The Midwest is stepping into the spotlight — not just with its iconic hospitality, but with a new wave of design-forward, group-ready properties that are redefining the meetings and events landscape. From Detroit to Des Moines, high-end brands like JW Marriott, Signia by Hilton, and Shinola are making bold statements with sleek architecture, next-gen amenities, and locally inspired touches that elevate the guest experience.
Meanwhile, event professionals across the country are leaning into another kind of reinvention — one driven not by bricks and mortar, but by code and creativity. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming a powerful tool in the event strategist’s toolbox. But let’s be clear: AI isn’t here to replace creativity — it’s here to ignite it.
Here’s our guide to five Midwest properties making waves for group travel in 2025 — plus how planners are leveraging AI to unlock smarter, more innovative event design.
1. Shinola Hotel – Detroit, MI
Where industrial grit meets boutique luxury.
Anchored in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Shinola Hotel offers more than just stylish accommodations — it’s a love letter to Motor City craftsmanship. Designed with locally sourced materials and handcrafted details, the hotel is perfect for groups looking for authenticity with a polished edge.
Group appeal:
- 16,000+ sq. ft. of flexible event space
- Intimate yet versatile: from cocktail-ready conservatories to private dining rooms
- A curated concierge team that specializes in crafting “only-in-Detroit” group experiences
Why planners love it: It blends storytelling and space in a way few hotels do. It’s boutique, but built for groups.
2. Signia by Hilton – Indianapolis, IN
New luxury, big capacity, bold experiences.
Newly opened and already raising the bar, Signia Indianapolis connects directly to the Indiana Convention Center, offering a seamless, upscale option for large-scale events and corporate meetings. With modern, minimalist interiors and thoughtful tech integrations, this property speaks to the business traveler who wants efficiency — but won’t compromise on style.
Group appeal:
- 95,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor event space
- Customizable ballroom setups with immersive lighting and projection options
- Easy airport access + direct convention center connection
Event strategist POV: With so much square footage and flexibility, Signia is becoming a go-to for major product launches, summits, and multi-day expos.
3. JW Marriott – Kansas City, MO
Elevated, elegant, and centrally located.
Kansas City’s newest JW Marriott arrives just in time for the city’s renaissance. The hotel brings timeless sophistication and high-touch service, perfect for executive retreats, incentive trips, or VIP gatherings.
Group appeal:
- Rooftop spaces with skyline views
- 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space
- Chef-driven F&B experiences tailored to private groups
Don’t miss: The lobby-level wine bar is perfect for an informal post-meeting wind-down or a curated tasting session led by sommeliers.
4. Hotel Fort Des Moines – Des Moines, IA
Historic bones, modern soul.
Fresh off a top-to-bottom renovation, this iconic 1919 hotel now boasts the kind of polished interiors and contemporary tech features today’s groups expect — while keeping the original charm intact. It’s perfect for events that crave a sense of place without sacrificing function.
Group appeal:
- 12,000 sq. ft. of event space, including restored ballrooms
- Close to downtown Des Moines’ up-and-coming culinary scene
- Ideal for mid-sized groups and regional conferences
Pro tip: Use the grand staircase and original columns as a dramatic backdrop for galas or upscale receptions.
5. The Trade Milwaukee – Milwaukee, WI
Brand-new, bold, and built for business.
Situated in the heart of Deer District — home to the Milwaukee Bucks and a fast-growing hub for entertainment and events — The Trade brings sleek, urban energy to the city’s hospitality scene.
Group appeal:
- Over 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with natural light
- Rooftop lounge for private receptions with panoramic views
- Steps from Fiserv Forum and nightlife options
Why it works: The hotel encourages teams to blend business with play. It’s perfect for hybrid meetings that end with a courtside seat.
How AI Is Reshaping the Way We Plan Events
The rise of generative AI is changing how planners ideate, strategize, and execute — but it’s not about handing over the reins. It’s about unlocking new ways to think, move faster, and personalize deeper.
Here’s how event strategists are making AI work for them:
1. Rapid Ideation:
Need 50 creative themes for your next conference in 5 minutes? AI can help you get there. It’s a brainstorm partner that doesn’t get tired — and won’t say no.
2. Personalized Journeys:
From chatbots that learn attendee preferences to personalized agendas based on behavioral data, AI is making guest experiences smarter and smoother.
3. Smarter Sourcing:
AI tools can now help scan venues, analyze costs, and even predict logistical friction points before you sign a contract.
4. Better Content Creation:
Need email campaigns, landing page copy, or real-time social updates? AI can draft fast — leaving human creatives to elevate and refine.
5. Real-Time Feedback Loops:
With AI-powered sentiment analysis, you don’t have to wait for post-event surveys. You can course-correct in real time, based on what attendees are saying (and how they’re saying it).
“We see AI not as a decision-maker, but a spark — a way to push our thinking further,” says a senior event producer at a leading agency. “It helps us get to the ‘aha moment’ faster.”
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re gathering in a newly opened rooftop ballroom in Milwaukee or plotting your next global summit with AI-enhanced workflows, one thing is clear: the future of meetings is bright, bold, and beautifully blended between human insight and machine intelligence.
At Translucent Events, we keep a finger on the pulse of both — the physical spaces that set the stage, and the digital tools that shape the experience.
Let’s build something brilliant together.