AI Search Decoded
2026-05-20 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Long Road Distillers, 537 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Everyone’s talking about AI search. Not everyone knows what it means for their business.
Lance Beaudry, CEO of Avalanche Creative, has spent months digging into the latest research, following the thought leaders, and pulling from Avalanche’s own experience to figure out what actually matters. At this event, he brings it all together so you don’t have to do the homework yourself. Alex Lindley from Semrush will be there to weigh in with his own take.
You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how search works today and a scorecard to see how well equipped you are to use AI with your SEO & website.
Then stick around for drinks and conversations with people worth knowing. (First drink on us!)

Business Exchange Luncheon
2026-05-21 11:30 - 13:30 | The Rutledge, 120 Ionia Ave SW Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

The Chamber’s most popular networking series brings together West Michigan professionals to foster connections that turn into leads. This event provides members and future members with the opportunity to learn about the services and products offered in their communities through both open and facilitated networking. Expo tables, conversation, and a buffet of food are available upon arrival, followed by three rounds of 20-minute facilitated networking. It’s the go-to event for growing your social capital and building meaningful business relationships.
Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

Business Expo Series Sponsor

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Chamber Happy Hour
2026-05-27 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for happy hour and networking with fellow and future members. Chamber Happy Hour takes place on Wednesdays throughout the year in our Work Café.
Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Beer Fridge Sponsor

Food Partner

Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Beyond Benefits - Wellness That Makes Work Better
2026-05-28 08:30 - 10:00 | MI
Wellness isn’t the problem. Utilization is.
Leaders across industries are experiencing it:
You’re offering wellness benefits… but your people aren’t using them.
And when utilization is low, impact is limited.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, HR Collaborative is partnering with HUB International to explore what it really takes to build a wellness strategy that works in practice, not just on paper.
Join us for Beyond Benefits: Wellness that Makes Work Better on Thursday, May 28th at 9:00 AM as we break down how to move beyond surface-level offerings and build a culture where wellness is understood, accessible, and actually used.
Learn more and register at no-cost 👉 https://bit.ly/42mwnhY

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
2026-05-28 12:00 - 2026-05-29 12:00 | MI
Join other like-minded communities at the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. CEC is a one-of-a-kind conference designed to share ideas, learn about helpful resources, and empower each other to support local entrepreneurs and a community’s entrepreneurial thinking. And this year CEC will innovate once again as two Newaygo County communities, Fremont and Newaygo, partner to host!
A signature element unique to CEC is that all breakout sessions are embedded within community buildings and storefronts in downtown! Attendees will fully experience downtown Fremont and Newaygo and have plenty of time to network, walk, and patronize local businesses between sessions. Participants will also learn best practices from state and local entrepreneurial professionals.
The CEC conference starts at noon, Thursday, May 28 and ends at noon on Friday, May 29. The registration fee includes two lunches, the Thursday evening networking event, two local entrepreneur keynotes, and numerous breakout sessions to choose from. Each attendee will be able to attend five sessions.

Meijer State Games of Michigan - Summer Games
2026-05-31 - 2026-06-30 | Several Locations
We are an Olympic-style, multi-sport event for athletes of all ages and abilities. We are hosting 39 different sports events for anyone and everyone to compete in. Whether you are new to a sport, have years of experience, or are looking for ways to get reinvolved with the sport you grew up playing, we believe that sport should be accessible to all Michiganders. Participation, sportsmanship, and healthy living are at the core of what we do.
Modeled after the Olympics, our Opening Ceremony will be on Friday, June 26th, at the Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford, MI. Join thousands of spectators for a night of entertainment, the Parade of Athletes, and the Lighting of the Caldroun!
What: From team sports to individual athlete competitions, there is something for everyone!
When: Every weekend throughout June, with the first event taking place on May 31st
Where: All Around Grand Rapids
Cost: Sport-dependent. Check out the sports page for more information

West Michigan CEO Summit
2026-06-02 07:30 - 11:30 | JW Marriott Grand Rapids: International Ballroom, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The West Michigan CEO Summit brings together some of the most influential entrepreneurs and executives leading West Michigan. Meredith Bronk, President and CEO of Progressive Companies, will serve as the 2026 CEO Summit Chair. With a career marked by transformative leadership, Meredith’s guidance will be invaluable as we gather for this premier executive event.
What to expect:

Keynote presentations with tools for business growth
Inspiring leadership lessons
The opportunity to participate in facilitated discussions on key issues
Networking with fellow West Michigan executives

Attending the West Michigan CEO Summit
The West Michigan CEO Summit is one of the best investments you can make in your professional and personal development. Together, we can ensure Grand Rapids is the best place to live and work. Together, we can foster a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for ALL.
Be a part of leading a growing West Michigan at the CEO Summit.

Registration & Pricing

Corporate Table

AGENDA
7:30 A.M. Registration, Buffet Breakfast, & Networking
8:05 A.M. Welcome from the 2026 West Michigan CEO Summit ChairMeredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies
8:20 A.M. Leadership LessonJulie Leonard, CEO, LMCU
8:50 A.M. Leadership LessonAshlea Souffrou, Founder & CEO, SxanPro
9:05 A.M. Break & Networking
9:20 A.M. New CEO ChatDarrius Barnes, President, AC Grand RapidsKara Wood, Executive Director, Grand Action 2.0
9:32 A.M. Discussion – The Impact of Local Ownership in West MichiganMeredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive CompaniesRick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids ChamberGreg McNeilly, President & CEO, The Windquest GroupRobert Roth, Executive Chairman, RoMan Manufacturing
9:55 A.M. Leadership LessonGabriel Grant, Founder & CEO, Care Granted
10:10 A.M. Break & Networking
10:25 A.M. Leadership LessonDaniel Watts, CEO, US Signal
10:45 A.M. Leadership LessonTricia Keith, President & CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
11:05 A.M. Leadership Lesson: GRA250Brian Hooks, Chairman & CEO, Stand Together
11:20 A.M. Closing RemarksMeredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive CompaniesJeff Lumpp, President, Hylant and Grand Rapids Chamber Board Chair
11:30 A.M. Adjourn
CEO Summit Chair

Meredith Bronk

President & CEO

Progressive Companies

ABOUT Meredith Bronk

The Impact of Local Ownership in West Michigan Panel
Moderated by Meredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies

Greg McNeilly

CEO & President

The Windquest Group

ABOUT Greg McNeilly

Rick Baker

President & CEO

Grand Rapids Chamber

ABOUT Rick Baker

Robert Roth

Executive Chairman

RoMan Manufacturing

ABOUT Robert Roth

Meet our speakers
Turn their experience into your competitive advantage. Hear Leadership Lessons from these local leaders as they break down career-defining moments into strategies you can apply to your own organization.

Ashlea Souffrou

Founder & CEO

SxanPro

ABOUT Ashlea Souffrou

Brian Hooks

Chairman & CEO

Stand Together

ABOUT Brian Hooks

Daniel Watts

CEO

US Signal

ABOUT Daniel Watts

Darrius Barnes

President

AC Grand Rapids

ABOUT Darrius Barnes

Gabriel Grant

Founder & CEO

Care Granted

ABOUT Gabriel Grant

Julie Leonard

President &CEO

LMCU

ABOUT Julie Leonard

Kara Wood

Executive Director

Grand Action 2.0

ABOUT Kara Wood

Tricia Keith

President & CEO

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

ABOUT Tricia Keith

Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Trustee Sponsor

Live Chamber Voices Sponsor

Exclusive Technology Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Lead Supporter

Chamber Champion

Media Sponsor

Present Your Bestie
2026-06-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Gimme’s Par & Grill, 45 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Single people in Grand Rapids get a chance to present their best friend in a room full of other singles, in the hope of finding their person. We’re taking things off the apps and into real life. A friend of the single person will get 2-5 minutes to do a presentation on their best friend and why you should date them.

First Friday Update
2026-06-05 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Webinar
Registration

The updates occur on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. We will provide a quick overview on current advocacy efforts and top priorities being accomplished to create a thriving and diverse business climate for all.
Event Sponsors
Advocay Underwriter

