Skip to content

Michigan Public Transportation Conference

2026 Conference Logo cropped

The Michigan Public Transportation Conference is a three-day program that brings together top leaders from Michigan transit agencies, specialized service providers, MDOT, and business partners to discuss key issues.

The program includes a pre-conference golf outing and networking reception, keynote remarks, numerous general and breakout sessions, and numerous meals and refreshment breaks.

A large vendor show typically features more than 60 booths, as well as transit vehicles and equipment displays and opportunities for prize giveaways.

The beautiful northern Michigan host venue, Crystal Mountain Resort, provides a variety of lodging options, many recreation activities, and unparalleled opportunities for on-property attendee interaction.

Attendees typically include more than 165 transit leaders from 70+ providers, as well as 30+ MDOT and FTA leaders and 70+ vendors.

MPTA also utilizes the highly interactive Whova conference app for attendee engagement.

Lodging:

  • Please note that your lodging arrangements must be made separately.
  • Crystal Mountain on-site lodging:
    • Please click here to access the Crystal Mountain room block. The event dates will automatically populate; the arrival and departure dates may be adjusted but please note that there could be a minimum night stay requirement.
      For any questions or reservation assistance, please call 1-855-520-2974 and reference group number 46P2SZ or MPTA. We recommend all attendees inquire about waitlist options if your desired room types appear unavailable.
  • Other nearby lodging options may be found on Airbnb or in Frankfort (20 mins away).

Pre-conference Activities:

Golf Outing

  • The Hartley Memorial Golf Outing will take place on Monday, August 17 with a breakfast, followed by a shotgun start at 9:00am.
    Golf outing fees are $145 per person ($110 early discounted rate before July 17) – includes 18 holes of golf with cart on the beautiful Betsie Valley course, breakfast, lunch, on-course beverage, and multiple prize opportunities.

Iron Fish Distillery Tours will take place on Monday, August 17 at 3:00 and 4:00pm - after the golf outing concludes. The tour is $35 per person - paid at the distillery.

Crystal Mountain Legacy Art Park Guided Tour will take place on Monday, August 17 at 3:30pm - after the golf outing concludes. Participants will discover the unique 30-acre forest Art Park offering an unparalleled experience of art, nature and history. Nestled beneath a tree canopy, wonderful sculptures and poetry rocks reference Michigan heritage and offer unique insight into the people and events that helped shape the state. This tour is complimentary for conference attendees.

Attendees may select (or add) registrations for the golf outing, distillery tour, and art park tour through the registration platform - for assistance, please email events@mptaonline.org


Vendor Opportunities

  • Monday, August 18's pre-conference activities will include our annual golf outing, as well as a distillery mixology tour, art park guided tour, and the President's Reception and new evening live music social event.
  • Exhibitors are also encouraged to move in on Monday afternoon.
  • Tuesday Morning Vendor Show - $800 for members; $1,000 for nonmembers ($75 early discount before July 17)
    • Includes 8-foot vendor booth with signage, electricity, one conference registration and all meals
    • $250 for additional conference registrations; no charge for additional vendor show support.
    • Vehicle display add-on: vendor rate plus $300 per vehicle
    • Vendors are also encouraged to provide a prize for the vendor show raffle and one bottle of alcohol (sponsor-tagged) for the attendee ring-toss game
    • All exhibitors will have access to the conference Whova App, which includes powerful engagement tools.
    • Note: membership dues must be paid up to receive discounted rates.

Pre-Conference Orientation

  • Thursday, August 7 at 2:00pm ET
  • All exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers for the Michigan Public Transportation Conference are invited to join an orientation webinar to help preview this year's program, discuss important logistics, and learn suggestions to make the most of the time at this event. We will also review how to use the Whova App for sessions, the vendor show, and more.
  • We encourage you to join live for any questions you may have, but the meeting will be recorded and posted for later viewing if need be.
  • https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3642398389?omn=82800923581&from=addon

Sponsorship Opportunities:

  • Golf Gold Sponsor - $1,000 – 1 available – includes one golf registration, recognition on all communications, and brief remarks
  • Golf Contest Hole Sponsor – $500 – 3 available (Men’s/Women’s Closest to Hole and Longest Drive, and Putt for Dough) – includes recognition on all communications and presentation of awards
  • Conference Emerald - $1,200 – 2 available - includes vendor booth, one conference registration, and recognition on all communications
  • Attendee gift sponsor - $250 – 2 available – Includes recognition on all communications and distribution of sponsor’s promotional item to all attendees
  • Attendee ring toss game (NEW) – Bring one bottle of alcohol (sponsor-tagged) for ring toss game; attendees/vendors can purchase wristbands to toss to try and win the prizes!
  • Breaks - $750 – 1 available - includes recognition on all communications, verbal recognition, and materials at break stations
  • Monday Evening Social Reception (NEW) – $600 – 2 available – Attendees will enjoy a night of live music entertainment and socializing with friends new and old. This event will also include an interactive photo booth for attendee fun. Co-hosting includes recognition on all communications and verbal recognition at the reception, as well as a number of drink tickets for sponsors to distribute to attendees.

Select Your Sponsorships:              Online Payments            Invoice Payments

Announcing 202Michigan Transit Impact Awards!

All transit providers are encouraged to consider submitting nominations for the inaugural Michigan Transit Impact Awards. 

Please click here for more information.

The nominations deadline has now passed and more information will be coming soon!

Scroll To Top