Events
MAASE offers a variety of professional learning and networking events throughout the year, designed to support special education administrators, educators, and stakeholders. From annual conferences and seminars to hands-on workshops and webinars, these events provide valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and stay informed on the latest trends and developments in special education. Our events aim to foster growth, empowerment, and positive change in the field, aligning with our mission to enhance the expertise of education professionals dedicated to serving students with special needs.
SLIP Winter Conference
Join us for the annual SLIP Winter Conference. This conference is designed to support the needs of supervisors overseeing low incidence programs and center-based programming. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights on key topics such as Essential Elements/Curriculum, Alternatives to Seclusion/Restraint, and Building Capacity in Staff. Throughout the two-day event, participants will learn from expert presenters, engage in discussions with peers, and have designated time to work on action items to apply in their programs. Supervisors are encouraged to bring their teams to maximize the learning experience.
2026 Registration Opens in August!
Special Education Leadership & Accountability Summit: L.E.A.D.ing for Results (Leadership, Equity, Accountability, & Data)
Join us for the Special Education Leadership & Accountability Summit (formerly the Monitoring and Technical Assistance Conference), where we’ll explore how to lead for meaningful results through the lens of Leadership, Equity, Accountability, and Data (L.E.A.D.). This summit is specially designed for professionals who provide technical assistance and support effective systems in schools. Whether you're working at the district, ISD, or state level, you'll gain targeted strategies and insights that strengthen your ability to drive sustainable, system-wide improvement in special education.
Participants will engage in a variety of breakout sessions, each focused on relevant, timely topics that reflect the evolving needs of the field. Sessions will offer opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, learn from experienced practitioners, and explore practical tools to enhance implementation and impact. This summit promises to be both inspirational and actionable, equipping you to return to your role with renewed focus, aligned practices, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
2025 Registration Opens in August!
Summer Institute 2026
In keeping with MAASE's mission of providing "...opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and advocacy...", each year over 800 special educators convene in August to engage in leadership development and shared learning on topics critical to the field of special education.
This premier event for special education administrators in Michigan will feature the following:
- Keynote Speaker Jimmy Casas
- Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education Updates
- Attorney Presentations
- Numerous Breakout Sessions
- Special Appearances from National Association Guests
- Awards & Networking Opportunities
Participants will engage in full days of learning on Monday and Tuesday through whole group sessions, breakouts, and networking with hospitality receptions at the close of each day. The conference finale happens mid-morning on Wednesday. Participants will leave Summer Institute with new professional connections, feeling energized & engaged, and equipped with new tools for success for the upcoming school year!
Registration Opens in February 2026!
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you have an event suggestion, please reach out to the MAASE Team. You can contact us via email at lindseyzeller@maase.org or use the contact form on our website. We welcome your ideas and strive to create relevant events that meet the needs of our community!
If you need to cancel your registration for a professional learning event, please contact Lindsey Zeller at lindseyzeller@maase.org at least seven (7) business days before the event to request a refund (as outlined in the MAASE Procedures Manual, Page 7, Section B, Item 1).
For multi-day events, the cancellation request must be submitted at least seven (7) business days before the event’s start date to qualify for a refund.
Lodging Information
1-800-462-6963
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Reservation Site
Pointes North (15 rooms) - Call 231-938-9191 and ask for the MAASE Conference group block (Reservation cut off July 6th) - All reservations must be made by calling front desk.
Sleep Inn & Suites (20 rooms) - Call 231-938-7000 and ask for the MAASE Conference group block (Reservation cut off July 6th) - Click HERE to book a room
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (10 rooms) - Call 231-938-2600 and ask for the MAASE Room Block (Reservation cut off June 30th) - Click HERE to book a room
Parkshore Resort (25 rooms) - Call 231-947-3800 and use the Group Code MAASE (Reservation cut off July 10th) - Click HERE to book a room
Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel (10 rooms) - Call 231-534-8870 - (shuttle to Grand Traverse Resort) - Group Offer Code: GR81025. Click HERE to book a room. (Reservation cut off July 10th)