O F F I C I A L B I D P R O P O S A L P R E S E N T E D T O
PREPARED BY THE TRAVERSE CI TY CONVENTI ON & VI SI TORS BUREAU
Hof Reunion Association The 2015 Annual Hof Reunion
2 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome! ........2 Air Access ....3 Driving Distances ..4 Hotels .....5 Hotel Details ...6 Accolades ..7 Attractions ..8-9 Sleeping Bear Dunes ....10 Dining ...11 Wineries ..12 Microbreweries/Distilleries ...13 Arts & Culture ..14 Outdoor Recreation ..15 Championship Golf .....16 Unique Venues ..17-18 Convention Services ..19 Contact Information .....20
3 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 WELCOME! We welcome you to Traverse City, a gem on the Northeast coast of Lake Michigan. Our locaton on the 45th Parallel midway between the North Pole and the equator provides us with four distnct seasons, making Traverse City a year-round destnaton for tourists and business travelers, alike. To beter acquaint the Hof Reunion Associaton with our community, we have some compiled some highlights about what makes Traverse City stand apart from the crowd, including farm-to-table culinary experiences, breathtaking hilltop wineries, charming downtown shops, home-grown microbreweries, a thriving arts community, and of course the stunning natural beauty of a freshwater paradise. In additon to our regions natural beauty and charm, Traverse City ofers outstanding meetng facilites. This winning combinaton is why we say, Dont just meet inspire!
Should you choose to host your 2015 Annual Hof Reunion in Traverse City, we are confdent you will leave feeling refreshed, invigorated and yes inspired! 2
4 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 ACCESSI BI LI T Y TRAVERSE CITYS CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT is a full-service commercial airport ofering major airline service to 300 domestc and internatonal destnatons. SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY American Airlines, United Express and Delta Airlines and is ofered through hubs in Detroit, Chicago and Minneapolis, as well as seasonal direct service to New York, Atlanta and Denver. CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT is conveniently located three miles from downtown and minutes from hotel and resort propertes. 3
5 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 FOR THOSE DRIVING TO TRAVERSE CITY, we are less than a days drive from 9 major Eastern cites, including: Chicago, 5 hours Cincinnat, 8 hours Cleveland, 7 hours Detroit, 4 hours Ft. Wayne, 5.5 hours Indianapolis, 7.5 hours Lansing, 3 hours Milwaukee, 7.5 hours Sault Ste. Marie, 3 hours Toronto, 8 hours DRI VI NG DI STANCE 4
6 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 HOTELS AN ENVIABLE BLEND of urban sophistcaton and small-town charm makes Traverse City the ideal destnaton for business travelers. WHETHER HOSTING large conventons, mid- sized meetngs or small corporate retreats, we ofer an eclectc mix of lodging and meetng venues that will ensure a successful and inspiratonal experience. SELECT FROM full-service resorts, down- town hotels, vineyard chateaux, historic B&Bs, or sprawling waterfront retreats. TRAVERSE CITY has nearly 5,000 guest rooms in all. FOR the Hof Reunion Associatons 2015 Annual Reunion in September of 2015, 4 Trav- erse City area propertes have responded with detailed informaton that matches your requirements. The following page outlines each propertys specifc capabili- tes, as well as additonal unique venues that ft your meetng/event requirements. 5
7 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 HOTEL DETAI LS The Annual Hof Reunion September 2015 HOTEL/ RESORT GUEST ROOM RATE* Resort Fee Hospitality Suite On-site Dining Banquet Facilites Fitness Facilites Great Wolf Lodge $79 $9.99
Complimentary
Yes Yes Yes Park Place Hotel
$119.95 No Complimentary Yes Yes Yes 6 Great Wolf Lodge 280 all-suites, northwoods-themed rooms. A full service, log cabin-style resort, close to downtown and area atractons. Featuring a 10,000 sq. f. conference center for groups up to 300 people, and Aveda concept spa/salon, 2 themed restaurants, Dunkin Donuts, a con- fectonary and large gif shop. All suites in- clude TV, microwave, mini-refrigerator, cofee maker, iron/ironing board and hair dryer.
Park Place Hotel 140 warmly appointed rooms & suites. Lo- cated in the heart of downtown Traverse City, ofering fabulous view of the Grand Traverse region and minutes away from area atractons.. Rich in history, this elegant ho- tel is steps from downtown shops, restau- rants, nightlife and beaches with over 12,000 sq. f. of meetng space, an award winning restaurant and 2 lounges on site.