Policy Supporter

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Women Lawyers vs. Judges Charity Softball Game
2026-06-06 16:00 - 22:00 | LMCU Ballpark, 4500 W River Dr. NE, Comstock Park, Michigan, 49312
Batter up for a cause! ⚾ Join us on June 6th for a fiercely fun competition in support of the YWCA.
The Women Lawyers vs. Judges Charity Softball Game is an annual event that brings together legal professionals and judges from West Michigan and beyond for a friendly yet fiercely competitive softball game.
This event started in 1983 and continues to be a long-standing tradition for the Grand Rapids community. Witnessing the devastation that domestic and sexual violence causes in the lives of their clients and those in their courtrooms, leaders in the community decided they wanted to do more to help. In 1983, they held the first softball game to raise funds to support the work of the YWCA. Since then, it has become a long-lasting tradition, raising over $500,000 to support survivors and their families.
Join us for the 42nd Annual Women Lawyers vs. Judges Charity Softball Game, a West Michigan tradition at LMCU Ballpark
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM | Women Lawyers vs. Judges Charity Softball Game
🕖 7:05 PM | West Michigan Whitecaps Game and Fireworks
📍 LMCU Ballpark
For the full experience, grab Pioneer Cove Deck tickets where the energy is high, the views are great, and food is included!
🎟️ Cove Deck tickets
$45 Adult | $25 Kids ages 3 to 12
🎟️ Box seats
$25 Adult | $12 Kid ages 3 to 12
Free for ages 2 and under.
Bring your friends, family, or coworkers and be part of a fun night that supports survivors in our community. Sponsorships still available!

ASE 2026 Compensation Survey Briefing
2026-06-09 08:30 - 10:00 | GVSU Innovation Hub, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, 49440, United States
Discover the key findings from the ASE 2026 Compensation Survey at our West Michigan briefing.
We’ll go beyond the numbers to interpret what’s driving pay decisions, linking wage movement to inflation pressures, labor market shifts, and ongoing economic uncertainty. Along the way, we’ll unpack the workforce dynamics shaping compensation strategy, including hiring demand, turnover patterns, and evolving employer trade-offs. Attendees will leave with practical guidance to benchmark their organization against the market, identify where they are over- or under-positioned, and make more confident, strategically aligned pay decisions. 467 Michigan organizations particpated in the survey, with 20% doing business in the West Michigan region.
A Q/A Rountable will follow the presentation.
This briefing will be held at the GVSU Innovation Hub in Muskegon, Mi.

WomanUp & Celebrate Grand Rapids
2026-06-09 11:30 - 13:30 | JW Marriott Grand Rapids: International Ballroom, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join Michigan Women Forward for WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan — a powerful midday gathering that brings together the region’s most influential women and the people paying attention.
On June 9, 2026, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, we’ll recognize leaders whose impact is felt across industries, organizations, and communities — and create space for the kind of conversations and connections that don’t happen anywhere else.
This isn’t just a celebration. It’s a room full of momentum.
What to Expect
Recognition of West Michigan women leading at the highest levels
A program that’s thoughtful, relevant, and worth your time
The chance to connect with leaders, decision-makers, and future collaborators
A break from your day that leaves you energized
Tickets
General Admission: $150
Join us as we celebrate our 2026 Woman of Achievement & Courage Award honorees, Sen. Winnie Brinks, Misti Stanton, and Kim Suarez and our 45 and under Women to Watch honorees: Rachel Gorman, Emily Henao, and Nancy Quero

West Michigan M365 User Group 2026 Q2 Meetup
2026-06-11 11:00 - 13:30 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The Q2 West Michigan M365 User Group Meetup continues the momentum from Microsoft 365 Community Day. Whether you joined us at Community Day or couldn’t attend, this meetup helps you catch up, go deeper, and stay current – building on the tools, themes, and real-world questions that emerged.
Alongside networking over lunch, we’ll dive into Practical Copilot and Personal Productivity:
+ Building a useful Copilot Studio agent — from idea to deployment
+ Copilot Cowork & Researcher multi‑model features (what’s new and when they matter)
+ Boosting productivity with Microsoft 365 using tools you already have
+ A strong focus on foundations: email, tasks, notes, focus, plus just enough Copilot to work smarter without adding complexity
Featured presenters are, Ben Rupp (InsITe) and Mike Bodell (Bulb Digital)
For this Q2 Meetup:
+ Lunch is sponsored by Bulb Digital
+ Rental space is sponsored by InsITe
As always, expect practical takeaways, honest conversations, and ideas you can put to work right away plus, time to connect with others across West Michigan who are navigating the same modern work challenge.
Reserve your spot now and be part of the action!

