Spring Fling - like we had this year. I know it's 2 years off, but with most of the convention centers, it's best to scope them out early and make a selection, then get the contract written about a year to 13 months ahead of time - whatever the place will accept. That gives you the best options for cost, service, etc. This is just one option, but with Lakeside and Partridge Creek nearby, it's a place that could draw people that want to bring their families. There's LOTS to do for spouses/significant others and children. The last Spring Flings that I know about were in Midland, Grand Rapids, and Clarkston. Why not Clinton Twp? It's easy to find, has a LOT of options (if the college doesn't work, there's another place I have in mind not too far away, but I expect it would be more expensive).
Most convention hotels are going to be more expensive than we can tolerate, although some of the smaller ones might just welcome a group such as ours. The bigger places don't really like to deal with anything fewer than 2-300 people at an event. Because we number under 100, our options are limited. There are both pros and cons to the college, and maybe it won't work - but I wanted to throw it out for consideration so we remember to think creatively when considering where to hold the next spring fling.
Other options:
Frankenmuth - the Birch Run convention center is nearby for classrooms, the 2 largest restaurants in town just LOVE banquets, and the shopping is terrific. Downside: hotels there are unconscionably high-priced.
The Business Education Center in Ypsilanti. It used to be a Ramada, not sure what it is now. It couldn't be better from a classroom/theater/banquet room standpoint, but again - it's very expensive.
The Best Western Concorde Inn (I think that's the name - not sure) in Mt. Clemens on Gratiot just south of M-59. New and BEAUTIFUL hotel. Cost? Probably high.
The Sterling Inn on 15 & Van Dyke. Excellent facility - close to just about everything.
Troy Marriott - or whatever it's called these days. Ditto any large hotel in Troy that has meeting space.
There are a couple of other motels/hotels near the Sterling Inn that might work - because they're near the Tech Center, meeting rooms are common.
Oakland University. I'm not sure, but I seem to recall they had a program available similar to the place in Midland. If we don't care to sleep in a dorm, there are hotels nearby. Again - easy to find, central location, lots to do around it - etc., etc.
If we want to travel - there are LOTS of choices in and around Traverse City. Too numerous to mention right now, but lots of options.
Any other major resort town in this state has at least something that would be worth considering. Go to Michigan.org and start hunting! How 'bout a beautiful old B&B? There's one in Traverse City called the Wellington Inn - may not be big enough, but again - food for thought.
Ludington?
Saugatuck?
Gaylord?
Bay City/Saginaw?
Lansing? Lots of hotels with meeting rooms just begging to be used. Ditto colleges.
Kalamazoo?
Battle Creek?
Cadillac?
So - have I given the committee some food for thought?
