What are the general registration and exhibit hall hours?
General Registration is in Halls A and B of the Lansing Center during the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, April 17 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Thursday, April 18 | 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, April 19 | 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, April 20 | 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Exhibit Hall hours:
- Thursday, April 18 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, April 19 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Remember, NO EXHIBITS on Wednesday, April 17 or Saturday, April 20!
Is parking included with registration?
Parking is NOT included with your attendance at Annual Session.
Is there any road construction in the area?
Starting March 11, the Michigan Department of Transportation will be improving the U.S.-127 corridor. All northbound lanes on U.S.-127 between I-96 and I-496 are going to be closed for construction. That means all north and southbound traffic is going to be condensed to just the three lanes on the southbound side of the highway. Please allow for extra travel time to downtown Lansing.
Where can I park?
Lansing Center Parking
Parking lots under and north of Lansing Center are open 24 hours a day. Cash, Check, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. Credit cards are accepted at the entrances and exits. To pay cash, visit one of the pay-on-foot machines available in the lobby of Lansing Center and the parking level of the building. The pay-on-foot machines may be used to pay for parking in the lots located north and under Lansing Center. Pay-on-foot machines will accept cash, coupons, or credit card payments. (Note: to receive a receipt for a cash payment, press the receipt button on the pay-on-foot machine — a receipt will not be given at the exit for cash payments.)
Rate: $10 per space.
Public Parking
Several convenient parking facilities and meters are located within walking distance of Lansing Center:
North Grand Parking Ramp
Grand Ave. between Ionia St. and Ottawa St.
Cost: $3/hour; $15 daily maximum.
Cash, Visa, MC, Discover, and AmEx.
South Grand Parking Ramp
Privately owned and operated.
Call 517-708-3800 for more information.
Event Overflow Parking
Open 24 Hours.
Cost: $10/flat fee.
Where do exhibitors unload and park?
Exhibitor Parking
Exhibitors may unload alongside the Lansing Center (See area marked A on the linked map below) before relocating to Lot 49/49A (see area marked 5 on the linked map below). Exhibitor parking is prohibited alongside the Lansing Center.
Exhibitor Parking
Big truck and trailer parking.
Lot 49/49A
500 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912.
Cost: $10 per entry, per space, per day.
Cash, Check, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx.
I am not staying at the Doubletree Hotel. Will there be shuttle service from other hotels?
Limited shuttle service will be available from the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the East Lansing Marriott. The Courtyard by Marriott is one block and across the street from the Lansing Center.
Click here for a map with hotel locations.
Is the Exhibit Hall open on Saturday?
There are NO exhibits hours on Saturday. The Exhibit Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Why does my name badge have a barcode?
The MDA uses a barcode badge system instead of issuing paper tickets for courses and events. All class and event reservations will be loaded onto individual badges through a special bar code system. Just present your badge as you enter each course or event — badges will be scanned for admission. Exhibitors may also scan badges for follow-up information, prizes, and promotional purposes.
If my badge doesn't scan correctly, can I still get into a class?
If the course is listed on the back of your badge, the class host will permit you to enter. After the class is finished, return to the Central Office in Exhibit Halls A and B of the Lansing Center to have your badge checked and scanned. A replacement badge may need to be printed.
If I arrive late to class and can't get my badge scanned, what do I do?
If the class host is not present at the classroom scanning badges, go to the Central Office in Exhibit Halls A and B of the Lansing Center after the course to have your badge scanned.
What if I lose my badge?
Please go to on-site registration in Halls A and B of the Lansing Center for a replacement. A driver’s license or picture ID is required to get a badge. Lost or exchanged badges are subject to a $25 fee.
Do I recycle my name badge?
Do NOT recycle your badge! The front side of your badge contains a code you will need to download your continuing education voucher. The badge holder, however, can be dropped off at registration inside Exhibit Halls A and B of the Lansing Center.
Where do I get my course handouts?
You can download course handouts (if provided by the speaker) in the Course Handouts section of the Annual Session website. The MDA does not print or distribute handouts onsite.
When do I get my CE Voucher?
Attendees will receive an email immediately following Annual Session containing a link to instructions for downloading your continuing education voucher. Beginning Wednesday, April 24, you can also visit the MDA Annual Session website and follow a link there to download your CE voucher. Enter your ID number off your name badge to bring up your unique CE certificate. If you do not receive an email or don’t have access to the Internet, please call Jody Marquardt, continuing education manager, at 517-346-9408.
Do I receive CE credit for visiting the Exhibit Hall?
No continuing education credit is given just for visiting the Exhibit Hall. However, Table Clinics will be held inside the Exhibit Hall on Friday, April 19, and one CE credit will be given for attending four table clinics. Plus, they’re free!
Do I receive credit for visiting the Zen Lounge?
No credit is given for visiting the Zen Lounge. We just hope you use it for some quiet/relaxation time.
Is free coffee available during Annual Session?
Free coffee will be available 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the concourse of the Lansing Center and in the Welcome Center found inside Exhibit Halls A and B.
Where can I get lunch?
You can get lunch right in the MDA Exhibit Hall inside Halls A and B of the Lansing Center as you chat with exhibitors or fellow colleagues. The concession area offers a hot buffet, a variety of sandwiches and healthy food options, plus snacks, coffee, and soft drinks. Maps with nearby local lunch options will also be provided onsite.
Is there a coat check?
No coat check service is available. You will need to carry your coat with you or leave it in your car.
Is there a room available for nursing mothers?
A nursing mother’s private room is located off the main corridor of the Lansing Center. Please request key from Central Office located inside Exhibit Halls A and B.