There were two key moments that stayed with me during my first time at the Conference and as a Mackinac Future Leader.
The first lasted maybe fifteen minutes.
Tuesday evening, after check-in but before the event fully began, the halls of the Grand Hotel briefly emptied. I intentionally walked through the space, mostly alone, taking it in and trying to stay open to whatever the experience might bring.
A First-Time Experience at the Mackinac Policy Conference
After that pause, the days moved exactly as you’d been warned to expect: fast.
Conversations stacked on conversations. Speeches, panels, media interviews, debates, porch discussions and countless exchanges in between filling every hour.
I arrived excited and grateful to be representing VVK and our clients, while also experiencing the week as part of the Mackinac Future Leaders. Though many of us were first-time attendees at the conference, we represented a cross-sector group of leaders spanning state and city government, major industries and mission-driven organizations. Like many attendees, I spent the week balancing priorities while supporting clients and their moments.
Reconnecting with long-time colleagues, clients, partners and mentors who have shaped different chapters of my career while also meeting new people whose perspectives challenged, informed and expanded my own. Soaking up each and every chance to take something valuable in.
And honestly, I enjoyed the energy and pace.
Why the Conversations Mattered Most
What struck me most was how much direct access changed the quality of conversation. The networking felt less about collecting contacts and more about strengthening relationships, meeting new people, and gaining perspective from voices I wanted to better understand.
One of my biggest takeaways from the week was how many people seemed to be searching for honest conversation, not perfect agreement. In a setting often defined by big ideas and competing perspectives, that felt both relevant and encouraging.
The conversations driving headlines throughout the week carried real weight.
Michigan’s economic future. Competitiveness. Housing and healthcare affordability. Education and talent development. Trust, opportunity, and how we create pathways for more people to participate in and benefit from Michigan’s future.
Those conversations were impossible to miss and for good reason. Depending on where you sit, they can feel strategic, personal, or both.
The Value of Relationships and Listening
I was surprised by how quickly Michigan felt small. Not in ambition, but in proximity.
The event curates something rare. People who might otherwise spend months trying to secure time together suddenly share the same sidewalk, coffee lines, and porch spot.
And while we hear a lot at MPC, policy priorities, economic forecasts, announcements, and competing ideas for what comes next, I found myself paying closer attention to where listening showed up.
For me, it happened in the conversations that stretched a little longer and dug a little deeper.
I felt that especially with the Mackinac Future Leaders, where people with very different backgrounds and responsibilities came in with this pre-arranged common ground, helping more quickly spark curiosity and genuine conversation.
Leaving Mackinac with a Different Perspective
The second moment – which will stick with me much longer – came Friday morning.
The conference was wrapped. Before the ferry and the four-hour drive home, I grabbed a coffee and walked the uninhabited side of the island, reflecting on everything.
I didn’t leave the island believing the hard work had been solved. If anything, I left more aware of how much work remains. But I also left encouraged by what can happen when people make time to listen, engage directly, and stay in conversation with one another.
Those two quiet moments of my first MPC helped frame my whole experience.
I wasn’t wondering whether this event mattered. I was thinking about what will happen next.
Ashleigh Chatel is a seasoned communications leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in corporate reputation management, media relations, and executive positioning. She currently serves as Associate Vice President of Client Relations at VVK, where she leverages her expertise to deliver impactful strategies and foster strong client relationships.
Previously, Ashleigh was a Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard Detroit, where she was integral in building and leading a high-performing Corporate Reputation and Media Relations team. Her expertise helped elevate national and global brands while also protecting reputation through strategic media placements, earned and paid national event positioning and executive LinkedIn thought leadership.