Need-to-Know Conference Information for Attendees
We are excited for you to join us at the 20th annual Great Lakes Lenders Conference (GLLC) on August 14 -16! This message contains essential information for your attendance. Please read thoroughly. Contact Josh Marko, Projects Coordinator with the Michigan Small Business Development Center, for any conference related assistance at markojos@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-7373.
Hotel Logistics
The GLLC is hosted at Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center located at 400 Renaissance Dr W, Detroit, MI, 48243. Parking is available in several paid lots surrounding the hotel. Please refer to the following link for information regarding parking: http://gmrencen.com/parking-and-valet/
Conference meals, breaks and combined sessions are located in the Ambassador Ballroom, located on Level 3 (the same level as the hotel lobby). Breakout sessions are located on Level 5, a short trip up two levels on the escalators or elevators. A complete conference agenda will be printed on the back of your name badge and also provided at registration. The conference agenda and venue map is also available in the Guidebook app (see below).
Hotel check-out is at 12:00 p.m. on the date of your departure. Please check-out prior to 8:30 a.m. in order to arrive on time to the start of conference sessions.
Complimentary conference wifi is available using the wireless network “GLLCWIFI” and the password “CloudBnq”. Thank you to WiFi sponsor CoudBnq!
Registration
Conference registration is located in the foyer of the Ambassador Ballroom on Level 3. Early Registration is open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tue., August 14, and reopens at 7:30 a.m. on Wed. and Thurs. Please register on Tue. evening to avoid the wait during Wed. morning registration rush. Registration will close at 1:00 p.m. on Thurs, August 16. Attendees will receive a name badge with conference agenda, map of the venue, exhibitor passport, and River Cruise Reception drink tickets upon registration.
Conference Agenda
The conference agenda is included in the Guidebook app and will also be printed on the back of your name badge. Agenda highlights include keynote speaker Larry Bell (Founder and Owner, Bell’s Brewery) on Wed., the Best Practices for your SBA Lending Department combined session on Wed. afternoon, the River Cruise Reception on Wed. evening, as well as Martin Lavelle (Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago) as keynote speaker on Thur.
River Cruise Reception (Wednesday, 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
All aboard! Socialize and network with SBA staff, presenters, and fellow conference attendees at the Wednesday evening River Cruise Reception. This complimentary reception is hosted on the lovely Diamond Belle through the sponsorship of The Preston Group and Strategic Banking Partners (SBP). Enjoy food, beverage, live DJ entertainment, and professional photography on the Detroit River against the backdrop of the Motor City skyline. Attendees will receive two drink tickets at registration; all conference attendees are encouraged to attend.
Boarding of the Diamond Belle occurs at 5:30 p.m. The dock is a 10 minute walk along the scenic Detroit Riverwalk on the east side of the conference venue. To reach the dock, exit the Renaissance Center near the river, turn left to walk north along the riverwalk until you reach the carousel and the evening festivities. The Diamond Belle lifts anchor at 6:00 p.m. and will return to dock at 8:30 p.m. Your conference badge is required for entry to the reception. The boat reception will take place rain or shine – indoor cabin space is available in the event of rain. You must confirm if you will be attending the River Cruise Reception when you check-in at conference registration so the Captain may prepare boarding procedures.
Guidebook Conference Mobile App
The Guidebook mobile app is the best way to access conference information. We highly recommend that you download the app prior to arriving at the venue. The app contains an up to date agenda, session and presenter information, as well as details on conference exhibitors. The passphrase used to access the app is gllc2018. You may download the app to your mobile device at this link: https://guidebook.com/g/gllc/. You may also access the app content via web browser at this link: http://guidebook.com/guide/124760.
Conference Exhibitors and Prize Raffles
The GLLC would not be possible without the support of conference exhibitors and sponsors. The work of the lending community would also not be possible without their services. Exhibit tables are located in the exhibit foyer outside of the Ambassador Ballroom. Bring plenty of business cards…many exhibitors will have prizes on raffle. Attendees also have the opportunity to win a $500 Visa Gift Card grand prize by receiving a stamp on their exhibit passport from each exhibitor present. Completed exhibit passports must be submitted at registration by 12:00 p.m. on Thur. Thank you to CloudBnq for providing the grand prize!
Breakfast with the Exhibitors is hosted 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning in the Ambassador Foyer. Enjoy a roaming style breakfast while you visit with the best and brightest of the lending industry. Food and beverage breaks will also be hosted in the exhibit foyer between breakout sessions as indicated on the agenda.