Summer Institute

Annual Conference

2026 MAASE Summer Institute

In keeping with MAASE's mission of providing opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and advocacy, special education leaders convene each August for shared learning on topics critical to the field of special education. Join over 800 colleagues to Advocate, Learn, and Lead.

Event Information

Dates

August 9, 2026 – August 12, 2026

Kickoff activities begin Sunday; conference closes mid-morning Wednesday.

Primary Location

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard
Acme, MI 49610-0404

Click Here to View the Schedule-At-A-Glance →

Institute Highlights

Keynote Speaker: Inspirational insights from Jimmy Casas.
State Updates: Vital briefings from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education.
Legal Counsel: Dedicated attorney presentations on active field compliance.
Breakout Sessions: Numerous targeted learning tracks. The presentation proposal window is now open!
Recognition & Community: Annual awards, national association guests, and evening hospitality receptions.

Secure Your Seat

Do not miss this premier opportunity to Advocate, Learn, and Lead with your MAASE colleagues.

Lodging & Room Block

The official room block opened February 23, 2026. Use group code MAASE26 at checkout. Note that if the block shows full, additional standard hotel inventory outside the block may still be available.

Grand Traverse Resort Reservation Site →

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Sunday Social Kickoff Events

Kickoff your experience on Sunday, August 9th. These events occur concurrently, so please select only one when finalizing plans.

Track A: LifeFocus Intensive Retreat

Cost: $150 (Separate Registration)

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hosted on-site at Grand Traverse Resort with facilitators Abby Cypher and Cheryl-Marie Manson. Invest in intentional reflection, gain clarity on values and purpose, and construct an actionable career roadmap within an intimate learning environment. Space is strictly limited.

Track B: MAASE Deviation Open Golf Outing

Deadline: July 26

11:00 a.m. Shotgun Start at the Spruce Run Course. Open to all skill levels with an 1980s retro theme. Enjoy team prizes and fun contests, including Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, all with an '80s twist. Register individually by Sunday, July 26, with anticipated team members identified during registration. Acceptable golfing attire is required, but '80s flair is highly encouraged!

Track C: Old Mission Peninsula Winery Tour

Grab some friends (anyone over the age of 21 is welcome) and climb aboard to be whisked away for an afternoon of winery adventures and fun. With this event you will visit 3 great wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. The tour bus will pick up and drop off right at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Be sure to bring your photo I.D. if you plan to purchase alcohol and maybe a small cooler for food and drinks (alcohol is allowed on bus).

Alternative Regional Lodging Inventory

Pointes North (15 Rooms)
Call 231-938-9191 to book.
Mention Group: MAASE (Phone registration only)

Sleep Inn & Suites (20 Rooms)
Call 231-938-7000 or book online.
Mention Group: MAASE

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (10 Rooms)
Call 231-938-2600 to book.
Cut-off Deadline: July 23

Parkshore Resort (25 Rooms)
Call 231-947-3800 to book.
Group Code: MAASE | Cut-off: July 9

Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel (10 Rooms)
Call 231-534-8870 to secure rooms.
Offer Code: GR80926 | Cut-off Deadline: July 10

Questions regarding registration, blocks, or tracks? Contact Lindsey Zeller, Manager of Membership & Marketing, directly via your association email infrastructure.

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a statewide network of educational leaders advancing equitable outcomes for students with disabilities through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.