Business Exchange Luncheon
2026-06-18 11:30 - 13:30, 2026-07-16 11:30 - 13:30 | Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, MI, 49418, United States

Ending Homelessness: A Celebration of Impact
2026-06-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration

The event is an opportunity for private, public and philanthropic partners working to end chronic homelessness to highlight successes and progress towards shared goals.
Who should attend
Whether you are a frontline service provider, business leader or a community investor – we want you to join us for a time to celebrate and recommit to a vibrant and prosperous community for all.
Event Sponsors
Policy Supporter

Making It Work: The Essentials for Professional Women
2026-06-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Registration & Pricing

Join us as we highlight the ATHENA principle of fierce advocacy with Alison Mast, Market Leader at Marsh Risk.
Alison will lead a candid conversation on navigating career, family, and financial decisions with confidence. Drawing from her experience leading a major wealth management business while raising four young children, she will share practical strategies for making it work, from building financial clarity and making intentional tradeoffs with your time to staying engaged in the decisions that shape your future. You’ll leave with practical insights to reduce financial stress, strengthen your confidence, and create a life aligned with your priorities and goals.
Key Takeaways:

Understand what you own, owe, and spend to make confident financial decisions.
Be intentional with your time and priorities.
Stay actively involved in the financial and life decisions that shape your future.
Take practical steps towards financial independence.

Plus: Panel Discussion – Navigating Career, Money, and Life with Intention
This panel brings together leaders in finance, law, and philanthropy for a candid conversation on how women navigate career growth, financial well-being, and personal responsibilities in real time. Hear from featured panelists:

Lauren DeHaan Brennan, Investment Advisor, NPF Investment Advisors
Danielle R. Brown, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Raquel Sportel, Associate, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Come connect with fellow leaders for a morning of insight, encouragement, and practical strategies to help you lead and live with greater confidence and clarity.
Meet our speakers

Alison Mast

Market Leader

Marsh Risk

ABOUT Alison Mast

Danielle R. Brown

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

ABOUT Danielle R. Brown

Lauren DeHaan Brennan

Investment Advisor

NPF Investment Advisors

ABOUT Lauren DeHaan Brennan

Raquel Sportel

Associate Attorney

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

ABOUT Raquel Sportel

Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Finalists Reception

Program Underwriter

Lead Supporter

Chamber Champion

Toast Supporter

Chamber Issues Forum: Childcare & Public Spaces for Public Good
2026-06-25 08:00 - 10:00 | The Information Center at The Rapid Central Station, 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, 49503-4005, United States
Registration & Pricing

Making childcare more accessible and affordable remains a top priority for the business community and is an important factor in workforce participation and growth. As employers across West Michigan face talent issues, the rising cost and limited availability of childcare remains a barrier to keeping parents from entering, reentering, or staying in the workforce.
Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for a Chamber Issues Forum exploring how public spaces and public-private partnerships can be leveraged for public good, with a focus on innovative childcare solutions. Michigan’s nationally recognized Tri-Share model has shown what is possible when business, government, and community partners work together to share responsibility and cost—demonstrating the power of collaboration to support working families while strengthening the economy.
This forum will take place at Rapid Central Station, home to a new on-site childcare facility that exemplifies how infrastructure and public space can be reimagined to meet community needs. Attendees will hear from Tracie Coffman of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on the role of public spaces in advancing early childhood and family well-being, followed by a panel discussion featuring perspectives from architecture, policy, philanthropy, and service providers on designing and sustaining childcare solutions that work for families and employers alike.
Agenda Highlights Include:

Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public good
Panel discussion with moderated Q&A
Networking with business and community leaders
Optional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central Station

This event will provide data-backed insights and real-world examples to help business leaders better understand the role they can play—alongside public partners—in advancing childcare solutions that support workforce participation and long-term regional growth.
Be part of the conversation shaping childcare solutions and public spaces that benefit our community.
Meet our speakers

Jeffrey Capizzano

President

Policy Equity Group

ABOUT Jeffrey Capizzano

Scott Lewis

President/CEO

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

ABOUT Scott Lewis

Tracie Coffman

Program Officer

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

ABOUT Tracie Coffman

Zach Verhulst

Founder + CEO

Pure Architects

ABOUT Zach Verhulst

Event Sponsors
Co-Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Break Into Your Pride- 3rd Year
2026-06-28 12:00 - 17:00 | Break Room Therapy, 7988 Clyde Park AVE SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315, United States
🌈 Break Into Your Pride – 3rd Annual Celebration 🌈
Join us for our 3rd Annual Break Into Your Pride event—a vibrant, welcoming celebration of identity, strength, and community. This event continues to grow each year, and 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest yet!
📍 Location: Break Room Therapy
7988 Clyde Park Ave SW, Byron Center, MI
📅 Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This free, family-friendly event (all ages welcome) is a day dedicated to showing up as your authentic self, supporting one another, and celebrating the beauty of our community.
✨ What to Expect:
• Live drag performances from Beauty Beyond Drag (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
• Spoken word performance by Gleason at 1:00 PM
• A wide variety of local vendors
• Food trucks
• Music, energy, and connection all afternoon
💛 Important Note:
While Break Room Therapy typically offers sessions for ages 13+, this event is open to all ages. No breaking will take place during the event—this is purely a celebration space.
Come be part of something meaningful, joyful, and real. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🌈

