Media Credentials

In order to ensure Mackinac Policy Conference attendees and working media have adequate space and accommodations, the Detroit Regional Chamber requires media to apply for media credentials to attend the Conference.

Media credentials will be granted in lieu of Conference registration only to working media as defined below and will not be granted to applicants who the Detroit Regional Chamber determines do not meet the established criteria.

The Detroit Regional Chamber reserves the right to deny or revoke media credentials for any reason.

Credential applications are evaluated for each Conference. A history of being granted media credentials at the Mackinac Policy Conference DOES NOT GUARANTEE approval for this year’s Conference and does not waive the credential application and approval requirements.

All working media must apply to receive credentials prior to receiving a complimentary Conference registration and are responsible for securing their hotel accommodations.

To qualify for media credentials for the Mackinac Policy Conference, applicants must be a working journalist at a bona fide news gathering outlet, including publicly read newspapers, news services, websites, and radio and television stations. Applicants must cover business- or policy-related issues on a regular basis or be working on a special assignment.

A working journalist is defined as someone deriving income from journalistic activities either independently or as part of an independent media outlet. Independent media outlets are those independent of special interest groups, trade associations, consumer organizations or government agencies, or organizations with a primarily public relations function. Applicants who report for newsletters or other publications for such groups are not considered working media.

Credentials will not be granted to non-editorial staff such as sales, business management, marketing, public relations, advertising, art, personal blog writers, or publishers of media organizations. Publishers, executive leadership, and station managers will not be credentialed unless they have an established record of a role in coverage (such as writing columns from the Conference) the previous year.

Public relations professionals will not be provided media credentials to accompany someone to an interview and will need to register as a Conference attendee.

The Detroit Regional Chamber does not grant credentials for the purpose of writing a personal online blog or posting on non-media-affiliated social media accounts.

Freelance writers must verify they have been retained by a bona fide news organization for the express purpose of covering the Mackinac Policy Conference. Freelance applicants will be asked to provide proof of their assignment.

The Detroit Regional Chamber may request media applicants to submit the following:

• Business card.
• An assignment letter from an editor. The letter must be written on company letterhead and include a detailed explanation of the assignment.
• Samples of previous Mackinac Policy Conference Coverage.
• Samples of recently published work.

Should you be denied media credentials for the Mackinac Policy Conference, you will be denied access to the Conference unless you purchase registration.

Media credentials provide complimentary access to keynote addresses, Conference forums, sessions, and the on-site media center. Media also have access to the Grand Hotel’s parlor.

Media credentials do not grant access to cover private receptions.

Video cameras and recording devices by credentialed media are not allowed in the Grand Hotel Theatre without permission of the Detroit Regional Chamber AND AN ESCORT BY CHAMBER STAFF for limited B-roll only. News organizations that want to capture main-stage programming inside the Theatre may make a special request through the Media Center to be escorted into the Theatre for limited recording. Media wishing to capture video/audio of main-stage programming in the Theatre are provided access to a pool feed. The Detroit Regional Chamber reserves the right to ask a reporter with a camera to leave the Theatre at any time.

NOTE: Due to contracts with Conference speakers, video and audio recordings of some speakers at the Mackinac Policy Conference may be restricted or may not be allowed.

Flash photography is not allowed in the Grand Hotel Theatre. Photographers shooting in the Theatre are welcome to take photographs but they must not use a flash. A Flickr photo feed will be uploaded in real-time, and media will be provided the link or can request it by emailing Catia Sabak.

The Detroit Regional Chamber offers a full-service media workroom at Grand Hotel. Services and resources available include copier, high-speed internet, workspace, refreshments, and on-site assistance, including broadcast of main-stage Conference programming into the workroom. A special Wi-Fi login will be provided to all media, and details will be provided in the media bag and the welcome email on the first day of the Conference. Please contact Catia Sabak if you cannot find this information.

In addition to the media center, the Detroit Regional Chamber operates Media Row along the parlor level of Grand Hotel. Limited space is available for media outlets that broadcast LIVE from the Conference. Media Row will be open for broadcast on Wednesday, May 28; Thursday, May 29; and Friday, May 30. The Chamber strives to accommodate all requests, but media credentials do not guarantee space on Media Row. Space will not be assigned until late May. Requests for space, equipment, technology, and furniture must be submitted by April 11, 2025, to allow for consideration at Grand Hotel.

All press conference requests must be submitted by April 11, 2025, to be considered. Please note, the press conference schedule for the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference will not be confirmed until the week of  May 12, 2025. Please note, only press conferences approved by the Detroit Regional Chamber via the formal review process outlined above will be supported. Press conferences not approved and staged by the Detroit Regional Chamber are not permitted and will be shut down by security.