Northern Michigan Policy Conference 2026

Northern Michigan Policy Conference 2026

Event Sponsors

Diamond
ITC Holdings Corp.
Consumers Energy
Date and Time

Friday Jan 23, 2026
8:30 AM - 3:15 PM EST

 

 

Location

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa - The Governors Ballroom

Fees/Admission

Early Bird Pricing through December 31, 2025:
Individual ticket: $125
Reserved Table of 6: $850

Pricing after January 1, 2026
Individual ticket: $150
Reserved Tables - Not available 

(Please note, your ticket to the Northern Michigan Policy Conference does not include a ticket to the Northern Michigan Business Gala later that night. If you are interested in attending the gala, you must purchase a separate ticket. Thank you for understanding).


* Please note we cannot offer refunds one week prior to the event. Registrations cannot be shared or transferred between The Northern Michigan Policy Conference and Northern Michigan Business Gala.  

 

Media Credentials

Members of the media are required to register in advance to request credentials to attend the Policy Conference. 

Contact Information

Molly MacGirr
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Event Sponsors

Ruby
Munson Healthcare
Gubernatorial Forum Sponsor
DTE Energy
Valet
Enbridge (U.S.) Inc.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Notepad & Pen
Northwest Regional Airport Authority
Beverage
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Comfort Keepers
Lunch
Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network of Michigan
WM - Waste Management
Coffee
Airbnb
Three Rivers Corporation

Description


2026 Northern Michigan Policy Conference
 

 
The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is a regional economic development conference led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. The Alliance is a coalition of 20 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from all across northern Michigan. The partnership exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy.
 
Now in its eighth year as a policy conference after serving as the Alliance's annual agenda-setting meeting for years, the Northern Michigan Policy Conference is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the northern Michigan region's standing as a world-class place for business, residents, visitors, and students of all ages. This year's policy conference will be a collaborative, business-driven experience delivering actionable goals to energize and provide vision. Conference content will focus on the Alliance's four policy areas as well as the chronic issues surrounding business development, talent, housing, and childcare and discuss innovative approaches.
 
Interested in highlighting your organization at the event? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities today! 

Event Agenda

8:30 a.m. – Registration, Politics & Pastries
Networking with Elected Officials 

9:30 a.m. – Welcome & Opening Remarks
Nikki Devitt, Chair of Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

9:45 a.m. – Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Legislative Update
Dakota Baker, Director, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

10:00 a.m. – Keynote Speaker 
Coming Soon  

10:20 a.m. – Rural Talent & Population Growth Panel  
Moderated by Nikki Devitt, Chair of Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

11:00 a.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – Transportation & Roads  
Moderated by Sarah Van Horn,  President, Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce

11:30 a.m. – Lunch & Networking

12:20 p.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – Cutting Red Tape

Moderated by Carmen Kott, Manistee Chamber of Commerce

12:35 p.m. – Rural Economic Development & Business Growth Panel  
Moderated by Christopher Germain, Vice Chair, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

1:15 p.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – Energy
Moderated by Jennifer Riggs, Executive Director, Develop Iosco

1:30 p.m. – Networking Break  

2:00 p.m. – Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

Moderated by Kyle Melinn, News Editor, MIRS

3:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks


 










Interested in getting a room to stay the night?
Take the elevator home instead! 


Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is offering discounted hotel guestrooms for $165.00 and tower guestrooms for $205.00 (taxes and additional rates not included) from January 20th through January 27th when you book ahead using the code "NPM0126". Call (231) 534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent, or, book online. You must use this specific link when booking online. 
 

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