Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The MANS Education Conference & Expo is an essential event for non-public school leaders, educators, and stakeholders. Scheduled for October 15-16, 2026, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this conference will feature keynote speakers, over 100 workshops, and networking opportunities.
Attendees will gain valuable insights and resources to enhance their educational practices and foster collaboration among faith-based schools. MANS Education Conference & Expo takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The MANS Education Conference & Expo takes place on October 15-16, 2026, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for non-public school administrators, featuring over 100 workshops and keynote speakers.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS), dedicated to supporting educational excellence.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include school administrators, educators, and stakeholders from faith-based educational institutions.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration details and further information can be found on the official MANS website.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from a diverse range of workshops tailored to the needs of non-public schools. The conference provides opportunities for networking with peers and gaining insights from industry leaders. Participants can engage in discussions that address current challenges in education and explore innovative solutions.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the MANS Education Conference & Expo offers companies a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of educational leaders. Exhibitors can engage directly with attendees, fostering valuable connections and enhancing brand visibility within the non-public school sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Heads of school, principals and assistant principals from Michigan Lutheran, Catholic, Christian Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist, Islamic, Jewish and independent college-prep non-public schools
School business managers, CFOs and operations directors handling tuition billing, Title funding, auxiliary services and facilities budgets
Admissions and enrollment directors plus advancement/development officers responsible for recruitment funnels, annual funds and capital campaigns
Curriculum coordinators, academic deans and department chairs evaluating textbooks, assessment platforms and instructional materials
Special education directors and student services staff navigating IDEA proportionate share and equitable services for parentally placed non-public students
School counselors, campus ministers and student life leaders looking at mental health, faith formation and co-curricular programming
IT directors and technology coordinators comparing student information systems, learning management platforms and classroom devices
Board members, trustees and diocesan or association superintendents involved in governance, accreditation and multi-school strategy
Early-career and veteran teachers attending professional development sessions and browsing classroom resources on the exhibit floor
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Curriculum and textbook publishers serving faith-based and independent K-12 schools, including religion, ELA, math, science and social studies lines
Assessment and data-analytics providers offering standardized testing, growth measurement and reporting dashboards
Student information system, LMS and school-management software vendors, plus tuition management and financial aid platforms
Enrollment marketing, branding and advancement consultancies that work with tuition-dependent private schools
Accreditation, school improvement and professional development providers, including firms that support self-study and site visits
Classroom furniture, STEM/robotics, playground and campus facilities suppliers sized for K-12 non-public campuses
School safety and security vendors covering visitor management, lockdown hardware, camera systems and threat assessment training
Risk pooling, insurance, HR and payroll service providers that specialize in non-public and religious-employer plans
Food service, transportation and before/after-care operators that contract with private and parochial schools
Nonprofit and ministry organizations offering grants, mission trips, service learning and teacher formation programs
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Religion, theology and character-formation curricula for Catholic, Lutheran, Christian and independent schools
Core academic textbooks, leveled readers, intervention materials and classroom libraries
Standardized assessment, benchmark testing and student growth analytics platforms
Student information systems, learning management systems, gradebooks and parent communication apps
Tuition management, financial aid assessment, billing and payment plan software
Enrollment marketing, website, CRM and retention services for tuition-dependent schools
Accreditation self-study tools, school improvement planning and compliance documentation services
Professional development, instructional coaching, leadership formation and teacher certification support
Special education services, tutoring, speech and related-service providers serving non-public students
STEM, robotics, makerspace and science lab equipment plus classroom furniture and flexible seating
School safety technology, visitor management, access control and emergency preparedness training
Insurance, risk management, HR, payroll and retirement plan services for religious and non-public employers
Fundraising, grant writing, planned giving and capital campaign consultancies
Food service, transportation, extended care and enrichment program providers
Location & Facilities
Venue
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, United States
Facilities
Parking
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Visit the official website for registration details.
Who runs the show
Organisers
Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS)
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Grand Rapids, United States
Why it matters
Attending MANS Education Conference & Expo on 2026-10-15 to 2026-10-16 in Grand Rapids lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
4-star
Downtown Grand Rapids, 80 m from Amway Grand PlazaGuest rating 4.6. Room rates not captured in USD; confirm live prices.
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3-star
Downtown Grand Rapids, 400 m from Amway Grand PlazaGoogle lists excellent location. Rates not captured in USD.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
3-star
Downtown Grand RapidsGuest rating 4.5, excellent location. Rates not captured in USD.
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown
3-star
Downtown Grand RapidsGuest rating 4.2 (554 reviews); capture showed a 22% below-usual deal price in INR, not USD.
