Michigan Meetings + Events 2008 Readers' Choice Best of Award Winners

Although I can say Michigan Meetings + Events magazine is proud to bring you our third annual Best of Awards, the real kudos go to our readers-and of course the winners!-who voted in record numbers this year. In the hotel category alone, more than 50 different facilities were nominated. Combined with the re-introduction of categories from past years, it made for interesting results: You'll see both familiar and new names in first place and among the finalists (along with some hot competition for those slots) and several venues and businesses with multiple nominations. So keep up the good work, vote again this coming fall, and we hope to see your name here next year.

Audio-Visual
BlueWater Technologies
Runners up: KLA Laboratories Inc., City Animation
When Tom Holzer Ford, one of the oldest Ford dealerships in the state, underwent a renovation/expansion project, they turned to BlueWater Technologies to bring them into the 21st century by incorporating visual and interactive experiences throughout the facility. "It was a no-brainer," says Jim McIntyre, director of facilities. "(BlueWater) did all the training on how to operate the equipment, and they did a super job of sorting through what the owners wanted and working within our budget constraints." With reviews like that, no wonder BlueWater captured this category again (they tied with City Animation last year). { Grand Rapids/Southfield / 800.344.6575 / www.bluewatertech.com }

Banquet/Reception Venue
The Henry Ford, The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn (tie)
Runners up: Best Western Sterling Inn Banquet & Conference Center; The Inn at St. John's
Finalists in this slot last year, The Henry Ford and The Ritz-Carlton moved up to tie for first for 2008, crowning Dearborn with the two top banquet/reception venues.

Trying to describe The Henry Ford in a few sentences is like trying to cram decades worth of history into one building-wait, that would be the Henry Ford Museum, where your guests (up to 1,500 for a reception) will be endlessly enthralled. Other options include Lovett Hall, the Prechter Promenade, the Eagle Tavern, or a strolling dinner (check out the "Meander Through Michigan" menu) and show at the IMAX. Whichever you choose, this blast from the past will make your event one for the history books. { Dearborn / 313.982.6220 / www.thehenryford.org }

While the Ritz-Carlton doesn't have the variety of venues, it has history of its own-of dedication to distinction, luxury and service that dates back 81 years when the first Ritz-Carlton opened in Boston. Here in Dearborn, planners can choose between the Presidential Ballroom (the largest at 12,000-plus square feet), the Plaza Ballroom or the more intimate Gallery, all renovated in 2006. And the food? Well, our readers voted the Ritz Best Caterer last year. { Dearborn / 313.441.2000 / www.ritzcarlton.com }

Boats
Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters
Runners up: Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, Detroit Princess Riverboat
Three times a charm for Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters, sailing to the finish line yet again. An on-the-water event is the classic Michigan experience and these beautiful yachts, with capacities of 150 (Infinity) and 300 (Ovation), make it superlative. In addition to offering themed events, popular culinary demonstrations are also available on board. There are two departure points for your convenience: Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores and the GM Renaissance Center dock downtown. { St. Clair Shores / 586.778.7030 / www.infinityandovation.com }

Casino
MGM Grand Detroit
Runners up: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Odawa Casino Resort
With Michigan casinos making big news last year, it only made sense to re-introduce this category. Not only did our voters choose the MGM Grand Detroit Best Casino, it was also named Best New Hotel Development of 2007 by hotelinteractive.com. Much more than a casino, by design the MGM Grand Detroit is a destination, especially for meetings and events. Amenities of the 30,000 square feet of meeting space include a 14,000-square-foot column-free ballroom with center aisle access to subdivides, plenty of high-tech A/V and a separate entrance. { Detroit / 877.MGM.EVNT / www.mgmgranddetroit.com }

Caterer
Forte Belanger
Runners up: Epoch Catering, Opus One
Two years ago, upon winning the Best Off- Site Caterer award, John Forte noted "We deliver the whole package." That's true now more than ever. Forte Belanger Catering is now simply Forte Belanger, rebranded to better express their capacity to produce remarkable events from the first to last detail. Need proof? They were a finalist for Best Event Décor AND Best Service this year. Planning, logistics, florals-all will be handled with the same creativity and expertise that goes into their cuisine. Kataifi and prosciutto crusted shrimp with blood orange cocktail sauce anyone? { Troy / 248.288.3300 / www.fortebelanger.com }

Conference Venue
The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn
Runners up: Boyne Mountain Resort, Ford Motor Company Conference & Event Center
Maybe The Ritz-Carlton's first-time win in this category has something to do with the recent renovations to the hotel's meeting space. But as any planner knows, you have to do more than just look good. Both the Michigan chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MMPI) and the Michigan Association of Realtors (MAR) held conferences at the Ritz in 2007. "Everyone who works there lives and breathes the service tradition," says Jodie Cady, president of MMPI and events manager for the MAR. "They definitely show they're vested in your event." { Dearborn / 313.441.2000 / www.ritzcarlton.com }

Convention Center
COBO Center
Runners up: The Diamond Center at ROCK FINANCIAL SHOWPLACE, DeVos Place After winning this honor in 2006, the venerable COBO Center returns as top dog-just like all those purebreds that will be there in March at the annual Detroit Kennel Club show. While politicians continue to wrangle about the best plan (and how to finance it) for expanding COBO, it's worth remembering that 700,000 square feet of exhibition and nearly 200,000 square feet of meeting space is available for conventions. A labor/management committee formed in 2007 has made COBO more user-friendly, too. { Detroit / 313.877.8777 / www.cobocenter.com }

Destination Management
Meetings Up North
Runners up: Planit Detroit, Show Me Michigan
When I last talked to Kim Corcoran, partner/ president of Meetings Up North, she had just landed two national accounts, bringing much-needed business to the state. "(Meetings Up North has) such a broad reach within the industry," says Jamie Jewell, senior manager of sales at The Homestead in Glen Arbor, one of Meetings Up North's partner properties. "They're another arm of your sales efforts. It's a nice partnership." A three-time winner of this category, readers who've relied on Meetings Up North for destination management obviously agree. { Traverse City / 231.941.8500 / www.meetingsupnorth.com }

Destination Marketing
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
Runners up: Greater Lansing Convention
& Visitors Bureau, Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau
It was a busy year for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB), beginning with the launch of a new Motor City-forged brand identity in January 2007: "Cars. Culture. Gaming. Music. Sports." The DMCVB had plenty to promote on all counts and spent countlesshours doing so. Their efforts helped bring about more on tap for 2008, including the PGA Championship, "The Year of the Car" celebration (honoring the 100th anniversary of the Ford Model T and General Motors) and welcoming the international conference of the Public Relations Society of America. { Detroit / 800. DETROIT / www.visitdetroit.com }

Entertainment
Mel Ball Entertainment Agency
Runners up: Lorio-Ross Sterling Entertainment, Gail & Rice Inc.
The accolades keep rolling in for Mel Ball. In addition to winning this category a second time, Mel Ball and Colours were also voted No. 1 Band by Crain's Detroit Business and Style magazines. A metro Detroit tradition, they were a natural choice for entertaining 44 governors at last July's National Governors Association annual conference in Traverse City. Lead vocalist Michelle Goulet recently embraced another Michigan tradition-she and her husband own Runyan's Country Tree Farm in Clio. { Farmington / 248.851.1992 / www.melball.com }

Event Décor
Display Group
Runners up: Emerald City Designs, Forte Belanger
If you've never been to Display Group, celebrating their third win for Best Event Décor, it's worth the trip (call ahead for a tour). Can't make it down to the warehouse? Drop by their website and view more than 1,000 items available to turn your event from special to spectacular. In addition to expo and design services and portable, modular and custom displays, last year they launched a full service graphic design studio and added a selection of trendy lounge furniture. { Detroit / 313.965.3344 / www.displaygroup.com }

Florist
Blossoms
Runners up: Viviano Flower Shop, Bellisario Florist
Nominated twice and a finalist last year, Blossoms takes the prize in 2008. It's yet another flower in their lavish and beautiful bouquets, as they've been recognized as Best Florist by numerous other publications over the past 25-plus years. A trend-setter and florist to celebrities like Martha Stewart and Madonna, "(Blossoms owner) Dale Morgan gives back to the hospitality industry, much of it quietly, through supporting local corporate and social businesses," says Jo Dermid, CPCE and vice president of sales and marketing at BBJ Linen. { Birmingham / 888.820.6597 / www.blossomsbirmingham.com }

