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2026 MITA Summer Conference
Big Ideas. Iconic Setting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
General Information
Q. What are the conference dates and location?
The 2026 MITA Summer Conference will take place July 30 – August 2, 2026, at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
Q. Who should attend the Summer Conference?
The conference is open to MITA members, their families, and guests. It offers a mix of networking, association business, and social activities.
Registration
Q. What does my registration include?
Registration provides access to conference events, including receptions, meetings, and social activities. Some optional activities, such as golf and the sunset cruise, require an additional fee.
Do I need to select activities in advance?
Yes. Activities like golf and the sunset cruise have limited capacity and should be selected during registration.
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
Insert your cancellation/refund policy here.
HOTEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
Q. Where should I stay?
Conference activities are centered at the Grand Hotel. If rooms are unavailable, overflow accommodations are available at Bicycle Street Inn, located a short walk or carriage ride away.
Q. What is included with a stay at the Grand Hotel?
The Grand Hotel operates on a Modified American Plan, which includes daily breakfast and dinner in the Main Dining Room.
Q. Are meals included if I stay at Bicycle Street Inn or at another off-site hotel?
No. Meals are not included with your stay at Bicycle Street Inn or other off-site hotels.
However, conference attendees staying off-site may still participate in:
• Thursday Evening Reception and Dinner
• Friday Evening Reception & Dinner
Thursday Main Dining Room Dinner Pricing for Offsite Guests:
Dinner
Children 0-5 Comp with adult
Children 6-12 65 in advance/81 at door
Children 13 and up 112 in advance/140 at door
You can add these "tickets" during the registration process.
These costs are included for guests staying at the Grand Hotel.
Q. How do I book my hotel room?
You can reserve your room using the booking links provided on the Hotel Accommodations page.
Q. Is there a dress code at the Grand Hotel?
Yes. The Grand Hotel enforces a dress code in the evenings after 6:30 PM.
• Gentlemen are required to wear a suit coat, necktie, and dress pants
• Ladies are encouraged to wear dresses, skirts, blouses, or dress slacks
• Denim, shorts, and casual attire are not permitted in evening dining areas
• MITA’s dinner in the tea garden (Friday night)is a casual event and does not require adherence to the dress code
Q. When is the hotel reservation deadline?
Grand Hotel:
• Reservation cut-off date: June 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM
• After this date, rooms are subject to availability and may be offered at different rates.
Bicycle Street Inn:
• Reservation cut-off date: June 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM
• After the deadline, rooms are based on availability and prevailing rates.
Important: Both properties are expected to sell out prior to the cut-off date. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Baggage & Arrival
Will my luggage be transported to my hotel?
Grand Hotel Guests:
Yes. The Grand Hotel provides baggage transfer service between the ferry dock and the hotel upon arrival and departure.
Portage Fee: Approximately $15.00 per person (round trip)
Bicycle Street Inn Guests:
Yes. Luggage transfer service is also available between the ferry dock and the hotel. However, the Bicycle Street Inn is across the street from the Shelplers dock, and you may choose to walk it over on your own.
Portage Fee: $5.00 per person (round trip)
Getting to the Island
Q. How do I get to Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry only. Shepler’s Ferry offers service from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
Q. Is there parking available at the ferry docks?
Yes. Parking is available at both ferry departure locations, including day, overnight, and premium options. Shuttle service is typically available from off-site lots.
Q. How do I get to the Grand Hotel once I arrive?
Transportation on the island is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. The Grand Hotel is a short carriage ride from the dock.
Activities
Q. Do I need to sign up for golf in advance?
Yes. Golf participation is limited and must be reserved during registration. For Thursday golf, you will indicate your interest and course preference, and MITA will assign tee times and confirm placements in advance. Golf fees will be invoiced once assignments are finalized.
Q. What’s the difference between Thursday and Friday golf?
Thursday offers 18-hole rounds at either The Jewel or Wawashkamo, with tee times beginning around 9:30 AM and a boxed lunch included.
Friday features a 9-hole shotgun start at The Jewel at 12:00 PM. Lunch is not included, and participants are on their own for meals.
Q. Is the sunset cruise included with registration?
No. The sunset cruise is an optional add-on and requires advance registration.
Meetings & Sessions
Q. Are there business meetings during the conference?
Yes. The conference includes:
• MITA Board of Directors Meeting (Friday morning)
• MITA Membership Meeting & MDOT Presentation (Saturday morning)
Travel & Planning
Q. What should I wear during the day?
Resort casual attire is appropriate during the day. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Q. When should I plan to arrive and depart?
Plan to arrive on Thursday in time for evening events. Departure is Sunday morning, with check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Make plans now to join us for a memorable few days of connection, collaboration, and tradition at the 2026 MITA Summer Conference.
Questions?
Contact Danielle Coppersmith at daniellecoppersmith@thinkmita.org