Occasion Marks 60th Year for this CVB

LANSING, Mich. – The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) held its annual meeting on February 25 and announced good news for the regional hospitality industry and local economy.

The region reported a strong 61.6 percent occupancy rate for 2019, and overall hotel room demand increased to over 1,060,000 hotel room nights, according to Smith Travel Research (STR) data. Additionally, the Greater Lansing CVB added ninety-one new members in 2019 and held a membership retention rate of 94.6%. Find more details in the 2019 Annual Report.

“The Greater Lansing community experienced another very strong year,” said Jack Schripsema, President and CEO of the GLCVB. “For the ninth consecutive year the GLCVB destination sales department exceeded its room night goal, the Greater Lansing Sports Authority once again broke the century mark for events hosted and despite new hotel inventory in the community, demand for rooms increased.”

Schripsema was recognized at the event for his pending retirement, celebrating an eight-year career with the Greater Lansing CVB and over 50 years in the hospitality industry.

The GLCVB also recognized the Certified Tourism Ambassador of the year. The Greater Lansing Certified Tourism Ambassador program aims to equip residents in front-line hospitality and tourism-related positions, such as hotel, local attractions and restaurant employees, with a more in-depth knowledge of the area’s many assets so they may help create a more positive and memorable visitor experience.

Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year – Lance Margrif, CTA
Greater Lansing is pleased to announce CTA of the Year, Lance Margrif, Assistant GM with the Quality Suites Hotel for his dedication to the CTA program and promoting the Greater Lansing region.

New President/CEO - The meeting concluded with the announcement of the GLCVB’s new President/CEO. Julie Pingston, CDME, CMP, CTA will assume the leadership role on March 16, 2020. Find details here.

MBN was on hand at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West, to cover this event, check back for our audio coverage from the annual meeting, along with more photos beyond the ones shared below in our slide-show.