The conference is designed for Michigan school board members at every experience level—from newly elected trustees to seasoned board leaders. Superintendents, board presidents and district administrators also attend to strengthen governance practices, explore current education issues and build connections with peers from across the state.

Whether you're looking to better understand your governance role, earn Board Member Certification (CBA) credits or bring fresh ideas back to your district, ALC offers learning opportunities for every member of your board team.

ALC focuses on practical governance—not day-to-day district operations. Sessions help board members strengthen policy oversight, strategic planning, advocacy, community engagement and effective governance.

Attendees return with ideas, resources and proven practices they can share during board meetings, retreats and strategic planning discussions, creating value that extends well beyond the conference itself.

Many districts choose to send several board members so they can divide sessions, compare insights and return with a broader perspective on governance, policy and leadership.

Learning together also creates a shared experience that strengthens board alignment, builds a common governance vocabulary and encourages more informed, productive board discussions. Districts that send multiple attendees often find it easier to turn conference learning into meaningful action throughout the year.

There are several ways to maximize your district's investment in the Annual Leadership Conference while keeping costs manageable.

• Register early. Take advantage of early-bird pricing before rates increase.
• Plan ahead for travel. Booking hotel accommodations early helps secure the conference rate and provides the best selection of available rooms.
• Take advantage of MDE reimbursement. Many Board Member Certification (CBA) classes qualify for reimbursement through the Michigan Department of Education, helping offset professional development costs.
• Send multiple board members. Eligible districts may qualify for the Whole Board Registration Rebate, which reimburses the cost of one full conference registration after the event.
• Explore financial assistance. Districts may apply for support through the MASB Member Assistance Fund.

Use the investment calculator above to estimate your conference costs, compare registration options and build an informed approval request before registering.

Yes. Many Board Member Certification (CBA) classes offered at ALC qualify for reimbursement through the Michigan Department of Education. By taking advantage of this program, districts can offset costs while allowing board members to continue progressing through MASB's Board Member Certification Program.

Before registering, review the current list of approved classes and reimbursement requirements to determine eligibility.

Virtual registration is a convenient option for those who can't travel, but attending in person provides the most comprehensive conference experience and the greatest return on your investment.

In-person attendees have access to opportunities that extend well beyond the general sessions, including:

• Board Member Certification (CBA) classes and preconference workshops that deepen your governance knowledge and support continued leadership and board development.
• Meaningful networking with school board members, superintendents and education leaders from districts across Michigan.
• The Exhibit Show, where you can discover products, services and resources designed specifically for Michigan school districts.
• Special networking events and informal conversations that foster collaboration, spark new ideas and build lasting professional relationships.
• Greater flexibility to choose from the widest selection of learning opportunities and tailor your conference experience to your board's priorities.

While virtual attendees benefit from keynote presentations and select conference content, the in-person experience offers richer learning, stronger connections and practical takeaways that are difficult to replicate online.

One of the best ways to maximize your district's investment is to share what you've learned with the rest of your governance team. After the conference, consider:

• Providing a brief conference recap during a board meeting or board workshop.
• Sharing key resources, presentation materials and governance tools with fellow board members and district leadership.
• Highlighting practical strategies or best practices that could strengthen your board's governance and decision-making.
• Discussing legislative updates and emerging issues that may impact your district.
• Recommending one or two actionable ideas your board could explore or implement in the coming months.

By sharing knowledge and encouraging discussion, attendees help extend the value of the conference beyond those who attended, ensuring the entire board benefits from the district's investment.

Absolutely. New board members build a strong foundation in governance, while experienced members gain fresh perspectives on emerging issues, legislative developments and best practices from districts across Michigan. Regardless of where you are in your board service, ALC provides opportunities to strengthen your leadership, expand your network and bring practical ideas back to your district.