FAQ

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Have more questions about
Annual Conference 2020?

FAQs and answers can be found here.

Why attend the 2020 Michigan Annual Conference?

The 2020 Michigan Annual Conference will provide you a unique opportunity to:

  • Be the main connection of information for your local church on the future of the Michigan Conference.
  • Learn new ways of equipping the local church for Vibrant ministry
  • Celebrate and share your love for specific ministries with new people.
  • Meet others who share a passion for missions and ministry.
  • Better understand and grow your gifts by trying something new.
  • Add new life and zest to the routine of Annual Conference.

Why Traverse City?

The beautiful Grand Traverse Resort has been the home of Annual Conference since 2017.  They offer all of our needed amenities in a lovely, family-friendly setting.   There are limited locations available that can meet the needs of a conference of our size, including a large plenary hall, lots of break-out rooms and housing for hundreds of our attendees, attached to the meeting space.  We continue to review our options.

Am I required to be there for all 4 days?

It’s vital that members of Annual Conference attend all sessions.

How do I get to the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa?

By car the arrival address is: 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610.

You can also let us do the driving. There is an opportunity to take a coach bus from the southern parts of Michigan. Our 56 Passenger coaches are equipped with 110 outlets, WiFi, restrooms, comfortable reclining seats, foot rests, air conditioning, public address system, individual reading lights, CD player, and DVD system complete with monitors throughout the coach. Sign up in the registration system.

Where will I stay?

You can stay onsite in a traditional Hotel room, a modern Tower room or a condo. Camping and other options are nearby as well. Click on Accommodations on this site for more detailed information.

Will there be lots of walking?

Some walking will be necessary. Most conference activities will take place in onsite meeting rooms, not too far from hotel and tower rooms. A shuttle will be provided for those staying in the condos and for some conference activities. If you have mobility issues or specific needs, please indicate appropriately when registering.

We're adding a shuttle option this year (from outside Governors' Hall to the front of the resort) to help with traffic flow, and help attendees get to meals in Michigan Ballroom. 

One of the Tower Ballroom Elevators will be dedicated to moving people between the two conference floors.

What does it cost to attend?

Members can expect to pay for registration, four nights lodging and meals. An average cost in a shared hotel room will be less than $485 per person.

Where do other Conferences in our Jurisdiction hold their Annual Conferences? What are their costs?

Venues include Conference/Convention Centers, Events Centers, Hotels and Resorts.  West Ohio and East Ohio hold their Annual Conferences at a Chautauqua Community.

What services will be provided for those with physical disabilities?

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is an ADA-compliant facility. Barrier-free rooms are available.

I have dietary restrictions/food allergies. What dining options will be available?

Please review the menus before registering. The resort has responded to feedback and has provided complete dietary meals and information. Select Special Dietary Meals or standard meals when registering.

Can't you do something about parking?

A conference as big as ours means lots of cars that need a place to park.  This year, we will offer a shuttle service from the hub locations serving offsite hotels.  This should reduce the number of cars driving in each day which helps reduce the number of cars in the lot.

We will continue to offer registrants the opportunity to request a limited mobility parking pass for access to closer parking.  We continue to to encourage people without mobility issues to respect the needs of others.

Can't we start legislation earlier in the conference?

Our Conference rules include several provisions designed to ensure fair and equal treatment of all legislation, including any that is offered from the floor.  As a result, floor voting on legislation issues cannot begin before Friday.  See Rule 5.4 for more information. 

Can I bring my family? Is child care provided?

The Grand Traverse Resort offers on-site child care for attendees who need the service, but you must register your child before you arrive at Annual Conference. More information is available on the registration page or check-out The Cub House for a sneak peek.

Is there something I can take back to my church to help me report?

Our outstanding technology team will be staying just a little longer this year to produce a compilation video for you to use in your local church the weekend after annual conference.  The video will feature conference highlights and any official action taken by the assembled body.

How can I get invited to attend?

By Discipline, all ordained elders are required to attend annual conference. Each local church is also asked to send a voting Lay Member to Annual Conference.  Some local churches choose to send an alternate as well.  Speak to your pastor and your local church nomination committee to express interest in attending. Contact your district office and express interest in attending as a voting member.  Even if you are not nominated as a voting member, everyone is invited to attend as a guest.  Guests are not able to vote during plenary sessions.

We hope you will plan to attend!

Check back often for more questions and answers!

2021 Michigan Annual Conference