Name: Michigan Author Series - Colleen Alles
Start: 2026-11-03
End: 2026-11-03

We are an economic generator through sports tourism for Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County in the West Michigan area.

We own and operate an award winning baseball/softball complex; the Meijer Sports Complex [www.MeijerSportsComplex.com](https://www.MeijerSportsComplex.com) featuring eight fields, including a championship field that seats 1,000.

Our signature event, the Meijer State Games of Michigan (Olympic-style sporting event), draws 10,000 athletes through 60+ sports in its Winter and Summer Games.  We work with many of our local sports clubs and organizations to host various regional and national tournaments.

Why Grand Rapids? We have:
•	12,000 + hotel rooms (2,500 downtown)
•	234,000 square foot downtown convention center (fits 40 volleyball courts)
•	12,000 seat Van Andel Arena
•	5 facilities that feature 4+ courts and multiple grass or turf fields
•	Grant program for new events
•	and more!

West Michigan Sports Commission

Explore our city's early history through Charles E. Belknap’s *The Yesterdays of Grand Rapids*. This classic work, which began as a popular column in the Grand Rapids Press, features Belknap's firsthand accounts of life in the Grand River valley. Local historian Colleen Alles recently edited and expanded this collection, adding new stories by Belknap and providing her own contextual essays. At this event, Alles will share insights into Belknap’s remarkable life and discuss her process for researching and revising this new edition. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of the book. For adults.

Michigan Author Series - Colleen Alles

Experience Michigan's warm hospitality at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, conveniently located near Grand Rapids Airport. This exceptional hotel offers comfortable and modern accommodations, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and workout facilities. Complimentary airport shuttle services and a hot breakfast add to your delightful stay. Close to downtown Grand Rapids, enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether on business or pleasure, experience a blend of contemporary comfort and true home away from home ambiance at Country Inn & Suites. 

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids Airport, MI

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport. Nestled in the heart of the bustling city, this hotel offers stylish, spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and plush bedding. Enjoy our versatile amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, an indoor pool, and a complimentary hot breakfast. Our prime location provides easy access to the Grand Rapids Airport, top-notch restaurants, shopping malls, and major attractions. Whether you're here for a short business trip or an extended stay, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport provides everything you need to feel right at home. 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport

Experience comfortable and stylish living at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Wyoming. Conveniently located at 5880 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI, it's a haven nestled close to all the action in Grand Rapids. This sophisticated suite hotel offers spacious rooms with full kitchens, positioned to give you an unhindered view of the beautiful Grand Rapids scene. With our state of the art gym and delectable breakfast options, TownePlace Suites guarantees a pleasurable stay, combining comfort, style, and convenience in one package. For business or leisure, discover the perfect base for your Grand Rapids adventure at TownePlace Suites by Marriott. 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Wyoming

Nestle into the cozy embrace of Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids-Airport 28th Street, your home away from home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Perfectly placed at 5200 28th St SE, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience for travelers, being just a stone's throw away from the bustling Gerald R. Ford International Airport and mere minutes from vibrant downtown attractions. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, our modern, comfortable rooms and suites are designed to meet all your needs, featuring complimentary WiFi, a hot breakfast to start your day right, and ample workspace. Dive into relaxation in our indoor pool or stay on top of your fitness goals in our fully-equipped gym. With friendly, attentive staff always on hand to ensure a memorable stay and a host of nearby restaurants and shopping options, Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids-Airport 28th Street stands out as the perfect base for exploring the exciting city of Grand Rapids. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids-Airport 28th Street

Experience comfort and convenience like never before at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport Southeast. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Grand Rapids, our modern hotel offers spacious suites, top-notch amenities and is just minutes away from Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a refreshing indoor pool. Plus, with our prime location, guests have easy access to local attractions like the Van Andel Arena, Frederik Meijer Gardens, and more. Experience the perfect blend of style, function, and comfort at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport Southeast. 

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport Southeast

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids West, located in picturesque Grandville, MI, offers guests a blend of comfort and convenience sprinkled with a touch of luxury. Our freshly designed suites, amped up with smart amenities like free high-speed WiFi, ergonomic workspace, and plush bedding, strive to create a relaxing haven for business professionals or leisure travelers alike.  Enjoy our complimentary breakfast spread every morning or indulge yourself in our fitness center and indoor pool. Conveniently situated near the downtown district and buzzing attractions - rediscover comfort at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, where every stay is a chance to recharge, refresh and renew. 

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids West

Located in Grand Rapids, MI, the Best Western Hospitality Hotel & Suites offers top-notch accommodations perfected with the warmth of home. Nestled at 5500 28th St SE, our hotel prides itself on providing luxurious stays complete with superior service. Dive into our cozy rooms, relish the quality cuisine, plunge into our refreshing pool, or flex your muscles at our well-equipped fitness center. Come and experience unforgettable hospitality filled with comfort, convenience, and world-class service at Best Western. 

Best Western Hospitality Hotel & Suites

Nestled conveniently close to the heart of Grand Rapids and just a stone's throw from the airport, Baymont by Wyndham Grand Rapids Airport at 2873 Kraft Ave SE offers a warm, welcoming retreat for both business travelers and vacationers alike. Expertly blending comfort with convenience, our hotel promises an unrivaled stay experience with well-appointed rooms featuring all the essential amenities to ensure a restful night's sleep. Indulge in our complimentary breakfast to kickstart your day, stay connected with free Wi-Fi, and maintain your workout routine in our fitness center. Whether you're here for a meeting, exploring the city's vibrant culture, or simply passing through, our friendly staff is dedicated to making your stay memorable. Explore Grand Rapids' charm with ease from our prime location, where access to local attractions, dining, and shopping is just minutes away. Baymont by Wyndham Grand Rapids Airport is where comfort meets convenience for an unforgettable Michigan visit. 

Baymont by Wyndham Grand Rapids Airport

Experience the comfort and convenience of Hampton Inn & Suites Grandville Grand Rapids South. Ideally located at 4755 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI, our hotel offers easy access to Grand Rapids' top attractions, shopping, and dining. Unwind in our stylish and spacious rooms or upgrade to a suite for extended space. Enjoy modern amenities, complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, indoor pool, and friendly staff always ready to cater to all your needs. Make your stay memorable at Hampton Inn & Suites Grandville Grand Rapids South, where comfort meets convenience. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Grandville Grand Rapids South

Experience a grand stay at Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel. Located conveniently close to the airport, this premium resting haven envelops you in comfort and luxury with its meticulously designed rooms, top-tier amenities, and extraordinary service. Sheraton Grand Rapids offers travelers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience, with easy access not only to the airport but also a variety of local attractions for dining, shopping and exploration. Elevate your travels in Grand Rapids with Sheraton - your premier choice for sophisticated accommodation. 

Michigan Author Series - Colleen Alles

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