Frequently Asked Questions

Membership Questions

Who can be a member?
Anyone can be an Econ Club member. We are an association of individuals interested in, and contributing to, the growing economic health of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. People from every sphere of activity are invited to hear the views of outstanding, high level and nationally known speakers who address our regular meetings.

What does it cost for membership?

We have three levels of membership; Sustaining Membership: $400/year, Regular Membership: $225/year, and Associate Membership: $175/year. Discover what membership level is best for you!

What are the benefits of membership?

There are some great benefits that come along with being an Econ Club member. You can find more information about our membership and what it includes here.

How do I become a member?
You can easily apply online or fill out the form and email it to info@econclub.net.

When is my membership up for renewal?

Membership for The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is annual. Your membership will be up for renewal on your anniversary date of joining. You will receive email reminders and an invoice when your membership is up for renewal.

Are the luncheon events included in my membership fees?

Luncheon events are not included in your membership fee. Each event requires individual registration. Members get access to exclusive events and discounted event registration fees.

My contact information changed. How do I update my membership profile?

All profile details can be updated by logging into your account and clicking the “Edit Profile” button in the top left corner. It is important to keep your profile information up to date as this is what is reflected on your name tag and how we communicate the latest Econ Club happenings.

I would like to purchase a membership for someone else, how can I do that?

An Econ Club membership is a great gift idea! You can contact us at (616) 454-1883 or registration@econclub.net with the name, email, and company of the person you would like to purchase the membership for, and we’ll get the gift membership set up for you!

Luncheon Questions

Where are events held? 

Our in-person luncheons are hosted in the International Ballroom at the JW Marriott, downtown Grand Rapids. Virtual luncheons take place via a Zoom webinar.

Is there a dress code for the luncheon events?

There is no official dress code for our luncheon events. We do ask out of respect for our speakers and other members that you dress in a professional manner, wearing what you would at the office. 

What is the cost of the luncheon?

$45 for members, and $65 for guests of a member.

Where do I register for events?

Communication on our events will be sent out via email several weeks before the event with a link to register. You can also register under our events page.

When does registration close?

Registration will be open until noon on Friday prior to the Monday Luncheon. After that deadline please contact us for availability.

What information do I need to register and how do I pay for it?

You’ll need to enter the email associated with your membership to unlock member pricing. If you are registering a guest, you’ll need their name, email, company name, and dietary restriction preference. 

A credit card will be needed for the payment. After completing the transaction, an automated confirmation will be emailed to ensure you have completed the registration.

Can I register for luncheons without being a member?
Luncheons are open to members and their guests only. If you are not a member nor a guest of a member, we encourage you to join!

Is there a limit on how many guests I can bring?
There are no limits to how many guests you can bring. There may be occasional events that have limited registration with member priority, however, that will be communicated in advance and listed on our website.

What if I sign up for a meeting and then find out I can not attend?

We understand things happen. Cancellations must be made by 12 pm on the Thursday prior to the event – no exceptions. You also have the option to send a substitute for your registration. To cancel or change your registration, contact us at (616) 454-1883 or registration@econclub.net. Some additional fees may apply.

Where do I park for luncheons?

The JW Marriott has a new parking system. With this system upgrade, the event parking payment process will change from previous seasons.

Self-parking: Guests who self-park will now pay upon entrance to the JW’s parking structure. There are two entrances on Campau and one in the valet/main entrance area to the hotel. There will be a JW staff member at each entrance to assist. You’ll simply use the touch screen and tap the “Econ Club” button to receive the discounted rate of $8 per vehicle. There is a tap-to-pay feature to make payment as quickly as possible. Your parking ticket will print and this is also your receipt. At the end of the event, the gates will be open to make for a quick departure since everyone will have pre-paid.

Please have payment ready upon entry.

Valet parking: Guests who wish to valet park should pull their vehicle up to the main entrance. A JW valet runner will park their vehicle and provide them with a ticket. When the event ends, guests should head to the valet cashier on the lobby level to have their car retrieved. Mention that they are with the Econ Club event to receive the discounted rate of $12.