Conference

MIPSA’s annual conference normally takes place in October of each year on the campus of one of its member institutions.

The 2026 conference will take place October 15-16 on the campus of Macomb Community College. Information about the conference may be accessed through the links below. For questions not covered by the information presented here, please contact the organizer and host, Dr. Ryan Kostanecki, kostaneckir331@macomb.edu.

Macomb Community College is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. The college grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state, with three campuses in Macomb County and an additional facility dedicated to engineering and advanced manufacturing workforce development. Macomb provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Call for Proposals

We accept proposals from all subfields of political science, public administration, and public policy. Additionally, we also accept proposals from scholars in other disciplines whose work touches on power, politics, government, and/or public policy. We do not require printed papers at the MIPSA meeting, though they are welcome. Our emphasis is on carefully prepared oral presentations that can stand by themselves.

We especially encourage proposals for research posters or papers from undergraduate and graduate students. MIPSA is a welcoming environment where early scholars are encouraged and supported. Graduate and undergraduate students should also consider submitting their finished papers for MIPSA’s paper prizes.

Proposals are due September 25, 2026.

Call for Proposals

Proposal Submission

Registration

The cost of registration covers dinner Thursday and lunch on Friday as well as providing a one-year individual membership in the MIPSA. Early registration is appreciated by September 30, 2026. The Professional conference registration will increase to $160 starting October 1. On-site registration will be available.

Travel & Parking

Events will take place on both days at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, University Center Building 1 (See UC 1 on the map below, highlighted in red). The College’s formal address is 44575 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Room information will be provided on site, but please enter through the main northeast entrance for UC 1, which is connected to parking lot 5B. Free parking is available next to UC1 in Parking Lots 5B, 5C, or Lot 3 (highlighted in green below), with the best parking in that order. Google Maps directions to the University Center.

If traveling eastbound on M-59/Hall Road from I-75 (Exit 77), turn south onto Garfield Road. You will arrive at the northern edge of the campus. Turn right on University Drive, the third driveway on the west side, to reach the University Center complex (UC 1, UC 2, and UC 3 buildings). You will see a large UC 1 on the building. If you are staying at Candlewood Suites, exit the hotel heading west, do the first turnaround after Hayes Road to head east, then follow the eastbound instructions.

If traveling westbound on M-59/Hall Road from I-94 (Exit 240), proceed west for approximately six miles until you reach Garfield Road. Use the turnaround and head south on Garfield Road and then turn right on University Drive, the third driveway on the west side, to reach the University Center complex (UC 1, UC 2, and UC 3 buildings). Alternatively, if traveling from the south via I-696, you can take the Van Dyke Ave (M-53) exit north to Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile Road), head east to Garfield Road, and then travel north past 19 Mile Road to turn left onto University Drive.

Parking is free of charge at Macomb Community College. Click here for an interactive campus map.

Keynote Speaker

Thursday Keynote

Michigan Votes: The Stores Behind the Ballot

Leading Michigan political journalists will examine the campaign dynamics shaping the 2026 election season, offering attendees a reporter’s-eye view of Michigan politics.

• Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor, Detroit Free Press

• Craig Mauger, State Politics Reporter, The Detroit News

• Jordyn Hermani, Reporter, Bridge Michigan

Friday Keynote

The 2026 Midterms: What to Watch, What It Means, and What Comes Next

Leading political scientists will examine the forces shaping the 2026 midterm elections. From voter behavior and campaign strategy to national trends and state-level dynamics, this keynote offers a forward-looking analysis of the election landscape.

Moderated by: Dr. John Clark, Professor of Political Science, Western Michigan University

• Dr. Matt Grossman, Professor of Political Science, Michigan State University

• Dr. Ronald Brown, Professor of Political Science, Wayne State University

• Dr. Nicole Matthew, Associate Professor of Political Science, Oakland University

Program

Conference Program

Schedule at a Glance

Thursday, October 15

5:30-6:30p Poster Presentation & Check-in

6:30-8:00p Dinner & Keynote

Friday, October 16

7:45-8:20a Breakfast & Check-in

8:30-9:40a Session 1

9:50-11:00a Session 2

11:00-11:20a Break

11:20-12:30p Session 3

12:30-1:45p Luncheon & Panel

1:45-2:45p MIPSA Business Meeting

3:00-4:15p Session 4

Hotel

Candlewood Suites Detroit – Sterling Heights
15595 Hall Rd, Macomb Township, MI 48044
(586) 566-0700
$132+tax per night (King Room)
$132+tax per night (Double Queen Room)
$122+tax per night (Single Queen)

To book using the group rate, please call 800-465-4329 and use the group name MIPSA Conference and reservation code EG1. Rate good through September 24, 2026; please be sure to book ahead of time!