DeVos Place
DeVos Place is a 162,000 sq ft government-owned convention center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, operated by Legends Global since 2005, hosting conventions, tradeshows, weddings, concerts, and performing arts across its exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting rooms, and 2,543-seat performance hall.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersGrand Rapids, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What DeVos Place does
DeVos Place is a 162,000 sq ft convention center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, opened in 2005 and operated under a management agreement by Legends Global (formerly ASM Global, acquired by Legends in 2024). The facility is owned by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), a government entity, and sits riverfront beside the Grand River with skywalk access to 1,100+ adjacent hotel rooms. The venue portfolio includes a 162,000 sq ft column-free exhibit hall with 72-ft ceilings and 12 loading docks, a 40,000 sq ft Steelcase Ballroom subdivisible into four rooms, 26 meeting rooms totaling 32,000 sq ft, the 2,543-seat DeVos Performance Hall, and the outdoor Lyon Square plaza. Over 20 years of operation, the venue has hosted 7,000+ events for 7.6 million+ guests and generated $1.38 billion in cumulative economic impact for Kent County.
The business model is asset-light from the operator's perspective: revenue is generated through event space rental, ticketing via Ticketmaster and AXS, exclusive catering commissions through Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, equipment and service rentals (AV via BlueWater, security via DK Security, trade show services via Art Craft Display), and parking. The go-to-market motion is sales-led, with a dedicated sales team handling enterprise convention bookings, supported by the Experience Grand Rapids destination marketing partnership. Customer segments are horizontal across convention organizers, social event planners, consumer event promoters, and arts/culture organizations, with no single anchor client. Technology stack consists of third-party integrations — Saffire CMS, Threshold360 virtual tours, Ticketmaster/AXS ticketing — rather than proprietary platforms.
The competitive position rests on irreplicable location (downtown riverfront within walking distance of hotels, dining, museums, and Van Andel Arena), 20 years of operational track record, government ownership structure that structurally limits competing regional facilities, and a deep service-partner ecosystem. Recent strategic activity has focused on expanding the operator's managed portfolio through CAA (Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Stadium), securing Live Nation for premium entertainment bookings, and positioning the venue for ESG-sensitive corporate clients through a 100% renewable energy commitment with Consumers Energy beginning 2028.
DeVos Place firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DeVos Place
- Legal name
- DeVos Place (operated by Legends Global Grand Rapids)
- Website
- https://devosplace.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- DeVos Place is a 162,000 sq ft government-owned convention center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, operated by Legends Global since 2005, hosting conventions, tradeshows, weddings, concerts, and performing arts across its exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting rooms, and 2,543-seat performance hall.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DeVos Place industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Convention and Event Venue Services
- NAICS
- Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Conference Centers & Dedicated Meeting Venues (THAHAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Venue & Banquet Hall Catering (THAFAIAC)
Keywords
Where DeVos Place is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Rapids
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
DeVos Place business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Event Space Rental: Revenue generated from renting convention center spaces including exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms for conventions, tradeshows, meetings, and social events
- Ticketing and Box Office: Ticket sales for performances at DeVos Performance Hall, with box office open Monday-Friday 11AM-3PM, and tickets sold through Ticketmaster and AXS platforms
- Food and Beverage Concessions: Exclusive food and beverage services provided by Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, including catering for events and concessions in exhibit halls
- Parking Services: Underground parking garage managed by City of Grand Rapids, with additional street parking permits for oversized vehicles
- Equipment and Service Rentals: AV equipment, internet, electrical, and water service rentals for exhibitors and event organizers
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Ticket pricing varies by event |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Water service pricing |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Group sales discounts |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Gift certificates |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
DeVos Place product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DeVos Place operates a 162,000 sq. ft. column-free exhibit hall, a 40,000 sq. ft. Steelcase Ballroom, 26 sub-dividable meeting rooms totaling 32,000 sq. ft., and the 2,543-seat DeVos Performance Hall, along with the outdoor Lyon Square plaza along the Grand River. The venue sells event space rental, ticketing, exclusive catering via Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, AV and event service rentals, and event coordination for conventions, tradeshows, meetings, weddings, banquets, concerts, and performing arts events.
