When it became clear to the Michigan District, LCMS that the nearly 6-decade tradition of holding District conventions at Concordia University Ann Arbor would come to its end in 2025, President David Davis appointed a task force of individuals, representing District staff and pastors from different areas of the District, to make a recommendation for a 2028 convention venue.
The members of the task force are:
- Laurie Brown, Executive Assistant to the President
- Debbie Cameron, Event Manager
- Rev. Brad Hubbard, St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth
- Rev. JeremySwem, Our Savior, Grand Rapids
- Rev. Kurt Wenzelburger, St. Peter, Macomb
- Rev. Bill Wangelin, Our Savior, Lansing
- Chad Woltemath, VP – Finance
The Process of Choosing a Venue
The task force surveyed the circuit visitors, as representatives of congregations around the state, regarding their opinions of the importance of various characteristics of the convention. Top priorities revealed in the survey were the overall cost of the convention, central location, and having everything indoors (air conditioning).
The task force identified three types of venues to consider:
- LCMS-related entity buildings
- A college or university
- A commercial convention center
After reviewing various options and visiting two locations that could provide the dates requested (June 25–27, 2028), necessary space, and acceptable pricing, the task force unanimously agreed on the Bluewater Convention Center in Port Huron.
Some of the things the venue will be able to provide:
• Ample space to host the convention. It has a large “Big Room” which will serve as the convention hall and worship space (just like what happens at the National LCMS Convention). There is plenty of space for delegates and guests, with room to spare.
• Exhibitors will be close to the convention hall.
• Convention office and convention registration will all be central to the convention hall.
• All inside activities will be in proven air conditioning.
• There is an attached hotel and plenty of additional hotels in Port Huron and the surrounding area to provide housing for delegates at a range of price points ($89 to $154 plus taxes per night).
• The convention hall rental fee includes use of the facilities, A/V inventory, and support.
• Minimal or no attrition obligations with hotels and no minimum food/beverage requirements.
• Complimentary water and coffee.
• Good food quality.
• An experienced convention staff at the venue.
• Port Huron and the convention center provide a “destination experience” with restaurants, hotels, Great Lakes, bridges, and freighters. It is an exciting place!
Distances
While Port Huron is certainly not geographically central to the state, it is conveniently located off of Interstate 69 and near the populated southeast corner of Michigan. Travel times from some areas around the state are provided below:
Lansing – 1 hour, 47 minutes
Grand Rapids – 2 hours, 35 minutes
Ann Arbor – 1 hour, 44 minutes
Traverse City – 4 hours, 1 minute
Detroit – 59 minutes
St. Joseph – 3 hours, 38 minutes
Bad Axe – 1 hour, 31 minutes
Rogers City – 4 hours, 9 minutes
Sault Ste. Marie – 5 hours, 2 minutes
Troy – 58 minutes
A Pastor’s Perspective
Rev. William Wangelin, a member of the task force, says: "It is remarkable how few venues in our state can adequately host the convention, especially at a reasonable price. After researching a number of options, and visiting several sites, the Blue Water Convention Center stood out as a place where we could gather, worship, and conduct the business of the Church in a setting that is 'pure Michigan.' The friendly staff, convenient facilities, and local establishments made a great impression on the committee. When we walked into the large assembly room, we could picture all of us gathered to do the business of the Church, worshipping, and praising God for all He is doing through the Michigan District. It will certainly be different than past conventions, but it will also be a great place for our District to convene and do the work of the Church."
We look forward to an exciting, productive, and reverent convention hosted at the Bluewater Convention Center in 2028.
Photos courtesy of Blue Water Convention Center; video courtesy of the Thumbcoast Conventions and Visitors Bureau