and orchards, tranquil forests and trails, the quaint resort towns, and enriching arts and culture. Here, you do not have to settle for traditional meeting or event sites. Our out-of-the-ordinary venues intrigue and attract attendees. Beyond modern waterfront conference centers and hotels, imagine gathering at a historic theater, rustic farm, artsy winery, beach pavilion, championship golf course, or secluded retreat. There are so many exciting possibilities!

Our accommodations handle up to 1,500 people, but our sweet spot is 5 to 275. On-site managers will help keep your gathering running smoothly, providing the audio/visual equipment, Wi-Fi and live-streaming you need. Most venues have free parking and all are near lodgings, team-building activities and entertainment. 

Elevate Your Team with Engaging Activities

Q: How can planners incorporate team-building or recreational activities into their events?

A: Wow! Where do I start? One of the top reasons to meet or hold celebrations in Southwest Michigan is the abundance of ways to strengthen bonds, fortify relationships, boost morale, and deepen trust and respect. In our warmer months, I often suggest spending time on the beach, if for no other reason than watching a spectacular sunset. When it matches your group’s interest, I may toss out doing a sandcastle or sand sculpture contest or beach volleyball games. 

Nearly always, I suggest visiting the local craft wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries along our Makers Trail. This is the Napa Valley of the Midwest, offering a fun variety of tasting and touring experiences — some are even within walking distance of each other. I encourage your attendees and their traveling companions to download the Southwest Michigan app so they can start earning cool prizes between the fall and spring with the Makers Trail passport. You can suggest attendees take three other prize-earning challenges to introduce them to more of our nature, arts, and culture while they are here.

If you want to push your team’s limits, they can throw axes, cable wakeboard, or mountain bike down white-knuckle mountain bike trails. Solidify your team’s cooperation skills by raising the sails on a replica 1810 sloop or pedaling a cycle boat. Stretch their imaginations gazing into the universe at one of only three International Dark Sky Parks in Michigan. 

For bonding options, paddle scenic rivers, tour a century-old lighthouse, harvest fruits and vegetables, take your team golfing or fishing, or try a cooking or glass-art class. 

Visit our team-building and itineraries pages for more inspiring ideas and unforgettable experiences. They will help bring your most disparate groups closer. 

Go to Must-See Places and Do Exciting Things Together

Q: With so many choices, please share your must-see places and must-do activities.

Favorite year-round park, nature preserve, or hiking trail

I highly recommend Warren Dunes State Park. It offers water sports, dune hiking, sand boarding and, in the winter, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing. You can climb the giant dunes for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and when the atmospheric conditions are just right, you can see Chicago’s skyline or the Northern Lights. This is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. 

Favorite family or group restaurant: 

I have many favorites, but I will highlight Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph. It is very family- and group-friendly, serving a variety of pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and salads to meet everyone’s tastes and dietary needs. Those with kids along will be happy that you can watch the freight and passenger trains rumble by from your table. The wait staff also brings balls of pizza dough to play with while waiting for the fresh-from-the-oven pizzas to arrive. Adults like the beverage menu and the frosty schooners of beer. Before or after your meal, you are within steps of downtown St. Joseph, the Silver Beach Carousel, the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone hands-on museum, the seasonal Whirlpool Compass Fountain splash pad (it’s free) and Silver Beach County Park — to name a few. 

Sarah and Our Team Are Ready to Help You Plan the Best Events Ever

To explore what Southwest Michigan offers for your next meeting or celebration, contact Sarah Steffens. She is ready to listen and share ideas to help you customize one of your most successful and highest-rated events. If you already know what you need but want help putting it together or to get hotel room bids, give us the details on our online Group Planner. 

We can’t wait for you to meet with us!