As DeVos Place celebrates two decades as one of the region’s top convention centers, the venue announced it has generated more than $1.38 billion in economic impact for Grand Rapids and Kent County, marking a significant milestone for the facility since its official opening in 2005. While this figure includes just conventions and sports tournaments tracked by Experience Grand Rapids, DeVos Place has also contributed to the economic growth of Grand Rapids and Kent County throughout the past two decades by hosting local conferences, meetings, public events and more. DeVos Place has been instrumental in attracting visitors and events to the surrounding area, catalyzing the economic impact upon local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions. The convention center’s influence extends far beyond just being a venue for conventions and events—it has played a central role in shaping the city's broader economic environment, even sparking urban development.
“DeVos Place has been a powerhouse for the Grand Rapids economy and a pivotal investment in our community,” said Experience Grand Rapids President and CEO Doug Small. “Shortly after it opened, our team nearly doubled the number of conventions and sports tournaments we booked each year, increasing the annual economic impact by more than 150%. Those groups, alone, drove more than $1.38 billion in economic impact over the past 20 years. That growth and impact has spurred critical development—including restaurants, hotels, retail and entertainment venues—not only downtown, but throughout Kent County.”
Since its opening, DeVos Place has been a key player in transforming Grand Rapids and Kent County into a regional hub for large-scale events. This success has not only helped elevate the city's status on the national map but has also had a profound economic impact locally. DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall generated more than $47 million in local economic impact and, combined with Van Andel Arena, 1,265 full and part-time jobs throughout the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to a 2019 economic impact study.
From anime conventions to consumer shows and trade expos, DeVos Place draws a wide range of events that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Some highlights include the Michigan International Auto Show, Grand Rapids Comic-Con and Great Lakes Trade Expo — all of which bring in diverse attendees and generate strong local spending.
These events have significantly increased the flow of visitors, from both the broader region and nationally, who spend money at local businesses, contributing to the growth of industries such as hospitality, retail, transportation, and food service. Since its opening, events at the convention center have contributed to over 1.4 million hotel room bookings. 2017 saw the most bookings, with 88,907 rooms booked in a single year. The city has seen over $1.4 million spent on lodging, food, transportation and more since DeVos Place opened its doors.
Over 7.6 million guests have attended over 7,000 events at DeVos Place since its opening, making the venue a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. With an eye on the future, leaders are now planning ways to build upon this foundation. According to Small, there is strong momentum behind proposals to expand DeVos Place, adding new facilities and technological capabilities to attract even larger conventions, events and groups of tourists in the coming years.
“We are excited about future planning to expand DeVos Place so we can attract more groups and continue to grow the economic impact of this venue well into the future,” said Small.
As Grand Rapids continues to rise as a regional powerhouse for commerce, culture, and tourism, DeVos Place is expected to remain at the heart of that evolution, serving as both a symbol and a driver of the city’s economic and cultural vitality. DeVos Place is dedicated to continuing its economic impact while bridging the gap between the local community and future visitors.
About ASM Global:
Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall are managed by ASM Global. ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. Acquired by Legends in 2024, 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 clients’ 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.
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