The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance will host the 2026 Northern Michigan Policy Conference on January 23 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme, Michigan. The Alliance represents a coalition of 20 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.
Registration for the conference is $125 per person or $850 for a reserved table of six with priority seating until December 31, 2025. After January 1, prices rise to $150 for individual tickets. Register at https://traverseconnect.com/nmpc.
The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance northern Michigan’s standing as a world-class place for businesses, residents, visitors, and students of all ages. This year’s policy conference will prioritize policy issues of primary concern to businesses in the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas and provide more opportunities for attendees to engage policy leaders.
“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is excited to announce the program for the 2026 Northern Michigan Policy Conference,” said Nikki Devitt, chair of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and CEO and president of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We’re pleased to provide a new networking opportunity to kick off the day’s agenda, which will cover topics from rural population growth to how our rural businesses can compete on an international stage. The afternoon will conclude with the region’s first gubernatorial candidate forum, kicking off the 2026 election season.”
Confirmed panelists include U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, State Senators John Damoose, Michele Hoitenga, and Ed McBroom, House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri, and State Representatives Cam Cavitt, Parker Fairbairn, Mike Hoadley, Tom Kunse, and John Roth. Additional panelists include Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, and Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan.
The Alliance is partnering with the Michigan Information and Research Service (MIRS) for northern Michigan’s first forum for the 2026 gubernatorial candidates. Confirmed candidates include Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and State Senator Aric Nesbitt, who will field questions from Kyle Melinn, news editor at MIRS. Additional participants will continue to be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2025 Northern Michigan Policy Conference is presented by Diamond Sponsors, Consumers Energy and ITC Holdings, and Ruby Sponsor, Munson Healthcare. The Gubernatorial Forum is sponsored by DTE.