GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Experience Grand Rapids will celebrate the people behind Grand Rapids' hospitality and tourism scene on Wednesday.
The annual Toast of the Town event underscores the role that hospitality and tourism play in West Michigan's economy. It also highlights the region's Agri-tourism heritage.
This year's event theme is about apples, and the fact that 75 percent of Michigan's apples are grown in and around Kent County.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Registration and Networking
- 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Toast the Town Program and Luncheon
WHERE:
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
235 Louis St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WHO:
- Doug Small, President & CEO, Experience Grand Rapids
- Ping Liang, Chair, EXGR Board of Directors
- Jordan Carson, Journalist & Television Host (Event Emcee)
- Recipient – 2026 Dr. Floyd Wilson, Jr. Destination Champion Award
- Recipient – 2026 Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year Award
- Recipient – 2026 Hospitality Professional of the Year
Here are more details from an Experience Grand Rapids news release:
Experience Grand Rapids will host Toast the Town 2026 to celebrate the vital role the hospitality and tourism industries play in the West Michigan economy while spotlighting the region’s rich agritourism heritage and leadership in Michigan’s apple industry.
This year’s event theme, apples, highlights Michigan’s standing as one of the top three apple-growing states in the nation and the fact that 75% of Michigan apples are grown in and near Kent County. Guests will enjoy a luncheon inspired by the region’s agricultural abundance and hospitality excellence, learn more about the vital agritourism industry, and celebrate individuals whose leadership and contributions continue to strengthen the hospitality industry and broader community.
The 2026 Dr. Floyd Wilson, Jr., Destination Champion Award and the 2026 Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year Award will be presented; and, for the first time, Experience Grand Rapids will present a Hospitality Professional of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who has consistently demonstrated excellence in service, leadership and community engagement.
About Experience Grand Rapids
Established in 1927, Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR) leads the marketing of Grand Rapids/Kent County as a premier convention & visitor destination providing a significant positive impact to the West Michigan economy. Previously named the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, EXGR represents the second largest city in Michigan with over one million residents.
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