McNamara Room
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association's downtown Lansing venue offers a professional, effortless and welcoming setting with adaptable solutions to support a flawless event.
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One Block from the Capitol
The McNamara Room is conveniently located on the main floor of MRLA Headquarters at 225 W. Washtenaw—just one block south of the Michigan State Capitol in the heart of downtown Lansing. With easy first-floor access, your guests can walk from any downtown location and enter directly without navigating elevators or multiple floors. |
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Flexible Space for Flawless Events
Our venue adapts to your needs with multiple configuration options:
Seamless AV & Connectivity The McNamara Room features complimentary technology to support presentations and speeches:
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Refreshments & Catering
Every event includes complimentary Keweenaw Coffee service and water. MRLA provides a curated list of preferred caterers and we're happy to accommodate outside vendors with advance approval.
Convenient Parking & Access
Complimentary parking is provided in the South Capitol Parking Ramp located directly behind the building for event host and catering staff. City of Lansing public parking is available for guests.
Booking Details
MRLA Members: $200
Non-Members: $350 for half day / $500 for full day
To reserve the McNamara Room or discuss your event needs, contact Jennifer Sparrow at [email protected] or use the booking button below.
Use of the McNamara Room does not constitute endorsement by the MRLA. The room is available to all incumbents and candidates or for caucus events.
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Designating the MRLA Headquarters Event Space as the "McNamara Room"
WHEREAS, John McNamara served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association with distinction, dedication, and an abiding commitment to the hospitality industry of the State of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, John McNamara passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 40, leaving a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, the members of this Association, and the broader Michigan hospitality community he served so faithfully; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, John McNamara was an unwavering advocate for the restaurant and lodging industries before the Michigan Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies, demonstrating exceptional skill, integrity, and genuine passion for the people and businesses he represented; and
WHEREAS, John McNamara embodied the spirit of hospitality in his professional relationships, his generosity of spirit, and his steadfast support of his colleagues and the MRLA team; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to honor John McNamara’s memory, celebrate his contributions, and ensure that his legacy endures within the Association he so faithfully served;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, assembled in regular session on April 16, 2026, hereby designates the event space at MRLA Headquarters as the “McNamara Room,” effective immediately, in permanent honor and recognition of John McNamara’s service and legacy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a commemorative plaque bearing John McNamara’s name and likeness shall be affixed to the bar within the McNamara Room, serving as a lasting tribute to his character, his service, and his enduring impact on the Michigan hospitality industry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President & CEO is authorized and directed to take all steps necessary and appropriate to effectuate the designations set forth in this Resolution, including the design, fabrication, and installation of appropriate signage and the commemorative plaque.
ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association at a duly noticed meeting held on April 16, 2026.
WHEREAS, John McNamara served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association with distinction, dedication, and an abiding commitment to the hospitality industry of the State of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, John McNamara passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 40, leaving a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, the members of this Association, and the broader Michigan hospitality community he served so faithfully; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, John McNamara was an unwavering advocate for the restaurant and lodging industries before the Michigan Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies, demonstrating exceptional skill, integrity, and genuine passion for the people and businesses he represented; and
WHEREAS, John McNamara embodied the spirit of hospitality in his professional relationships, his generosity of spirit, and his steadfast support of his colleagues and the MRLA team; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to honor John McNamara’s memory, celebrate his contributions, and ensure that his legacy endures within the Association he so faithfully served;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, assembled in regular session on April 16, 2026, hereby designates the event space at MRLA Headquarters as the “McNamara Room,” effective immediately, in permanent honor and recognition of John McNamara’s service and legacy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a commemorative plaque bearing John McNamara’s name and likeness shall be affixed to the bar within the McNamara Room, serving as a lasting tribute to his character, his service, and his enduring impact on the Michigan hospitality industry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President & CEO is authorized and directed to take all steps necessary and appropriate to effectuate the designations set forth in this Resolution, including the design, fabrication, and installation of appropriate signage and the commemorative plaque.
ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association at a duly noticed meeting held on April 16, 2026.
