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.
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 Series 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, and Inclusion.
The Chamber’s Institute for Healing Racism is an opportunity to start this dialogue by bringing racism to the forefront of discussions and examining it as both a personal and societal problem. Once this is accomplished, the framework is set for not only knowing how to identify racism but learning how to take steps to combat it in our workplaces and communities. We offer both virtual & in-person options.
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 LGBTQ+ professional group that promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan Business Community for LGBTQ+ 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.
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.
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.
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.
West Michigan Minority Contractors After Hours events provide attendees the opportunity to connect with peers and gain potential business referrals. These social hour events provide a platform for buyers to connect with local minority-owned business construction professionals, as well as remove barriers for smaller construction companies to enter the market.
