Mid-America Trails and Greenways Conference
With 58 speakers, 4 wonderful local trails, 40 exhibitors, Experts from eight states, Nineteen informational sessions about every aspect of trails and greenways, great networking opportunities at every turn. Perfect ingredients for a fantastic conference!
What About Water Trails
Join water trail organizers, paddlers, planners and managers from around the Midwest for a day long forum on water trails on October 28th in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Regional and National speakers will be sharing case studies, expertise, and best practices on how to plan, build, maintain, and promote water trails for recreation, conservation, and economic benefits. This interactive forum includes speakers and panelists from American Rivers, The National Park Service, Illinois Paddling Council, Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails, St. Clair County Parks, 
Riverside Kayak Connection,Detroit River Heritage Water Trail, Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, Michigan State University and Michigan Heritage Water Trails Program.
Register today for the 4th Mid-America Trails and Greenways Conference to be held October 25-28, 2009 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Early registration has been extended to October 4.
Tim Blumenthal to Speak at Mid America Trails & Greenways Conference
Tim Blumenthal of the Bikes Belong Coalition will be the closing presenter at the Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference speaking on, The Future of Federal Funding for Trails and Greenways.
In his position as Executive Director, Tim is not only aware of the latest information regarding the future of federal support for trails, but a direct part of shaping that future.
Agenda and Registration
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is now accepting registration for the 4th Mid-America Trails and Greenways Conference to be held October 25-28, 2009 at the Kalamazoo Radisson Hotel Plaza and Suites in downtown Kalamazoo. The early registration extends to October 4, 2009. Come join trail planners, builders, and advocates from eight Midwest states as we discuss all aspects of trail building, operation, and maintenance. Click here for registration form. Click here for the agenda with the speakers we have lined up for you!
Who is expected to attend?
Anyone interested in planning, acquiring, building, operating and connecting to trails. Individual trail advocates, federal and state department officials, transportation planners, local government planners, parks and recreation officials, elected officials, landscape architects, engineers, health professionals . . . are all anticipated to be in attendance. Past conferences have attracted 300-400 attendees.
Where will the conference be held?
The conference will be held in the heart of revitalized downtown Kalamazoo. The vibrant Art Deco downtown district offers unique restaurants, brew pubs, nightly entertainment and theatre scene; shopping and nightlife opportunities abound throughout Kalamazoo. For more information of all there is to see and do in Kalamazoo, visit our website at
The site for the conference is the AAA 4 Diamond rated Kalamazoo RadissonPlaza Hotel & Suites, offering superior facilities with a wide variety of activities within walking distance. It is located within ½ mile of the start of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway and approximately ¼ mile from the Jack Coombs’ trail.
The conference session rooms and exhibit hall are all conveniently located on the Plaza level with the plenary session and meal accommodations close by on the lobby level. This arrangement will allow for more time networking and less time finding your way around.
The hotel itself offers a dazzling array of restaurants and shops within its facility. The management has given us a reasonable sleeping room rate of $109 for single/double, $119 for triple, and $129 for quad room occupancy. Parking at the public ramp across the street is available at $8 per day or $13 per day for valet parking.
To reserve a room or to further explore the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, go to www.radissonkz.com
What is the conference format?
The conference will run Sunday through Wednesday with the following format:
Sunday – Pre-conference field trips (some with nominal fee)
- Kal-Haven Trail Ride
- Fort Custer Recreation Area Mountain Bike Ride
- Battle Creek Linear Park
- Historical hike in Kalamazoo
- Trails 101 for New Trail Planners (Extra fee for this partial-day session w/ lunch)
Opening Reception (included in conference fee)
Monday and Tuesday: Full Conference (Click here for conference fee and schedule)
Wednesday: Post-conference Workshops (extra fee)
Sponsorship/Exhibitor Opportunities
If you would like to bring more visiblility to your products, services, projects, programs, and your organization by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at the Mid America Trails and Greenways conference please click here for information.