Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show is where Michigan's park and recreation leaders come together to learn, connect, and lead forward. Under the theme 'Be a Beacon', the event features educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a vibrant trade show showcasing innovative solutions for the industry.
Attendees will gain insights and tools to enhance their professional growth and community impact. mParks Conference & Trade Show takes place in Acme, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The mParks Conference & Trade Show runs from February 2-5, 2027, at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme, Michigan.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event gathers over 1,000 park and recreation professionals for education and networking.
- 3Organiser: Presented by the Michigan Recreation & Park Association, registration is available on their website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from park and recreation agencies across Michigan.
- 5Entry: Early Bird registration is available until January 8, 2027, with various pricing options.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from engaging educational sessions tailored for all career stages, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights into the latest trends in parks and recreation. This event gathers over 1,000 park and recreation professionals for education and networking.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will connect with over 1,000 decision-makers from Michigan's parks and recreation agencies, showcasing their products and services in a dynamic environment. The trade show offers a platform for building relationships and gaining visibility in the industry. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Vendors of recreational equipment and technology, Service providers for park management, Consultants in community engagement and planning.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Park directors, superintendents, and recreation managers for Michigan municipal, county, and regional agencies
Recreation program supervisors running youth, adult, adaptive, and community events
Park planners, landscape architects, and trail or greenway coordinators
Aquatics, facility, and maintenance operations supervisors
Therapeutic recreation and inclusion specialists
Procurement and purchasing staff evaluating playground, turf, aquatics, and software contracts
Natural resource, forestry, and grounds managers
Students and emerging professionals in parks and recreation management
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Playground and inclusive play equipment manufacturers
Splash pad, pool, and aquatic facility suppliers
Trail, boardwalk, bridge, and trailhead product vendors
Turf care, grounds maintenance, and forestry equipment dealers
Park registration, facility booking, and asset-management software providers
Outdoor furniture, shade, signage, and accessibility product suppliers
Community engagement, grant-writing, and park planning consultants
Facility maintenance, sanitation, and safety product suppliers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Playgrounds and inclusive play equipment
Splash pads, pools, and aquatic facility products
Trails, boardwalks, bridges, and trailhead amenities
Turf care, grounds maintenance, and forestry equipment
Park shelters, benches, shade structures, and signage
Registration, facility booking, and park management software
Accessibility and ADA products for parks and recreation facilities
Outdoor recreation gear, programming supplies, and community engagement tools
Location & Facilities
Venue
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Acme, USA
Facilities
Parking
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme 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: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme 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 Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Acme, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-02-02 to 2027-02-05, mParks Conference & Trade Show in Acme covering Recreational equipment and supplies, Park management software and solutions, Outdoor furniture and fixtures, Sports and gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published 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.
Tamarack Lodge of Traverse City
4-star
Traverse City5.2 km from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to venueUSD 175–220 / night
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, breakfast, bar, kitchen in rooms, accessible, business center
Sleep Inn & Suites Bay View Acme - Traverse City
4-star
Acme / Bay View1.9 km from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to venueUSD 175–220 / night
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
3-star
Traverse City5.6 km from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to venueUSD 115–145 / night
Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, beach access
Parkshore Resort
Resort hotel
Traverse CityTraverse City; confirm exact drive to the resort to venueUSD 175–236 / night
Confirm amenities with property
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Resort shuttle
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forCherry Capital Airport (TVC) to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Venue-operated shuttle; see the resort shuttle page for schedules and booking.
Taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forTVC to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Rome2rio lists taxi and rideshare options for this route; no official fare captured.
Rideshare
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forTVC and Traverse City to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Uber and Lyft availability can be thinner outside peak hours; pre-book or keep a taxi number.
BATA local bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forTraverse City area to Acme or the resort area
BATA is the regional transit authority; verify whether a route serves the resort entrance before relying on it.
