2026 general information
Annual Meeting—All Conference attendees and elected officials from MTA-member townships are invited to attend the MTA Annual Meeting on Thursday, beginning at 9 a.m., in the Governors’ Hall (Lower Level). The Annual Meeting represents an important opportunity for members to help shape MTA’s future, by voting on the legislative policy platform and participating in the election of the 2026 MTA officers. Note: Only delegates (elected officials from member townships) may vote on Association business, including MTA’s legislative policy platform. Delegates must wear their Conference badge, with specific elected office ribbon, and sit in designated seating areas to vote. You could walk away from the morning with a great prize! As you head in to the Annual Meeting, drop your door prize ticket in the raffle boxes located inside the Governors’ Hall. Must be present to win.
Screens sponsored by
App—Download MTA’s 2026 Conference app for details on all things Conference! Explore what the week has in store under the “Sessions” tab, then tap the “+” to add sessions and create your own personalized agenda. You can also browse exhibitors, connect with fellow attendees, download educational session handouts and more! To download the app, visit the App Store or Google Play and search “Eventpack,” then download the Eventpack Event App. Open the app, enter your email address on file with MTA and tap “continue.” A six-digit login code will be sent to your email. Enter it in the app to complete your login and access MTA’s Conference app. Be sure to “allow” the app to send you notifications to receive Conference and schedule reminders throughout the week.
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Attire—Business casual dress is encouraged for all events, including educational sessions and evening events. Due to fluctuations in room temperature, please bring a sweater or coat for your comfort. On Tuesday, don your best Derby hat and ensemble and enter the “Best Dressed Contest” at the Par Plan Derby Fun Night!
Badges & Admittance to Events—Registered attendees and guests must wear a badge for admittance to all Conference activities and events. Attendees must wear a badge to be admitted to the workshops; guests are not permitted to attend educational sessions unless registered as an attendee.
Breakfast, Lunch—& Coffee!—Start your morning off right with complimentary breakfast and coffee in the Governors’ Hall Lobby (Lower Level) before and during the Opening and General Sessions. Enjoy our Good Morning Continental Breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday and a Power Up Breakfast on Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Coffee service will also be available in the Governors’ Hall during the Opening and General Sessions. Need a pick-me-up later in the day? Additional coffee and flavored water stations will be available at several locations around the resort. On Wednesday, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., ALL attendees and guests can head to the MTA Expo, located on the Tennis Courts (Mid-Level), to pick up a complimentary grab-and-go lunch, including sandwich, chips and beverage. Redeem your lunch ticket, included in your name badge holder, at stations on both sides of the exhibit hall. Enjoy your free lunch at seating in the Expo and take time to visit with exhibitors.
Good Morning Continental Breakfast sponsored by
Coffee service sponsored by
Power Up Breakfast Sponsored by
Beverage stations sponsored by
Lunch beverage sponsored by
Grab-and-go lunch sponsored in part by
Continuing Education Credits—Eligible officials may earn continuing education credits through their participation at this year’s Conference, via the following 
programs: MTA Township Governance Academy (TGA) candidates can earn up to 14 credits, including eight elective credits for participation at Conference and six foundations credits for Monday’s Defining Your Township’s Land Use workshop.
Attendance at MTA’s TGA workshops can earn clerks Experience Points toward their Certified Municipal Clerk designation by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. For details, go to iimc.com. Red Book Ready candidates can earn one elective credit for their participation at Conference. Select Conference sessions also qualify for chapter credits. Wondering which ones? You’ll find a 
next to the session name; a credit tracking form is available in each classroom and in MTA Headquarters.
Every Conference and pre-Conference course qualifies for continuing education credit in MSU Extension’s Master Citizen Planner (MCP) program. Master Citizen Planners can earn one MCP credit per hour of education and can track which sessions they attend using a form found in each classroom and at MTA Headquarters. Participants report their own credits using the request form available online at bit.ly/2026MCP. Visit citizenplanner.msu.edu to learn more about the program.
Dining & Entertainment—Visit your hotel front desk for assistance with directions and general questions, along with dining recommendations. The Grand Traverse Resort concierge, located in the main lobby, can assist attendees with directions and general questions. The Traverse City Tourism information table, also located in the main lobby, provides attendees with area information, maps and assistance with dining reservations. For Traverse City-area dining options, turn to page 8.
