Michigan Dental Association - MDA Annual Session 2027
Event Date
May 20–22, 2027
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Great Lakes Dental Summit — formerly the MDA Annual Session — is the Michigan Dental Association's completely reimagined annual meeting for the dental team. Held May 20–22, 2027 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, the event combines high-quality, evidence-based continuing education with a large exhibit hall and networking events designed to build connections that extend beyond the meeting.
The Summit is built for the entire dental practice — dentists, hygienists, assistants, office staff, and practice owners — who want cutting-edge CE from top speakers alongside hands-on learning and peer connection. Attendees can explore the Exhibit Hall to meet industry partners, attend table clinics and special events, and earn continuing education credit across a multi-day schedule.
For exhibitors and sponsors, the Summit features the largest dental exposition in the state of Michigan, offering exposure to MDA members and dental professionals from across the region. Whether you attend to advance your clinical skills, discover new products, or reconnect with colleagues, the newly rebranded Summit offers a fresh, team-focused experience in a walkable riverfront downtown.
Show Highlights
- Evidence-based continuing education from top speakers across a multi-day course schedule.
- Largest dental exposition in Michigan — an Exhibit Hall filled with industry partners and product demonstrations.
- Table Clinics and special events that add hands-on learning and networking.
- Afterglow social event on the evening of Thursday, May 20, bringing together participants, exhibitors, and sponsors.
- A reimagined, team-focused format launching in 2027 under the new Great Lakes Dental Summit brand, shaped by attendee feedback.
Registration
Attendee registration for the 2027 Great Lakes Dental Summit opens in January 2027, alongside the release of the course schedule and speaker lineup. Registration is handled through the MDA/ADA online system.
Exhibitors can reserve a booth now through the Exhibitor Resource Center (powered by ExpoGenie). Key steps and deadlines:
- Log in with an existing MDA account (previous MDA Annual Session exhibitors already have one) or create a new account.
- A 25% deposit is required to reserve a booth; a 'Bill Me' check option is also available.
- 25% deposit due no later than October 31, 2026.
- Balance due no later than January 31, 2027.
Speakers: The MDA's call for speaker proposals closes October 1, 2026 (submissions via Sessionize).
History
The event is the annual meeting of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), long known as the MDA Annual Session. Beginning in 2027, the MDA is rebranding and reimagining the meeting as the Great Lakes Dental Summit, describing it as an MDA annual meeting completely reimagined for today's dental team and shaped by member feedback and recommendations. The 2027 edition, the first under the new name, takes place May 20–22 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids and continues to feature the largest dental exposition in the state of Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 Great Lakes Dental Summit?
The Summit takes place May 20–22, 2027 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is the newly rebranded annual meeting of the Michigan Dental Association, formerly the MDA Annual Session.
Is this the same event as the MDA Annual Session?
Yes. Beginning in 2027, the MDA Annual Session has been reimagined and renamed the Great Lakes Dental Summit, described as the MDA's annual meeting rebuilt for today's dental team.
How do I register to attend?
Attendee registration opens in January 2027, along with the release of the course schedule and speaker lineup. Registration is handled through the MDA/ADA online system linked from the official Summit website.
How can my company exhibit or sponsor, and what are the deadlines?
Exhibit booth and sponsorship registration is open now through the Exhibitor Resource Center. A 25% deposit is required to reserve a booth, with the deposit due by October 31, 2026 and the balance due by January 31, 2027.
What parking and transportation options are available at DeVos Place?
DeVos Place has underground parking with access from Michigan and Lyon Streets, plus overflow at the City-County Building ramp across Monroe Avenue. The free DASH shuttle stops right outside the venue, and Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about 15 minutes away.
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