Dear Higher Education Facility Business Partners:
Please join the Midwest (MAPPA) and Michigan (MiAPPA) Association of Higher Education Facility Officers for a first time joint Educational Conference Networking on the Grand. Committee members have selected a premier hotel venue, interesting education programs, exciting social events, and unique touring opportunities that are sure to make this conference experience a very memorable occasion. Please make your calendars now!
October 7 – 9, 2007
The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, MI
Important to the success of the Conference is financial support, through sponsorships from business partners. Organizations that have provided goods and services to Midwest higher education facility operations will be presented with opportunities to “give back” by helping with the execution of a successful educational and networking conference.
In past years, the Midwest Association Conference (http://www.m-appa.org) has drawn nearly 200 participants from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, while the Michigan Association (http://www.pp.wmich.edu/miappa) has mirrored those numbers. In this new joint adventure, it is expected that over 400 facility participants will be attending this first time event. Imagine all the ideas, experience, and information that will be brought to one conference for 48 hours. Exciting!
Option 1 - Attend conference with no sponsorship - $550/person
All Business Partners are encouraged to exhibit or participate in some level of sponsorship.
Option 2 - Tradeshow
Arrangements are being made for a limited number (first 75) of business partner tradeshow exhibitors. The cost to participate is $1,400 per booth, which includes conference registration and accompanying meals for two. Power and data needs for each booth is an added cost.
Specific setup information from Art Craft Display, Inc. is as follows:
| Registration Setup: | 10 a.m. at the Amway Grand Exhibit Hall Oct. 7th |
|---|---|
| Exhibitor Move-In: | 8 a.m. Oct. 8th |
| Vendor Show: | 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Oct. 8th |
| Exhibitor Move-Out: | 5 p.m. Oct. 8th |
| Teardown: | 6:00 p.m. Oct. 8th |
The booth is an 8' x 10' space with pipe and drape and will include:
(Your typed numerical sign list must be submitted to us 10-14 days prior to show set-up day)
The drapes and skirts will be black. Basic electric will be provided at each location.
For shipping or any other display information, please contact Stephen Carr (616.791.8024) from Art Craft Display, Inc.
Option 3 - Conference Sponsorships
Sponsorship for Breakfasts, Lunches, Socials and Entertainment. (In addition to other payments)
| Contribution Categories | What do I get? |
|---|---|
| Bronze – up to $1,400 | listed in all printed advertising |
| Silver - $1,401 - $2,799 | advertising, two attendees*, exposure at socials/meals |
| Gold - $2,800 - $4,999 | advertising, two attendees*, higher level of exposure than silver |
| Platinum - $5,000 and up | advertising, two attendees*, highest level of exposure, and tradeshow booth |
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Thimmesch, Grand Valley State University – 616-331-3845 or thimmest@gvsu.edu.
Option 4 - Golf Outing – Sunday, Oct. 7
Egypt Valley Country Club - 18 holes, lunch included
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Mike Hughes, Ferris State University – 231-591-2924 or hughesm@ferris.edu.
Host Committee
Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, North Central Michigan College and Western Michigan University have joined resources to host the 2007 joint conference and are committed to making it an exciting and memorable event.
Location and Venue
Grand Rapids, located in Midwest Michigan, is easy to get to by plane or car. A vibrant city, offering night clubs, theaters, sports, and dining options galore, (http://www.visitgrandrapids.org). Fine museums, galleries, shopping and a unique garden and sculpture park are within walking distance from the hotel and conference venue, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The Hotel boasts the only 5 diamond restaurant in Michigan, rated one of the top ten hotels in America, and contains the largest gold leaf ceiling application in the United States, (http://www.amwaygrand.com). A negotiated rate of $120 per night is a real value for such an exquisite hotel.
Social Networking
A unique PGA host golf course has been secured for the event, along with opportunities that will exemplify why Michigan is rated one of the best outdoor recreation destinations. Other networking opportunities with peer and business partners will exist throughout the many social events that have been planned for the conference.
Education Programs
The MAPPA education committee has identified great programs and speakers that will bring new thoughts and ideas to its participants. Continue to watch the conference website as those details begin to unfold.
The dedicated members involved with hosting and planning this event wish to welcome you to Grand Rapids for a very special facility education experience and Networking on the Grand.
Just a final reminder to bookmark the conference website (http://www.pp.wmich.edu/mappa/), visit it often as the details unfold, and remember that on-line registration begins in January, 2007.
See you in October!
The Host Committee
Mike Hughes, Ferris State University
Tim Thimmesch, Grand Valley State University
Jeff Gardner, North Central Michigan College
Pete Strazdas, Western Michigan University