This year brings the 20th anniversary of DeVos Place convention center, home to many unique events in Grand Rapids. Since opening its doors in 2005, DeVos Place has been a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant downtown, hosting conventions, exhibitions, meetings, and community events. A series of press releases throughout this milestone year will feature various opportunities to reflect on two decades of connecting people and businesses. Join the celebration and experience why DeVos Place remains a premier destination for innovation and collaboration in West Michigan!
"DeVos Place has been a catalyst for community growth and engagement in Kent County and beyond,” said Rick Winn, Chairman of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA). “It serves as a premier venue that attracts world-class events, fosters business opportunities, and brings people together, reinforcing our region’s reputation as a dynamic destination. The CAA strives for inclusive programming and attendance at DeVos Place as well as our other community assets and we are pleased with the role the convention center has played in these efforts. We are excited to continue to celebrate all that DeVos Place brings to Grand Rapids and Kent County."
DeVos Place’s signature events have become a staple for the community. From the West Michigan Women’s Expo, which debuted on March 1, 2005, to American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek, ShowSpan public events including the Michigan International Auto Show, and annual bridal shows, these events have become cherished traditions.
One annual signature event, The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, has been held at DeVos Place since the convention center opened its doors.
“Some of our attendees were at our shows when they were held at the old convention center,” said Greg Bird, Executive Director of the Michigan Vegetable Council. “There is something special about going home for the holidays. With our show being in December, I know that is how many of our attendees feel. DeVos Place and Grand Rapids are the center of Michigan's fruit and vegetable industry."
DeVos Place has proudly served as a gathering place for community-focused events, hosting numerous non-profit and community organizations dedicated to making a difference in the West Michigan community. Mel Trotter Ministries continues to hold their annual Thanksgiving Day Banquet at DeVos Place, with the first dinner held in 2007. This free event offers the Grand Rapids community the opportunity to gather for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The Lakeshore Volleyfest, MJVBA Championships and several other sporting events have all found their home at DeVos Place and continue to draw participants and spectators from across the region and the country.
DeVos Place has also hosted many unique events throughout the past 20 years. In 2009, DeVos Place hosted the announcement of the first ever ArtPrize and has played a pivotal role in the art competition every year since, hosting an annual opening reception and several Grand Prize winners. From June 6 to July 12, 2022, Beyond Van Gogh offered an immersive art experience to patrons and allowed them the opportunity to revisit the works of Vincent Van Gogh. Using 360 view projectors, virtual reality and classic galleries, the exhibit gave new life to Van Gogh’s work.
DeVos Place hosted the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic in 2021, in partnership with Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health St. Mary’s (now Trinity Health). 1,250 volunteers serving more than 2,500 hours worked with 2,000 employees to administer over 231,000 vaccinations. At its peak, more than 12,500 vaccine doses were administered at the clinic in a single day, setting a statewide record with roughly 1,000 doses given per hour.
DeVos Place continues to host events that bring the community closer, inspire connection, and provide opportunities for education, entertainment, and enrichment, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Grand Rapids’ vibrant cultural and social landscape. Join us throughout 2025 as we celebrate 20 years at DeVos Place, honoring the past while looking forward to an even brighter future.
About ASM Global:
Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall are managed by ASM Global. Award-winning ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network spans five continents featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers and performing arts venues.
ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into innovative project development, planning and execution; content programming; curated guest-immersive experiences; locally tailored solutions; and optimized revenue streams for our client’s properties and surrounding communities. Focused on value creation and economic growth, ASM Global realizes venue business potential to elevate the profitability and profile of our clients and partners. We cultivate strong, inclusive relationships with the communities we work and live in while championing the welfare and development of our employees and small-business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient and vibrant community.
ASM Global's expertise and commitment extends across existing venue management, new venue development, and transformative renovation projects across the most exciting properties in the industry, including Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong), Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana), The Moscone Center (San Francisco, California), AO Arena (Manchester, U.K.), The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, California), Desert Diamond Arena (Glendale, Arizona) and Fishers Event Center (Fishers, Indiana).
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