Great Lakes Islands Summit 2025
Photo by Michael Harding
The 2025 Great Lakes Islands Summit will be held from September 21-24, 2025, on Beaver Island, Michigan, with a focus on "Collaboration." This event will bring together island leaders, residents, and advocates to share insights, explore solutions, and strengthen partnerships. Highlights include engaging sessions on education, housing, natural resources, arts, and health care, as well as networking opportunities.
Attendees to Michigan’s “Emerald Isle” will also enjoy local tours, group meals featuring live Irish entertainment, and opportunities for networking and sharing of ideas.
Additional information on how to get to the summit, where to stay, and more will be included in your confirmation once you register. For general questions and more information, please contact Matt Preisser at preisserm@michigan.gov
For logistical questions regarding Beaver Island, please contact Angel Welke at lefevream@hotmail.com
We encourage you to register soon, space is limited.
Summit Costs
GLIA offers several registration options, a full conference rate of $150 or single day rates of $50. Your paid registration includes meals and on-island transportation. Attendees are responsible for scheduling their own ferry or air transportation to the island.
Lodging
Beaver Island offers a variety of lodging options. Most attendees will find their own lodging. GLIA offers one complimentary hotel room (double occupancy) for each participating island. These rooms are intended primarily to support individuals with financial need, though others may be considered depending on availability. The process for assigning these rooms is not first-come, first-served, but rather will be handled in early July based on who is registered for each island by July 1. Access to a complimentary room is not guaranteed. If you are able, we strongly encourage you to book your own lodging at the time of registration to ensure availability. Beaver Island remains busy well into September.
Tax Deductibility
Expenses of professional development—including travel and lodging—when incurred for the purpose of maintaining or improving your skills in your present profession may be tax- deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for details and guidance. Your registration fee is not a tax-deductible donation to The Stewardship Network; if you make an additional donation beyond your registration fee you will receive a tax receipt with your transaction receipt.
Health Protocol
For the safety and wellness of fellow attendees, please do not attend the event if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, or any other contagious ailment.
Transfer, Cancellation, Refund Policy
If your plans change and you are unable to attend the Summit, we are happy to transfer your registration to someone else, please send a note to Matt Preisser, GLIA Coordinator at preisserm@michigan.gov. If you prefer to receive a refund, we will follow the schedule below:
- Before August 1, 2025: Full refund minus $25 processing fee.
- Before September 1, 2025: 50% refund.
- On or after September 1, 2025: Beginning in September we are unable to refund your registration fee, which goes directly to non-refundable expenses incurred by hosting the event. We appreciate your understanding.