Art by Jamie John for this year’s conference
We had another successful Great Lakes Conference in 2026! Over 300 people joined us in Detroit, Michigan over the course of two beautiful days. This year we had more breakout sessions and field trips than ever before!
Before the conference officially began, attendees were able to join two optional events: a welcome reception with We the People of Detroit and the Coalition’s Equity, Advisory & Action Committee, and a Happy Hour hosted by the Great Lakes Young Professionals Network. These optional events served as a great kickoff for new attendees to get settled in and for previous attendees to reconnect.
On Thursday we began with a welcome from the Mayor’s office, followed by a panel featuring some of the many clean water leaders in the Detroit area. We then had a set of breakout sessions before lunch where we were honored to receive a resolution from Wayne County Commissioner McCormick, recognizing the Coalition’s contributions in the clean water sphere and our impact in the state and the region. We then had another round of breakout sessions before heading out for field trips across the city.
In the evening we hosted our conference reception. This year’s was at the lovely Waterview Loft right on the Detroit River. Attendees enjoyed listening to a youth jazz trio from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, eating delicious appetizers, and purchasing art from a small vendor market we hosted.
We started off Friday with a welcome from Representative Rashida Tlaib before moving into a plenary about the future of water policy in the midst of challenges to the Clean Water Act. We then had two more sets of breakout sessions before ending with a much-anticipated plenary on data centers and sustainable water management solutions.
We also ran a printmaking station again at this year’s conference, which continues to be a hit with attendees. The design was created by Indigenous artist, Jamie John, who is based out of Michigan.
Great Lakes advocates from around the region came to Detroit, including representatives from community groups, NGOs, government, and private industry. The Coalition worked closely with local and regional partners to provide over $65,000 in full and partial scholarships to 85 recipients, enabling many folks who would not otherwise have the resources to attend to join us to learn and network. This annual event continues to be an exciting and meaningful gathering space for Coalition members and partners, providing space to stay updated on Great Lakes work, learn from one another, and stay connected with our Great Lakes community.
You can still view the agenda and other information from the 2026 Great Lakes Conference on our conference website.
We’re already planning the 2027 Great Lakes Conference and we hope you’ll join us next fall Duluth, Minnesota!
Before the conference officially began, We the People of Detroit and the Coalition’s Equity, Advisory & Action Committee hosted a welcome reception at Rent Free, a newly opened community space.
Wayne County Commissioner McCormick gave the Coalition a resolution, honoring our work for clean water.
On this guided canoe trip on Belle Isle, participants learned about restoration efforts that are improving habitat, water quality, and community access to this culturally and historically significant location.
Attendees with their purchases from the artisan market we hosted at the reception. Credit: Moon Reflections Photography.
Representative Debbie Dingell stopped by to say hello to conference attendees
Representative Rashida Tlaib welcomed everyone to Detroit on the first day.
This industrial paddle highlighted Detroit’s first and only access point on the Lower Rouge Water Trail, taking participants under historic bridges, past manufacturing giants, and through two water systems.
This tour through the 22-acre Ralph Wilson Park, the newest part to open along the riverfront, taught participants about remediation efforts and how experts built a habitat that will attract and retain fish and animal species.
Attendees were able to enjoy a beautiful evening at the reception. Credit: Moon Reflections Photography.
