Turning Tourism Priorities into Action
Join tourism professionals from across Michigan for the 2026 TICOM Tourism Conference, a one-day event bringing together leaders, partners, policymakers, and industry professionals for timely conversations, practical ideas, and meaningful connections. The day features legislative and Travel Michigan updates, marketing research, a rapid-fire "Great Ideas" session, breakout sessions, sponsor networking, and discussions focused on the issues and opportunities shaping Michigan’s tourism industry.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Welcoming Reception, Graduate Rock Bar

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Thursday, November 19, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - The Graduate by Hilton East Lansing

Graduate by Hilton East Lansing - reserve your room now! The discounted group rate is $169/night. Note: The hotel room block

releases on October 19.
https://book.passkey.com/event/51333256/owner/50920699/landing

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About the Conference
The TICOM Tourism Conference brings Michigan's tourism industry together to collaborate, share insights, and examine the trends reshaping travel across the state. Attendees include destination marketing organizations, state associations, hospitality partners, attractions, transportation providers, arts and culture organizations, outdoor recreation partners, suppliers, and other tourism stakeholders.

You'll hear from industry leaders, join the conversations shaping the year ahead, connect with peers, and leave with ideas and resources you can put to work in your own organization and community.

Who Should Attend
This conference is built for professionals and partners across Michigan’s tourism economy, including:

• Destination marketing organizations and CVBs

• Statewide and regional tourism associations

• Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and hospitality partners

• Attractions, museums, arts, and cultural organizations

• Outdoor recreation and agritourism partners

• Transportation providers

• Local government and economic development partners

• Marketing, media, and tourism suppliers

• Students and emerging tourism professionals

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Why Attend
The TICOM Tourism Conference will offer timely updates, useful takeaways, and opportunities to connect with tourism partners from across the state. Attendees can expect to:

• Learn about key legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan tourism

• Hear updates from Travel Michigan

• Explore tourism marketing research, trends, and emerging technologies

• Gain ideas from peers through a rapid-fire “Great Ideas” session

• Learn about grant and funding opportunities for tourism-related projects

• Connect with sponsors, speakers, and industry colleagues

• Take part in conversations about the future of Michigan tourism

Featured Sessions
 

Legislative Panel - This session will provide timely insight into legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan’s tourism industry. Panelists will discuss key topics affecting tourism partners across the state and help attendees better understand the broader policy landscape.
Travel Michigan Updates - Hear updates from Travel Michigan and learn more about statewide priorities, current initiatives, and opportunities for Michigan’s tourism industry.
Marketing Research -This general session will explore marketing research, tourism trends, and insights that can help inform destination, hospitality, and tourism-related organizations.
Great Ideas Session- Attendees will have the opportunity to hear quick, practical ideas from tourism colleagues across Michigan. This rapid-fire session is designed to spotlight what is working, spark new thinking, and encourage peer-to-peer learning.
Breakout Sessions -Breakout sessions will provide deeper discussion on timely topics, including accessibility, tourism trends, partnerships, and other issues relevant to Michigan’s tourism industry.
Grants Panel -This session will explore grant and funding opportunities that may support tourism-related projects, partnerships, placemaking, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, community development, and other industry priorities.
 

Speakers
Speaker profiles and headshots will continue to be added as details are finalized.

Registration
For questions, please contact:
Larisa Draves, CMP
TICOM Executive Director
Office: 231-823-0015, mitourismcoalition@gmail.com
www.mitourismcoalition.org

Thank You to the TICOM Tourism Conference Planning Committee
Thank you to the members of the TICOM Tourism Conference Planning Committee for helping plan and support this event.

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• Kim Corcoran, Meetings Michigan

• Larisa Draves, TICOM

• Jill Halpin, MyMichiganBeach.com/Halpin Media Group, LLC

• Holly Laurencelle, Advance Travel & Tourism

• Mike Price, Michigan Sports Commission

• Chad Wiebesick, Destination Ann Arbor

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Event Policies

Consent to Use Photographic Image
By registering for the TICOM Tourism Conference, attendees acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken during the event and may be used by TICOM for promotional, educational, or archival purposes.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
Submit all requests to TICOM via email at mitourismcoalition@gmail.com. TICOM regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows. Substitutions within a given event are gladly accepted. A substitution of full registration is permitted prior to an event by submitting a written request to mitourismcoalition@gmail.com. 

Enhanced Safety and Health Measures
Registration and attendance at TICOM's in person events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to abide by TICOM's and the host property's efforts to comply with current CDC recommendations and to engage in certain health-and-safety-beneficial conduct while attending the event as requested by TICOM (not attending the event if feeling sick or showing certain symptoms.)

It is the responsibility of the registrant to cancel hotel reservations.

Refunds will be issued for cancellations e-mailed to mitourismcoalition@gmail.com at least ten (10) business days prior to the start of the event minus a $25.00 processing fee.  

TICOM reserves the right to change speakers and/or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances without penalty. The total amount of any liability of TICOM will be limited to a refund of the attendee’s registration fee.