Game Venue
Comerica Park
Runners up: Dave & Buster's, Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
Yours truly had the distinct pleasure of attending opening day last April (thanks Renee!), getting my first look at Comerica Park. Wow. Seven different venues, including the 12,350-square-foot Tiger Club (with awesome views of first base line) and the Chevrolet Champions Club (dine in style with the '68 and '84 World Series trophies), behind-the-scenes tours-if you need an event location that will knock one out of the park, this is the place. { Detroit / 313.471.2661 / http://tigers.mlb.com/det/ballpark/index.jsp }

Golf Resort
Boyne Highlands, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa (tie)
Runners up: Garland, The Inn at Bay Harbor
Get ready to tee off at not one but two northwest Michigan resorts, as Boyne Highlands and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa tie for first.

Finalist for Best Ski Resort last year; this time the greens at Boyne Highlands get recognition: the Heathers (listed among the top 50 courses by Golf for Women magazine and the top 100 by Golf magazine), the challenging and mountainous Arthur Hills course, the Moor (included in the 2007 Golf for Women 25 Best Family Golf Resorts) and the Donald Ross Memorial Course, ranked one of the finest in the state. Meeting venues include the main lodge, the Heather Highlands Inn, a convention center and country club. { Harbor Springs / 800.TO.BOYNE / www.boynehighlands.com }

The courses at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa have earned so many awards and top rankings by golf magazines they're too numerous to list here, but rest assured many have "Best" in the title. Six-time Michigan Open champion Scott Hebert runs the show at the Grand Traverse, overseeing three courses: the famous Bear, one of only 20 Jack Nicklaus signature courses, the Gary Player-designed Wolverine and Spruce Run. Off the fairways, 85,000 square feet of meeting space and a newly renovated spa await planners and attendees. { Acme / 800.236.1577 / www.grandtraverseresort.com }

Holiday Venue
The Henry Ford
Runners up: The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn, The Inn at St. John's
If you haven't attended Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, you're missing out. Bonfires, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, ice skating, groups of carolers in period costume, Model Ts motoring and horses clopping by-you'll feel both old and young again. "Groups frequently host a dinner in Lovett Hall, stroll through Holiday Nights, and then come back for dessert," says Amy Cox, senior sales manager. The carolers will come to you, too at one of The Henry Ford's other venues, all exquisitely decorated for the season. But don't limit yourself to Christmas-Halloween is also popular with groups that want to include families in the fun. { Dearborn / 313.982.6220 / www.thehenryford.org }

Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn
Runners up: The Inn at St. John's, Best Western Sterling Inn Banquet & Conference Center
Polish up another gem for The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn to add to its AAA Four Diamond rating, being named one of the Top Business Hotels of 2007 by Travel+Leisure magazine and no less than four awards from our readers. The 308 guest rooms and suites have all the amenities you'd expect: elegant furniture and décor, dreamy feather bedding, plush robes, marble baths, wireless highspeed Internet, twice daily maid service and complimentary overnight shoeshine. The Presidential Suite is literally as big as a house-1,500 square feet-and includes a grand piano. What can we say? It's the Ritz. { Dearborn / 313.441.2000 / www.ritzcarlton.com }

Meeting Space, No Hotel
The Henry Ford
Runners up: The Diamond Center at Rock Financial Showplace, GM Heritage Center
While planners most often think of The Henry Ford as an event location, obviously some are aware of its great meeting spaces. Lovett Hall is an excellent setting for keynote speakers, and "Ad agencies love to show off their creative reels at the IMAX Theatre," Michigan's largest, says senior sales manager Amy Cox. The recently renovated 600-seat Anderson Theater, located within the Henry Ford Museum, is also available for meetings, as is a 40-person conference room with "fabulous" A/V in the Benson Ford Research Center. { Dearborn / 313.982.6220 / www.thehenryford.org }

