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2010 MTA Educational Conference & Expo Highlights
Tuesday, January 26
Bendzinski "3-D" Pre-Conference Festivities
8 p.m. to Midnight
Shuttle, walk or drive over to The B.O.B. (Big Old Building) for some pre-Conference festivities.
The "3-D" event—Desserts, Drinks & Dancing—offers attendees the opportunity to kick back and relax with other officials from around the state. Enjoy dancing, beverages and desserts in this five-story entertainment complex, located mere blocks from DeVos Place in a 70,000-square-foot, restored historic warehouse. NOTE: Attendees registered for Tuesday pre-Conference and/or the main Conference may attend this event. Please wear your Conference badge for entrance.
Sponsored by Bendzinski & Co., Municipal Finance Advisors.
Wednesday, January 27 & Thursday, January 28
MTA Expo
At the 2010 MTA Expo, find products and services that can help your township run more efficiently. You can visit over 140 booths at Michigan’s largest municipal exposition. Network with vendors, get your questions answered and take advantage of specials that work with your township’s budget. Discover new technologies that can streamline your processes, provide innovative solutions to problems and offer ideas on ways to position your township for the opportunities ahead!
Attendees can also stop by the MTA Booth to stock up on MTA publications and products. Back by popular demand is the "MTA Wheel of Fortune," offering prizes—large and small—to lucky winners! You may even be the winner of the top prize—a championship golf package at Treetops Resort in Gaylord! (Be sure to bring the "Spin to Win" postcard that you’ll receive in the mail this December to the MTA Booth. You must be present to win.)
Complimentary chair massage offered during Expo hours, courtesy of Waste Management.
Wednesday, January 27
Opening Session
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
"Changing Times, Changing Townships" is the new norm for township officials, who are dealing with changing economies, changing technologies and a changing society. Learn how to embrace change so that townships continue to be the government of choice for Michigan’s residents in the 21st century and beyond.
While this year’s Opening Session will include some familiar elements, most notably the 2010 Township Parade of Flags and recognition of the Township Governance Academy Class of 2010, it will also sport some changes, led by MTA President Colleen Schwartz and MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill.
And if you’re still not convinced that "change" is for you, let MTA keynoter Aaron Davis explain why change doesn’t have to be a scary thing. Even though today’s culture is changing faster and more frequently than at any other time in history, change doesn’t have to prevent you from succeeding personally or professionally. In fact, it could be your ticket to achieving even greater outcomes for you and your township.
Known as "The Enthusiator" because of his contagious enthusiasm to equip others to perform like champions, Davis brings his past experiences as a national champion football player at the University of Nebraska directly to YOU! Davis will share inspiring stories about change using humor, insight and simple, yet effective, strategies that you can apply immediately. Walk away from this session refreshed, renewed and recharged—and ready to embrace change in your township, and in your life.
Keynote address underwritten by Umbaugh.
ATTENTION: ALL MTA CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS
A Volunteer Training/Recognition Luncheon will be conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. Invitations will be sent prior to Conference.
Sponsored by Miller Canfield.
Wednesday, January 27
Par-Plan Fun Night
7 to 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment at the Par-Plan Fun Night! The Michigan Township Participating Plan has hosted this popular evening event for several years and always puts together a night to remember! And while we could tell you what the Par Plan has up its sleeve for this year, we don’t want to spoil all the fun and excitement in store for this year’s attendees and guests. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this event!
Sponsored by the Michigan Township Participating Plan.
Thursday, January 28
MTA Networking Dinner
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Revamped to allow for greater networking amongst township officials, legislators and guests, this year’s dinner will continue to feature a great meal and fabulous entertainment just as in previous years—but with more time available to converse with others!
Special tribute will be given to MTA’s Legislator of the Year—a key individual who has advocated on behalf of local government during 2009. Following the presentation, a sumptuous meal consisting of a bistro steak and cider-marinated chicken breast with Michigan cherry chutney will be served, along with a salad, fresh seasonal vegetables, garlic whipped potatoes and a decadent dessert.
Then sit back and enjoy the musical ride as performer John Charles takes to the stage. A long-time performer at Walt Disney properties, Charles allows his audience to become part of his show, creating a unique and exciting experience unlike any other! With his guitar and incredible singing voice, Charles will amaze you with his ability to combine music, comedy and audience interaction.
The dinner is included with each main-Conference, Thursday-only and guest registration. Additional tickets can be purchased at the MTA Registration Center prior to noon on Thursday, Jan. 28. Individuals with special dietary needs should contact Kristin at (517) 321-6467, or e-mail kristin@michigantownships.org at least three weeks prior to the Conference.
Thursday, January 28
Burnham & Flower Insurance Group’s Afterglow Reception
9 p.m. to midnight
NOTE: Complimentary shuttle service operates until midnight.
Now that you’ve reconnected with colleagues and made some new friends at the MTA Networking Dinner, why not mosey together over to the Ambassador Ballroom in the historic Amway Grand Plaza to continue the conversation? Whether your idea of fun is sitting with others while enjoying a cold beverage or dancing to the music, you’ll find ample opportunity to close out a busy day in a relaxing way.
Hosted by the Burnham & Flower Insurance Group.
Friday, January 29
MTA Annual Meeting
9 to 11 a.m.
By providing input and casting your vote on resolutions to guide in the development of MTA’s policy platform in 2010, you can make changes that will help shape the future of your Association and the state. Proposed amendments to MTA’s bylaws will also be presented and voted upon at this time. Installation of the Association’s new president and officers will occur during this meeting, as well as recognition of MTA’s immediate past president and newest life member.
And while this year’s Conference & Expo have included a myriad of changes, some things never change. Drawings for door prizes will take place at the conclusion of the meeting, and remember—you must be present to win!
NOTE: Although the meeting is open to guests, non-elected officials and staff, only elected officials from member townships are eligible to vote.
512 Westshire Dr. | Lansing, MI 48917 | P: 517-321-6467 | F: 517-321-8908
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