Experience Grand Rapids
Andrea Newcomer, CMP has a diverse work experience in the event and hospitality industry. Andrea started their career as a Sales Manager at Radisson Riverfront Hotel in 2003 and then moved on to become the Sales Director at Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids in 2004. In 2007, they joined Prince Conference Center as an Event Coordinator for a short period of time before transitioning to Experience Grand Rapids. At Experience Grand Rapids, Andrea held various roles including Sales Project Manager, Event & Visitor Services Manager, and Convention Services Manager. Andrea currently holds the position of Director of Events at Experience Grand Rapids.
Andrea Newcomer, CMP, earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Hospitality/Tourism Management from Grand Valley State University, where they studied from 1999 to 2002. In addition to their degree, they have obtained several certifications throughout their career. Andrea became a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) in July 2010, through the Events Industry Council. Andrea also holds the Government Meeting Specialist Certification from the Michigan Chapter-Society of Government Meeting Professionals, which they obtained in March 2011. Andrea became a Certified Tourism Ambassador through the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) Program in January 2014. Continuing their professional development, Andrea completed the Women in Leadership Certificate Course offered by Meeting Professionals International in April 2019. Andrea further enhanced their skills by completing the Emergency Preparedness for Events Certificate Course in June 2021, followed by the Event Leadership Strategist Certificate Course in November 2022 and the Inclusive Event Strategist Certificate Course in December 2022, both offered by Meeting Professionals International. Most recently, Andrea obtained the Professional in Destination Management (PDM) certification from Destinations International in August 2023.
Experience Grand Rapids
MISSION: Creating an exceptional community by sharing Grand Rapids with the world. What does that really mean? It means that we inspire tourism and conventions through short-term promotions, long-term marketing and sales strategies, and a focus on community developments that will impact the visitor experience. WHAT ARE WE: Experience Grand Rapids is the destination marketing organization (DMO) for Grand Rapids/Kent County, Michigan. We are the only community resource devoted to marketing the destination by raising visitor awareness of the region’s brand characteristics of craft beer, music, family fun, outdoor recreation, art and culture and food. We care deeply about the impression we make on the people who come here. And we are constantly innovating new and creative ways to make the Grand Rapids experience even better.