Events

May 27 - 30, 2025

Mackinac Island, MI

Mackinac Policy Conference

Learn More About MPC

The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference will focus on Michigan’s Equation for Impact where vision and tools meet action to make an impact that ensures our continued progress.

MEDC Programming at the Mackinac Policy Conference 

Future Flight

  • When: Tuesday, 5/27/25,  2:30 – 4:30 pm
  • Where: MEDC/Geranium Bar

Experience the future of flight with Orb Aerospace’s revolutionary Virtual Cockpit, VR enabled, force feedback teleoperations center that lets pilots command next-gen drones and AAM aircraft from anywhere on the planet. Fly through digital landscapes created by Virtual Sand Table for precision flight testing in Michigan's restricted airspace, it's where cutting-edge innovation meets global control.

Participants: 

  • Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, MEDC
  • Alex Taylor, Founder, Orb Aerospace, Inc.
  • Brian Davis, Chief Operating Officer, Orb Aerospace, Inc.

Creatively Solving for Michigan’s Talent Needs

  • When: Wednesday, 5/28/25, 9:00 – 9:30 am
  • Where: MEDC/Geranium Bar

Regardless of industry, size or location – every business cites talent as being a major consideration and challenge. Learn how Michigan is addressing this challenge head-on through concierge resources and initiatives like the Michigander Scholars, and hear from the universities and businesses who have directly benefitted from efforts to attract and keep young talent here
in Michigan.

Participants: 

  • Ava Attari, Higher Education Partnerships Director, MEDC


AI in the Workforce

  • When: Thursday, 5/29/25, 9:00 – 9:30 am
  • Where: MEDC/Geranium Bar

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will release the AI & Michigan’s Workforce Plan. Building on the state’s first ever Statewide Workforce Plan, Michigan will unveil its plan for taking advantage of the opportunities for growth presented by widespread adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

Participants:

  • Susan Corbin, Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)
  • Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director, Michigan Department on Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
  • Matt McCauley, SVP, Regional Development, MEDC
  • Brian Calley, President & CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)

Additional MPC programming with MEDC representation:

“Live From Mackinac” - On Economic Development and Data Centers

  • When: Tuesday: 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: The Parlor

Panelists:

  • Trevor Lauer, Vice Chairman and Group President, DTE Energy
  • Quentin L. Messer Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; President and Chair, Michigan Strategic Fund
  • Moderator: Jerome Vaughn, News Director, WDET 101.9 FM

Michigan’s Role in America’s Defense Growing Michigan’s defense industrial base is a national priority with strong bipartisan support across all levels of government

  • When: Thursday: 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
  • Where: Brighton Pavilion

This session will explore how Michigan can build on its long, proud legacy as the “arsenal of democracy” to help reimagine America’s national security capabilities and lead defense-related technology and workforce development initiatives.

Panelists:

  • John Gutierrez, Retired Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps; Executive Director, Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, State of Michigan
  • Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
  • Erik Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Saab Inc.
  • Moderator: Jeannine Kunz, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, SME

For the full MPC agenda, visit here. 

To learn more about MEDC, visit Make it in Michigan: Year in Review and review our in-state impact.