Christina Thelen

About Christina Thelen

I am the President and Principal of Grand Connection, a corporate event and incentive travel management company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.For more than two decades, I’ve helped organizations design, source, and deliver complex meetings and high-end incentive programs that run smoothly—even when conditions don’t. My leadership style is grounded in experience, calm decision-making, and a belief that the best teams are built on trust, clarity, and grit.I began my career in onsite operations and project management, where I learned that the true test of an event isn’t when everything goes right—but how you respond when it doesn’t. That perspective continues to shape how I lead today.At Grand Connection, we provide a-la-carte and full-service event management, including:Strategic program designSite selection & contract negotiationTransportation, food & beverage, and activity coordinationCustom registration and attendee experiencesHigh-touch incentive travel programsI’m passionate about growing people alongside businesses and believe great events are built by strong teams behind the scenes. Grand Rapids, MI

Experience

1. President and Principal

   Grand Connection

   Jul 2025 — Present

   Lead strategic growth, client relationships, team development, and flagship events for a corporate meetings and incentive travel management company serving clients nationwide.

Skills

• Relationship Marketing
• Production Budgeting
• Program Management
• Hotels
• Incentives
• Trade Shows
• Food & Beverage
• Parties
• Budget Process
• Managing Project Budgets
• Location Intelligence
• Event Planning
• Leadership Development
• Registration
• Transportation Management
• Management
• Team Building Facilitation
• Marketing Strategy
• Corporate Communications
• Budget Reconciliation
• Live Events
• Volunteer Training
• Project Management
• Project Delivery
• Corporate Events
• Marketing Communications
• Volunteer Management
• Event Management
• Meeting Planning
• Onsite Coordination
• Event Producing
• Contract Negotiation