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2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Engagement Opportunities

County leaders are again invited to gather at the Grand Traverse Resort in Grand Traverse County for the 2026 Michigan Counties Annual Conference. This year’s event will run Sept. 9-11 (Wednesday-Friday).

This three-day, two-night event will feature:

  • Addresses from the major party candidates for governor (invited to attend)
  • Plenary Session keynotes on Michigan ballot proposals in November and the increasing challenge of containing health care costs
  • The 2026 President’s Banquet, featuring the installation of Newaygo County’s Bryan Kolk as MAC’s 118th president
  • A Welcome Reception and strolling dinner in the Exhibitor Hall with more than 40 firms providing goods and services of importance to county government
  • MAC’s Annual Business Meeting, which will review and approve MAC’s policy platforms for the coming year
  • Membership elections for five seats on the MAC Board of Directors
  • Ten policy workshops ranging from the local government role in data center siting and community corrections, to investments in dam safety and emergency preparedness

The conference also will include plenty of time for members to network and enjoy the facilities of the resort and the surrounding Grand Traverse community.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

Elevate your brand at the Michigan Counties Annual Conference! 

This year’s Vendor Engagement Opportunities offer broad brand exposure surrounding the Annual Conference, while strengthening your connection with the audience most important to your organization. Design the option that aligns with your objectives.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Already a MAC Corporate Partner?
Premier Partners receive 20% discount and Associate Partners receive 10% discount on conference sponsorships!
Contact Olivia Triltsch for discount code (triltsch@micounties.org)

SUPERIOR | $8,500

You pick one of the following exclusive opportunities:


  • Opening Night Reception Sponsor with branded beverage napkins. This event on Wednesday night sets the tone for the remainder of the conference, offering valuable networking opportunities that continue well beyond the conclusion.
  • Opening Morning Breakfast Sponsor with branded beverage coasters at each place setting. Put your organization front and center as attendees begin their day on Thursday morning and create a memorable first impression that carries throughout the conference.
  • Welcome Bag Sponsor with branded registration bags for each conference attendee. Make your brand part of every attendee’s experience by placing your logo on the official Annual Conference registration bags. Provide your logo and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Lanyard Sponsor with branded lanyards for each conference attendee. Everyone wears a lanyard – it’s prime real estate for your logo. Feature your brand at the Annual Conference without lifting a finger. Provide your logo and our team will handle the rest.
    Additional benefits include:

    Complimentary booth that includes two conference registrations for the two booth representatives, ensuring direct engagement with key attendees and prime networking opportunities

    Additional booth representatives may register at a discounted rate of $175

    Two tickets to the President’s Banquet (Thursday evening)

    Full-page ad in the program booklet (8.5″ x 11″ with .125″ bleed, 300 DPI or higher in a PDF format)

    Mailing list of attendees – connect with attendees before they arrive to maximize engagement, schedule one-on-one meetings during the conference, or take advantage of post-event outreach

    Prominent logo placement on all signage during the featured area based on the exclusive opportunity selected

    Opportunity to add a gift/announcement/flier to registration bags

    Dedicated social media recognition

    Company logo with live link featured on the conference website

    Logo in conference program

MICHIGAN | $7,250

You pick one of the following exclusive opportunities:

  • Branded Notepads Sponsor – Keep your organization in front of attendees throughout the conference by sponsoring the notepads used in educational breakout sessions. Your branded notepads will be placed in each breakout room—two rooms on Wednesday and eight rooms on Thursday—providing repeated visibility as participants take notes, reference session materials, and engage with presenters. This sponsorship offers a practical, high-value branding opportunity that keeps your company top of mind well beyond each session.
  • Grab & Go Goodies Sponsor – Welcome attendees as they arrive by sponsoring the Grab & Goodies station during Wednesday registration. Your branded napkins will be featured alongside refreshments, providing a warm first impression and prominent visibility as attendees check in, connect with colleagues, and prepare for the conference. It’s a simple yet effective way to put your brand in attendees’ hands from the very start of the event.
  • Break Sponsor – Put your brand at the center of one of the conference’s busiest networking opportunities. As the sponsor of Thursday’s beverage breaks, your branded napkins will be featured during two 45-minute breaks, providing repeated visibility as attendees gather to recharge, connect with colleagues, and discuss insights from the day’s educational sessions. This sponsorship offers meaningful exposure throughout the conference’s busiest day while associating your organization with a welcome refreshment attendees appreciate.