Weather
February is typically cold and snowy in northern Michigan. Expect daytime highs around 28-32 F (-2 to 0 C) and overnight lows around 15-20 F (-9 to -7 C), with lake-effect snow possible. These are climatological bands, not a forecast; check the National Weather Service before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US carriers Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile serve the Traverse City area; coverage can vary at the resort. Confirm guest and meeting-room Wi-Fi with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. International visitors should arrange roaming or an eSIM before arrival; power is 120V at 60Hz with Type A/B plugs.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at mParks sessions and the trade show; bring layers because resort meeting rooms and winter outdoor transfers can vary in temperature.
Tipping
Restaurant servers typically receive 15-20 percent; taxi and rideshare tips are appreciated. Check whether a service charge is already included.
Resort setting
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a destination property; allow 10-15 minutes to move between guest rooms, meeting space, and the trade show floor.
Accessibility
Ask the venue about accessible routes, parking, and seating before arrival; Michigan park agencies often send staff with accessibility responsibilities.
Local pace
Traverse City and Acme are seasonal resort communities; winter hours for restaurants and shops can be shorter, so confirm reservations.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) for the shortest transfer to Acme. TVC has limited nonstop service, so compare connecting itineraries through larger Midwest hubs and allow a buffer for winter delays. Captured flight samples did not price TVC tickets; check airline sites or Google Flights for February 2027 fares.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Acme; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: Traverse City: Tamarack Lodge of Traverse City; Acme / Bay View: Sleep Inn & Suites Bay View Acme - Traverse City; Traverse City: Grand Beach Resort Hotel.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve the Traverse City area, but availability can be thinner late at night or in winter weather. Pre-book a ride or keep a local taxi number; confirm the resort pickup point.
Public transit: BATA (Bay Area Transportation Authority) is the regional bus operator. Routes and schedules may not run directly to the resort; confirm the current route, stop, and hours before relying on public transit. The resort shuttle and taxi or rideshare are more direct.
Parking: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has on-site parking. Confirm whether conference parking is complimentary, which lots serve the conference center and trade show, and whether winter conditions affect access. Arrive early on opening day.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027 (winter)
Temperature: Approx. 15-32 F (-9 to 0 C); confirm forecast before travel
Seasonality: Snow is more likely than rain; lake-effect snow and icy roads are possible in northern Michigan. Check the National Weather Service and road conditions before travel.
Packing: Pack insulated waterproof boots, a warm coat, gloves, hat, and layers for outdoor transfers; indoor sessions are heated. Bring business casual clothing for the conference and a sturdy bag for trade show materials.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at mParks Conference & Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Day -13: Book flights into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) and reserve the resort shuttle or rental car.
Day 2
Day -12: Reserve a hotel in Traverse City or Acme and confirm cancellation and parking policies.
Day 3
Day -11: Check passport, ESTA, or visa requirements if traveling internationally; save copies of documents.
Day 4
Day -10: Review the exhibitor list and product categories; set 6-8 supplier conversations for playgrounds, aquatics, trails, turf, or software.
Day 5
Day -9: Build a session plan around park operations, aquatics, trails, accessibility, and procurement topics.
Day 6
Day -8: Confirm your agency procurement rules and bring any tax-exempt, PO, or approval documents needed for supplier discussions.; Day -7: Check the National Weather Service forecast and pack insulated boots, coat, gloves, hat, and layers.
Day 7
Day -6: Save the resort map and parking details; plan to arrive 30 minutes early on opening day.
Day 8
Day -5: Charge devices and pack chargers; note Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity options.
Day 9
Day -4: Save registration confirmation and badge pickup instructions on your phone.
Day 10
Day -3: Confirm dinner reservations and keep a local taxi or rideshare option for late evenings.
Day 11
Day -2: Pack business cards, a notebook, and a bag for trade show materials.
