2026 Northern Michigan Policy Conference
Jan. 23 | 2026 @ 8:30 am – 3:15 pm
The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is a regional economic development conference led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. The Alliance is a coalition of 20 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from all across northern Michigan. The partnership exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy.
Now in its eighth year as a policy conference after serving as the Alliance’s annual agenda-setting meeting for years, the Northern Michigan Policy Conference is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the northern Michigan region’s standing as a world-class place for business, residents, visitors, and students of all ages. This year’s policy conference will be a collaborative, business-driven experience delivering actionable goals to energize and provide vision. Conference content will focus on the Alliance’s four policy areas as well as the chronic issues surrounding business development, talent, housing, and childcare, and discuss innovative approaches.
Interested in highlighting your organization at the event? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities today!
Event Agenda
8:30 a.m. – Registration, Politics & Pastries
Networking with Elected Officials
9:30 a.m. – Welcome & Opening Remarks
Nikki Devitt, Chair of Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
9:45 a.m. – Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Legislative Update
Dakota Baker, Director, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
10:00 a.m. – Keynote Speaker
Coming Soon
10:20 a.m. – Rural Talent & Population Growth Panel
Moderated by Nikki Devitt, Chair of Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
11:00 a.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – Transportation & Roads
Moderated by Sarah Van Horn, President, Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce
11:15 a.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – International Competitiveness
Moderated by Warren Call, President & CEO, Traverse Connect
11:30 a.m. – Lunch & Networking
12:20 p.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – Cutting Red Tape
Moderated by Carmen Kott, Manistee Chamber of Commerce
12:35 p.m. – Rural Economic Development & Business Growth Panel
Moderated by Christopher Germain, Vice Chair, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
1:15 p.m. – Policy Pair: Topic – Energy
Moderated by Jennifer Riggs, Executive Director, Develop Iosco
1:30 p.m. – Networking Break
2:00 p.m. – Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Forum
Moderated by Kyle Melinn, News Editor, MIRS
3:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks
Interested in getting a room to stay the night?
Take the elevator home instead!
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is offering discounted hotel guestrooms for $165.00 and tower guestrooms for $205.00 (taxes and additional rates not included) from January 20th through January 27th when you book ahead using the code “NPM0126”. Call (231) 534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent, or, book online. You must use this specific link when booking online.