Conference Highlights

Opening Session | Tuesday, April 21

We’ll start the Conference on an inspiring and reflective note with our Opening Session. Join us as the MTA family gathers together to remember and honor our late 2025 MTA President Harold Koviak, whose wisdom and guidance inspired the Pathway to the Future theme for this week. After honoring Harold’s lifetime of service to townships and unwavering dedication to MTA and its members, we’ll continue this motivational morning with the always-moving presentation of colors and Township Parade of Flags, and recognize the Township Governance Academy graduating class of 2026 and inaugural Red Book Ready program recipients.

Attendees will also hear from MTA leadership, including Kevin Beeson, who has assumed the 2025 Association presidency, and Executive Director Tom Hickson on how township leaders can work together with vision and determination to help set their community, region and our state on the Pathway to the Future.

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MTA Expo | Tuesday, April 21 & Wednesday, April 22

Michigan’s largest municipal exposition offers a one-stop shop of township vendors and suppliers that can help you realize opportunities to provide even better programs, systems and services for your community. No where else will you find such a wide assortment of companies serving townships—from attorneys to engineering firms, software companies to environmental services—all there to help you discover ways to run your township more efficiently.

Don’t miss the MTA Bookstore, where you’ll find nearly two dozen publications geared exclusively to township government and save 15% off all MTA books! Stop by the Friends of MTA Booth, and learn more about how your contributions can help MTA support legislators who value township government.

On Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m., enjoy an Evening in the Expo Reception—
a casual networking opportunity with additional time to connect with exhibitors, who will have complimentary drink tickets to give to attendees. (Cash bars will also be available.)

Directional floor graphics sponsored by

General Session | Wednesday, April 22

Leading a township is a lot like a juggling act—multiple priorities flying, new challenges popping up and the day-to-day responsibilities that never stop coming. Drawing on the conference theme, Pathway to the Future, this year’s keynote speaker Greg Bennick explores how consistency, cohesion and a shared commitment to your township can help your board stay balanced without dropping the ball. Bennick demonstrates how steady, intentional teamwork transforms challenges into opportunities and small, consistent actions turn emerging trends into real progress. Discover practical, forward-thinking strategies that make the path ahead feel exciting and achievable. Expect an energizing mix of insight, humor and hands-on inspiration designed to help local leaders move their service, and their township, forward confidently—together—on the Pathway to the Future.

Sponsored in part by Coffee service sponsored by

MTA Banquet | Wednesday, April 22

Gather together for an evening of camaraderie and entertainment at MTA’s Annual Banquet, featuring a delicious dinner—and the company of more than 1,000 dedicated local officials and guests. We’ll honor important individuals who have made significant contributions to the Association and townships, including the year’s recipient of the “Spirit of MTA” award. Then, get ready to laugh, gasp and cheer as Ivan Pecel takes the stage, blending laugh-out-loud comedy with jaw-dropping juggling to create one unforgettable evening of entertainment.

NOTE: The MTA Banquet is included with full-Conference and guest registrations only. Additional tickets may be purchased using the registration form on page 10. Pre-select your seat on-site at
the Ticket Xchange. Those with special dietary needs should contact Kristin at (517) 321-6467, ext. 230 or kristin@michigantownships.org at least two weeks before Conference.

Banquet entertainment sponsored in part by

Caricatures sponsored by Ticket Xchange sponsored by

MTA Annual Meeting | Wednesday, April 22

Take part in the final, but critically important, event of the Conference—our Annual Meeting. The business meeting for the Association, this morning event is your opportunity to help guide MTA’s future direction, as delegates cast their vote on proposed policies to be included in MTA’s 2026 Policy Platform (only elected officials from member townships may vote). In addition, attendees will participate in the installation of the 2026 MTA president and officers, and honor those officials who helped lead and shape the Association.

Evening events include:

“3-D” Welcoming Reception | Monday, April 20

Enjoy Desserts, Drinks & Dancing at McGee’s 72.

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Par Plan Fun Night Birthday Bash at the Kentucky Derby | Tuesday, April 21

We’re off to the races! Don your finest derby wear (don’t forget your hat!) and be transported to Churchill Downs, for an evening of horse racing-themed games—and a little friendly competition (plus beverages and hors d’oeuvres). Will you find yourself in the winner’s circle?

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Afterglow Reception | Wednesday, April 22

Keep the night going with music, drinks and dancing following the MTA Banquet.

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