Agenda details are tentative and subject to change.
Tuesday, May 27
Services
Conference Registration Open
Sponsor: CVS Health
Location: Garden Terrace
Refreshments
Sponsor: Enbridge Energy
Location: Parlor
Detroit Regional Chamber PAC Reception Ticket Sales
Location: Garden Terrace
ITC Media Center Open
*Credentialed Media Only
UPS Business Center Open
Rocket Government Center Open
*Government Officials Only
Programming and Events
Welcome Lunch
Sponsors: Albion College, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The Kroger Co. of Michigan
Location: Porch
Champagne and Chocolate Arrival
Sponsor: Community Financial Credit Union
Location: Community Financial Credit Union Den
Innovation at Risk: The Case for Funding Higher Education Research
Higher education research is a critical economic and community development driver, fostering innovation, job creation, and regional growth. Revoking federal funding for these research efforts will hinder development and innovation in health care, agriculture and food production, manufacturing, and other key job sectors. This session will explore how university research institutions are essential to the equation of Michigan’s continued growth.
Remarks: Kevin M. Guskiewicz, President, Michigan State University
Panelists: Howard Crawford, Senior Scientist and Scientific Director, Henry Ford + MSU Pancreatic Cancer Alliance
Matt Elliott, Founder, Blue Lake Ideas; Past Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Mona Hanna, Associate Dean, Public Health and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor, Public Health, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
Moderator: Chad Livengood, Politics Editor and Columnist, The Detroit News
Host: Michigan State University
Location: Brighton Pavilion
MEDC Meet Up: Future Flight
Experience the future of flight with Orb Aerospace’s revolutionary Virtual Cockpit, a full-motion, VR-enabled, force feedback teleoperations center that lets pilots command next-gen drones and AAM aircraft from anywhere on the planet. Designed for precision flight testing in Michigan’s restricted airspace, it is where cutting-edge innovation meets global control.
Interviewer: Courtney Overbey Martinez, Vice President, Communications, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
Live From Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy
Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about current political and economic issues during new programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the full schedule.
Host: DTE Energy
Location: Parlor
The Case for Dual Enrollment
The jobs of the future require higher education, but fewer students are enrolling in and graduating from college. Investing in dual enrollment will contribute to a more skilled workforce, increasing productivity, higher wages, and economic growth. Expanding dual enrollment is a key strategy to help Michigan achieve its goal of having 60% of the workforce with postsecondary credentials by 2030. Learn about the cross-sector workgroup policy recommendations for state-wide dual enrollment reform. This work has been made possible thanks to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Ballmer Group’s historical investment of over $30 million in the Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative (D3C3).
Panelists: Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Executive Director, Michigan College Access Network
Sharon Hopkins, Assistant Director, Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement, Office of Accelerated Programs, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Russell Kavalhuna, President, Henry Ford College
Moderator: Greg Handel, Vice President, TalentEd, Detroit Regional Chamber
Host: Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative
Location: The Lilac Room in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool House
The State of Housing
The shifting political environment presents challenges to addressing the housing crisis we face in Michigan. Join state and national leaders to hear about the state of housing in Michigan and how we are working collaboratively to promote homeownership, stabilize monthly costs, and build more homes, as quickly as we can.
Panelists: Arthur Jemison, Executive Director, Detroit Housing Commission
Bill Pulte, Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency
Moderator: Amy Hovey, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Host: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Schaap Center and Manoogian Art Awareness Reception
Hosts: Richard and Jane Manoogian
Location: The Pines
Meet the Candidates: Detroit Mayor
Invited Candidates: Fred Durhal III
Solomon Kinloch Jr.
Saunteel Jenkins
Host: Rocket
Location: Rocket Government Center
Welcome Back Reception Featuring Michigan’s Congressional Delegation and State Government Officials
Special Guests: Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Tom Barrett, U.S. Representative (R-MI 7)
Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative (D-MI 6)
Bill Huizenga, U.S. Representative (R-MI 4)
Kristen McDonald Rivet, U.S. Representative (D-MI 8)
Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (D-MI 11)
Sponsors: Ally, Meta, Miller Johnson, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance of Michigan
Location: Porch and Parlor
Opening Night at the Stables
Sponsors: Crain’s Detroit and Grand Rapids Business, Detroit Medical Center, KeyBank, Meijer, MGM Grand Detroit
Location: Grand Hotel Stables
Happy Hour
Host: Ford Motor Company
Location: Ford Motor Club
Wednesday, May 28
Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open
*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.