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
3-star
Downtown Grand RapidsGuest rating 4.1; free parking noted. Rates not captured in USD.
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
3-star
Riverfront, 3.1 km from Amway Grand PlazaGuest rating 3.3; free parking and breakfast listed. Rates not captured in USD.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Most conference hotels sit within a 5-15 minute walk of the venue. Sidewalks are well lit, and the downtown area is compact enough that many attendees never need a car during the event.
DASH circulator bus
Estimated costFree
A convenient short-hop option between hotels and the venue district. Check current route hours and frequency on the local transit authority site.
The Rapid city bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Useful if you stay outside the downtown core. Exact fare, day pass and mobile ticketing options should be confirmed with the Interurban Transit Partnership before travel.
Silver Line bus rapid transit
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Faster than local stopping service along Division Avenue. Combine with a short walk or rideshare to reach the Amway Grand Plaza.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Estimated costApprox. $10-20 for downtown hops; approx. $30-45 from GRR to downtown; confirm in-app
Widely used in Grand Rapids and the simplest option with luggage or in rain. Use the designated pickup zone at the airport and confirm the fare estimate in the app.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. $30-45 from GRR to downtown; confirm with the operator
Available at the airport taxi stand and by phone. Useful if your school requires a receipt with a traditional taxi operator rather than a rideshare summary.
Rental car
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Only worth it if you plan to visit schools or stay outside downtown. Hotel parking charges can erase the savings for a pure conference trip.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. $15-30 per day; confirm current rates
Venue and city ramps vary by event and hour. If you drive in daily, check whether your hotel offers a parking package before paying separately at the venue.
Weather
October in Grand Rapids, Michigan is mid-autumn: expect daytime highs roughly 14-18 C (58-64 F) and overnight lows around 4-8 C (40-46 F). Lake Michigan influences the weather, so a mild sunny afternoon can turn cool and damp within hours. Pack a water-resistant layer, an umbrella and a warm sweater for walking between downtown hotels and the Amway Grand Plaza. Check the forecast in the final 48 hours before departure, since early-season lake-effect showers can affect the drive from the airport.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Midwest meeting style
Grand Rapids runs on a polite, direct Midwestern business rhythm. Handshakes and first names are standard, sessions usually start on time, and small talk about schools, seasons and local coffee is welcome before getting to pricing or contracts.
Faith-based setting
Many attendees lead Catholic, Lutheran, Christian Reformed, Adventist, Islamic or Jewish schools, and some sessions open with prayer or a short devotional. Dress and conduct are professional and respectful; there is no expectation that visitors share the host tradition.
Dress and layers
Business casual covers almost every session: collared shirts, blouses, sweaters and slacks, with a jacket for board or governance meetings. October mornings are cold enough that a coat or warm layer is practical for the walk from hotel to venue.
Tipping and dining
Restaurant tipping in Michigan runs 18-20 percent for table service, and 15-20 percent for counter service with a tip prompt. Sales tax is added to prepared food and most goods; Michigan does not add a separate local sales tax on top.
Arrival and badge pickup
Arrive early on the first morning to collect your badge and programme before the opening session. Lines are shortest before the coffee break, and the Amway Grand Plaza's conference level can be busy with two meetings running at once.
Accessibility and mobility
The Amway Grand Plaza has elevators, accessible entrances and connected skywalk-style routes to nearby spaces, but older downtown buildings vary in step-free access. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility limits, contact the venue in advance for the most direct route from your hotel.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Grand Rapids; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Grand Rapids; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Amway Grand Plaza Hotel: Downtown Grand Rapids, 80 m from Amway Grand Plaza: JW Marriott Grand Rapids; Downtown Grand Rapids, 400 m from Amway Grand Plaza: CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel; Downtown Grand Rapids: Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Grand Rapids; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Downtown Grand Rapids is compact and walkable, and public transit is best used for the airport transfer and for hotels outside the core. The Rapid bus network and the Silver Line bus rapid transit connect downtown with Division Avenue and surrounding neighborhoods, with an approximate single ride fare of $1.75 that should be confirmed with the local transit authority. The free DASH circulator loops through the central business district and is useful for short hops between hotels, the Amway Grand Plaza and the riverfront. There is no direct fixed-route airport bus from Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) to downtown, so plan on a rideshare, taxi or rental car for the 20-25 minute transfer. Buses and trains run on reduced schedules on Sundays and holidays, so check the operator timetable if you arrive on a weekend.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Mid-to-late October in Grand Rapids: daytime highs roughly 14-18 C (58-64 F), overnight lows around 4-8 C (40-46 F). Early mornings can dip near freezing during a cold snap, while a warm front can push an afternoon into the low 20s C (high 60s F).
