MAEDS Member FAQ's
Michigan Association for Educational Data Systems (MAEDS) holds its annual fall conference in the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Conference presentations offer professional growth, meanwhile networking opportunities with colleagues promise a vast resource of experience, support, and guidance. The Annual Fall MAEDS Conference epitomizes the MAEDS slogan “Networking People and Technology” held at a location that explodes in a frenzy of Michigan’s beautiful fall colors.
The 2025 MAEDS Fall Conference takes place at noon on October 29 through lunch October 31.
The conference is held at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan (right outside Traverse City). Get Directions here: https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/stay/getting-here
The $250 Conference Registration fee includes:
- Annual MAEDS membership
- Conference session admittance
- All meals (Note: Wednesday lunch is not included)
- All evening activities
To enhance your conference experience, we offer a convenient Wednesday lunch option for a $25 add-on ticket, available for purchase during registration. Please note that dining options near Grand Traverse Resort are limited, and many establishments can be quite expensive.
MAEDS members who register for the conference may also register a guest or spouse. Guest registration, which includes meals and evening activities, is intended for a member's spouse or partner. Members wishing to register a guest should contact a MAEDS board member to obtain the necessary registration link.
The conference registration fees can be paid by purchase order, check, or credit card. Just select the desired option when registering online.
Most people will want to stay at Grand Traverse Resorts in Acme, MI (just outside Traverse City, MI). You can find more resort information here.
Even conference attendees who reside near the conference often choose to lodge at the resort. That’s because they’ve learned the value of the professional networking opportunities offered through the evening activities; that people who lodge at the conference are more involved with those activities; and, that lodging at the conference helps reduce distractions enabling them to better focus on their professional development.
The cost of accommodations at Grand Traverse Resort varies annually based on factors such as demand and seasonal rates. The resort offers three room types: Tower, Hotel, and Condo. To secure your preferred room type and avoid disappointment, we strongly encourage members to register early, as rooms at the resort sell out every year.
The MAEDS Fall Conference will take place Wednesday afternoon through Friday lunch. While some attendees may arrive on Tuesday evening, the majority are expected to arrive on Wednesday around noon. Please note that registration will not begin until noon on Wednesday.
The conference will conclude on Friday with a luncheon featuring the annual member meeting and door prize drawing. The luncheon is typically finished by 1:30 PM.
Hotel check-in is not guaranteed until 6:00p.m. Your room may be available earlier; however it is recommended that you verify availability before unloading any luggage.
Conference check-in is noon through 2:00p.m. Registration is in the hallway outside the tower rooms on the lower floor of the resort. If you arrive after 2:00p.m. please find any MAEDS Board Member and they will be able to assist you.
At the MAEDS Annual Fall Conference there is no recommended or expected standard of attire. Most attendees dress to be comfortable with a wide range from very casual to those who prefer professional attire. During evening activities most dress to be warm and comfortable.
The MAEDS Conference offers a dynamic schedule of activities, including exciting evening events. To keep things fresh and engaging, each year brings a unique lineup of entertainment. Stay tuned for the release of our conference agenda, where you'll find detailed information about this year's offerings.
The evening activities typically include banquet-style dining, fun run/walk, live entertainment, game night, and more. Please note that some activities may take place outdoors (weather permitting), so be sure to dress appropriately.
We encourage all members and their guests to join us for these evening events. They provide excellent opportunities to network with industry peers, share experiences, and relax in a casual setting outside of conference hours. Your presence contributes to the overall experience, and we look forward to seeing you there.
This policy is changing for the 2024 conference. Stay tuned as the policy is updated and this question is answered.