ITC Media Center Open
*Credentialed Media Only
Conference Registration Open
Sponsor: CVS Health
Location: Garden Terrace
Coffee
Location: MHA Bar
Detroit Regional Chamber PAC Reception Ticket Sales
Location: Gallery
UPS Business Center Open
Rocket Government Center Open
*Government Officials Only
Refreshments
Sponsor: Enbridge Energy
Location: Parlor
Lunch
Sponsors: Comerica, P.I.E. Management, Siebert Williams Shank & Co.
Location: Parlor
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Parlor
Programming and Events
A Conversation With Jocelyn Benson: “The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What’s Right When the Stakes Are High”
MEDC Meet Up: Creatively Solving for Michigan’s Talent Needs
Regardless of industry, size, or location, every business cites talent as a major consideration and challenge. Learn how Michigan is addressing this challenge head-on through concierge resources and initiatives like the Michigander Scholars and hear from the universities and businesses who have directly benefited from efforts to attract and keep young talent here in Michigan.
Interviewer: Courtney Overbey Martinez, Vice President, Communications, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
Positioning Michigan for Success Amid the AI Zeitgeist
As Michigan continues to build and advance economic opportunities by fostering innovation, the use and implementation of AI can support the state’s talent strategies. This session will focus on actionable, near-term investment opportunities in capacity, infrastructure, and talent that will be critical to unlocking the state’s potential to become a national hub for innovation.
Panelists: Jamon Alexander, President and Chief Executive Officer, West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology
Alex Kotran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, aiEDU
Tiffany Taylor, Chief People and Impact Officer, GSV Ventures; Co-president, ASU+GSV Summit
Moderator: Yazeed Moore, Director, Michigan Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Host: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
How Michigan Wins With Large Special Event Investments
This session will explain how attracting major events and conventions to Michigan is critical to positioning the state as a place to live and work. Large special event funding has the potential to continue the momentum from the 2024 NFL Draft and spark future success in attracting high-profile events to the state.
Remarks: Terry Rhadigan, Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Sports Organizing Corp.; Strategic Advisor, Detroit Regional Chamber
Panelists: Marty Dobek, Executive Director, Detroit Sports Commission
Claude Molinari, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman, Pistons Sports and Entertainment; Past Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Moderator: Mike Tirico, Host, NBC Sports
Host: Visit Detroit
Location: Tea Garden Tent, Grand Hotel
Live From Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy
Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about current political and economic issues during new programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the full schedule.
Host: DTE Energy
Location: Parlor
Smoothie Station
Sponsor: Trinity Health
Location: Parlor
Connecting Community Through Greenways and Public Space
Join leaders of public spaces in Detroit to hear a conversation about the way transformative projects like the Detroit Riverfront and Joe Louis Greenway have served as a catalyst for new developments in public space. Learn how public spaces and greenways can work together as a system to better connect our communities, attract and retain professional talent, support the health and well-being of neighborhoods, and spur economic development along them.
Panelists: Meagan Elliott, President and Chief Executive Officer, Belle Isle Conservancy
Amy McMillan, Chief Executive Officer, Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Leona Medley, Executive Director, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
Moderator: Ryan Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Host: The Kresge Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Big Moves in Education Policy
Learn where education is heading and how finding common ground is essential to get there. This session will illuminate key transformations underway that promise to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for every Michigan student, including some bipartisan K-12 education policy movements happening this year.
Panelists: Darrin Camilleri, Michigan Senator (D-Brownstown Township)
Ed McBroom, Michigan Senator (R-Vulcan)
Moderator: Angelique Power, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Skillman Foundation
Host: The Skillman Foundation
Location: Grand Pavilion
Meet the Candidates: U.S. Senate
Invited Candidates: Abdul El-Sayed
Mallory McMorrow
Joe Tate
Haley Stevens
Host: Rocket
Location: Rocket Government Center
Leading Michigan’s Signature Industry in Complex Times
Panelists: Pat D’Eramo, Chief Executive Officer, Martinrea International Inc.
Tu Le, Chief Executive Officer, Sino Auto Insights; Expert-in-Residence, TechTown Detroit
John McElroy, Host, Autoline
Christopher Smith, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Ford Motor Company
Moderator: Guy Gordon, Emmy Award-winning Journalist
Location: Theatre
Recognition of Devin Scillian
Honoree: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author
Presenters: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative (D-MI 6)
Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS
Christy McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Sammac Communications Inc.