Unique Venue
The Henry Ford
Runners up: The Detroit Science Center, The Inn at St. John's, Museum of Contemporary Art-Detroit (MOCAD)
What isn't unique about The Henry Ford? Where else can you choose from more than 80 distinctive venues? Where else can you hold your meeting or event in a working automotive factory (Ford Rouge Factory Tour)? Where else can you rent an entire 90-plus-acre village for groups of 1,000 to 10,000 that include all rides (from train to carousel), demonstrations (glassblowing, printmaking) and all the people to make it come alive? What isn't unique about The Henry Ford? Having a memorable event. { Dearborn / 313.982.6220 / www.thehenryford.org }

Outdoor Venue
Cranbrook
Runners up: Greenfield Village, Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens
Michigan abounds with great venues for outdoor events, and Cranbrook is not only one of them, readers voted it the best. Open May through October, the 40 acres of gardens surrounding Cranbrook House are a stunning setting for an outdoor event. Guests will be captivated by the variety (including Oriental, herb, bog, wildflower and sunken gardens) as well as the sculptures. Other outdoor options: the Cranbrook Art Museum Peristyle, the Greek Theatre and the Cranbrook Science Museum, which features a science garden. { Bloomfield Hills / 877.GO.CRANBROOK / www.cranbrook.edu }

Best Service
The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn
Runners up: Forte Belanger, The Henry Ford
This is one of our returning categories, broadened from "Hotel with Best Service," and The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn returns at the top. Here's a perfect example of why: "A guest requested an exclusive wine for dinner the day of the event," recalls Colin Berens, catering sales manager. "When no local wine vendors would assist with this particular project, we had a small purveyor in the Leelanau peninsula put half a case on a plane and the wine arrived in time for the evening dinner affair." { Dearborn / 313.441.2000 / www.ritzcarlton.com }

Rental Service
Special Events Rental
Runners up: Art Craft Display Inc., Taylor Rental Center
Read through the kudos on Special Events Rental's website and you'll see the same words over and over-professionalism, dedication, attention to detail, quality service-along with high-profile clients and events (like the Art's Alive gala at the Detroit Institute of Arts). You'll also see that this two-time winner has a huge inventory of rental items, event support services customized to your needs and 15-plus years of experience. { Warren / 586.755.0000 / www.specialeventsrental.com }

Ski Resort
Boyne Mountain Resort
Runners up: Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek Resorts
When Boyne Mountain opened in 1947, it was notable for having the first chairlift in the Midwest. Sixty years later, it boasts 10, including a high-speed six-place lift. In full swing, the 435-acre ski area offers 61 runs, with a nice mix of advanced, intermediate and beginner to accommodate everyone. And with 37,000 square feet of function space, available at three venues, Boyne Mountain can accommodate groups of up to 800. Be sure to schedule some down time at the Solace Spa, and fun time at Michigan's largest indoor waterpark, Avalanche Bay. { Boyne Falls / 800.TO.BOYNE / www.boyne.com }

Teambuilding Venue
Boyne Mountain Resort
Runners up: Camp Daggett Adventure Center, Crystal Mountain, Yarrow Golf & Conference Center
Although Boyne Mountain was obviously at the top of our readers' minds when it comes to skiing, they think it's the best for teambuilding, too. Golf scrambles, putting green contests, disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, tennis and bocce ball tournaments, hiking, biking, snow tubing, snowshoeing-when it comes to teambuilding activities, "Pretty much anything a planner wants to do, we can make it happen," says Erin Ernst, public relations manager. { Boyne Falls / 800.TO.BOYNE / www.boyne.com }

Transportation
Checker Sedan
Runners up: Metro Cars Inc., Royal Limousine West
Checker Sedan made its debut in 2000, and since then has earned awards and the contract as the official luxury sedan service of Detroit Metro Airport. Although they've only been in business eight years, their convention/meeting planning staff has 100-plus combined years of experience. A corporate sales program, custom planning, Web-based transportation order portal, meet and greet service and glossy fleet of Cadillacs, Lincoln Town Cars and Chrysler 300s all equal less time on your feet. { Dearborn Heights / 800.351.5466 / http://www.checkersedan.com }