2025 MAB Summer Leadership Conference & Evening of Excellence
August 12, 2025 | Traverse City, Michigan
The 2025 MAB Summer Leadership Conference in Traverse City brought together broadcasters from across Michigan for a day of connection, insight, and celebration.
The conference began with a private tour of the historic former State Hospital in Traverse City, exclusively for members of the MAB Board of Directors. That evening, conference attendees gathered for a rooftop welcome reception at the new 910 Media Group Studios in downtown Traverse City, enjoying live music and stunning views.
Conference day featured an engaging lineup of sessions designed to inform and inspire. Highlights included a special edition of Issues & Ale with former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, as well as presentations from Josh Pollack of the National Association of Broadcasters and MAB legal counsel David Oxenford. Political strategist Jason Roe, Duggan for Governor's Stephanie Grimes Washington, and Fox 2's Roop Raj closed out the conference with a 2026 political forecast. During the Annual Business Meeting, MAB members voted in a new Board of Directors to lead the association in the year ahead.
The evening concluded with the signature Evening of Excellence awards celebration. Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered keynote remarks to kick off the program, which honored the Lifetime Achievement of WOOD-TV8's Julie Brinks, welcomed this year’s Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, recognized Public Media Impact, and celebrated the industry’s future with the Young Professional Award.
Thank you to all who joined us in Traverse City for an unforgettable conference. We look forward to building on this momentum together in the year ahead.
Leadership Conference Session Recap
It’s Just Politics: Issues & Ale - Special Edition Featuring Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Issues & Ale is an event series from Michigan Public designed to engage Michiganders in conversations about important issues facing the state in an informal atmosphere. This special edition of It's Just Politics: Issues & Ale featured U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in conversation with Michigan Public's Political Director Zoe Clark and Michigan Public Radio Network's Senior Capitol Correspondent Rick Pluta. Together, they broke down the consequential decisions happening in Lansing, and beyond, and answered attendees' most pressing questions about Michigan politics, infrastructure, and national policy.
Broadcast Policy Briefing: Legal and Legislative Outlook
Attendees stayed ahead of the curve with timely updates from Washington. MAB Legal Counsel David Oxenford and NAB's Josh Pollack broke down recent regulatory developments, legal trends, and legislative activity impacting Michigan broadcasters. Participants learned how emerging policies could shape their operations, and how advocacy efforts are making a difference.
2026 on the Horizon: Michigan’s Political Forecast
What’s ahead for Michigan in the 2026 election cycle? Political strategist Jason Roe of Roe Strategic LLC and Duggan for Governor's Stephanie Grimes Washington shared insights on the state’s shifting political landscape, emerging candidates, voter trends, and legislative dynamics. Attendees gained a strategic look at how upcoming races could impact the broadcasting industry, and learned how to stay informed and engaged as the cycle heats up.
Thank You, Sponsors!