Location: Theatre
Break
Break
Ice Cream Social
Sponsor: Plunkett Cooney
Location: Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
Detroit WNBA Story
Panelists: Swin Cash-Canal, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer; Founder, She’s Got Time
Grant Hill, Managing Director, USA Basketball; Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer; Detroit WNBA Investor
Sandy Pierce, Corporate Board Executive, CEO Advisor, and Community Strategist
Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman, Pistons Sports and Entertainment; Past Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Moderator: Suzanne Shank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Siebert Williams Shank & Co.; Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Sponsor: Wayne State University
Location: Theatre
Recognition of Mike Duggan
Honoree: Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
Presenters: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Nicole Sherard-Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman, Pistons Sports and Entertainment; Past Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Location: Theatre
Cocktails and Conversations: Moving Michigan’s K-12 to Top-10 Ranking
Panelists: Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Deputy Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools
Gary Torgow, Chairman, Board of Directors, Huntington National Bank
Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Moderator: Kylee Mitchell Wells, Executive Director, Southeast Michigan, Ballmer Group
Host: Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
The Grand Event
Sponsors: Airbnb, EY, First Merchants Bank, Gardner White, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, UWM
Location: Porch and Parlor
Women in Leadership
Panelists: Tina Kozak, Chief Executive Officer, Franco
Angelique Power, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Skillman Foundation
Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Moderator: Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation
Host: Rocket
Location: Tea Garden Tent, Grand Hotel
Thursday, May 29
Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open
*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.
UPS Business Center Open
Rocket Government Center Open
*Government Officials Only
ITC Media Center Open
*Credentialed Media Only
Conference Registration Open
Sponsor: CVS Health
Location: Garden Terrace
Coffee
Location: MHA Bar
Detroit Regional Chamber PAC Reception Ticket Sales
Location: Gallery
Refreshments
Sponsor: Priority Health
Location: Parlor
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Parlor
Lunch
Sponsors: Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Midwest Steel
Location: Parlor
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Programming and Events
Meet the Candidates: Michigan Governor
Invited Candidates: Mike Cox
Garlin Gilchrist II
Chris Swanson
Host: Rocket
Location: Rocket Government Center
Michigan’s Role in America’s Defense
Growing Michigan’s defense industrial base is a national priority with strong bipartisan support across all levels of government. This session will explore how Michigan can build on its long, proud legacy as the “arsenal of democracy” to help reimagine America’s national security capabilities and lead defense-related technology and workforce development initiatives.
Panelists: John Gutierrez, Retired Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps; Executive Director, Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, State of Michigan
Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Erik Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Saab Inc.
Moderator: Jeannine Kunz, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, SME
Host: SME
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Housing as a Social Determinant of Health
Housing conditions and stability directly influence health outcomes and overall well-being. This session will discuss the challenges and opportunities in addressing housing as a key factor in public health and explore collaborative strategies to improve community well-being through innovative housing solutions.
Remarks: Carmen Argersinger, Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana
Panelists: Kelli Dobner, Chief Growth Officer, Samaritas
Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation
Moderator: Amy Hovey, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Host: Delta Dental of Michigan
Location: Grand Pavilion
MHA Meet and Greet
Light breakfast available.
Host: Michigan Health and Hospital Association
Location: MHA Bar
Live From Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy
Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about current political and economic issues during new programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the full schedule.
Host: DTE Energy
Location: Parlor
MEDC Meet Up: AI in the Workforce
Building on the state’s first ever Statewide Workforce Plan, Michigan will present its plan for taking advantage of the opportunities for growth presented by widespread adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. Michigan has already multiple wins in this area and this report intends to elevate those successes and identify potential future actions as a part of comprehensive approach to enhance Michigan’s economic growth.
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
A Conversation With Michigan’s Congressional Leaders
Bloody Mary Bar
Sponsor: Comcast Business
Location: Parlor
Navigating Uncertainty in National Policy
Panelists: S.E. Cupp, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Author, Podcaster, and TV Commentator
April Ryan, White House Correspondent, Black Press USA; Author, Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem
Moderator: Roop Raj, Evening Anchor and Host, The Pulse, Fox 2 Detroit
Sponsor: Delta Air Lines
Location: Theatre
Making Place for Impact
Investing in and building places that center community voice in community and economic development is critical to the Detroit Region’s economic vitality and growth. This session will inform business and industry leaders about how they can benefit from increased regional coordination and collaboration in building communities that attract and retain talent and support economic prosperity.
Panelists: Randy Maiers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Leona Medley, Executive Director, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
Jermaine R. Ruffin, Senior Vice President, Neighborhoods, Invest Detroit
J.J. Tighe, Senior Director, Parks and Trails Initiative, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Moderator: David Egner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Host: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Community Foundations Building Civic Infrastructure
Community foundations are neutral bridge-builders and convenors, fostering partnerships and enhancing economic opportunities through cross-sector models. This session will discuss how strategic investments by community foundations improve infrastructure, attract talent, and ensure Michigan’s competitiveness.
Panelists: Dan Kildee, President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation of Greater Flint
Nicole Sherard-Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Moderator: Nick Khouri, Former Treasurer, State of Michigan; Former Chief, Economic Development, City of Detroit
Host: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Location: Grand Pavilion
Investing in Michigan: Perspectives From Amazon
This panel session brings together Amazon leaders to highlight successful collaborations that are strengthening communities statewide. Panelists will share insights into innovative programs that enhance customer experiences while supporting local education and economic growth. Attendees will hear firsthand how these partnerships are creating a lasting positive impact across Michigan.
Panelists: Ian Conyers, Head, Community Affairs, Amazon
Kyle DeGiulio, Senior Manager, Economic Development Policy, Amazon
Moderator: Terence Thomas, Co-founder, Activate Detroit
Host: Amazon
Location: The Lilac Room in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool House
Live From Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy
Hear discussions with Michigan legislators and Cabinet members from both parties about current political and economic issues during new programming hosted throughout the Conference. View the full schedule.
Host: DTE Energy
Location: Parlor
How High-growth Enterprises Make It in Michigan
Panelists: Anthony Chang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BAMF Health
Greg Schwartz, Co-founder, StockX
Andrea Wallace, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Opnr
Walter Ward III, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, TiiCKER
Moderator: Gary Torgow, Chairman, Board of Directors, Huntington National Bank
Sponsor: The Kresge Foundation
Location: Theatre
General Session
Panelists: Tina Freese Decker, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corewell Health
Linda Hubbard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Carhartt Inc.
Peter Quigley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kelly; Chair, 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference
Moderator: Daniel Howes, Senior Editor/Business & Columnist, The Detroit News
Location: Theatre
A Conversation With Bill Ford and Alexandra Ford English
Break
Popcorn Break
Sponsor: Gordon Food Service
Location: Gallery
Recognition of Tammy J. Carnrike
Honoree: Tammy J. Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Presenters: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sixteen42 Ventures
Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Tricia A. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Suzanne Shank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Siebert Williams Shank & Co.; Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan
Location: Theatre
Detroit Regional Chamber PAC Reception: A Toast to Michigan
*Separate ticket required*
Panelists: Winnie Brinks, Senate Majority Leader, State of Michigan
Aric Nesbitt, Senate Minority Leader, State of Michigan
Matt Hall, Speaker of the House, State of Michigan
Ranjeev Puri, House Minority Leader, State of Michigan
Moderator: Zoe Clark, Political Director, Michigan Public
Supporters: DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Clark Hill Public Strategies Reception
Sponsor: Clark Hill Public Strategies
Location: Clark Hill Club
Detroit Mayoral Debate
Remarks: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Confirmed candidates: James Craig
Fred Durhal III
Saunteel Jenkins
Solomon Kinloch Jr.
Mary Sheffield
Moderators: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS
Stephen Henderson, Executive Advisor, BridgeDetroit; Host, Detroit PBS
Location: Tea Garden Tent, Grand Hotel
Closing Night in the Tea Garden: Celebrating Civility
Join us for a sing-along of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
Speakers: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS
Stephen Henderson, Executive Advisor, BridgeDetroit; Host, Detroit PBS
Performer: Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author
Sponsor: KPMG
Location: Tea Garden Tent, Grand Hotel
Clark Hill Public Strategies Party
Sponsor: Clark Hill Public Strategies
Location: Clark Hill Club
Friday, May 30
Departure
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open
*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.
ITC Media Center Open
*Credentialed Media Only
Coffee
Location: MHA Bar
Read the latest news from Michigan’s premier statewide policy event.
