17th Annual Luncheon

Thursday, February 12th, 2026 |

JW Marriott International Ballroom

12:00- 1:30 PM

Featuring Dr. James E. Dixon

Dr. James E. Dixon is a world-recognized motivational speaker, strategist, and President’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Known as the Legacy Architect and Absolute Motivator, he is the Founder and CEO of Elevate The Voices, a global platform with over 100 million monthly views.

From the factory lines of General Motors to keynote stages for Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Dixon embodies resilience, purpose, and divine calling—partnering with the Medal of Honor Foundation and Warrior Rising, raising millions for causes, mentoring emerging leaders, and now inspiring a major feature film by Angel Studios.

Support the West Michigan Sports Commission and Sports Tourism at our Annual Fundraising Events As a 501(c)3 non-profit, our Annual Luncheon and Annual Golf Outing serve as fundraisers to help us bring economic activity, vibrancy, and quality of life through a variety of youth and adult amateur sporting events to the Greater Grand Rapids area. Sports Tourism has led the way in rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. Support of our Annual Fundraisers helps us continue to lead the way in bringing in events that support the West Michigan economy through visitor spending.

A portion of our Annual Luncheon proceeds goes toward our Victory Lap Community Fund. This fund helps us support local sports programming and facilities for the betterment of sports in our community. Past recipients include; Valley Field, Southern Little League, Ted Raspberry League through the Whitecaps Community Fdn., Urban Youth Basketball League, Mary Fee Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports and others.

Table
$850.00

1 table for 8 guests.

Seat
$125.00

Purchase one seat at a table for the luncheon.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring the luncheon? Please contact Barb Benda at bbenda@westmisports.com for more information.

Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Grand Rapids Griffins

Pioneer Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Business Casual

  • Registration opens at 11:30 am in the lobby of International Ballroom of the JW Marriott.

  • Parking is available in the JW Marriott Ramp for a fee.  Attendees can prepay for parking at the parking station inside the lobby of the JW Marriott.  Other parking options include the Louis Campau Parking Ramp.

  • Please email Mia Poll at mpoll@westmisports.com with any restrictions you may have so that we can be sure to accommodate you.

  • If you purchased a table, please send your guests names to Mia Poll at mpoll@westmisports.com by January 22, 2026.

Additional questions on the Annual Luncheon? Contact Mia Poll at mpoll@westmisports.com