2026 Confluence Thought Series
About this Event
Confluence brings world-class visionaries to the stage for deep dives into the ideas shaping our world. Field trips and networking lunches complete the experience.
Agenda
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Info: Join us for a light breakfast featuring Madcap pour overs and networking before the sessions begin.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:15 AM
Future Ready: How Advanced Tech is Changing Higher Ed
Host: Joe Chrysler
Info: West Michigan’s higher education institutions are reinventing themselves to harness the power of advanced technologies.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Smart Medicine: Advancing Healthcare with AI
Host: Rob Campbell
Info: The convergence of artificial intelligence with biomedical research and clinical practice is transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance and driving the next era of digital health.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Next Stop – The Moon: Getting Artemis Off the Ground
Host: Mark Ignash
Info: West Michigan’s aerospace industry is fueling space missions and more – spurring innovation, investment and jobs.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Field Trip: Array of Engineers
Info: Catered networking lunch and tour of AoE’s new headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Info: Join us for a light breakfast featuring Madcap pour overs and networking before the sessions begin.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:15 AM
Sustainability at Scale: Designing Systems that Work
Host: Gayle DeBryun
Info: Sustainable design is transforming how products are built, packaged and distributed — proving good business can be good for the planet.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Reclaiming the Grand River: Mapping the Frontiers of Restoration Science
Host: Matt Chapman
Info: How human intervention can return ecosystems to a healthy state.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Does It Compute? West Michigan's Data Center Strategy
Host: Mike Alaimo
Info: Leaders in economic growth and environmental activism weigh in on data center development – and the fierce debate they inspire.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Field Trip: Grand Rapids Chamber
Info: Catered networking lunch and inside look at the Chamber's efforts to address the region's housing shortage.
Fine Print
Info: Schedule is subject to change without notification. Refunds are available up to (10) days before the event. Photography may occur during the event. By registering, you consent to the publication of any photos of your appearance.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 50.00