Security Awareness Basics – Webinar
2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:30 | MI
Empower your people to recognize, resist, and respond to cyber threats, because security starts with awareness.​
Cyberattacks don’t just target systems – they target people. And in today’s threat landscape, even one misstep can lead to costly downtime, data loss, or reputational damage.
This Security Basics webinar is designed to help your employees become a strong first line of defense. We focus on real‑world scenarios, practical examples, and everyday behaviors that significantly reduce risk without overwhelming users with technical jargon.
Attendees will learn how modern cyber threats actually work, why attackers target employees, and what simple, repeatable actions can prevent incidents before they happen. The goal is not fear—it’s confidence. Confident employees make smarter decisions, spot red flags sooner, and know how to respond when something doesn’t look right.
🔍 Learning Outcomes
~ Recognize common cyber threats such as phishing, social engineering, and credential theft
~ Identify warning signs of suspicious emails, messages, and login prompts
~ Understand why attackers target employees—not just IT systems
~ Apply simple daily habits that dramatically reduce security risk
~ Know what to do (and who to contact) when something feels “off”
~ Help protect company data, reputation, and customer trust
Link to webinar will be sent upon approved registration.

The Chamber Open
2026-07-20 07:00 - 18:30 | The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe, 7211 48th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Registration & Pricing

The Chamber Open brings together community leaders for an unmatched day on the green, featuring 18 holes of golf and high-impact networking. With both morning and afternoon flights available, golfers can choose whichever time works best for them and make twice as many connections at our combined lunch reception.
Schedule:7:00 a.m. – Golfer Arrival & Buffet Breakfast (morning flight)7:30 a.m. – Morning Flight Shotgun Start11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Buffet Lunch (all flights)1:00 p.m. – Afternoon Flight Shotgun Start
Please note: This event is now SOLD OUT. If you’d like to join the waitlist, please fill out this form!
Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Course Sponsor

Putting Green Sponsor

Eagle Sponsor

Keg Sponsor

Food Sponsor

Refreshment Sponsor

Beverage Cart Sponsor

Golf Cart Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

Registration Sponsor

Talent & Human Resources Workshop
2026-07-28 08:30 - 10:30 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

The Talent & Human Resources Workshop Series equips West Michigan’s business community with the tools, insights, and strategies to navigate today’s rapidly evolving workforce. Held quarterly, these workshops provide HR professionals, executives, and people leaders with a focused space to deepen their expertise year-round.
Each session delivers practical, real-world approaches to talent acquisition, retention, employee engagement, and building organizational cultures where people feel valued and supported. Whether you’re rolling out new HR initiatives, developing leaders, or driving organizational change, these workshops offer actionable guidance, peer connections, and strategies to strengthen your people practices and drive results.
This session is eligible for 1 SHRM PDC. Information on claiming your credits will be sent directly to your registered email address upon completion of the program.

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Executive Sponsor

Chamber Champion

Inclusion Advocate

West Michigan Housing Summit
2026-08-06 12:30 - 18:00 | Richard M. DeVos Center, GVSU’s Pew Campus, 401 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, 49504, United States
Registration & Pricing

Join housing leaders, stakeholders, and community members from across the region at the West Michigan Housing Summit for a dynamic, solutions-focused conference centered on innovative strategies for addressing housing challenges.
This summit brings together cross-sector voices committed to moving beyond conversation and toward coordinated action on the region’s most pressing housing challenges.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A dynamic opening session from Sam Cummings and Ryan Kilpatrick, reflecting on where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we’re headed together as a region.
Six targeted breakout sessions addressing critical housing issues, including:

A legislative panel featuring leaders in housing reforms.
Strategies for effective public engagement around housing and growth
Corridor development and place-based investment to drive vibrancy
Pathways and tools for emerging developers
The limitations of subsidy-only approaches to housing affordability
Effective, coordinated responses to homelessness