    Additional benefits include:

    Complimentary booth that includes two conference registrations for the two booth representatives, ensuring direct engagement with key attendees and prime networking opportunities

    Additional booth representatives may register at a discounted rate of $200 per person

    Full-page ad in the program booklet (8.5″ x 11″ with .125″ bleed, 300 DPI or higher in a PDF format)

    Prominent logo placement on all signage during the featured area based on the exclusive opportunity selected

    Dedicated social media recognition

    Company logo with live link featured on the conference website

    Logo in conference program

HURON | $3,500

    Benefits include:

    Recognition as co-sponsor of lunch – Connect with attendees during one of the conference’s most well-attended networking opportunities. As a co-sponsor of Thursday’s lunch, your organization will receive prominent recognition while participants gather to recharge, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships between educational sessions. This sponsorship positions your brand at the center of meaningful conversations during the conference’s busiest day.

    One conference registration for Thursday only (does not include President’s Banquet)

    Half-page ad in the program booklet (7.75″ x 5.25 with .125″ bleed, 300 DPI or higher in a PDF format)

    Small logo in conference program

    Small logo included on conference signage

ONTARIO | $2,250

    Benefits include:

    Recognition as co-sponsor of refreshment break – Keep your brand front and center as attendees recharge during Friday’s beverage break. As a co-sponsor, your organization will receive exposure as participants network, reflect on key takeaways, and prepare for the conference’s closing sessions. It’s an excellent opportunity to leave a lasting impression before attendees head home.

    Quarter-page ad in the program booklet (4.5″ x 5.75″ with .125″ bleed, 300 DPI or higher in a PDF format)

    Small logo in conference program

ERIE | $1,250

    Benefits include:

    Quarter-page ad in the program booklet (4.5″ x 5.75″ with .125″ bleed, 300 DPI or higher in a PDF format)

    Small logo in conference program

EXHIBIT BOOTH OPPORTUNITY

Exhibit Schedule:

  • Exhibitors now have 1.5 hours on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and another 1.5 hours of non-conflict time on Thursday, Sept. 10
  • The Annual Conference will feature a Welcome Reception inside the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., offering complimentary beverages and a strolling dinner for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors. 

Pricing & Booth Details:

  • The cost to exhibit your product and/or services is:  $1,200
  • Additional fee of $50 to add electricity to the booth space
  • Deadline to register a space is Friday, Aug. 21
  • Each exhibit registration is allowed two people. Each individual starting with the third person requires a fee of $225 per person
  • Exhibit space is approximately 8’ x 10’ and includes one skirted 6’ table and two chairs – no pipe & drape provided
  • We have a limited amount of space for exhibitor booths — register early! Space is available on a first come, first served basis.
  • Does not include tickets to the President’s Banquet on Thursday evening. Enhance your conference experience by joining colleagues for an evening of networking, dinner, entertainment, and celebration. Banquet tickets are available for $125 per person and include dinner, two drink tickets, and entertainment.

Setup & Teardown Times

  • Exhibitor Set-up – Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Exhibit Hall Teardown – Thursday, Sept. 10 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Hours 

  • Wednesday, Sept. 9 – 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 10 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
          AM Break – 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
          PM Break – 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Deadline to register is Friday, Aug. 21

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Pinnacle Advertising Package | $950 (one available)

  • Inside Front or Inside Back Cover (8.5" x 11")
  • Company logo with live link featured on the conference website
  • Dedicated social media recognition
  • Exclusive, high-impact placement ensuring maximum visibility for your brand

Elite Advertising Package | $700

  • Full page ad (8.5" x 11")
  • Dedicated social medica recognition
  • Prominent full-page exposure designed to reinforce brand recognition among attendees

Featured Advertising Package | $450

  • Half page ad (7.75" x 4.875")
  • Targeted visibility to a highly engaged conference audience
Deadline for ad submission is Friday, Aug. 21
Send ads to Olivia Triltsch at triltsch@micounties.org

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be submitted to MAC in writing on or before Aug. 21, 2026. Registrant will receive refund minus 25% administrative fee. No refunds will be issued if canceled after Aug. 21, 2026.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa | 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. | Acme, MI
Call 800.968.7352 or click HERE to make your reservation.

The cutoff date to reserve your room is August 14, 2026. There is no guarantee that rooms will be available until August 14, so you are encouraged to reserve early.

Room rates*: $229.00 (Hotel Guestroom) | $279.00 (Tower Guestroom)
     *Rates do not include Resort Fee ($20.95 per room/per night) or applicable taxes

Check-in: 4 P.M. | Check-out: 11 A.M.

Hotel Cancellation Policy: When reservations are made, a credit card or cash deposit equal to the room rate and tax for the first night for each reservation is required. An individual’s deposit is refundable to that individual minus a $25.00 cancellation fee if the Resort receives notice of an individual’s cancellation at least 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival.

QUESTIONS
Olivia Triltsch – Event Coordinator
triltsch@micounties.org

 

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED