Conference registration is now open! Click here to register online now.
2025 General Information
Attire—Business casual dress is appropriate for all events. Due to fluctuations in room temperature, MTA encourages you to bring a sweater or jacket for your comfort.
Cancellations & Substitutions—A Conference registration may be transferred to another individual from the same township or converted to Conference On-Demand access for a $10 administrative fee. Refund of the registration fee, less a $25 administrative fee, will be made if written notice of cancellation is received by March 3. Written cancellation requests received from March 4-17 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to one-half of the registration fee. Conference “no shows” or those who cancel after March 17 will be converted to Conference On-Demand access. No refunds will be given without extenuating circumstances. Hotel cancellation policies vary; see your reservation confirmation for details.
Confirmation & Credentials—A confirmation will be emailed upon registration (check your spam or junk mail folder if it does not arrive in your inbox). If you do not receive a confirmation within 48 hours of registering, or need to add or update your email address, call the MTA office at (517) 321-6467, ext. 226. The registration confirmation includes a personalized housing code that allows you to reserve a hotel room in MTA Conference room blocks at discounted rates. See the housing page for details on reserving your hotel room. All attendees will receive an important “Know Before You Go” email approximately one week before the Conference with helpful event details and information.
Optional Activities—Pre-Conference workshops held on March 31 may be added to your Conference registration or purchased separately. Admission to the MTA Banquet on April 2 is included with main-Conference and guest registrations ONLY. Additional banquet tickets may be purchased while registering and on-site.
Parking & Shuttle Service—Parking is available for a fee at DeVos Place, hotels with MTA room blocks, and various downtown lots. We are NOT offering MTA shuttle service during the Annual Conference, as all hotels are connected to DeVos Place by an enclosed skywalk. Shuttles will run between the Amway Grand Plaza & Bendzinski’s “3-D” Welcoming Reception on Monday, March 31 only. More details will be available soon.
Photography Release—By registering for this event, attendees grant permission to MTA to utilize their image or likeness to promote MTA and our events. Attendees waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product(s), copy or other matter that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied.
Registration—Conference registration is OPEN – click here to register now! Attendees MUST register prior to booking your hotel room. Your confirmation will contain your personalized housing code, which is required to book your hotel room in MTA room blocks. Housing reservations open at 9 a.m. on Jan. 23. See above for details or visit https://michigantownships.org/learning/conference/conf-housing.
Registration Center—All attendees must check in at MTA Registration in the Center Concourse (Second Level) of the Amway Grand Plaza on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or in the Grand Gallery (Street Level) of DeVos Place on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. There, you can pick up your registration materials (including credentials, bag and on-site program), purchase banquet tickets and get details on MTA Conference events.
Registration Rates—Registration rates for Conference delegates and their guests appear in the brochure found here. Registrations must be faxed, postmarked or made online by March 3, 2025, to receive early-bird rates. For registrations received after March 3 but before March 17, regular rates apply. Registrations received after March 17 are subject to on-site registration rates.
- Conference On-Demand: Can’t make it in person? Purchase our “Conference On-Demand” package, which includes access to recordings of Opening Session, General Session and Annual Meeting, and 10 select educational sessions, plus digital handouts, exhibitor information and discounted rates on MTA book and product orders. Recordings will be available beginning in May, and those who purchase will have one year to watch (and learn!).
Note that sessions will not be live-streamed, and “Conference on-demand” includes access to recordings only. In-person Conference attendees can get even more education by adding on the “Conference On-Demand” package for just $50! Click here for details.
- Main Conference: Includes Tuesday and Wednesday educational sessions, Bendzinski’s “3-D” Welcoming Reception, Opening Session, General Session, Expo, Par-Plan Fun Night, MTA Banquet and Acrisure’s Afterglow Reception.
- Pre-Conference classes: Includes that session’s handouts and meal(s). Additional fees are required; click here for session descriptions. Rates appear on the registration form found in the Conference brochure.
- Single-day only: Includes that day’s educational sessions, Opening or General Session, and Expo.
- Guest: Includes admission to Bendzinski’s “3-D” Welcoming Reception, Opening Session, General Session, Expo, Par-Plan Fun Night, MTA Banquet and Acrisure’s Afterglow Reception. Registered guests may also use MTA shuttle service. Note: Guests cannot attend any educational sessions or pre-Conference classes unless registered as an attendee.
Special Needs—Attendees with special dietary or accessibility needs should notify Kristin at (517) 321-6467, ext 230 or email kristin@michigantownships.org at least two weeks prior to Conference.
Ticket Xchange—You must select your seat for the MTA Banquet in advance at the Ticket Xchange, located in the Center Concourse (Second Level) of the Amway Grand Plaza on Monday, in the Grand Gallery (Street Level) of DeVos Place Tuesday and Wednesday. See on-site program for details.
Eats & Treats
You won’t go hungry at this year’s Conference with our traditional events—and additions that bring even more value to attendees. Throughout the week, you can enjoy:
- Drinks and desserts at the “3-D Welcoming Reception,” sponsored by Bendzinski & Co., Municipal Finance Advisors
- Select Business Solution Sessions include refreshments or lunch, courtesy of MTA Allied Service Providers
- Enjoy coffee during the Opening Session and General Session, sponsored by Michigan CLASS
- Complimentary drink tickets available from vendors at the Evening in the Expo Reception
- Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks at Par-Plan Fun Night, sponsored by Michigan Township Participating Plan
- Coffee and light breakfast for all attendees before the caucus elections, sponsored by Consumers Energy
- Avoid the lines by pre-purchasing a discounted boxed lunch (thank you to Great Lakes Recreation!) to pick up and enjoy in the Expo hall on Wednesday (available for purchase when you register for the Conference)
- A three-course meal at the Annual Banquet (One banquet ticket is included with each main-Conference and guest registration. Additional tickets may be purchased on the registration form and on-site.)
- Beverages at the Afterglow Reception following the banquet, sponsored by Acrisure
Driving Directions
From U.S. 131: Use the Pearl Street exit (Exit 85B). (If traveling northbound, turn right; if southbound, turn left, onto Pearl Street.) Make a quick left onto Scribner Avenue. Follow Scribner to Michigan Avenue and turn right. The entrance to the DeVos Place parking ramp will be on your right.
From I-196 East: Use the Ottawa Avenue/Downtown Exit 77C, keeping right at the fork. Turn right onto Michigan Avenue. The entrance to the DeVos Place parking ramp will be on your left just past Monroe Street.