Plan Your Trip and Include These Fun Conference Activities
As usual at MEDA's Annual Meeting, the Premier Economic Summit has activities woven in throughout that help you build your network while having a good time.
Recognizing the premier location of Holland, Michigan, we've also provided some free time for you to enjoy the community, try the restaurants, and build memories.
Planned Activities
Monday, August 18th
11:00 - 5:00 p.m. MEDC Educational Forum (times may be adjusted as details are finalized)
Join us on August 18 in Holland for a special MEDC Educational Forum, kicking off MEDA’s Annual Meeting. Hear directly from MEDC subject matter experts as they share insights on current programs, initiatives, and resources available to support Michigan’s economic development efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, ask questions, and stay informed on the latest from MEDC.
Attendees: $0
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Conference Registration
Conference registration is not only for checking in, but also for picking up your materials, paying if you have not, asking any questions that you have, and networking with fellow attendees as they arrive.
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Opening Reception at New Holland Brewing Co.
Join us in the heart of Downtown Holland at the New Holland Brewing brewpub for a long-held MEDA tradition, its Opening Reception, where old friends meet and new ones are made, while enjoying local food and drink before the conference.
Attendees: included – Guests: $50
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Trivia Night at New Holland Brewing Co.
We know you’re smart, and you can prove it at Trivia Night while having fun with your economic development partners and friends and supporting the Birgit Klohs Fellowship and MEDA’s Scholarship!
Attendees and Guests: $35
Tuesday, August 19th
7:30 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
A good conversation can wake the mind and get the day started on a positive note. Join this networking breakfast before sessions begin. Grab your registration packet if you have not already, and ask any questions about the conference.
3:45 p.m. Concurrent Tours (times may be adjusted as details are finalized)
Technology and Childcare Tour
Gentex is a technology company proficient in a wide range of core competencies, yielding a unique fusion of technologies, developing and manufacturing custom high-tech electronic products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries. In addition to being a cool facility, they have an innovative, company-provided, nature-based childcare program and are creating a model to help other companies meet their needs.
Attendees and Guests: $20
Incubation and Collaboration
Take a walking tour of two highly innovative economic development spaces in Holland. The Next Center is Lakeshore Advantage’s business support hub. It is an open concept, collaborative space with room for up to 50 startups. The Holland Community Ice Skating Park is a redevelopment project brought to life by a Revitalization and Placemaking Grant, crowdfunding, and an MEDC matching grant. Learn the collaborative story while touring the newly finished facility.
Attendees and Guests: $0
5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour at the Haworth Hotel and Conference Center (times may be adjusted as details are finalized)
After coming back from tours, and before you go out on the town, get together for a Happy Hour, sponsored by Haworth!
6:00 p.m. Free Time
Wednesday, August 20th
8:00 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
There's still time for more conversation that could make a difference in meeting your economic goals and there might be someone you still haven't met. Join conference attendees for breakfast to kick off the last day of the conference.
Plan Your Trip
View the Location and Hotel Reservations page. Be sure to book your stay early as the hotel group rates expire early to mid-July.
Plan your travel with these helpful resources for maps, driving directions, airports, and other travel options.
Good to Know
- The check-in time for the hotels is either 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., based on whichever you select.
- If driving in on the 18th for the MEDC Educational Forum, check the agenda to plan your timing.
Have Fun
Visit the Downtown Holland website to select the shops and eateries that you want to visit in your free time.
Discover Holland Michigan is another great resource for local attractions.