Michigan Business Beat | Julie Pingston, Choose Lansing - Cities of the Big10 Passport Initiative

Michigan Business Network

Originally uploaded August 12, re-edited October 16th. Chris Holman welcomes back Julie Pingston, CDME, CMP, CTA / President & CEO Choose Lansing, Lansing, MI Welcome back Julie, I understand you're part of a new project? Tell us more about the New Initiative Encouraging Sports Fans to Explore ‘Cities of the Big Ten’? There's a digital passport developed with Bandwagon? Julie, for this project what are the Highlighted Attractions are included around Lansing? What else should businesses of the area know about this new initiative? New Initiative Encourages Sports Fans to Explore ‘Cities of the Big Ten’ Choose Lansing shared a release on this topic: LANSING, MICH. – July, 2024 – Choose LansingTM and Destination Ann Arbor are excited to announce their participation in the new Cities of the Big Ten passport initiative, a collaborative effort designed to encourage visitors to explore beyond athletic events and discover the unique attractions of the Big Ten cities. This joint effort, facilitated through a digital passport developed with Bandwango, aims to showcase unique attractions in each Big Ten destination and promote a richer travel experience. “Being a part of the Big Ten conference strengthens the bond between our communities,” said Amy Karbo, Vice President of Marketing of Destination Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan and the 2023 College Football National Champions. “This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight and share the unique attractions of each of our destinations, encouraging visitors to explore all that we have to offer. Ann Arbor is known for its vibrant culture, lively arts scene and iconic landmarks. We are thrilled to be part of this initiative that not only brings sports fans to our city but also encourages them to explore everything else Ann Arbor has to offer.” Tracy Padot, Chief Marketing Officer of Choose Lansing, agrees. “As home to the State Capitol and Michigan State University, there’s so much more to see beyond Spartan Stadium when visitors come for a football game. Whether it’s one of our attractions, museums, great dining, or outstanding accommodations, we are a welcoming destination for all.” The passport features a curated list and dynamic mix of places to visit and explore, aiming to help sports fans traveling to support their team, or anyone interested in new travel adventures, get better acquainted with the cities of the Big Ten. Highlighted Attractions in Lansing include: State Capitol Building/Heritage Hall Michigan History Center and Archives of Michigan Impression 5 Science Center R.E. Olds Transportation Museum High Caliber Karting Zap Zone XL Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum MSU Horticulture Gardens Abrams Planetarium MSU Dairy Store Highlighted Attractions in Ann Arbor include: Zingerman's Deli Big House Tour Law Quad on Campus Main Street Michigan Theater & State Theater The Nichols Arboretum Kerrytown Ann Arbor Distillery Winewood Organics Farmer's Market To access the Cities of the Big Ten passport, visit https://www.citiesofthebigten.com. For more information, visit the dedicated landing pages at Destination Ann Arbor and Choose Lansing. ### About Choose LansingTM The vision of Choose Lansing is to inspire everyone to celebrate and love Greater Lansing as much as we do! This goes hand in hand with our mission, to positively impact our community’s quality of life by developing the region as a visitor destination. Learn more at www.lansing.org. About Destination Ann Arbor Destination Ann Arbor is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to elevate economic vitality and connect our communities through the power of travel.