5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It

Did you know Traverse City stands on the same longitude as France’s Bordeaux and Italy’s Piedmont regions? Considering the status of these regions for their outstanding wines, it’s no surprise that Traverse City is celebrated for its wines too. The Traverse Wine Coast has nearly 50 different wineries. Take your group on a guided tour either aboard a shuttle or a bike, or gather at a winery.

During Chicago Restaurant Week, diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus from participating restaurants—of which there were a record-breaking 500+ in 2025. If you want to treat your attendees to the 2026 edition, now is the time to start planning your Chicago meeting.

Cedar Rapids is celebrated for its art scene—and it’s no wonder, having been the home of celebrated American Regionalist artist Grant Woods. Remember American Gothic? You can see Grant Wood’s home and the studio where he painted it at Grant Wood Studio, which is a member of Historic Artists Homes and Studios, a National Trust for Historic Preservation program.

Get the best of Oklahoma City’s vibrant charm and energy at Bricktown, a revitalized downtown warehouse district. Hop aboard the Bricktown water taxi—you can even bring your event aboard for a dinner cruise or private charter and enjoy scenic views as an expert guide narrates the history of the canal.

A visit to Cleveland isn’t complete without taking some time to walk through music history at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Get up close to iconic relics like a pair of John Lennon’s glasses and rock out on real instruments and learn to play famous songs. Even better, the museum can accommodate private events ranging in size from 20 to 20,000 attendees.

5 Places to Meet & Stay

OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is in a new district near downtown and offers all the makings for a stand-out Oklahoma City event: a conference center, over a dozen food and beverage outlets, unique programming and live music, and, of course, an indoor water park and outdoor adventure lagoon.

26,676 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; 404 guest rooms

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is one of Michigan’s largest resorts and offers an experience suited for every taste. It features three championship golf courses, a private beach club, the Gallery of Shops, and accommodations ranging from a 17-story glass tower to private resort homes.

Over 86,500 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including 30,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space; 600 guest rooms

DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex brings DoubleTree meetings to new heights, not only because of its 16-story height. Directly connected to Alliant Energy PowerHouse Convention Center and Arena, its location places guests right in the heart of downtown and steps from top attractions.

80,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; 267 guest rooms

The historic Hotel Cleveland brings the city’s storied history to life while infusing modern-day sophistication. The recently renovated Marriott Autograph Collection property is connected to Rocket Mortgage Field House via Tower City, and with guest room and interior design inspired by the city’s illustrious industrial past.

59,888 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; 491 guest rooms

Hyatt Regency Chicago is top-tier for meetings, having just recently debuted a $150 million renovation and standing in the heart of downtown. The AAA Four Diamond hotel is connected to the Illinois Center and within walking distance from major attractions like the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Theatre District, and Museum Campus.

Over 240,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; 2,032 guest rooms