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MGM Grand Detroit 1777 Third Street, Detroit, MI. 48266 |
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Great Lakes Relocation Conference
Conference Agenda
Rewire. Rethink. Relocate.
All-Conference
Corporate Track
Supplier & Partner Track
Breakout Session
Exhibit Booths
Day One
Wednesday
September 16, 2026
12:00 – 3:00 PM
Exhibit Booths
Exhibit Booth Set Up
4:00 – 6:30 PM
Registration Open
Get your badge & swag
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Welcome Reception & Networking
at MGM Grand Detroit
Charity Bingo · 4:00–6:15 PM (registration 4:00–4:30 PM)
Networking with beer, wine & Detroit fare · 6:30–7:00 PM
Day Two
Thursday
September 17, 2026
7:00 – 7:45 AM
Morning Yoga
Relocate Your Balance · all levels welcome
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Registration Open
Get your badge & swag
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking
Exhibit Booths
Poker Run at Exhibit Tables
(Only Corporate attendees are eligible to participate in the Poker Run)
9:00 – 9:15 AM
9:15 – 10:15 AM
CC
Dr. Christina Costa, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Wayne State University
Dr. Costa is a teacher, researcher, and speaker whose work bridges the science of learning with the principles of positive psychology. Drawing on a background in education and neuroscience, she explores how gratitude, resilience, and mindset shape wellbeing and success — and partners with organizations to help teams apply evidence-based practices that boost engagement, motivation, and mental health. As the daughter of an expat, she understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of relocating.
10:15 – 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 – 11:45 AM
The Move, Rewired
Go behind the scenes of the household goods industry with a candid, interactive look at what really happens during an employee move. Explore current domestic and global trends, understand what relocation policies cover, decode pricing and valuation, and learn how to make smarter decisions that improve both the employee experience and program performance. Whether you're new to mobility or a seasoned professional, you'll leave with practical insights you can apply immediately.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch
Exhibit Booths
Poker Run at Exhibit Tables
(Only Corporate attendees are eligible to participate in the Poker Run)
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Concurrent Track
The Power Reset
In today's fast-paced workplace, resilience isn't just about pushing through—it's about knowing how to recharge, set healthy boundaries, and lead with intention. Drawing from her bestselling book The Power Reset, Cassie Sobelton explores why high-performing professionals often experience burnout despite their best intentions, and how small shifts in mindset and daily habits can create lasting change.
Designed specifically for corporate mobility professionals, this interactive session offers practical tools to help attendees manage stress, protect their energy, strengthen resilience, and continue supporting others without losing themselves in the process. Participants will leave feeling renewed, empowered, and equipped with strategies they can apply immediately—both at work and in life.
Cassie is a bestselling author, corporate wellness expert, keynote speaker, and founder of Wellness Collection. Drawing on her background in executive leadership, corporate wellness, and personal transformation, she equips professionals with practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, establish healthy boundaries, and sustain energy without sacrificing performance.
Rewire Your Career
Your greatest career investment isn't just your next client — it's your professional network and industry involvement. Learn how serving on committees, volunteering with regional relocation councils, participating in WERC, and earning certifications like CRP and GMS can elevate your credibility and open new opportunities. Hear from leaders who've leveraged service and education to accelerate their careers, and leave with a roadmap for getting involved.
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 – 3:30 PM
Breakout sessions · choose one
True, False, or Just Flat-Out Illegal Now: Immigration Myths
Navigating immigration through uncertainty. Corporate immigration leaders and experienced providers share real case studies, lessons learned, and practical strategies for staying compliant while delivering an exceptional employee experience.
How I Wish I Built My Mobility RFP
Mobility leaders tell all — candid lessons on what they'd do differently, and how to build a smarter, sharper RFP.
Rethink Your Workflow: AI Beyond the Prompt
A hands-on workshop, not a watch-and-listen talk. Bring your laptop and explore practical AI tools that streamline communication, automate repetitive tasks, analyze data, and improve your day-to-day work. Beginner or seasoned ChatGPT user, you'll leave with new skills and real workflows.
3:45 – 5:00 PM
Rewire, Rethink, Relocate: Communicating Across Cultures
Cultural Training · Presented by Mary Alice
In this interactive 60-minute session, participants will explore how culture shapes the way we communicate, give feedback, and interpret the messages and feedback we receive.
The session will provide practical strategies for adapting communication and feedback approaches, navigating differences, and reducing misunderstandings while maintaining authenticity and respect.
Rewire, Rethink, Relocate — participants will be encouraged to rethink familiar communication habits, and shift their perspective to better understand how others communicate, give feedback, and respond. The goal is to build greater awareness, flexibility, and confidence when connecting and collaborating across cultures.
5:00 – 5:30 PM
Exhibit Booths
Poker Run at Exhibit Tables
(Only Corporate attendees are eligible to participate in the Poker Run)
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Rewired After Dark
Evening networking event — unwind & connect
Day Three
Friday
September 18, 2026
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking
Exhibit Booths
Poker Run at Exhibit Tables
(Only Corporate attendees are eligible to participate in the Poker Run)
8:00 – 9:00 AM
All-Conference Breakfast
last chance to purchase raffle tickets
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Concurrent Track
Corporate Roundtable: Fast, Focused, Forward-Looking
A dynamic roundtable built for peer-to-peer exchange. Through fast-paced, small-group discussions, corporate professionals rotate across key topics — benchmarking strategies, exploring emerging trends, and trading practical approaches in real time, with actionable takeaways to bring home.
Supplier & Partner Roundtable: Fast, Focused, Forward-Looking
Service providers gather for a dynamic roundtable designed to spark fresh perspectives. Fast-paced, small-group discussions rotate across key industry topics, offering a unique chance to benchmark strategies, explore trends, and gain diverse viewpoints from across the industry.
10:45 – 11:15 AM
Break & Raffles
refreshments and raffle drawings
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Forward Looking: A Fireside Chat on What's Next
Corporate industry leaders share a candid conversation on the trends and priorities shaping the future of mobility, building on the morning's corporate roundtable discussions.
12:15 – 12:30 PM