Questions?
Please contact Michigan Conference Events Planner and Annual Conference Executive Team member Nancy Arnold
Welcome to the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
The Michigan Annual Conference is held at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan, just north of Traverse City. The beautiful facility offers a wide-range of housing and meal options. Nestled in the tranquil beauty of Michigan’s northern woods, the facility overlooks the magnificent Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Take a flying virtual tour of this facility and see where major elements of the conference will be held.
Choosing Traverse City
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa was selected following a two-year venue search. The 24-member Commission on the Annual Conference Session sent out a state-wide request for options which were narrowed down to facilities able to accommodate 2,000 people while meeting stringent criteria including; cost, housing options, support of Native American relationships, fair labor practices, “green” environment impact, accessibility for disabled and limited mobility individuals, plenary and break-out spaces; informal gathering spaces, child care options and more. Three finalists received on-site visits and following a discernment process the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa was selected.
According to Commission on the Annual Conference Session members, another key reason this location was selected was their focus on conference events versus the seasonal tourism trade that drives up costs. The Michigan Annual Conference is one of the resort's larger events allowing the negotiation of discounted rates, free meeting and break-out space, free conference area Wifi, meal discounts and extensions of the low conference rates three days before and three days after, if rooms are available. In 2022 those dates include May 30, May 31, June 1 before and June 5, June 6 and June 7 for those wishing to extend vacation time.
Tribal Affiliation
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians own two major businesses which are marketed under the tradename Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos. The gaming business is owned and operated by the GTB Economic Development Corporation, a federally chartered corporation. The GTB-EDC operations include Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel, the Leelanau Sands Casino and Lodge and the Eagle Town Market.
It's hotel and resort business is owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa LLC, a Michigan limited liability company. GTRS LLC has its own Board of Directors and its management operations and financials are separate from the GTB-EDC. Casino revenue is not used at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.