With the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference happening next week, we asked some of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s staff which session they are most excited about.
What We’re Looking Forward to at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference
May 22, 2025
A Conversation With Ian Bremmer: Wednesday, May 28, 1:15 p.m., in the Theatre
“Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of the Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, has over two decades of experience in international affairs, during which he has advised numerous policymakers and business leaders. Known for his unique ability to break down complex global issues into digestible insights, Bremmer will deliver an update on the current state of global politics in a conversation with journalist and author Devin Scillian.”
– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
How High-growth Enterprises Make It in Michigan: Thursday, May 29, 1 p.m., in the Theatre
“Some of Michigan’s hottest companies will take the stage to share how they have made it in the state, detailing their high-growth strategies and outlook. Panelists will be Anthony Chang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BAMF Health; Greg Schwartz, Co-founder of StockX; Andrea Wallace, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Opnr; and Walter Ward III, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of TiiCKER.”
– Tammy J. Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Live From Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy: Throughout the Conference in the Parlor
“New for this year, the ‘Live from Mackinac Brought to You by DTE Energy’ desk will feature over 40 state legislators and a host of reporters, who will discuss a wide range of topics, from nuclear energy to K-12 policy to the state’s budget.
“I’m excited to put some of Michigan’s legislators on stage to talk about the issues that they are most passionate about.”
– Brad Williams, Vice President, Political Affairs, Detroit Regional Chamber
Chamber PAC Reception: A Toast to Michigan | Thursday, May 29, 4:00 p.m., in the Brighton Pavilion
“For the Chamber’s annual PAC reception, Michigan’s quadrant leaders are again taking the stage to discuss Michigan’s political scene in Lansing. The Chamber is thrilled to host these four legislators for their first public appearance together since Matt Hall was elected Speaker of the House. Zoe Clark is hosting this session.
“Time and time again, the Conference demonstrates its ability to bring together legislators to talk in a civil manner about the issues of today. A Toast to Michigan is no different.”
– Brian Shoaf, Vice President, Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Detroit Regional Chamber
Innovation at Risk: The Case for Funding Higher Education Research | Tuesday, May 27, 2:30 p.m., in the Brighton Pavilion
“For the first session of the entire conference, Kevin Guskiewicz, President of Michigan State University (MSU), will be taking the stage to talk about the risk of funding cuts for higher education. This session will explore how university research institutions are essential to the equation of Michigan’s continued growth. Guskiewicz will be joined by Howard Crawford from Henry Ford Health, Matt Elliott, Founder of Blue Lake Ideas, and MSU Professor Mona Hanna. This session is moderated by Chad Livengood.”
– Catia Sabak, Director, Communications, Detroit Regional Chamber
Detroit Mayoral Debate: Thursday, May 29, 5:30 p.m., in the Tea Garden Tent
“Five of the candidates running for the mayoral vacancy in Detroit will be on stage to wrap up the Conference, moderated by journalists Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley. This will be followed by my second favorite session, ‘Closing Night in the Tea Garden: Celebrating Civility,’ where attendees will hear from Henderson and Finley on civility and join in a sing-along with journalist and author Devin Scillian.”
– Adam Majestic, Director, Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Detroit Regional Chamber