Michigan’s most influential leaders will once again gather on Mackinac Island for the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, taking place Tuesday, May 26, through Friday, May 29, at the historic Grand Hotel. Convened by the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Conference brings together business, government, civic, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial leaders for thoughtful dialogue, bold ideas, and meaningful connection.
This year’s Conference will focus on “A Quest for Common Ground,” urging leaders to rise above divisiveness and champion pragmatic solutions that respond to Michiganders’ clear demand for meaningful action and tangible results.
The list below addresses many of the questions and concerns you may encounter while preparing for the Conference — whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran.
🚨 New in 2026: Conference Sessions Start Earlier Than Ever
This is the one of the most important change to know this year.
- Conference registration opens on Tuesday, May 26, at 11 a.m.
- Social and networking activities begin at noon.
- Concurrent sessions begin at 2:15 p.m.
- For the first time ever, Theatre programming begins on Tuesday at 4:50 p.m.
In prior years, many attendees arrived Tuesday evening. In 2026, doing so means missing sessions, networking opportunities, and major moments. Plan to arrive earlier on Tuesday to take full advantage of the expanded sessions and activities.
🚢First Things First: Travel, Ferry, and Parking
Ferry tickets will be electronic and emailed on Monday, May 18, from Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry to the email address used to register for the Conference. Ferry tickets will not be mailed. Be sure to check your spam, junk, or clutter folders if you do not see your ticket.
- Didn’t receive your electronic ferry ticket? Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry will have a list of attendees on-site and can provide a round‑trip ticket if needed. Quick tip: Take a screenshot of your QR code for easy access on your return trip.
- Plan ahead by reviewing Shepler’s ferry schedule to determine your travel to and from Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City.
- Valet parking is not available. Overnight parking options include:
- Standard off‑site self‑parking for $25 per night
- Limited premium on‑site self‑parking for $50–$75 per night
- Driving to the Conference? Use Google Maps or Waze to plan your route and avoid Michigan construction delays.
📱Download the Conference App (Before You Arrive)
Stay in the know by downloading the Conference App, sponsored by Corewell Health. This is the best way to stay up to date on everything happening in real time and includes the full agenda, live updates, and the attendee list (one of the most sought‑after resources on the Island).
Once downloaded:
- Personalize your profile and add a headshot
- Build your on‑Island schedule so you don’t miss early sessions or key events
🧳What to Pack (and What to Expect)
- Consistent with previous years, Grand Hotel has slightly relaxed its dress code for the Conference. Attendees are encouraged to dress in business casual or resort attire; ties are not necessary.
- Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. You will walk frequently throughout the Conference, including daily trips to and from Grand Hotel.
- Late May temperatures on Mackinac Island typically range from 51°F to 70°F, with sunset around 9:15 p.m. Weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before you go and pack layers.
- Be sure to pack an umbrella. Many social and networking events take place outside, and most attendees venture off Grand Hotel property during the week.
- Bring plenty of business cards for networking. If you forget, the Conference App allows you to exchange information digitally.
🐴You’ve Made It to the Island. Now What?
- Mackinac Island has no motorized vehicles. Horses and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation, so stay alert, especially at night.
- Attendees not staying at Grand Hotel receive four complimentary taxi tickets with their registration. Taxis are also provided to shuttle attendees staying at Mission Point Resort to and from Grand Hotel with no tickets required. Taxis are horse‑drawn carriages, and driver gratuity is encouraged.
- Have a government‑issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, ready before you arrive at Conference Registration to receive your name badge. Once you check in, wear your badge to ALL Conference programs and events. Individuals without credentials on any Grand Hotel property will be sent back to registration and may be escorted off property. Remember that badge reprints cost $50.
- As part of the Chamber’s commitment to attendee safety at the 2026 Conference, enhanced security screening will be in place for Theatre sessions. Screening will occur at the Gallery entrance prior to entering the Theatre. Attendees are encouraged to allow a few extra minutes when arriving for these sessions. Chamber staff will be on hand to assist, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation.
- Arriving late Tuesday? Check in at the main Conference registration desk inside Grand Hotel before attending Opening Night at the Stables. Attendees without credentials will be denied entry and sent back to registration. Additionally, complimentary round-trip taxi service will be available from Grand Hotel and the Stables.
- Reminder: With social and networking activities and sessions starting earlier than ever this year, the Chamber recommends you don’t wait too late to arrive! Take a look at this year’s agenda to see what you don’t want to miss.
- Upon check‑in, all attendees receive a Conference bag filled with session invites, helpful materials, and Conference essentials.
- Share your Conference experience throughout the week using #MPC26. Select posts may appear on screens throughout Grand Hotel.
📅Mark Your Calendar: Food, Features, and Don’t‑Miss Moments
Lunch will be available in session rooms during the lunch hour. Attendees not attending a session can enjoy hot buffet options on the Porch on Tuesday, May 26; on the Esther Williams Swimming Pool Deck on Wednesday, May 27; in the Main Dining Room on Thursday, May 28.
Additional highlights include:
- The Grand Event — Wednesday, May 27, at 5 p.m. on the Porch and in the Parlor
- Smoothie Station, sponsored by Trinity Health — Wednesday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m.
- Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Plunkett Cooney — Wednesday, May 27, at 3:30 p.m.
- Bloody Mary Bar, sponsored by Comcast Business — Thursday, May 27, at 10:45 a.m.
You also want to check out:
- The Live From Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy sessions, hosted throughout the Conference in the Parlor
- The new “What’s the Fix (WTF)?” series, brought to you by PNC Bank and led by journalist and author Devin Scillian. This series will explore the fixes needed to put out Michigan’s high-stakes fire.
- A marquee lineup of high-profile national and Michigan leaders throughout the week, such as:
- Detroit’s Mayor Mary Sheffield
- 48th Vice President of the United States Mike Pence
- Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Actor-Humanitarian and Founder of Gary Sinise Foundation Gary Sinise
- Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author, and Co-Founder of Forward Party Andrew Yang
- Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair and Professor at Union Theological Seminary Cornel West
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
- Candidates for U.S. Senate Mike Rogers, Abdul El-Sayed, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI 11)
Plus, wrap up your time on the Island at the Chamber PAC Reception: A Toast to Michigan, held at the Brighton Pavilion. The featured legislative leaders will share how they came to be in Michigan politics and where they see the state going over the next four years. Please note that this event requires a separate ticket from the Conference.