2020 Mackinac Policy Conference

1. What are the new dates?

Arrival: Monday, August 10, 2020

Departure: Thursday, August 13, 2020

2. Can I cancel my registration and what is the refund policy and process?

Yes, you can cancel your registration or transfer it to another individual. Individuals cancelling their registration will receive a refund (less a 10% credit card/processing fee). There is not a fee to transfer your registration to another individual.

To cancel or transfer your registration, contact Marianne Bogard at mbogard@detroitchamber.com or 313.596.0479.

The deadline to cancel your registration is July 10, 2020.

3. How do I change my hotel reservation?

This change was made in partnership with Grand Hotel and many of the hoteliers on Mackinac Island. Contact your hotel and confirm your reservation is transferred to the new dates. The Chamber encouraged and expects nightly rates, minimum stay requirements, and cancellation policies to remain the same.

If you need assistance, please contact:

Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau Email: info@mackinacisland.org

Telephone: (800) 454-5227

Local: (906) 847-3783

4. Will the schedule remain the same?

The Conference Chair, Chamber team, and planning committees are working to review the entire Conference schedule of events and sessions and will make appropriate changes. Ongoing agenda updates will begin next month, with details to be finalized this summer. Attendees should plan to arrive in the afternoon on Monday, August 10 and depart the morning of Thursday, August 13.

5. I am a sponsor, how does this date change impact my sponsorship?

The Chamber’s intent is to transfer existing sponsorship packages to the new dates. Your Detroit Regional Chamber sponsorship liaison will be reaching out to you to discuss your sponsorship directly. Our goal is to have a successful August event, sponsors are critical to the Conference’s success. You can also contact, Megan Spanitz at (313) 300-1819 or e-mail: mspanitz@detroitchamber.com.

6. Will government officials participate in the Conference?

The Chamber has shared the new dates with many key government leaders including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Mayor Mike Duggan.

Because schedules for Michigan’s Legislators and the Federal Legislators indicate the elected leaders will be on recess, the Chamber is optimistic that elected officials at all levels of government will be able to attend.

7. Will special programs like MICHauto on the Island and Mackinac Future Leaders still occur?

The Chamber’s intent is to retain the entire attendee experience and will proceed in programming for these groups.

8. Are the other island businesses aware of the change?

The Chamber is working with all hospitality businesses including restaurants, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, and others to ensure they are aware and prepared for the change. If you have a scheduled event at a restaurant or venue, please contact them to reschedule your reservation.

9. How does this change impact media credentials and live broadcast plans? Kelly Sweeny will be reaching out to all credentialed media to discuss credentials and unveiling an updated August

10.  Why did you decide to reschedule the Conference now?

The Detroit Regional Chamber takes the health and safety of our team members and guests very seriously. Chamber leadership is monitoring state and federal orders and public health guidelines regarding convening events. After discussions with the Chamber’s Executive Committee of its Board of Directors, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other Conference vendors, the opportunity to host the Conference in August was identified. The Chamber believes changing the Conference dates offers the best path to ensuring a successful Conference while protecting the health of all participants.

11. What if the public health guidelines prohibit convening large events in August?

The Chamber recognizes that we are dealing with an unprecedented situation and circumstances may continue to change quickly. As the Chamber has communicated previously regarding all our events, we will only conduct events and operations within the guidelines of state public health officials. While we all anticipate the COVID-19 crisis to wane by August, we will continue to coordinate with public health officials.

12. Will the Conference agenda reflect the global COVID-19 crisis and its economic impact? 

The Chamber team and planning committees intend to update programming to ensure it is relevant and timely given the global pandemic.

13. What is the fee to attend the Conference in August 2020?

$2,400 for Chamber members; $3,300 for future members.

14. When will the Conference occur in 2021?

The 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1 through Friday, June 4.