Day 12
Day -14: Confirm registration and session selections on mparks.org; note trade show hours and venue location.; Day -1: Travel to Acme or Traverse City, check in, and pick up your badge if early pickup is available.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2mParks Conference & Trade Show registration concourse
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
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 mParks Conference & Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For mParks Conference & Trade Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Recreational equipment and supplies and Park management software and solutions solutions and benchmarking suppliers at mParks Conference & Trade Show in Acme.
Min. budget
$622.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Recreational equipment and supplies and Park management software and solutions products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,799.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Acme show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the mParks Conference & Trade Show?
It is the annual gathering of Michigan parks and recreation professionals and the suppliers who serve them, combining education sessions with a trade show floor at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan.
Who attends the mParks conference?
Attendees typically include park directors, recreation managers, planners, aquatics and facility supervisors, therapeutic recreation staff, procurement officers, grounds managers, and students in parks and recreation programs.
Where is the event held?
The event is listed at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan, near Traverse City. Confirm venue details and room locations on mparks.org.
When is the 2027 event?
The listing points to February 2027 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Confirm exact conference dates, trade show hours, and session times on mparks.org.
Is the trade show open to non-members?
Check the registration page on mparks.org for current attendee categories and trade show access. Policies can vary by year and by pass type.
What products are exhibited?
Exhibitors cover playgrounds and inclusive play, splash pads and aquatics, trails and trailheads, turf and grounds equipment, park software, outdoor furniture, accessibility products, and community engagement services.
How do I register?
Use the conference registration link on mparks.org. Confirm member and non-member rates, deadlines, and cancellation terms directly with mParks before booking travel.
Is there a hotel block?
The venue is Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and nearby hotels are in Traverse City and Acme. Check mparks.org and the resort for any official room block and cut-off date; captured hotel rates are samples, not a block rate.
What is the weather like in February?
Northern Michigan is usually cold and snowy in February. Expect winter conditions and check a forecast before travel; pack insulated boots, a warm coat, and layers.
Can I earn CEUs?
Check the conference schedule on mparks.org for sessions approved for continuing education. Credit availability varies by profession and session.
How do I get from Cherry Capital Airport to the resort?
TVC is the closest airport. Options include the resort shuttle, taxi or rideshare, or a rental car. Confirm current shuttle schedules and fares before arrival.
Are meals included with registration?
Meal inclusions depend on the registration package. Check the mparks.org conference page for what is included before finalizing your plans.
Glossary
- mParks
- Michigan Recreation and Park Association, the professional association for Michigan parks and recreation agencies and the host of the annual conference and trade show.
- Trade show floor
- Exhibit area where suppliers of playgrounds, aquatics, trails, turf, software, and facility services meet park agency buyers.
- Park and recreation agency
- Municipal, county, or regional department that manages parks, trails, recreation programs, and public facilities.
- Recreation programming
- Scheduled classes, leagues, camps, and community events run by an agency for residents and visitors.
- Capital improvement plan (CIP)
- Multi-year budget plan for building or replacing parks infrastructure such as playgrounds, trails, shelters, and pools.
- ADA transition plan
- Document that identifies accessibility barriers in a park system and sets a schedule for removing them.
- Splash pad
- Non-pool aquatic play area with nozzles and fountains; a common product category at the mParks trade show.
- Trailhead
- Designated access point for a trail, often with parking, signage, and amenities.
- Greenway
- Corridor of protected open space or trail that links parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas.
- Therapeutic recreation
- Recreation services adapted for people with disabilities or specific support needs.
- Placemaking
- Community-driven process of improving public spaces so they support social interaction and local identity.
- Cooperative purchasing
- Using a shared contract or purchasing cooperative to buy equipment; relevant to public agency buyers at the show.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- mParks Conference & Trade Show 2027
- mParks Conference & Trade Show Acme 2027
- Conference 2027
- Conference Acme 2027
- Acme USA
- Recreational equipment and supplies
- Park management software and solutions
- Outdoor furniture and fixtures
- Sports and fitness equipment
- Conference & Trade Show Conference Acme
1 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.