Convention
Join us!
Every two years the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention brings together lake enthusiasts, researchers, managers, and educators. The Convention is hosted by the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership, a collaboration of diverse organizations with a common mission to advance stewardship of Michigan's inland lakes. We invite you to join us Grand Rapids, October 2-4, 2024, to learn and share the latest innovations and ideas in lake stewardship and to network with others who share your passion for lakes. Convening in partnership this year with the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), our statewide volunteer lake and stream monitoring program, this year’s theme is “Working Together for Healthy Lakes”.
The 2024 Convention venue is the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel.
Agenda
The Convention will kick off with an Opening Reception the evening of Wednesday, October 2, followed by two full days of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities on Thursday and Friday, October 3 and 4. Details will be announced here as they develop.
Call for Abstracts
Our call for abstracts closed on May 29, 2024.
Registration
Convention registration will open in July.
For planning purposes, the registration rates will be as follows:
- Full Convention (includes opening reception Wednesday evening, and full program Thursday and Friday, including meals and breaks): $225, increasing to $250 close to the event date.
- One Day Registration (Thursday or Friday): $150, increasing to $175 close to the event date.
Lodging
The 2024 Convention venue is the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel. Overnight lodging is available at the Convention group rate of $149/night. The last day to book and receive the group rate is September 2, 2024.
Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors
The call for sponsors and exhibitors is open! Your support helps keep prices reasonable for all participants, allows us to offer student scholarships, and is excellent exposure for your business or organization. Download our Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities packet for details. Opportunities close August 2, 2024.
Download the Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Packet
Additional Convention Information
Continuing Education Credits
We will be applying for a variety of Continuing Education Credits for interested attendees. In the past we have been able to offer a variety of options, including Pesticide Applicator Recertification credits from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Convention Contacts
You are welcome to direct any questions you have about the Convention to the event Co-Chairs: Jo Latimore of Michigan State University Extension or Julia Kirkwood of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
We also invite you to stay in touch with the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership by joining our email list, and following us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram.