Event Planners in Michigan
Mackinac’s Warmest Welcome
A true reflection of Mackinac Island’s warmth and charm, Mission Point Resort is dedicated to exceeding expectations for your event. Locally owned by the Ware family and powered by the Mission Point team, we work together to craft seamless, stress-free experiences with hospitality from the heart. Creating extraordinary Mackinac Island experiences isn’t just what we do—it’s what defines us, and it’s who we are.
Our Team
Liz Ware
VP of Sales & Marketing
Liz Ware began her hospitality career in Washington, DC at the American Society of Association Executives as its Chief Rainmaker. While volunteering during the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac, Liz fell in love with Mackinac Island and has since planted deep roots in the community. In November 2021, Liz and her brother Mark, Mission Point’s CEO, were honored with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Hospitality Stars of the Year for maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. She and her experienced team of Michigan event planners are ready to exceed your meeting expectations.
Kristen Compton
Group Sales Specialist
Kristen Compton fell in love with northern Michigan as a child, spending summers exploring its beauty. A graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business, she began her career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts, where she honed her skills as a sales leader. Since joining the Mission Point sales team in 2017, Kristen has been dedicated to crafting seamless experiences for groups and events. Known for her keen attention to detail, she takes pride in helping guests create unforgettable Mackinac meetings from start to finish.
Debbie Denyer
Group Sales Specialist
Debbie Denyer has been sharing extraordinary Mackinac Island experiences with Michigan’s association market since 2011. A Michigan State University graduate, she is known for her genuine approach and commitment to building lasting relationships, and thrives on staying up to date with the most cutting-edge meeting and conference trends. In 2022, Debbie was honored as Industry Partner of the Year by the Michigan Society of Association Executives for her dedication to the meetings community.
John Clements
Executive Chef
Executive Chef John Clements joined the Mission Point Resort culinary team in August of 2021, jumping directly on the line to lend much-needed hands and perspective to an already booming Mackinac Island tourist season. Over the course of his career, he has held high-profile roles in several well-respected establishments and destinations, primarily country clubs. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in managing, maintaining, and growing multiple restaurants to Mission Point Resort, overseeing all elements of banquets and Farm-to-Ferry™ dining.
Andrea Crawford
Senior Conference Services Manager
A Northern Michigan native, Andrea graduated with a degree in Hospitality Services Administration from Central Michigan University, spending the first several years of her career building experience in Detroit and Las Vegas, holding roles with MGM Grand Resort & Casinos. She returned to her roots to become Mission Point Resort’s Senior Conference Services Manager in March 2020. Andrea is known for her ability to establish positive working relationships, and for leading successful programs and meetings throughout her career.
Ashley Radosa
Conference Services Manager
Ashley Radosa graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Event Management. Her hospitality journey began in the summer of 2020 here at Mission Point Resort, and over the next three years she expanded her expertise, working seasonally at prestigious resorts across the country, including a summer in Ketchikan, Alaska, and a winter in the Florida Keys. Known for her calm demeanor, she remains composed even in the most challenging situations, ensuring every event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Liz Ware
VP of Sales & Marketing
Liz Ware began her hospitality career in Washington, DC at the American Society of Association Executives as its Chief Rainmaker. While volunteering during the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac, Liz fell in love with Mackinac Island and has since planted deep roots in the community. In November 2021, Liz and her brother Mark, Mission Point’s CEO, were honored with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Hospitality Stars of the Year for maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. She and her experienced team of Michigan event planners are ready to exceed your meeting expectations.
Kristen Compton
Group Sales Specialist
Kristen Compton fell in love with northern Michigan as a child, spending summers exploring its beauty. A graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business, she began her career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts, where she honed her skills as a sales leader. Since joining the Mission Point sales team in 2017, Kristen has been dedicated to crafting seamless experiences for groups and events. Known for her keen attention to detail, she takes pride in helping guests create unforgettable Mackinac meetings from start to finish.
Debbie Denyer
Group Sales Specialist
Debbie Denyer has been sharing extraordinary Mackinac Island experiences with Michigan’s association market since 2011. A Michigan State University graduate, she is known for her genuine approach and commitment to building lasting relationships, and thrives on staying up to date with the most cutting-edge meeting and conference trends. In 2022, Debbie was honored as Industry Partner of the Year by the Michigan Society of Association Executives for her dedication to the meetings community.
John Clements
Executive Chef
Executive Chef John Clements joined the Mission Point Resort culinary team in August of 2021, jumping directly on the line to lend much-needed hands and perspective to an already booming Mackinac Island tourist season. Over the course of his career, he has held high-profile roles in several well-respected establishments and destinations, primarily country clubs. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in managing, maintaining, and growing multiple restaurants to Mission Point Resort, overseeing all elements of banquets and Farm-to-Ferry™ dining.
Andrea Crawford
Senior Conference Services Manager
A Northern Michigan native, Andrea graduated with a degree in Hospitality Services Administration from Central Michigan University, spending the first several years of her career building experience in Detroit and Las Vegas, holding roles with MGM Grand Resort & Casinos. She returned to her roots to become Mission Point Resort’s Senior Conference Services Manager in March 2020. Andrea is known for her ability to establish positive working relationships, and for leading successful programs and meetings throughout her career.
Ashley Radosa
Conference Services Manager
Ashley Radosa graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Event Management. Her hospitality journey began in the summer of 2020 here at Mission Point Resort, and over the next three years she expanded her expertise, working seasonally at prestigious resorts across the country, including a summer in Ketchikan, Alaska, and a winter in the Florida Keys. Known for her calm demeanor, she remains composed even in the most challenging situations, ensuring every event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Preferred Vendors
Mission Point Resort is pleased to recommend seasoned professionals to help create unforgettable experiences on Mackinac Island, from planning to execution.
Read MoreFERRY TRANSPORTATION
Shepler’s | 800.828.6157
GROUP TAXI TRANSPORT
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours | 906.847.3573
CAKE
Bella e Dolce
EVENT DÉCOR & FLORAL
Julie Anne Design | 231.590.9988
Taylor Rental | 231.347.1840
Emerald City Design | 248.474.7077
Fabulous Events | 248.853.6800 x500
Elsilu Planning & Design | 231.631.5726
Event Theory | 231.225.9261
St. Ignace in Bloom
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY
Andrejka Photography & Planning | 805.331.0146
Island Photo | Christi Dupre | 888.597.3729
It’s Wonderful Photography | 734.775.5607
Paul Retherford | 231.445.1793
Myers Flyers Photography | Rodney Myers | 906.430.3188
To Do & Hopper | 231.330.1988
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
A-list Event Group | 877.368.7280
Northern Entertainment Consultants/ Michael Williford | 517.505.2616
Springsteen Brothers / Versatile Band | 06.630.4693
Bluewater Kings / Band | 810.214.0020
John Kissane / Piano | 906.430.7051
Mike Davis Trio | 231.357.4870
PRIVATE BOAT CRUISES
Sip N’ Sail | 844.906.9006
FUDGE FAVORS
Joann’s Fudge | 906.847.6357
Murdick’s Fudge | 248.792.7534
Ryba’s Fudge | 231.330.3384
DÉCOR
Mission Point has a limited inventory of décor items available to rent for your event including linens, centerpieces, charger plates, Chiavari chairs, etc. Please contact your Conference Services Manager for pricing and additional details.
Transportation
Mackinac Island’s charm comes with unique logistics, and our team is here to ensure that every detail—from ferry rides to on-island transportation—is effortless.
Read MoreCommercial Air Travel
Closest Airports
Pellston Regional Airport, Pellston (PLN), 25 minutes / 15 miles
Chippewa County Airport, Kincheloe (CIU), 40 minutes / 30 miles
Additional Airport Options
Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City (TVC), 2 hours / 115 miles
Bishop International Airport, Flint (FNT), 3 hours / 230 miles
Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Romulus (DTW), 4 hours / 300 miles
Ground Transportation
Mackinaw Shuttle provides shuttle service to Mackinaw City from Pellston Airport. Transfer is approximately 25 minutes / 15 miles. Their fleet can transfer 40-50 people at one time. Please call the Mackinac Shuttle directly at 231.539.7005 or email info@mackinawshuttle.com for arrangements and details.
Northern Transport & Shuttle is based in St. Ignace and services northern Michigan, the Straits area and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. To arrange reservations, please contact their team directly at 906.430.5337 or email transportnorthern@gmail.com.
NOTE: Uber and Lyft services are not available in our area.
Ferry Service
Shepler’s is the preferred ferry partner at Mission Point Resort and offers daily boats to and from Mackinac Island. Arnold Transit Ferry Company is also available with daily service as well. The boat ride across the Straits of Mackinac is approximately 16 minutes, and filled with photo opportunities of the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island Lighthouse and Mackinac Island.
On-Island Transportation
Once on the island, you may take a taxi, ride on the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours shuttle servicing Mission Point, or enjoy the short 15-minute walk. The Mission Point shuttle is a service offered by Mackinac Island Carriage tours and is a fixed-route shuttle taxi that goes between the ferry docks downtown and Mission Point. This is the easiest way to get to MPR and there is a small charge for riding the shuttle. Please note that the shuttle is not available from 12:30 pm—2:00 pm so the team can change horses. Horse-drawn taxi service is provided by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours 24 hours per day during the peak summer season. Something unique about Mackinac Island is that taxis cannot be “hailed” and you must call the taxi dispatch office to schedule your pickup. For any questions about taxis on Mackinac Island, please call MICT directly at 906.847.3323.
Resort & Event Services
Farm-to-Ferry™ Dining
Mission Point’s signature Farm-to-Ferry™ dining brings the freshest local ingredients straight to your table in thoughtfully crafted meals that celebrate the region.
Meeting Supplies
Mission Point provides a range of meeting essentials to ensure your event runs seamlessly. Contact your Conference Services Manager for the full list of items.
A/V Components
Choose from a variety of A/V components to enhance your presentations and events. Contact your Conference Services Manager for the full list of available equipment.
Lakeside Spa & Salon
Unwind at Lakeside Spa & Salon, Mackinac Island’s largest and most modern full-service Aveda salon. Let the expert team tailor every treatment to your needs.
Fitness Center
Stay active at Mission Point’s complimentary fitness center, located next to Lakeside Spa & Salon and equipped with free weights, weight machines, treadmills, and ellipticals.
Pool & Hot Tub
The outdoor pool complex features a pool and hot tubs with plush lounge chairs. It is open daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and closed during inclement weather.