Hotel & Meals

The host hotel for the convention will be:  

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
187 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: 616-774-2000 (Main Line)
Phone: 800-253-3590 (Hotel Reservations Only)
www.amwaygrand.com 

Convention Room Rates: Be sure to mention you are with the NSA Convention
when making your reservations!

These rates are in effect from July 4^th to July 17^th, 2008.  An additional tax (currently 14%) will be added to all room rates.

AMENITIES:  Taken from the Amway Grand website, “Today's travelers expect more from a hotel. As the only full-service hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, the Amway Grand Plaza satisfies even the busiest of travelers by putting everything you need under one roof. You'll find charming boutiques and galleries, a luxurious fitness center, a full slate of business services, in-room conveniences, as well as a helpful concierge who's always ready to assist you.”

Every room in the Amway Grand Plaza is outfitted with distinctive furnishings and a special ambience that will make you feel right at home. On top of that, you'll enjoy these thoughtful amenities for a more comfortable stay: Selection of in-room movies; convenient Web TV; Nintendo 64; electronic locks for added security; hair dryer, iron, and ironing board; daily housekeeping; turndown service; 24-hour on-site security; 24-hour room service; clock radio; shampoo/conditioner, two bars of soap, lotion, shower cap, sewing kit, shoehorn, and polisher; and bags provided for laundry or dry cleaning services.

FITNESS CENTER:  There is a $5 per room per day fee to use the fitness center, which includes access to the indoor pool, 2 hot tubs, racquetball, tennis and basketball courts and workout equipment.

HOTEL:  Within the hotel, there is a concierge desk and a business center for your convenience.  Shopping includes several boutiques, shops and art galleries, and diners may choose between 5 restaurants, 2 lounges, and a coffee shop.

RESERVATIONS:  Guests may begin calling the Amway Grand Plaza at (800) 253-3590 or (616) 776-6450 to make reservations beginning January 1, 2008.  Please specify the 2008 National Stereoscopic Association Convention to receive the group rate.  The Guest Room Block cut-off date is June 20, 2008, but if rooms are still available after that date, the group rate will be honored.  At the time a reservation is made, guests will be required to provide a name, address, phone number and credit card number.  A confirmation code will be given and a confirmation will be either emailed or postal mailed, depending on the guest’s preference.  Guests will also be required to submit a credit card and photo ID upon check in. 

PARKING:  Secure, covered parking is available in a well lit parking structure accessible through the Skywalk, located on the second level of the Pantlind side of the hotel.  Convention rates will be ½ off the 2008 daily and self-parking rates.  Unlimited in-out privileges apply.  Housed within the parking ramp is Hertz Rental Car Company at (616) 774-9258.

We have a contract to fill a minimum number of room nights, so we encourage you to stay at the Amway Grand Plaza.  However, we also acknowledge that some of you may wish to stay at a less expensive lodging or even bring an RV or camp out.  Please contact the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for information regarding these options.

MEALS

Tickets for all banquets and meals are open to everyone.  You do not need to be a registered Convention attendee to participate.

SSA Dinner:  On Thursday, July 10^th, 2008, the SSA Dinner will take place at the “Top of the B.O.B.,” located in a renovated warehouse just 3 short blocks from the Grand Plaza Hotel.  The “Big Old Building,” or “The B.O.B.,” houses several restaurants, a comedy club and 2 large banquet facilities on the upper floors.  The SSA Dinner will be a buffet meal including Top Round Beef (mushroom demi glace), Housemade Vegetarian Lasagna, Oven Roasted Redskin Potatoes, Green Bean medley (diced roma tomato, parmesan, cremini mushrooms and basil butter), and a Traditional Chopped Salad (chopped butter lettuce, chopped red romaine, garden vegetables and a choice of dressing).  Dessert will be sheet cake and there will be a cash bar for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Banquet and Awards Ceremony:  The NSA Banquet will be held in the spectacular Pantlind Ballroom at the Grand Plaza on Saturday night, July 12^th, 2008.  The Social Hour will begin at 6:00 PM with dinner to follow at 7:00 PM.  A wonderful salad of Boston Bibb, Radicchio and Belgian Endive with Roasted Roma Tomato and Smoked Gouda and topped with your choice of Herb Vinaigrette or Ranch Dressing will begin the dinner.  Choices for the entrees are: Roasted Chicken Breast with Apple Currant Stuffing and Michigan Cherry Chutney; Homemade Yankee Pot Roast with Roasted Vegetable Jardiniere and Garlic Whipped Potatoes; or a Chef’s Choice Vegetarian Plate.  A luscious dessert of Baked Puff Pastry Pear with Caramel Vanilla Sauce will conclude this delectable meal.

NSA President’s Breakfast:  The Imperial Breakfast Buffet is sure to delight the palates of all who attend the NSA President’s Breakfast on the morning of July 13^th, 2008 in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Ballroom in the Pantlind section of the Grand Plaza Hotel.  The scrumptious buffet begins with Chilled Orange, Tomato, Grapefruit and Cran-Apple Juices.  It continues with a display of Fresh Fruit and Berries, Individual Assorted Yogurts, and Assorted Cereals with Milk and Whole Bananas.  Fresh Scrambled Eggs with Chives and Mushrooms and Michigan Dried Cherry French Toast in Light Grand Marnier Batter with Michigan Maple Syrup will tempt all.  Meat choices will include Grilled smoked Ham, Crisp Bacon Strips and Grilled Sausage Links.  In addition to O’Brien Potatoes, an assortment of Baked Breakfast Breads, Muffins and Cinnamon Croissants with Fruit Preserves and Butter will also be offered.  Beverages will also include Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea.

Page last updated 1/21/2008