By Aaron Desentz
Typically, the MME Winter Institute is focused on knowledge and skills development. The MME seeks to bring attendees the best possible speakers to discuss important topics to the profession. The 2021 Winter Institute may have set a new bar as the agenda featured some of the best speakers in conference history. The current climate made necessary the use of technology in delivering this content. While developed from necessity, it shows the ability for our state organization to deliver speakers typically priced out of our budgetary range. The MME should consider this as we develop future conferences. Technology is providing the opportunity for our members a broader range of presenters; all of which are bringing innovative ideas, deeper knowledge, and more reliable data to local government.
Our organization is changing as well. The Professional Development Committee, along with many other committees, is setting out to work on a list of goals and objectives developed by the Board and directed to us members. The first meeting in March will structure the Committee’s approach to these tasks. I hope to be able to continue this series of
articles with regular updates on our progress as a means of keeping the membership involved.
The Great Unknown
One of the first questions before this organization will be if the summer conference is to be held in person or by virtual means. Much of that will likely depend on restrictions from our friends at the great State of Michigan. In 2020
the Professional Development Committee conducted a survey following that year’s Summer Conference to gauge the membership’s interest in virtual or in-person conferences; both personal preference as well as the member’s current level of comfortability. While there are no current plans to revisit surveying this year, I encourage everyone to let me know your thoughts.
All In Your Mind
Regardless of the format of educational offerings the show must go on. The MME offers a regular scholarship program that I encourage everyone to consider. Further information on this can be found at http://www.mme.org/scholarship-application-guidelines/.
Remember Tomorrow
The PDC is working on selection of conference locations years in advance. Below is a listing of the upcoming conferences through 2023. This year the Committee will work on securing 2024 conference locations. The summer conference is not restricted to any region and can move around the state. The Winter conference location is tied to a rotation and while we do our best to adhere to it, sometimes we have had regions swap due to lack of hotels or other issues.
2021 Summer Conference (Rochester/Auburn Hills)
2022 Winter Conference (Troy)
2022 Summer Conference (Holland)
2023 Winter Conference (Grand Rapids)
2023 Summer Conference (Frankenmuth)
Aaron Desentz
Chair, Professional Development Committee
Eaton Rapids City Manager
Aaron Desentz began his career in public administration in the Village of Shelby as the Village Administrator in 2013. Following that Aaron served as the City Manager in Leslie until taking on the City Manager role in Eaton Rapids. Over that period of time, Aaron has served as a volunteer firefighter, a Certified Zoning Administrator through the Michigan State University, and as an assessor. He spends most of his free time working.