The Traverse City Tendon Summit offers something most conferences can't: genuine dialogue with world-leading researchers in an environment designed for deep engagement. With only 40 attendees, you'll have meaningful access to speakers, time to ask your toughest questions, and space to challenge your assumptions alongside peers who share your commitment to advancing tendon science. This isn't about sitting through back-to-back PowerPoints—it's about participating in friction panels that tackle divisive topics, engaging in hands-on practicals, and continuing conversations over coffee breaks and waterfront dinners. If you're already fluent in tendon concepts and ready to move beyond the basics, this Summit provides the rare opportunity to refine your thinking, debate current evidence, and connect with the minds shaping the future of tendon research and clinical practice. Plus, you'll experience it all in one of the country's premier destination cities, making this as much about inspiration as education.

Our inaugural TC Tendon Summit is dedicated entirely to the Achilles tendon—bringing together world-leading experts from renowned research programs and clinical settings around the globe to explore this complex structure from every angle. We've curated a speaker lineup that covers the full spectrum of Achilles tendon science and practice: from foundational biology and pathophysiology to clinical evaluation, injury prevention, treatment strategies, and load progression frameworks. Each presentation builds on the previous, creating a cohesive narrative that bridges cutting-edge research with practical application. You'll engage with perspectives that span laboratory science and clinical practice, creating rich dialogue that addresses both the "why" and the "how" of Achilles tendon management. This focused, single-tendon approach allows us to go deep rather than broad—tackling the nuances, controversies, and unanswered questions that a general conference simply can't address. Future Summits may explore other tendons, but this year, it's all Achilles, all weekend.

While the primary programming is concentrated on Saturday to maximize focused learning, the Summit experience extends across the full weekend. Friday evening offers an optional welcome gathering for early networking and conversation, and Sunday morning features an optional "Coffee & Clinic" session at The Tendon Lab—a hands-on opportunity to discuss challenging Achilles cases and explore practical application. This structure allows deep engagement without overwhelming schedules, while the weekend format encourages attendees to explore Traverse City and build genuine connections beyond formal sessions. As we refine the Summit based on feedback, future events may expand to include additional days of programming.

The Traverse City Tendon Summit will be held at The Delamar Hotel, located at 615 E Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686. The Delamar is a premier waterfront resort situated directly on Grand Traverse Bay, offering stunning views and an intimate atmosphere perfect for focused dialogue. All presentations, panel discussions, and meals will take place on-site, creating a seamless experience where learning and networking flow naturally throughout the day.

Getting to Traverse City is easier than you might think! Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) offers direct flights from major hubs including Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Denver, with convenient connections from anywhere in the country. The airport is small, efficient, and just a 10-minute drive from The Delamar Hotel (with complimentary shuttle service provided). If you prefer to drive, Traverse City is approximately 3.5 hours from Detroit, 2 hours from Grand Rapids, and 5 hours from Chicago—making it an easy road trip with stunning scenery along the way. There's a reason the Wall Street Journal recently named Traverse City one of the top 10 destinations to visit: it's accessible, beautiful, and worth the journey. Whether you're flying in Friday evening or arriving early to explore, getting here is part of the experience.

This event is designed for those fluent in basic tendon concepts who want to engage with others at a research-informed level. Intended audience includes: Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Academics/Researchers, Medical Doctors.

While we highly recommend staying at The Delamar to fully experience the Summit and maximize networking opportunities, Traverse City offers numerous accommodation options at various price points. Additional hotel options will be provided upon request.

Yes, we are actively working to provide continuing education credits. While approval is still in process, we expect to offer CEUs and will update registered attendees as soon as accreditation is confirmed.

Presentations will be recorded, but the real value of this Summit happens between sessions—panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations, case conversations, and the spontaneous dialogue that emerges when tendon experts gather in one room. These unscripted moments, where ideas are challenged and connections are formed, cannot be captured on video. Recordings may be made available after the event, but they won't include panels, practicals, or the conversations that make this experience worth attending. If you want access to the full Summit, you need to be there.

Yes! The Delamar Hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to and from Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). Simply coordinate your pickup time with the hotel concierge when you book your flight. The hotel is also within walking distance of downtown Traverse City if you'd like to explore the area during your stay. For those not staying at the Delamar, you will need to coordinate your own travel via rideshare options.

Late April in Northern Michigan can be absolutely stunning—with daytime temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (9-18°C) and plenty of sunny days showcasing the bay at its best. You might get lucky with beautiful spring weather perfect for lakeside walks and outdoor conversations, or you could experience cooler, overcast conditions. April is unpredictable in the best way: we've seen everything from t-shirt weather to light jacket days. We recommend checking the forecast about a week before your arrival and packing layers to cover all possibilities—think a mix of lighter spring clothing and a warm jacket for evenings by the water. Either way, there's something special about experiencing Traverse City in spring before the summer crowds arrive: peaceful mornings, crisp air, and the anticipation of Northern Michigan coming back to life. The Delamar keeps everything comfortable indoors, so you'll be cozy during sessions regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.