As Saline continues its ascendency to larger stages, by steps and leaps, a natural next question becomes one of identifying opportunity for leveraging position. Where? When?
Here in Michigan (and beyond), nothing beats our own Mackinac Policy Conference (MPC). [1]
For the uninitiated, this is an event that takes place each year during the week following Memorial Day. Although focus and content varies widely from year to year, it certainly brings together “political figures, business leaders, and innovators from all walks of life, political backgrounds, and ideologies,” centered on themes that “include the future of the state, growing industries … [and] what’s working in local governments and businesses.” [2-4]
As reported by Saline Journal during MPC 2018, “a prime spot on the agenda was slotted for a panel discussion on ‘The Mobility State.’ US Senator Gary Peters is helping advance the AV START …. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced $8 million in grants aimed at spurring ‘mobility’ initiatives ….” [5]
During a “Sneak Peek” presentation held last night for a limited number of invited guests, we were told to expect coming announcement of dedicated autonomous presentations again this year during a prime Wednesday morning slot on May 29.
A more structured hour-long panel discussion included a mix of previous year attendees from C-level industry ranks, entrepreneurs, and journalism, in addition to organizer Detroit Regional Chamber. In both planned content and response to open mic outreaches from the two dozen or so attendees, they painted a verbal picture of a unique place where the bigger future of which Saline is a part will be decided and driven. [6]
The obvious What’s different about us with this in 2019? question is of course our recasting as destination with the Best Western Premier hotel opening here in a few months. Given the important point of leverage that past Mackinac Policy Conferences have provided to local stakeholders such as Paul Glantz of Emagine Entertainment, others may follow suit at the Grand Hotel this May. [7-9]
Early registration is now open with current rates of $3,000 for those who are not members of the Detroit Regional Chamber, $2,100 for members, and $750 for spouses. Those prices will increase on March 9. More importantly, reserved hotel blocks will be released this Friday, February 1 — with access limited to those who have registered for MPC. Demand has always exceeded supply for this, especially at primer properties. [10,11]
With the accelerating pace of change in Michigan politics, tech, and skills development, it’s hard to imagine a higher priority for serious stakeholders. [12]
References
- “2019 Mackinac Policy Conference” Detroit Regional Chamber.
- “2018 Mackinac Policy Conference” Detroit Public TV.
- “All you need to know about Mackinac Policy Conference” Kathleen Gray (May 23, 2015) Detroit Free Press.
- “What is the Mackinac Policy Conference and why should you care?” Ken Haddad (May 29, 2018) Click on Detroit.
- “Ready or Not, Autonomous Vehicles Rolled Further Ahead This Week Toward Inevitability with Mobility for All” Dell Deaton (May 31, 2018) Saline Journal.
- Detroit Regional Chamber (home page).
- “Paul Glantz” Saline Journal.
- Emagine Entertainment (home page).
- Grand Hotel (home page).
- “Attendee Information” Mackinac Policy Conference.
- “Hotels” Mackinac Policy Conference.
- “Here’s A Look Back At 2018 For Clues About What Are Likely To Continue As Some Of The More Important Stories Of 2019” Dell Deaton (December 31, 2018) Saline Journal.
