During the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan’s leaders will confront a central challenge – Michigan’s house is on fire, and the stakes are too high to ignore.
Led by Journalist and Author Devin Scillian, these “What’s the Fix (WTF)” rapid-fire sessions bring together regional leaders, focused on identifying the fixes needed to put the fire out in areas like AI and data centers, education, and economic development to drive progress and secure Michigan’s future
What’s the Fix (WTF)?
Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers
This session will explore how data centers can be a transformative economic development opportunity for Michigan. Session attendees will hear from:
- Joi Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer, DTE Energy
Ambassador John Rakolta Jr. (Ret.), Chairman, Walbridge - Garrick J. Rochow, President and Chief Executive Officer, CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy Company
From siting and permitting to workforce development, grid resilience, and the investment landscape, their conversation will be a candid exchange that surfaces pathways forward.
What’s the Fix (WTF)?
Education Reimagined
This session will explore how to reimagine Michigan’s K-12 education system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. Session attendees will hear from:
- Ron Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bridgewater Interiors
- Venessa Keesler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Launch Michigan
- Chandra Madafferi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Education Association
- Rick Snyder, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, SensCy; Former Governor, State of Michigan
Their conversation will explore innovative approaches to transform K-12 education to support student success and strengthen Michigan’s long-term economic competitiveness.
What’s the Fix (WTF)?
Economic Development
This session will address the need to transform Michigan’s economic development strategy to strengthen its ability to attract and retain new opportunities rather than seeing them shift to other states. Session attendees will hear from:
- Jeff Donofrio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Leaders for Michigan
- Sandy Pierce, Corporate Board Executive, CEO Advisor, and Community Strategist
- Bill G. Schuette, State Representative (R-Midland)
- Randy Thelen, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Right Place
Their conversation will tackle the practical levers of economic development, such as policy and incentives, infrastructure investments, and workforce strategies that keep Michigan competitive.
Event Details
Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2026
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Pricing
Signature and Premier Members: $3,500
General Members: $4,000
Future Members: $5,200