Economic Recovery in the Design and Construction Industry will be the buzz all over Mackinac Island beginning August 4th. Architects, engineers, general contractors and other leaders that create Michigan’s physical environment will convene at our 68th Mid-Summer Conference to share updates, tactics-and optimism- to move forward out of the funk that has consumed our industry over the past few years.

AIA Michigan, and our partners, AGC of Michigan, have planned an exciting event that will pair the serious with the sublime; work and play; sport and leisure; business and family and create a mix of events that everyone can enjoy.

The Mid-Summer Conference amazes me each time I come. The timeless beauty and playful candor of the Island sets the tone for camaraderie unique to this Conference. I think networking was invented on the porch of the Grand Hotel. If you have attended in the past, you know what I mean and you will want to be a part of the experience again. To those who have yet to venture north with your colleagues, it is a great opportunity to combine business with a family vacation. Events are planned that will keep young people, age 5-17, occupied and entertained. Walbridge and Harley Ellis Devereaux are joint patrons for our children’s activities.

A welcome reception on Thursday, sponsored by the Detroit Brick Distributor Council, on the west end of the "world’s longest porch" at the Grand Hotel will give everyone a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. After dinner, the all new Family Night will take place on shipboard as we cruise under the glorious Mackinac Bridge. The whole family can come aboard for music and libations thanks to the generous sponsorship of the SmithGroup, Bricktech Architectural Inc. and Professional Concepts Insurance Agency Inc.

Friday morning is the time for serious business where we will get our legislative updates and discuss competitiveness through integrated project delivery with Tom Porter and his panel of experts. The rest of the day will be bocci sponsored by Bricktech Architectural Inc., golf, tennis, horseback riding or a book by the pool until we come together in the Tea Garden for the Bocci Tournament Finals and Reception sponsored by our friends from the Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors.

While our teens are horseback riding, thanks to the Association Benefits Company, the adults will earn more CES credits at the historic and brownfield redevelopment session led by a State of Michigan representative and sponsored by the Albert Kahn Family of Companies. Barton Malow and Ghafari have teamed up to provide the Golf Scramble/Couples Mixer. Golf haters have a chance for croquet and tennis.

Another reception, this time on the West Porch, put on by SMACMA, will be a prelude to dinner in the main dining room followed by a joint AIA and AGC afterglow in the Grand Pavilion. There will be music and perhaps some dancing thanks to our sponsors at Testing Engineers & Consultants Inc. and Fastdecks, Inc. who thought it would be a great way to wind up our wonderful event.

This year take advantage of the Grand Hotel’s generous offer to stay Sunday free if you book three days at the Hotel. Remember, children under twelve are free! A family of four with two children under twelve can have four fun-filled days at the Grand for under $300 plus taxes per night and that includes breakfast and a five course dinner. Bring your whole family and enjoy Golf, Swimming in the famous Esther Williams Pool, Tennis, Bocci, Croquet, Live Music, Games, Spa and Fitness Center, Horseback Riding, Bicycling, Island Carriage Tours, Garden Tours and Historic Fort Mackinac.