Closing with Energy
Coby Lefkowitz will tie together insights from the day and challenge attendees to think boldly optimistic about the future of housing through coordinated, cross-sector solutions.
Coby is the author of Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like where he explores how we can create more beautiful and livable communities.
Donor and sponsor support makes this convening possible and positions partners at the center of regional housing leadership. Sponsors gain visibility with key decision-makers, align their brand with measurable community impact, and help catalyze the ideas and collaborations that move housing solutions forward.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This summit is for leaders and changemakers committed to improving housing outcomes, including:

Housing practitioners and advocates
Government and public sector leaders
Developers and real estate professionals
Emerging developers and entrepreneurs
Nonprofit and community-based leaders
Philanthropic and funding partners
Policy and civic engagement professionals
Anyone invested in housing affordability, availability, and stability

If you’re working to shape the future of housing in West Michigan, this summit is for you.
AGENDA
12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking
1:00 p.m. Opening Remarks and IntroductionJennifer Radaz, Housing NextRyan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development ServicesSam Cummings, CWD Real Estate Investment
1:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break
1:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
State Legislative PanelState Representatives Wooden, Grant and AragonaModerated by Joshua Lunger, Grand Rapids Chamber
Public EngagementJason Wheeler, Wheeler DevelopmentRyan Schmidt, Indigo Design + DevelopmentRowan Brady, City of Grand RapidsModerated by Rebekah Kik, City of Kalamazoo
Corridor RedevelopmentCameron VanWyngarden, Plainfield TownshipNicole Hofert, City of WyomingModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
2:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break
2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Affordability Won’t Be Solved by Subsidy AloneDave Levitt, Third CoastBev Thiel, Habitat for Humanity of Kent CountyModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
Effective Response to HomelessnessThelma Ensink, Degagé MinistriesAdrienne Goodstal, North Kent ConnectTenisa Frye, Family Promise of West Michigan
4:00 p.m. KeynoteCoby Lefkowitz, author of “Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like”
5:00 p.m. Happy Hour
6:00 p.m. Adjourn
Meet our speakers

Coby Lefkowitz

Co-Founder & Principal

Backyard

ABOUT Coby Lefkowitz

Jen Radaz

Sr. Manager

Housing Next

ABOUT Jen Radaz

Ryan Kilpatrick

Founder + CEO

Flywheel Community Development Services

ABOUT Ryan Kilpatrick

Sam Cummings

Managing Partner

CWD Real Estate Investment

ABOUT Sam Cummings

Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Housing Champions

Chamber 101
2026-08-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

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.
Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Business Transition: From Value Building to Exit Strategies
2026-08-19 08:30 - 11:00 | Anonymous Zoom Webinar
Registration & Pricing

If you plan to sell your business at any point, whether it’s soon or decades from now, this four-part private webinar series provides the essential knowledge every business owner needs before putting their company on the market. Participants will discover the full range of exit strategies available, from traditional sales to employee buyouts to family transitions, and learn the critical steps to maximize business value and ensure a smooth transition. This series is specifically designed to prepare and equip business owners with the options to make informed, confident decisions regarding one of the most significant financial and emotional transitions they may encounter in their lifetime. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask our series’ experts candid questions and get real answers—while remaining completely anonymous.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Plan Your Exit

Stay in control by understanding your options before you’re forced to act.
Protect your business, which is likely your largest asset, while learning to grow it and exit on your terms.
Learn how to avoid costly mistakes by gaining insight from experienced advisors on valuation, timing, and deal structure.
Discover the steps successful owners take years in advance to intentionally build value and better exit outcomes.

Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Christine Simon

Vice President of Government Affairs

Grand Rapids Chamber

ABOUT Christine Simon

Lauren Snyder

Senior Vice President and Chief Customer & Growth Officer

Consumers Energy

ABOUT Lauren Snyder

Michael Fleck

Director of Reliability & Regional Planning

ITC Holdings Corporation

ABOUT Michael Fleck

Natalie Stewart Mitchell

SVP of Government Affairs and Campus Development

Switch

ABOUT Natalie Stewart Mitchell

OutPro Forum
2026-08-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

As a champion for a diverse and inclusive community, the Chamber is proud to provide OutPro, an LGBTQ+ professionals group that can serve as both a resource to employers and employees, as well as an affinity group for the LGBTQ+ community.
OutPro promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan community and offers social and professional networking opportunities throughout the city. OutPro events are attended by professionals at all career levels, representing a diversity of corporations, small businesses, and public and non-profit organizations.
Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Community Trustee

Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

Business Exchange Luncheon
2026-08-20 11:30 - 13:30 | Calvin University – Prince Conference Center, 1800 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