8 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 ACCOLADES Top 10 Summer Trips for 2012 Natonal Geographic The Most Beautful Place in America: Sleeping Bear Dunes Natonal Lakeshore Good Morning America Viewers Top 5 Foodie Town in America Bon Appett Top 10 Place to Enjoy Local Wines USA Today Top 3 Emerging Beer Towns in the U.S. Draf Magazine Top 5 Food Towns in the Midwest Midwest Living Top 10 Charming Small Towns TripAdvisor.com 6 Best Cites for a Bike Vacaton Bicycling Magazine Top 10 Beach Towns in America AOL Travel News Heres what people are saying about Traverse City! 7
9 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 ATTRACTI ONS
DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CI TY These walkable, tree-lined streets feature more than 150 specialty shops, clothing boutques, restaurants, ice cream parlors, pubs and taprooms.
GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS A Victorian-inspired state hospital from the 19 th century has been transformed into restaurants, shops, galleries, a brick-oven bakery, and an urban winery all surrounded by extensive forests and trails.
L I GHTHOUSES/ MARI TI ME SI TES Lighthouses, quaint fshing towns, eerie shipwrecks and fascinatng living history museums await history bufs.
BAL L OONI NG Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of Northern Michigan all through the year from a vantage point like none other! From boutque shopping in a charming downtown to sailing on an historic tall ship or trying your luck with Vegas-style gaming, our region ofers a wide range of atractons and actvites to entertain meetng atendees and guests, alike. 8
10 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 ATTRACTI ONS, cont d.
BEACHES AOL Travel News ranked Traverse City one of America's Top 10 Beach Towns the on- ly destnaton chosen that is not on an ocean coastline.
TAL L SHI PS The big schooners, sloops and frigates that played such an important role in Great Lakes history are a colorful part of Traverse Citys landscape. Enjoy local wines, micro- brews, and savory cuisine aboard a sunset cruise or learn about the areas aquatc environment aboard a foatng classroom.
CASI NOS The Traverse City area is home to two casinos, both ofering black jack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, roulete, over 200 slots, and natonally recognized entertainment. Complimentary shutle service to several hotels is also available. 9
11 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 SLEEPI NG BEAR DUNES ON THE PRISTING SHORES OF LAKE MICHIGAN lies the magnifcent Sleeping Bear Dunes Natonal Lakeshore named The Most Beautful Place in America by Good Morning America viewers in 2011. VISITORS CAN TAKE IN SWEEPING VISTAS of Lake Michigan from atop high dunes; walk along miles of beaches; explore wilderness islands; hike, bike or snowshoe a dozen trails; drive along the breathtaking Pierce Stocking scenic drive; and tackle the famous Dune Climb. THE PARK IS OPEN to visitors year round. 10
12 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 DI NI NG Thanks to its award-winning wines, farm-to-table cuisine, and talented local chefs, Traverse City has earned an internatonal reputaton as a place of surprisingly sophistcated food and drink.
A FOODI E DESTI NATI ON Atendees of the 2015 Annual Hof Reunion will discover a not-so-well-kept secret upon arriving in Traverse City: We are passionate about our food! Capitalizing on fresh ingredients from nearby farms, forests, lakes, streams and orchards, our restaurateurs seem to be on a mission to showcase the best of what the area has to ofer. Morel mushrooms found in area woods cherries and apples freshly plucked from local orchards fresh whitefsh, perch and salmon from area waters locally raised beef, lamb and chicken all of it makes its way into inventve, seasonal dishes.
Is it any wonder Bon Appett named us one of Americas Top Five Foodie Towns? 11
13 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 WI NERI ES WITHIN MINUTES OF TRAVERSE CITY, and on the same 45th parallel as the wine regions of France and Italy, the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas are doted with some 30 wineries and tastng rooms that bring home natonal and internatonal awards. IN ADDITION TO THEIR OUTSTANDING WINES, many of the wineries boast awe-inspiring hilltop setngs and almost all are open for tastngs and tours. This makes a unique and memorable outng for the entre group or for atendee spouses or companions.
