Escape to Winter Haven – Meetings + Events

Planners looking for generally lower prices and a party that keeps attendees warm from all over might consider hosting a winter meeting at one of Michigan’s winter havens. Activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, skiing and sledding are often part of the itinerary this time of year, and can be experienced in a completely different way with campfires and hot chocolate and a heated outdoor pool or hot tub. When the temperatures are cooler, long meetings at these venues become even more relaxing with the addition of spa services.

“Generally speaking, at resorts, the rates are lower when the kids are in school,” said Arah Johnson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Thompsonville. “Some of the best prices all year are at mid-week in the winter and you have the advantage of still having plenty of activities and shows.”
Weekends attract Crystal Mountain continuing medical education programs (during which many participants bring their families with them), while midweeks focus more on corporate and team-building activities and association education events, Johnson said. Winter experiences here might include a Surrey Carriage Tour that includes a bonfire, or vice versa. The Crystal Mountain Hotel offers discounted lift tickets for groups and can arrange spa treatments.

In Gaylord, a similar winter wonderland awaits planners and attendees at Treetops Resort. Here, dog sledding, tubing and guided headlamp tours are included, along with skiing, snowboarding, sledding and spa services. “People really value being outdoors and having fun and having fun,” said Mike Flynn, Director of Sales at Treetops Resort. He noted that planners can take advantage of team-building opportunities at resorts and other ways to encourage camaraderie outside of the meeting agenda.

Boyne Resorts in lower northwest Michigan offers three properties for winter gatherings: Boyne Mountain Resort, The Highlands and The Inn at Bay Harbor , you can buy out the hotel. Brie Woodhouse, director of sales at Boyne Resorts, said that because of the heavy weekend ski business, midweek sessions are best suited to the first two, although medical sessions on Saturday and Sunday work well. At Boyne Resorts, planners can purchase gift cards that let attendees choose their own adventure—from zip lining and spa services to skiing and tubing. At Boyne Mountain Resort, planners can also arrange for an after-hours buyout of its water park.

At The Homestead in Glen Arbor, attendees can enjoy winter activities such as fat-tire biking, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing. Scheduling a spa session is another option that works well in cold weather. “If you want to go out and do team bonding or strategic planning, we certainly have a great place to do that,” said James Kuras, Homestead vice president.

The Island Resort & Casino in Harris, near Escanaba on the Upper Peninsula, can accommodate approximately 650 attendees for conferences and has 454 hotel rooms guest room. The facility is undergoing a $19 million expansion of its meeting space to accommodate larger groups. Player services manager Robin Bourdeau said those who come to Island Resort and Casino for conferences may also enjoy the many outdoor activities offered in the area. There are several ski resorts nearby, as well as trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing. The resort also offers a full-service spa, water park, and adults-only saltwater pool and whirlpool for relaxing at the end of the day.

Some groups choose quieter locations, such as Garden Grove Retreat & Lodging, also in the Upper Peninsula. The former Catholic retreat center is now an Airbnb-style accommodation that hosts retreats and events, said event coordinator Nicole Young Potvin. The hotel has 37 guest rooms and an apartment with additional gathering space and kitchen. “We’ve had companies bring their private retreats to us, or have board meetings, things like that,” Young Potvin said. In addition to traditional winter activities like cross-country skiing, Garden Grove also contracts with local professionals for massage services or yoga classes. In addition to the backyard bonfire, there is a peaceful medieval-style maze for attendees to wander and collect their thoughts.

The Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center on Drummond Island, about three hours east, is also a quiet venue for meetings and leisure events, with its banquet and event space and Pins Bar and Grill, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. The resort has carefully crafted golf cart trails suitable for cross-country skiing, and there are also snowshoe trails for attendees to enjoy. Nicole Robinson, general manager of Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center, said that while the resort’s meeting spaces and outdoor events are very inviting, it’s its tranquil atmosphere that makes winter events special. “That’s the sheer beauty of it,” she said. “It’s very quiet and peaceful here.”

Boyna Resort Website
crystal mountain website
drummondisland.com
gardengroveretreat.com
thehomesteadresort.com
islandresortandcasino.com
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