Educational Sessions—Only registered Conference attendees may attend educational sessions. Guests and exhibitors may not attend sessions unless also registered as an attendee. The 
next to session titles indicates which classes are being recorded as part of our Conference On-Demand. (Attendees can purchase the On-Demand add-on for just $50! See page 4 of the program for details.)
Extra session handouts will be available on tables in the Governors’ Hall Lobby (Lower Level) throughout the Conference. Handouts are also posted on the 2026 MTA Conference app (see details on page 7 of the program for more on the app), and will be posted to the event document library (a link and access instructions will be emailed after the Conference).
Evaluation Forms—Tell us what you think! Evaluation forms will be distributed at each educational session. Please take a minute to complete an evaluation after each class and deposit it in the basket or give it to the Sergeant-at-Arms at the door. Your input is important! Please also share your thoughts with us on the overall Conference evaluation; a hard copy is included in each delegate bag. Prefer digital? Complete the evaluation online at bit.ly/26MTAEval or on the 2026 Conference app.
First Aid—In a medical emergency, dial 911 to request aid first, then contact the hotel operator by dialing 0. For minor first-aid or security issues, dial 0 for the hotel operator/ security. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the Grand Traverse Resort for guest use while on-site. Contact the front desk or bell stand for details.
Friends of MTA—Show your support for Friends of MTA (our political action committee) by visiting the booth in the Peninsula Room (Lower Level) on Monday, Governors’ Hall Lobby (Lower Level) before the Opening and General Sessions and Annual Banquet, and in the exhibit hall during Expo hours. Your contributions help MTA support legislators who are philosophically supportive of township government. Show your township pride and support Friends of MTA with our MTA jackets! Check them out and learn more at the Friends of MTA Booth. An order form also appears on page 55. An appreciation reception for Friends of MTA contributors at the Bronze level or higher will be held Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. on Level 17. Inquire at the Friends of MTA Booth for details about this invitation-only event or with questions.
Reception sponsored in part by
General Session—Join fellow attendees at Wednesday’s General Session at 8:30 a.m. in the Governors’ Hall (Lower Level), as our 2026 Conference Keynoter Greg Bennick shares insights into how steady, intentional teamwork can help transform challenges into opportunities and small, consistent actions turn emerging trends into real progress. Bennick will offer practical, forward-thinking strategies that make the path ahead feel exciting and achievable, and explore how local leaders can confidently move their service, and their township, forward—together—on the Pathway to the Future. Doors open at 8 a.m. A complimentary Power Up Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Governors’ Hall Lobby; additional coffee service will also be available in the Governors’ Hall during the General Session.
Keynote address underwritten in part by
Power Up Breakfast sponsored by
Coffee service sponsored by
Screens sponsored by
Headquarters—MTA Conference Headquarters, in the Northwoods Boardroom (Lobby Level), is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday. To reach MTA Headquarters by phone, call (517) 321-6467, ext. 234.
Lost & Found—Dial 6480 from any resort house phone or (231) 534-6000 to be connected to Housekeeping. At all other hotels, contact the front desk directly.
Maps—A Grand Traverse Resort map appears on page 64. A map is also available on the 2026 MTA Conference app. (See pages 2 and 7 for details on the app.)
MTA Banquet—Cash bars open and free caricatures begin at 5 p.m., with a complimentary portrait studio starting at 5:30 p.m., in the Governors’ Hall Lobby (Lower Level) on Wednesday. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. Reserve your banquet seat by stopping at the MTA Ticket Xchange in the Peninsula Room (Lower Level) on Monday and in the Tower Lobby (Lower Level) on Tuesday and Wednesday. All attendees and guests are strongly encouraged to exchange their banquet ticket voucher for a seat at a specific table by 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Those who do not exchange their voucher must stop at the table outside the Governors’ Hall beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday to receive a table assignment. Your banquet ticket includes a complimentary drink ticket, which can be redeemed before or during the banquet at one of the bars located in the Governors’ Hall Lobby. For more on the Ticket Xchange, turn to page 42 of the program.
The MTA Banquet is included with all main Conference and guest registrations. A ticket was issued with your Conference credentials. Additional tickets may be purchased at MTA Registration before 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Those with special dietary needs who have not yet notified MTA should contact MTA Headquarters no later than noon on Tuesday.
Entertainment sponsored in part by
Caricatures sponsored by
Complimentary beverage sponsored by
Screens sponsored by
Ticket Xchange sponsored by
MTA Bookstore—Stop by the MTA Bookstore during MTA Expo hours (see below), where you’ll find great deals on MTA publications. Stock your township library with MTA resources—while saving 15% off regular rates!
MTA Expo—Don’t miss the 2026 MTA Expo, located on the Tennis Courts (Mid-Level), where nearly 100 township vendors are waiting to talk with you and share information about how their products and services can help you better serve your community. Exhibitor information appears on pages 49-52. On Tuesday, enjoy a complimentary beverage (visit exhibitors for drink tickets!) and spend more time chatting with vendors during our Evening in the Expo Reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (Cash bars are also available.) Expo hours are Tuesday from 10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Opening Session—Gather with your fellow officials to celebrate and honor Michigan’s townships and the leaders who are helping chart a course on the Pathway to the Future. The always-moving Opening Session begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the Governors’ Hall (Lower Level). Doors open at 8:30 a.m. A complimentary Good Morning Continental Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. in the Governors’ Hall Lobby; additional coffee service will also be available in the Governors’ Hall during the Opening Session.
Sponsored in part by
Good Morning Continental Breakfast sponsored by
Coffee service sponsored by
Screens sponsored by
Parade of Flags—Township flags are displayed in the Governors’ Hall Lobby (Lower Level). Townships must supply their own flagpole and flag stand. Flags may be brought to the display area beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday. Flags must be removed by 11 a.m. on Thursday. Individuals carrying a township flag in the MTA Parade of Flags at the Opening Session must meet at 8:30 a.m. SHARP on Tuesday in Tower Room C (Lower Level). Please do NOT bring your flag to this meeting; participants will receive instructions only at this time, and will retrieve their flags and be placed in parade order following the instructional meeting. Flags must be returned to the Governors’ Hall Lobby immediately following the parade.
Refund/Substitution Policy—In-person event “no shows” or those who cancelled after April 6 will be converted to Conference On-Demand access. No refunds will be given without extenuating circumstances. Substitutions may be made at any time (restrictions apply); stop by MTA Registration for details.
Registration—All attendees must check in at MTA Registration, located in the Tower Lobby (Lower Level). There, you will print out your credentials and receive important Conference materials, including a name badge, lanyard (courtesy of BS&A Software) and attendee bag. You’ll also receive a pen (courtesy of Hartleb Agency), notebook (courtesy of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC) and snack (courtesy of Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbeuchler, PC). After receiving your registration materials, pick up your township office ribbon and choose from fun novelty ribbons to add to your name badge (novelty ribbons sponsored by Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.). Registered guests must also check in at MTA Registration to receive their name badge, lanyard and program.
Registration hours are:
Monday: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
After 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, visit MTA Headquarters (Northwoods Boardroom, Lobby Level) to check in.
Registration items sponsored by
Sergeant-at-Arms—Sergeants-at-Arms should arrive at their assigned sessions at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. A training reception (invitation only) for Sergeants-at-Arms and other Conference volunteers will be held Monday at 5 p.m. in the Council Room (Lobby Level).
Reception sponsored by
Shuttles—Complimentary shuttle service is provided to/from hotels with MTA room blocks and the Grand Traverse Resort. Shuttle service on Monday begins at 7:50 p.m. between all MTA hotels, including the Grand Traverse Resort, and the Bendzinski “3-D” Welcome Reception.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, shuttles operate during peak hours only and will not circulate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shuttles will not operate on Thursday. If you anticipate that you may need to return to your off-site hotel during this time, we recommend that you drive to the resort, where parking is free.
Shuttles will operate on Tuesday and Wednesday on two separate loops: one serving the Sleep Inn & Suites, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites, Avid Hotel and Pointes North; and one serving the Parkshore Resort, Hampton Inn and Baywatch Resort.
Shuttles will operate during the following hours:
Monday: 7:50 to 11:30 p.m.
Note: Shuttles operate ONLY from hotels with MTA room blocks, including the Grand Traverse Resort, and McGee’s 72 for Bendzinski’s “3-D” Welcome Reception. There is no shuttle service earlier in the day on Monday.
Tuesday: 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 11:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Shuttles will NOT operate on Thursday.
Shuttle service sponsored in part by
Special Needs—If you have special needs or require assistance to participate in any MTA event during the Conference, stop in MTA Headquarters in the Northwoods Boardroom (Lobby Level) or email kristin@michigantownships.org. At least 48 hours’ advance notice is required to accommodate special dietary needs for meals.
Wi-Fi—Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered throughout Grand Traverse Resort, suitable for checking your email and browsing the internet. The network name is MTAwifibyAnavon; password is ThanksAnavon