12
14 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 MI CROBREWERI ES/DI STI LLERI ES Traverse City brew masters are known for pushing the envelope when it comes to using unusual favorings in their beers and ales. That may be one reason Draf Magazine just named us one of America's three newest Emerging Beer Towns. Cheers! FROM FI EL D TO GL ASS Emulatng the regions award-winning wine industry with their emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, craf brewers are suddenly multplying across Traverse City. The region currently boasts nine microbreweries, brewpubs and craf brew taprooms, with more on the way. For those interested in a diferent grain product, the area has several micro- distlleries, whose spirits carry distnctve local favors from fruit brandies to small-batch vodkas and whiskeys favored with botanicals. Microbrewery and distllery tastng rooms are open year-round, and many ofer tours for groups or individuals. 13
15 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 ARTS & CULTURE INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS is a highly respected performing arts center that hosts some 750 concerts, art exhibits, theater and dance productons each year. THE MET: LIVE IN HD is a thrilling live broad- cast from the New York Metropolitan Opera broadcast at the historic State Theatre. A THRIVING VISUAL ARTS COMMUNITY includes renowned painters, sculptors, jewelers, and crafsmen. JAZZ, CLASSICAL, ROCK and FOLK musicians provide live music at clubs, restaurants and outdoor venues throughout the year. 14
16 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 OUTDOOR RECREATI ON
BIKE or RUN along miles of trails from early spring through late fall. WATER SKI, BOAT, SAIL or STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD on one of dozens of pristne lakes and bays. Go CHARTER FISHING on Grand Traverse Bay or Lake Michigan to reel in some freshwater salmon or trout. CANOE or KAYAK down a lazy river or through white water rapids. HIKE, CROSS-COUNTRY SKI or SNOW- SHOE through dense forests or along spectacular waterfront pathways. DOWNHILL SKI or SNOWBOARD at one of several winter resorts in and around Traverse City. SNOWMOBILE through deep forests or across rolling farmland. THE TRAVERSE CITY AREA is an out- door-lovers paradise, with each of the four seasons ofering nearly end- less opportunites to be invigorated, refreshed and inspired by all that Mother Nature has to ofer. 15
17 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 CHAMPI ONSHI P GOLF MATCHLESS DESIGNS, STUNNING BEAUTY and impeccable conditoning await conference atendees looking to unwind on the links. SET AGAINST A BACKDROP of woods, water and hills throughout picturesque Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Antrim countes, the area boasts 17 golf courses and has been selected by Golf Magazine as one of the top six golf destnatons in the country. NICKLAUS, PALMER, PLAYER and WEISKOPF showcase their signature designs on several of these championship courses. 16
18 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 UNI QUE VENUES HAGERTY CONFERENCE CENTER A premier waterfront venue, the Hagerty Center is a state-of-the-art facility for local, regional, natonal and internatonal groups. This dramatc venue ofers conference and banquet facilites for up to 380 people and is home to the Great Lakes Culinary Insttute. TRAVERSE CI TY OPERA HOUSE This fully restored Victorian gem in down- town Traverse City is a unique venue for business luncheons, formal dinners, cocktail receptons, annual meetngs, fund-raisers and award ceremonies. THE LOTUS ROOM AT RED GI NGER A highly sophistcated, private meetng space located above the popular Asian- inspired Red Ginger restaurant, the Lotus Room provides a beautful and inspiring setng for business meetngs, and dinners. ECCO A modern, elegant event space conveniently located in the heart of Traverse City, Ecco is a 5,500 sq. f. blank canvas, allowing guests to create a truly custom event experience. 17
19 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 UNI QUE VENUES, cont d. BLACKSTAR FARMS Located about 15 miles from Traverse City, this agricultural destnaton and winery boasts a luxury inn with a large colonnaded room that can accommodate up to 140 for a sit-down dinner, as well as a tastng room for private groups up to 80. WI LL I AMSBURG BANQUET & CONFERENCE CENTER Located near the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, the Williamsburg boasts banquet and conference space for up to 500 people. VI SI ONS Located within Center Pointe in Traverse City, this venue ofers panoramic bay views and can accommodate a stand-up recepton of 250 to 300. For meetngs of up to 16, a small conference room overlooks the water, while an open-space, AV-equipped auditorium can hold 80-100 atendees. 18
20 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 CONVENTI ON SERVI CES The Traverse City Conventon & Visitors Bureau provides meetng services that will ensure your group has an enjoyable, productve and stress-free experience! SI TE SEL ECTI ON & VI SI TS Because Traverse City is a visual destnaton, we strongly encourage you to conduct a site visit to our beautful area in advance of making a fnal decision on your 2015 Annual Hof Reunion. In additon to conductng a private tour of the propertes included in this bid proposal, we will be happy to show of some of our most popular atractons and sample some local cuisine. COMPANI ON PROGRAMS Guests who accompany meetng atendees to Traverse City will fnd plenty to do! From charter fshing, wine tastng and casino gaming to shopping, dune climbs, driving tours, and kids actvites, we can provide detailed itneraries that ft every age and interest. NEWS & SOCI AL MEDI A SUPPORT If you wish to promote your 2015 Annual Hof Reunion in the media, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of local, re- gional and state media contacts both print and broadcast. We can also get the word out via our social media networks, in- cluding Facebook, Twiter, and through our very popular Loving Traverse City blog!
ATTENDANCE BUILDING/PROMOTIONS We have a vested interest in the success of your meetng and will do whatever we can to assist you in promotng your event. In additon to providing potental atendees with our magazine-quality Area Guide, we can make available videos, photos and presentaton materials to help you boost atendance. 19
21 Tr aver s eCi t y. c om | 800 - 940- 1120 PLEASE CONTACT ME directly with any questons regarding the Hof Reunion Associatons 2015 Annual Reunion. I look forward to working with you to make your experience in Traverse City inspiratonal and successful! Sarah Barnard G R O U P S A L E S M A N A G E R
s arah@t raver s ec i t y. c om 800- 940- 1120 Sarah Barnard CONTACT I NFORMATI ON 20