Seasonality: October sits in West Michigan's wetter autumn stretch, with roughly 8-10 rainy days in a typical month and a mix of bright foliage days and gray lake-effect drizzle. Rain tends to arrive in short showers rather than all-day storms, so a packable rain jacket or umbrella and water-resistant shoes matter more than heavy rain gear. Sunset comes early, near 7 pm at the start of the month and closer to 6:30 pm by the end, which is worth planning for if you walk between hotels after evening sessions.
Packing: October 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at MANS Education Conference & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 - Confirm your registration status and payment method on m-a-n-s.org, and check whether your school business office needs a purchase order or a member-rate code.
T-2
Day 13 - Book your downtown Grand Rapids hotel; the Amway Grand Plaza and nearby properties fill quickly in October, and refundable rates protect against schedule changes.
T-3
Day 12 - Decide your session track with your team: governance and finance, curriculum and instruction, advancement and enrollment, technology, or student services.
T-4
Day 11 - Reserve air travel into Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) where possible, and build in a buffer for the 20-25 minute transfer to downtown.
T-5
Day 10 - Request receipts and a travel approval letter from your business office if you are claiming professional development funds.
T-6
Day 9 - Download the organiser schedule and mark sessions that address your top two school priorities, leaving room for the exhibit floor.
T-7
Day 8 - Build a short vendor list: current pain points in tuition billing, assessment reporting, SIS or curriculum, and the questions you want answered at each booth.
T-8
Day 7 - Confirm childcare, substitute coverage or class coverage for your days out of school.
T-9
Day 6 - Check the West Michigan forecast and pack layers plus a compact umbrella; October days swing between cool sun and lake-driven drizzle.
T-10
Day 5 - Prepare a one-page school profile (enrollment, grade bands, budget cycle) to use in vendor conversations and peer networking.
T-11
Day 4 - Charge devices, load boarding passes and confirm your hotel confirmation numbers and check-in times.
T-12
Day 3 - Review the venue layout and walking route from your hotel to the Amway Grand Plaza so day-one registration is not rushed.
T-13
Day 2 - Travel day buffer: arrive early enough to pick up your badge and walk the floor before sessions begin.
T-14
Day 1 - Attend with three written follow-up questions per vendor and schedule a team debrief before you leave Grand Rapids.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2MANS Education Conference & Expo registration concourse
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether MANS Education Conference & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the MANS conference and who runs it?
It is the annual gathering organized by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS), the association that represents accredited private, parochial and independent schools across Michigan. The programme combines professional development sessions for educators and administrators with an exhibitor floor of vendors serving non-public schools. The organiser's site is m-a-n-s.org.
When and where does the next edition take place?
The upcoming edition is scheduled for October 2026 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Exact dates, session times and registration windows are published on the organiser's schedule and registration pages, so confirm before booking travel.
Is this event only for Catholic schools?
No. MANS membership and the conference audience span Catholic, Lutheran, Christian Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist, Islamic, Jewish and independent non-sectarian schools. Sessions often address shared operational issues such as tuition, accreditation and federal equitable services, while some workshops focus on denominational curriculum and faith formation.
Who should attend from a school team?
Heads of school and principals typically attend with their business manager, admissions or advancement director and academic dean. Schools sending a team can split across governance, finance, curriculum and technology tracks, then compare notes on the exhibit floor. Teachers and counselors attend for professional development and classroom resources.
How do I register, and what does it cost?
Registration runs through the organiser's website, m-a-n-s.org. Fees are set by MANS and listed on the registration page along with any member and non-member rates. Fees are not published in this listing, so check the official page before you request a purchase order from your school business office.
Is the conference open to the public or restricted to the sector?
It is an education-sector professional event rather than a consumer fair. Attendees are school leaders, teachers, board members and staff from non-public schools, plus exhibitors and service providers that work with those schools. If you are a vendor, contact the organiser about exhibitor eligibility before traveling.
Can educators earn continuing education credit?
Michigan educators typically look for SCECH eligibility when choosing sessions. Credit status is assigned per session by the organiser, so review the published schedule and any credit instructions on m-a-n-s.org rather than assuming every workshop qualifies.
How do I get to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel from the airport?
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is the closest commercial airport, roughly a 20-25 minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids. Rideshare and taxi are the simplest options with luggage; confirm current pickup zones and fares in the app. Detroit Metro (DTW) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) are long-distance alternatives only if a connecting flight into GRR is not workable.
