GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. [JUNE 2, 2026] – As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how businesses operate, market, hire and serve customers, Better Business Bureau® of Michigan is bringing together experts from across the country to help Michigan business leaders move beyond the hype and begin applying AI in practical, responsible ways.

The Blaze AI Summit will take place July 14, 2026, at The Goei Center in Grand Rapids. Designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses, the one-day event will provide attendees with hands-on learning opportunities, live demonstrations, expert-led sessions and actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Unlike many AI conferences that focus on theory, future predictions or highly technical concepts, the Blaze AI Summit is built around real-world business applications. Attendees will explore how AI can improve productivity, streamline operations, strengthen marketing efforts and support better decision-making while maintaining human judgment and trust that customers expect.

“Businesses are hearing about AI everywhere, but many leaders are still asking the same question: Where do we start?” said Lisa Frohnapfel, president and CEO of BBB® of Michigan. “The Blaze AI Summit was created to answer that question. We want attendees to leave with practical knowledge, a clear understanding of the opportunities and risks, and the confidence to begin using AI responsibly within their organizations.”

The summit will feature nationally recognized speakers and industry leaders, including:

• Tal Goldhamer, award-winning executive, former Ernst & Young senior partner and chief learning officer, and internationally recognized expert in AI learning and leadership development.
  
  
• Jonathan Liebert, AI thought leader, founder of The AI Collective for Colorado and author of Thought Partner, focused on ethical AI adoption and human-centered innovation.
  
  
• Rebekah E. Dopp, global CEO of BBB, Inc., leading the modernization of BBB into a global trust infrastructure for the AI economy.
  
  
• Drew Veach, CMS and AI strategy lead at Grand Rapids-based BizStream, presenting “Your Business in the Age of AI Search,” a session focused on helping businesses remain visible as consumers increasingly rely on AI-powered search tools.
  
  
• Andy Bass, TEDx speaker, AI strategist and technology entrepreneur, presenting best practices for AI governance and responsible implementation.

Additional sessions throughout the day will cover AI governance, AI-powered marketing, autonomous workflows, Google’s NotebookLM platform, agentic AI systems, and practical implementation strategies for growing businesses.

The event agenda includes keynote presentations, breakout sessions, expert panels, networking opportunities, and live demonstrations designed to help attendees understand how AI is being used today across marketing, operations, customer service, and business strategy.

“AI is no longer a future conversation. It is a business conversation happening right now,” Frohnapfel said. “The organizations that learn how to use these tools effectively will gain significant advantages in productivity and efficiency. But technology alone is not enough. Human judgment, trust, and accountability must remain at the center of every AI decision. That’s where BBB’s perspective is uniquely valuable.”

The summit reflects BBB’s broader commitment to helping businesses adopt emerging technologies responsibly while preserving consumer trust. Throughout the event, speakers will emphasize practical implementation, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks that help organizations balance innovation with accountability.

Attendees will leave with:

• Practical AI workflows they can begin using immediately.
• A clearer understanding of how AI is changing customer behavior and business visibility.
• Strategies for increasing productivity and reducing repetitive work.
• Guidance on responsible AI governance and risk management.
• Frameworks for maintaining trust and human oversight while adopting AI technologies.

The Blaze AI Summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on July 14 at The Goei Center, located at 818 Butterworth St. SW in Grand Rapids.

Registration is now open at BBB.org/BlazeMiAi.