Events at the Chamber
The Grand Rapids Chamber hosts over 160 events and programs a year to provide structured, creative, unique opportunities for business relationships to thrive. Check out our events calendar to see what we have coming up!
The Grand Rapids Chamber hosts over 160 events and programs a year to provide structured, creative, unique opportunities for business relationships to thrive. Check out our events calendar to see what we have coming up!
Authentically connect across roles, communities, and sectors to promote growth for individuals and the community as a whole. Each forum is based on one of the eight ATHENA Principles. The speaker format varies from one person, two people in a fireside chat, to a panel. Throughout each forum, there will be 1-2 breakouts for table discussion. Learn more about ATHENA Grand Rapids here.
Breakfast with Legislators provides members the opportunity to establish relationships with key decision makers and voice opinions on issues moving forward in Lansing. Facilitated question-and-answer sessions offer firsthand information on upcoming legislation and House and Senate committee activities, prompting great dialogue between legislators and attendees.
The Chamber’s most popular networking event provides members and future members with facilitated networking as well as an opportunity to leave the event with new, quality leads. Facilitators walk attendees through conversations at one table during lunch, and another table after lunch. Expo tables and open networking are also offered. This event takes place 11 times a year (Feb-Dec), typically the first Thursday of the month.
Business Growth Workshops support scaling businesses and share best practices by providing hands-on time with subject matter experts. Topics and speakers are curated to give business leaders access to experts and create a support system of businesses in similar stages.
Chamber Issues Forum events provide an opportunity for members to be part of the conversation around the most pressing topics impacting business in Michigan at the local, state and federal levels. These events provide members with unbiased, data-backed information and discussion to help make better decisions for organizations.
Chamber 101 is designed for members looking to begin, continue or further involvement with the Chamber. Chamber 101 allows members to learn about the different Chamber offerings and how to start getting involved to make the most of your membership.
The Diversity & Talent Workshop will address various talent needs of the West Michigan business community. The series will also focus on the different ways to attract and retain top talent and include best practices in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
The Institute for Healing Racism is designed as a catalyst for examining and disrupting systemic racial oppression. This four-session cohort experience immerses participants in an in-depth exploration of the history and pathology of racism. Through this journey, participants enhance their capacity to engage in meaningful conversations about racism and develop a deeper understanding of systemic racism and its societal impacts.
Latina Connect is a new program that meets our Latina business professionals and community members where they are. Presented in Spanish, Latina Connect works to support Latinas in making new connections and growing as leaders.
Leadership Lesson Breakfasts feature strong community trustees and leaders sharing valuable leadership lessons. In addition to a brief presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to network with Chamber members and connect with other leadership alumni.
OutPro is an LGBTQIA+ professional group that promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan Business Community for LGBTQIA+ professionals and allies. OutPro offers opportunities for both social and professional networking through programming and gatherings at various venues in the community. Learn more about OutPro here.
The Chamber Open is one of the most popular annual events on the Chamber’s calendar. The event attracts a wide range of decision makers and community leaders while providing an opportunity to play eighteen holes of remarkable golf.
West Michigan Minority Contractors (WMMC) is made up of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the construction trades, as well as general contractors. The program aims to strengthen contractors through cultivating relationships and new business partnerships among participants.
At the Grand Rapids Chamber’s largest event of the year, we partner with Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business to present The State of Grand Rapids Business. Experts will provide data and insights your business can use on the economy, and we’ll analyze indicators related to business growth, talent, inflation, housing, innovation, and more.
Every year we gather to CELEBRATE those who embody, encourage, and promote the inclusion of women. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding leader who is honored for professional excellence, community service, and active assistance of women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
This summit explores the latest DEI trends to enhance business success in an increasingly diverse and global community with a focus on leading practices to attract, retain, and develop a dynamic workforce in today’s competitive marketplace. The summit features subject matter experts who will share proven strategies on how to advance inclusion and belonging in innovative ways.
The Economic Inclusion Summit will bring together regional leaders to gain the tools, solutions, and momentum necessary to shift from enhancing supplier diversity and procurement connections to powering the economic inclusion that will build a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.
The Grand Rapids Policy Conference will provide a platform to celebrate and discuss Grand Rapids’ bright future. National and local thought leaders will share insight on Grand Rapids’ resilience and ability to tackle the problems and challenges ahead to create and thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.
The West Michigan CEO Summit features a lineup of regional leaders covering topics including culture, mentorship, leadership, talent, strategic planning, industry trends and how to gain traction in your business. Panel discussions and keynote presentations will focus on tools for business growth to help accomplish goals and compete at a higher level.
