about the conference
Learning Without Limits explores how adult and alternative education providers are expanding pathways to success by embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and breaking down barriers that prevent learners from reaching their goals.
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Join more than 300 educators, program directors, administrators, workforce development professionals, and community partners from across Michigan for MACAE's premier annual gathering. Together, we'll explore innovative strategies, emerging technologies, and collaborative solutions that create learner-centered systems, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. Discover what's possible when education is accessible, responsive, and designed without limits.
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300+ Attendees
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Inspiring Speakers
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50+ Breakout Sessions
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Networking Opportunities
Exhibitor Hall
Thank you to our sponsors!
registration & hotel
Registration Rates
MACAE Members: $450 | Non-Members: $500Â | WIOA Only/Literacy/Community Education: $275
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center
460 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440Â | $149/night
Rooms are available at the MACAE Conference rate until Oct. 10, 2026Â or until the room block is full.Â
schedule-at-a-glance
12:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Exhibitor Set Up & Registration
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Attendee Registration
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Board of Directors Meeting
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - First Time Attendees Session
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - President's Reception
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7:30 a.m. - Registration Opens
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Welcome & Overview of Conference
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Networking & Exhibitor Break
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Breakout Session 1
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Breakout Session 2
2:15 - 3:15 p.m. - Breakout Session 3
3:15 - 3:45 p.m. -Â Refreshment Break in the Exhibitor Hall:
3:45 - 4:45 p.m. - Breakout Session 4
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Welcome & Annual Meeting
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. - General Session
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. - Breakout Session 5
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch & Awards
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Breakout Session 6
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. -Â Refreshment Break in Exhibitor Hall
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Breakout Session 7
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Raffle & Basket Drawing
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. - Breakout Session 8
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - State Update
11:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Closing Remarks
12:00 p.m. - End of Conference
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Submit a Presentation
Share your expertise! We're seeking engaging, practical sessions that highlight innovative practices, learner success, workforce partnerships, technology, AI, and other topics shaping the future of adult, community, and alternative education. Presentations will be one hour in length.
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Proposal submissions are due August 28, 2026. Click below to review the full RFP and submission guidelines.
Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
Become a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2026 MACAE Annual Conference! Connect with more than 300 education professionals from across Michigan. As the statewide organization supporting adult and alternative education, MACAE provides sponsors and exhibitors with valuable opportunities to showcase their resources, build connections, and engage with education leaders.
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Exhibitors will enjoy dedicated vendor space, networking opportunities, and a special vendor reception during the conference.