What parking and transit options serve the venue?
The Amway Grand Plaza has attached and nearby parking structures with daily rates set by the venue; confirm current pricing on the hotel or organiser site. Downtown Grand Rapids is walkable, and the free DASH circulator and The Rapid bus network connect nearby hotels and districts. Rideshare drop-off is straightforward in the downtown core.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is the norm, for example collared shirts, blouses, sweaters and slacks, with a jacket for board or governance meetings. October in West Michigan can be cool and damp, so bring a layer for the walk between hotels and the venue. Some faith-based sessions include prayer or a chapel moment, but there is no separate formal dress requirement.
What should exhibitors expect from the attendee mix?
Buyers are school-based decision makers with budget authority or direct influence: heads of school, business managers, advancement directors, curriculum leaders and IT coordinators. Many schools are tuition-dependent and small, so vendors should be ready to explain pricing tiers, implementation support and compatibility with common SIS and tuition platforms rather than enterprise-only packages.
Can I bring family or combine the trip with a vacation?
Conference badges cover professional sessions rather than a family program. Downtown Grand Rapids has museums, the riverfront and restaurants within walking distance, so some attendees extend the stay. Check the organiser's guest policies and your school's travel approval rules before adding days.
Glossary
- Non-public school
- In Michigan usage, a private, parochial or independent school that is not part of a local public school district. The category covers Catholic, Lutheran, Christian Reformed, Adventist, Islamic, Jewish and non-sectarian college-prep campuses, many of which are members of the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS).
- MANS
- The Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, the Lansing-based membership association behind this conference (m-a-n-s.org). It represents accredited non-public schools on state policy, provides professional development and runs the annual gathering where educators and vendors meet.
- Equitable services
- The requirement that federally funded programs such as Title I, Title II and Title IV set aside services for eligible students and teachers in non-public schools. Administrators at this conference compare how their districts and association consultants calculate and deliver those services.
- IDEA proportionate share
- The share of federal special education funds that a local district must spend on parentally placed non-public school students with disabilities. Tracking the annual consultation and expenditure is a recurring topic for special education directors attending the show.
- Auxiliary services
- Michigan-funded supports, such as speech, hearing and remedial reading services, delivered to eligible non-public school students under state law. Business managers use the conference to compare provider models and documentation practices.
- SCECHs
- State Continuing Education Clock Hours, the Michigan Department of Education system used to record professional development hours for certificate renewal. Educators check the conference schedule for sessions that carry SCECH eligibility.
- Accreditation self-study
- The internal review a school completes before an external accreditation visit, typically organized around governance, instruction, student services and continuous improvement. Exhibitors in this category supply templates, data tools and visit preparation support.
- Advancement
- The combined admissions, marketing, fundraising and alumni-relations function at a tuition-dependent school. Advancement staff attend to compare CRM, enrollment funnel and annual fund tools that fit small development teams.
- Tuition management platform
- Software that handles billing, payment plans, delinquency workflows and financial aid assessment for families. Schools compare these platforms against their current registrar and business-office processes.
- SIS and LMS
- Student information systems (SIS) hold enrollment, scheduling, grades and family records; learning management systems (LMS) host course content and assignments. Many non-public schools run lean IT teams, so integration and single sign-on are common evaluation criteria.
- MTSS
- Multi-tiered system of supports, a framework for layering universal instruction with targeted and intensive interventions. Conference sessions and exhibitors connect MTSS to assessment data and intervention staffing.
- Faith formation
- The catechetical and spiritual development programming that distinguishes many non-public schools, covering religion curriculum, campus ministry, retreats and service learning. Publishers in this category present materials aligned to particular denominational statements of faith.
- Head of school
- The chief executive of an independent or parochial school, accountable to a board or sponsoring religious body. Heads of school often attend with a leadership team to evaluate multi-year curriculum, technology and facilities purchases.
- Risk pooling
- A cooperative insurance arrangement in which a group of schools shares risk instead of buying individual commercial policies. Religious and non-public school groups frequently use these programs for property, liability and workers' compensation coverage.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- MANS Education Conference & Expo
- MANS Education Conference & Expo 2026
- MANS Education Conference & Expo Grand Rapids
- MANS Education Conference & Expo Grand Rapids 2026
- MANS Education Conference
- MANS Education Conference 2026
- MANS Education Conference Grand Rapids
- MANS Education Conference Grand Rapids 2026
- Expo
- Expo 2026
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.