Event Management Training-Event Production on Public Property Edition at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. – Grand Rapids, MI

The free Event Management Training course is designed by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and the City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events (OSE) to provide event producers with the knowledge and tools necessary to organize successful events of any size in the City of Grand Rapids on public property.

The three hour course —Event Production on Public Property in the City of Grand Rapids — is free and open to the public, specifically event organizers, volunteers and staff, and provides practical advice from seasoned professionals concerning:

— goal setting

— budget creation

— venue selection

— event insurance

— permitting/production process specific to the Office of Special Events

— community notification best practices

— emergency action plans

The course also provides the opportunity to meet and speak with OSE and DGRI staff relevant to executing successful events.

Complimentary water and coffee will be available. Please feel free to bring your own sack supper or snacks.

DGRI will provide complimentary parking in the parking ramp located across the street from their offices on the corner of Ionia Ave. and Pearl St. If you prefer to park at a parking meter (active until 7 pm), download the “MOTU” app to pay by credit card. View other parking options here. The free DASH bus hours on Wednesday are 7 am to 12 am. Find out more at DASH the Downtown Area Shuttle (grandrapidsmi.gov).

Participants who attend both the April 29 (Event Production on Public Property) and April 30 (Planning Your Vision) training sessions, will receive a 25% site fee reduction on their first permitted event in the 2026 calendar year scheduled through the OSE, and a digital certificate of completion from DGRI and the OSE.