The Economic Impact of Conferences: Gaylord and Northern Michigan

When organizations choose Treetops for their conferences, board retreats, and special events, the benefits extend far beyond the meeting rooms. These events serve as powerful economic engines, driving growth and prosperity throughout Gaylord and the broader Northern Michigan region.

Let's explore the multifaceted economic impact of conferences in this beautiful part of the Great Lakes State.

Direct spending: Beyond the resort

While conference attendees spend direct lodging at Treetops Resort itself, their economic footprint extends much further:

Local restaurants: Many visitors explore Gaylord's dining scene, boosting revenue for local eateries.
Retail boutiques: Downtown Gaylord often sees increased foot traffic and sales during major conferences.
Entertainment Venues: Attendees frequently seek local entertainment options, supporting theaters, bars, and other venues.

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Employment opportunities

Conference and business special events create and sustain jobs in various sectors:

Hospitality: Increased demand leads to more positions in hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Event planning: Local event planning businesses thrive on conference-related opportunities.

Support services: From AV technicians to cleaning staff, conferences create diverse job opportunities.

Indirect economic benefits

The ripple effect of conference spending extends to:

Supply chain: Local suppliers of food, beverages, and other goods see increased orders.
Marketing: Gaylord gains exposure as attendees share their experiences, potentially attracting future tourists.
Infrastructure improvements: Increased special events help drive investment into local infrastructure and amenities.

Seasonal impact

Conferences play a crucial role in Gaylord's year-round economy:

Off-peak boosts: Events during shoulder seasons help maintain a steady economic flow throughout the resort and the greater community.

Winter draw: Treetops' winter conferences showcase Gaylord's appeal as a year-round destination with skiing, Nordic trails, and extreme tubing fun.

Quantifying the impact

While specific numbers vary, studies on similar regions suggest:

For every dollar spent on conference registration, attendees typically spend 2-3 times that amount within the local economy.

Multi-day conferences can generate significant economic impact for the host community.

Long-term benefits

Conferences contribute to long-term economic growth by:

Repeat visitors: Impressed attendees often return for leisure trips.
Business relocations: Some companies, introduced to the area through conferences, consider it for expansion or relocation.
Skill development: Local workers gain valuable experience in event management and hospitality.

Community pride

The success of conferences at Treetops fosters:

Community pride: Residents take pride in their ability to host significant events.

Reinvestment: Economic gains can translate to community improvements and beautification efforts.

Challenges and considerations

While the economic impact is overwhelmingly positive, it's important to manage:

Environmental sustainability: Ensuring conferences don't negatively impact Northern Michigan's natural beauty.

Infrastructure strain: Planning for increased use of local resources and services.

Commitment to local economy

Treetops Resort remains committed to maximizing the positive economic impact of conferences and special events:

Partnering with local vendors and suppliers

Promoting local attractions and businesses to attendees

Participating in community initiatives and charitable events

Conclusion

Hosting conferences at Treetops Resort is more than just good business for us – it's a catalyst for economic vitality throughout Gaylord and Northern Michigan. By choosing Treetops for your next event, you're not just selecting a venue; you're investing in a community and contributing to the prosperity of an entire region.

Interested in making a positive impact while hosting an unforgettable event? Contact our conference planning team to learn more about bringing your next conference to Treetops and beautiful Northern Michigan.