2026 Confluence Thought Series
About this Event
Immerse yourself in discovery, learning and professional development alongside two dozen of the region’s most influential leaders in tech, business, design, and beyond.
Join us Sept 17–18 as we celebrate the people and ideas moving us forward. From thought-provoking conversations to exclusive field trips to high-impact networking, Confluence is where you'll dive deep into the ideas shaping our future.
Registration gives you access to:
💥 24 speakers spanning 10 industries
💥 Exclusive behind-the-scenes field trips
💥 High-impact networking opportunities
💥 Catered breakfasts and lunches to keep you fueled
Secure your spot now with our 2-for-1 sale. Don't wait – seating is limited and this offer ends Sept 5 at midnight.
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: Tour of AoE’s new headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids. Hear the vision it took to reclaim a historic building and how it could be a blueprint to convert other downtown spaces. Complimentary lunch and networking to follow.
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: Tour of the Chamber's downtown offices along with an inside look at their efforts to address the region's housing shortage. Complimentary lunch and networking to follow.
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 60.00
