Who should attend the 2026 One Voice conference?
The event is designed specifically for staff, volunteers and advocates from animal welfare organizations, shelters, humane societies, animal control, and rescues. MPA members and non-members are invited to attend.
How many people will be at the conference?
We anticipate 300 attendees, 30 exhibitors and more than 30 subject matter experts.
Is there a single-day event ticket available?
Yes! You can register for Friday only, Saturday only or the entire two-day event.
Will the sessions be available for live streaming or video-on-demand?
This is an in-person only event and will not be livestreamed. Any recorded sessions will be available after the event for MPA members only.
Are meals included?
Yes, your event ticket includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch and snacks on Friday and Saturday. If you purchase a Friday only or two-day ticket, you will also receive two drink tickets for the Beer & Pretzels Roundtables.
Does the event ticket include hotel accommodations?
No, the cost of hotel accommodations and travel are not included in the registration fee. The Albert Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College Center Campus is located at M-59 (Hall Road) and Garfield Road in Clinton Township, MI. It is a short drive from many local hotels, restaurants, and shops.
What is the dress code at the conference?
The dress code is casual. Meeting rooms can be chilly, so we recommend layers for your comfort.
How do I pay for registration?
You can pay via credit card or check. After you complete the online registration form, the system will email you a receipt if you pay via credit card or an invoice to pay via check.
All payments must be received by Friday, September 25, 2026 or the ticket will be forfeited.
I registered for the conference as a non-member. When will my MPA membership begin?
Your one-year individual membership will begin once your payment is received and processed.
Where can I find an up-to-date program for the event/Is there an app for this event?
Yes, to save costs (and trees), we will use the Whova event app instead of a printed program. You can use the app to view the agenda, see where the sessions are located, and connect with other attendees, speakers and exhibitors.
All registered attendees will be emailed instructions on how to access the event on or about July 13, 2026.
Who can I speak to about sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities?
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are posted on our website at www.michiganpet.org/support-us. If you have any questions or would like to customize a sponsorship package, please email conference@michiganpet.org.
Should I register for the conference if I am presenting a session?
No, presenters do not need to register and will receive complimentary admission to the event. All presenters will receive a Speaker Agreement from the event organizer.
What is the cancellation policy for event registration?
Refunds are not permitted. Only name changes are allowed. You can transfer your registration or donate your ticket to MPA to use as a scholarship for a member in financial need by emailing conference@michiganpet.org.
Please note the following:
*If you registered as a non-member, your one-year MPA membership is not transferable.
*Members who transfer their ticket their ticket to a non-member, the non-member will not receive a one-year membership.
Can members purchase tickets for non-members at a discounted rate?
No. Member pricing applies only to the member’s own ticket.
Can I purchase multiple tickets for the event/are there any discounts for purchasing multiple tickets?
Yes. Members who would like to purchase 5 or more tickets-at any level-receive a $5 discount per ticket.
If you would like to purchase five or more (5+) tickets, please email conference@michiganpet.org with the name of your organization/group and total number of tickets you wish to purchase. The conference team will follow up with instructions on how to complete the purchase.
How can I apply for a scholarship to attend the 2026 conference?
Scholarships to attend the conference at a reduced fee are available to MPA members only. Please keep an eye on the One Voice: The MPA Member Newsletter for scholarship requirements and a link to apply.
Sign up for the newsletter here.
Will any CEU credits be offered for attending the conference?
Yes. The following credits are available:
CAWA: Michigan Pet Alliance is an approved provider of content which enhances professional competence and aligns with the CAWA Exam Specifications.
NACA: This conference has been approved for Continuing Education Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certification holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located at https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/
When will the conference be listed on the Whova event app?
Our conference will be published on Whova about 90 days prior to the event on Monday, July 13, 2026.
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please email conference@michiganpet.org