Product overview
DeVos Place is a premier convention center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan offering a comprehensive portfolio of event venues and services. The facility comprises the main convention center with a 162,000 sq ft column-free exhibit hall, 40,000 sq ft Steelcase Ballroom (subdividable into 4 rooms), 26 sub-dividable meeting rooms (Grand Gallery, Monroe, and River Overlook rooms totaling 32,000 sq ft), and the adjacent 2,543-seat DeVos Performance Hall. Lyon Square provides outdoor event space along the Grand River. Services include event planning assistance, exclusive catering by Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, box office/ticketing operations, and access to service partners for AV, security, staffing, and trade show services. The venue is managed by Legends Global (formerly ASM Global) and serves conventions, tradeshows, meetings, banquets, weddings, and performing arts events.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DeVos Performance Hall: A 2,543-seat performing arts theater within DeVos Place featuring performances by Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet, Opera Grand Rapids, and Broadway Grand Rapids.
Products and services
- Exhibit Hall 162,000 sq. ft. column-free exhibition space divisible into three rooms with 72-foot ceiling height and 12 loading docks, serving convention organizers, tradeshow exhibitors, and large event producers.
- Steelcase Ballroom 40,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose ballroom divisible into four separate rooms with Secchia Lobby pre-function space and Grand River views, used for banquets, weddings, general sessions, and social events.
- Grand Gallery Meeting Rooms Main-level meeting rooms that subdivide into 6 separate rooms or open as one large space, with additional Grand Gallery Overlook Meeting Rooms on the third level.
- Monroe Meeting Rooms Small meeting rooms ideal for events in conjunction with DeVos Performance Hall or standalone meetings, accessed from Monroe Avenue or via skywalk from hotels.
- River Overlook Meeting Rooms Six meeting rooms on the third level above the Steelcase Ballroom designed for breakout sessions with Grand River views.
- Lyon Square Outdoor public plaza along the Grand River between DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel with new lighting, greenspace, and seating for outdoor events.
- DeVos Performance Hall 2,543-seat performing arts theater featuring Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet, Opera Grand Rapids, and Broadway Grand Rapids performances, with two independent loading docks.
- Box Office and Ticketing Services Ticket sales via Grand Gallery box office (Monday-Friday 11AM-3PM) supporting Ticketmaster and AXS ticketed events with accessible seating and group sales.
- Food and Beverage Catering Exclusive catering by Amway Grand Plaza Hotel including in-house Sales and Catering team, culinary offerings, concessions, and access to Ruth's Chris Steak House.
- Event Planning Services Event coordination including experienced event coordinators, planning documents, equipment rentals, exhibitor forms, and virtual tour capabilities for clients hosting conventions, tradeshows, meetings, weddings, and concerts.
Quantifiable outcome
- $1.38 billion in economic impact for Kent County over 20 years
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use DeVos Place
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
DeVos Place technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
DeVos Place partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Live NationcoreCommitted to long-term partnership for Acrisure Amphitheater, playing key role in booking and managing events at the amphitheater, working closely with stakeholders to bring diverse performances and experiences.
- Consumers EnergycoreEnergy partnership through Demand Response Program and Renewable Energy Program. CAA will source renewable energy from Michigan-based wind and solar projects beginning 2028. $407,261.12 check presented representing energy savings.
- Amway Grand Plaza HotelcoreExclusive food and beverage concessionaire for DeVos Place. Provides in-house Sales and Catering team for events, culinary excellence with certified chefs, and home to West Michigan's only Ruth's Chris Steak House. Concessions provided directly or through Amway subcontracted vendors.
- Art Craft DisplayminorTrade show services provider offering booth equipment, drapery, tables, chairs, carpeting, floor plan design, sign department, convention management, freight handling, and labor services.
- BlueWaterminorAV services provider for live events offering lighting, audio and video specialists, equipment rentals from portable projectors to complete staging, and technical support.
- DK SecurityminorEvent security services including uniform security, crowd control, armed security, undercover agents, executive protection, and security consulting for venues hosting public events.
- Staffing Inc.minorStaffing services for temporary and permanent placement in Service and Manufacturing industries, pre-screening, hiring, training, scheduling, and managing associates for events.
- AllArtWorks FoundationminorNon-profit hosting AllArt: Grand Rapids art show during ArtPrize, featuring over 700 pieces of art in 50,000 square feet. Profits from ticket sales support year-round arts programming.
- ASM GlobalcoreWorld's leading producer of entertainment experiences and global leader in venue and event strategy and management. ASM Global was acquired by Legends in 2024.
- Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA)coreSeven-member board that administers DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall, Van Andel Arena, Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium. Established March 29, 2000 by City of Grand Rapids and County of Kent.
- City of Grand RapidsminorManages parking facilities at DeVos Place. Parking lots and ramps surrounding venue offer accessible parking options.
- The RapidminorPublic bus service providing transportation access to DeVos Place via The Rapid and DASH public bus routes.
- Aunt FlowminorWoman-owned business providing free organic menstrual products in dispensers throughout the venue for patron convenience.
- Lake Michigan Credit UnionminorATM machines located inside DeVos Performance Hall near south lobby and next to Grand Gallery box office.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DeVos Place competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center): Detroit's major convention center, similarly situated in a Midwestern downtown and serving comparable regional convention, tradeshow, and meeting demand. ASM/Legends-affiliated venues with overlapping customer segments.
- Van Andel Arena: Sister venue to DeVos Place under the same CAA ownership and Legends Global management, located within walking distance. Serves overlapping entertainment/concert/sports demand and shares the same sales and operations team.
- Indiana Convention Center: Indianapolis convention center comparable in scale and target market to DeVos Place, also operated within the ASM Global/Legends network. Hosts similar tradeshows, conventions, and consumer events.
- Kentucky International Convention Center: Louisville convention center operated by ASM Global, comparable in scale and Midwestern/Southern US convention demand profile. Hosts similar tradeshows, association meetings, and consumer events.
- McCormick Place: North America's largest convention center in Chicago, also operated by ASM Global. Compares directly to DeVos Place as a convention venue with exhibit halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and a performing arts theater under the same management network.
- Acrisure Amphitheater: New Grand Rapids amphitheater operated by Legends under the recently extended CAA management agreement, partnered with Live Nation. Represents a directly comparable outdoor venue in the same downtown ecosystem.
Others
- Experience Grand Rapids: Regional destination marketing organization (DMO) that drives convention, sports tournament, and tourism bookings to DeVos Place. Functions as a key channel partner rather than a competitor.
- Amway Grand Plaza Hotel: Adjacent four-star hotel that serves as DeVos Place's exclusive food and beverage concessionaire and is connected via skywalk. A critical ecosystem partner providing catering, lodging, and Ruth's Chris Steak House services.
Broad incumbents
- Live Nation Entertainment: Global entertainment company that partnered with Legends in 2025 to program the Acrisure Amphitheater and broader Grand Rapids venues. Compares as a broader entertainment/venue incumbent with significant ticketing and event programming overlap.
- ASM Global (Legends): Global venue management company (acquired by Legends in 2024) that directly manages DeVos Place and over 400 venues worldwide. Functions as both operator and broader portfolio incumbent with overlapping service offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
DeVos Place social profiles
Digital presenceDeVos Place compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
DeVos Place financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DeVos Place leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
DeVos Place funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DeVos Place M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DeVos Place
What does DeVos Place do?
DeVos Place operates a 162,000 sq. ft. column-free exhibit hall, a 40,000 sq. ft. Steelcase Ballroom, 26 sub-dividable meeting rooms totaling 32,000 sq. ft., and the 2,543-seat DeVos Performance Hall, along with the outdoor Lyon Square plaza along the Grand River. The venue sells event space rental, ticketing, exclusive catering via Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, AV and event service rentals, and event coordination for conventions, tradeshows, meetings, weddings, banquets, concerts, and performing arts events.
Is DeVos Place a public or private company?
DeVos Place is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was DeVos Place founded?
DeVos Place was founded in 2005. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is DeVos Place based?
DeVos Place is headquartered in Grand Rapids, United States, in the North America region.
How does DeVos Place make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Event Space Rental is the primary driver. The others are ticketing and Box Office, food and Beverage Concessions, parking Services and equipment and Service Rentals.
Who are DeVos Place's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center), Van Andel Arena, Indiana Convention Center, Kentucky International Convention Center, McCormick Place and Acrisure Amphitheater. Others are Experience Grand Rapids and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Broad incumbents are Live Nation Entertainment and ASM Global (Legends).
Does DeVos Place have an API?
No public API is recorded for DeVos Place.
What industry is DeVos Place in?
DeVos Place's product category is Convention and Event Venue Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAAAB, Conference Centers & Dedicated Meeting Venues, with a secondary code of MPAGALAC, Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues). Its NAICS code is 71131.