October 28-30, 2026 | Traverse City, Michigan
Pre-Summit Microbial Source Tracking (MST) Workshop - October 27
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Great Lakes Beach Association are excited to host the National Beach Summit in 2026. We invite you to join us for a reuinion of beach friends in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan!
It has been too long since we last saw each other! So much has changed since 2021 when we had the previous online national beach conference. And it has been 10 years since we all met in New Orleans!
The 2026 event also features and optional pre-conference workshop (limited seating), 2 1/2 days of plenary content and breakouts, student poster contest, and more! A virtual option will be available for a portion of the conference proceedings. Virtual attendees will receive a link to the broadcasted portions. All attendees will have access to those recordings.
Registration Fees:
General Admission: $200
Students: $50
Presenters: $90
Virtual Attendees: $50
Registration/Cancellation Deadline: October 16, 2026
Registration Questions: Alana Berthold (BertholdA@Michigan.gov)
Sponsor Opportunities Available!
We will be talking about how recent technology advancements are changing the way beaches are monitored and results are communicated. Monitoring approaches have more options with beach sanitary surveys, composite sampling, microbial source tracking, rapid testing methods in the lab and in the field (as little as 15 minutes), remote monitoring, predictive and forecast modeling, and harmful algal monitoring with field test strips, analytical methods, and satellite imagery.
With data available from so many fields, we will explore multidisciplinary and multisector perspectives. We will look at ways to interpret new parameters and how to communicate effectively with beach visitors and communities. We will also look at long term strategies to improve beaches such as stormwater management, remediation designs, citizen science, and coordination with local, state, federal, provincial, and tribal governments.
West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay from high overlook of Old Mission Peninsula in the fall.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be made by October 16, 2026, to receive a full refund. Cancellations received after October 16 and no-shows will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions are welcome at any time.
Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at this event should contact Joel Roseberry at RoseberryJ@Michigan.gov or 517-599-9494 by October 16, 2026, to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation, and/or other assistance.
EGLE does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability, political beliefs, height, weight, genetic information, or sexual orientation in the administration of any of its programs or activities, and prohibits intimidation and retaliation, as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Summit Sponsors
