The Leader’s Playbook Webinar
2026-01-13 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Detroit)
In this Webinar, you’ll:

Define the concept of a Mentor Suite and identify the seven key types of mentors every leader needs to sustain professional growth and personal well-being
Assess their current mentorship ecosystem and pinpoint gaps where targeted mentor relationships could enhance leadership effectiveness and resilience
Develop an action plan to intentionally build, diversify, and activate their Mentor Suite to support strategic decision-making, confidence, and innovation

ESD: Michigan Regional Future City Competition
2026-01-20 08:00 - 17:00
This past fall, middle school students began working on the Future City Competition;
a project-based learning program where students work as a team with
an educator and volunteer mentor to design a city of the future.
Engineers and technical professionals are needed to serve as judges on competition day to evaluate team presentations, models and Q & A. The role of a competition day judge is to draw on their expertise and resources to fairly evaluate the team’s efforts.
For more information visit ESD’s website. To sign up as a judge, visit https://futurecity.org/register/. Please be sure to select the Regional judging category and choose Michigan as your region. Please register no later than
Monday, January 12.

GAYLORD CHAMBER: Lunch & Learn
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 | gaylord chamber, 319 W Main St, Gaylord, MI, 49735

The Road to 2026: Meet Michigan's Candidates for Governor Featuring Mike Cox
2026-01-21 16:00 - 18:00
Michigan has a big decision to make when it elects a new governor in 2026. In place of our annual Elite and VIP luncheon, SBAM and MBBA (Michigan Black Business Alliance) is inviting all major gubernatorial candidates to meet with small business owners through a series of events. This will give you the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their vision for the state and for the small business community.
This event will feature Mike Cox (R) in Lansing on January 21, 2026 in Lansing.

Go to the link for more details.

Modern Communication for Associations WEBINAR
2026-01-27 13:30 - 14:30
This webinar will go over:

The difference between 2-D and 3-D communication conversations and means
How to select the proper channel for conversations to maximize efficiency
New tools to improve communication in a post-pandemic and hybrid workplace

Joi Harris to Share Vision for DTE Energy's Future
2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00 | The Department at Hudson’s, 1000 Nick Gilbert Wy, Detroit, MI 48226
DTE Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Joi Harris, will be taking the stage at the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference on Jan. 29.
In alignment with the Conference theme, A New Leadership Era, Harris will share her vision for the company as she embarks on her first year at the helm. She is expected to highlight her strategy for advancing sustainable and innovative energy solutions, adding to the broader discussion about the major leadership transitions facing the Detroit Region and its most pressing challenges.

Gaylord Chamber: Business After Hours
2026-02-11 17:00 - 19:00

Detroit Online Job Fair
2026-02-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | online
The Michigan Online Job Fair is a daily virtual hiring event connecting job seekers across Michigan with employers who are hiring now. Attend online at www.JobFairGiant.com.
Detroit Online Daily Virtual Job Fair Connecting Michigan Job Seekers With Employers Hiring Now. Join each day from your phone, tablet, or computer, no travel, no long lines, and no pressure. Participate from the comfort of your home and connect directly with real employers ready to hire. Attend for one day or multiple days; each day offers new opportunities to connect, interview, and get hired.

Automation Alley’s Trade Mission to Automotive Meetings in Querétaro, Mexico
2026-02-17 08:00 - 2026-02-19 17:00
Join Automation Alley’s trade mission to Automotive Meetings Queretaro, a leading automotive and aerospace hub. The mission includes participation in , a focused on automotive and aerospace, connecting global suppliers with buyers, OEMs, and Tier 1 procurement leaders.

MBN SPEAKERS SERIES: Ben Bakken on Succession
2026-02-18 11:00 - 13:30 | Friendship Hall, Capital Region International Airport, 4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI, 48906, United States
Come and join us at the Capital Region International Airport to listen to Ben Bakken as he talks about the topic of Succession..
Partners of MBN get in for free. As for anyone else, the cost is $55.

Sally: A Solo Play at the Wharton Center
2026-02-19 07:30 - 2026-02-21 21:00 | Wharton Center, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824
Wharton Center is proud to host the world premiere of SALLY: A SOLO PLAY: a powerfully moving, one-woman drama set at Monticello in the days before Thomas Jefferson’s death, written by East Lansing resident Sandra Seaton.
Note: Times of each show vary depending on the day. Check the link to see showtimes.

Career Exploration Panel
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00
More information about the event:

The event will focus on giving the attendees key insight about the four stages of career exploration (self-awareness, career exploration, decision making, and creating a plan).

Format: question and answer, with me serving as facilitator

Six panelists from higher education career services across the state.

Panel session questions will be pinpointed towards the four stages of career exploration.

The session is open to statewide MRS client customers and staff in addition to MRS partner organizations.

Please spread the word about this event through the event flyer!

Follow-up email will be sent to attendees to help retain the information discussed at the event.

RSVP process:

Please RSVP in the Microsoft Forms document in the flyer.

Once someone RSVPs, they will receive the official MS Teams invitation from me to join the day of the event.

Unable to attend? I can send over the recording and key resources after the session.

Wedgwood Christian Services: Annual State of the Child Event
2026-02-23 07:30 - 17:00 | Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Wedgwood Christian Services will host its State of the Child event on Monday, February 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. The annual event, launched in 2017, features presentations, panel discussions with community experts, and breakout sessions addressing the most pressing challenges facing children today. Orion Jean, Time Magazine’s “Kid of the Year” in 2021, will offer a keynote titled “What My Generation Needs From You”. The event aims to educate the community about the realities of children and families’ challenges and empower people to provide support and seek services.
WHO: Wedgwood Christian Services, local mental health experts, and teens

WHAT: The Annual State of the Child event will feature presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions.

WHEN: Monday, February 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525

WHY: To discuss some of the biggest challenges facing kids and families today, including mental health, substance use, life online, and healthy relationships.

TICKETS: $100. Available on Wedgwood’s website at https://www.wedgwood.org/sotc/

VIDEOS: Links to videos from past events are available here and here. Both are courtesy of Wedgwood

Gaylord Chamber Awards
2026-02-25 17:00 - 20:00

Choose Lansing Annual Meeting
2026-03-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S Creyts Rd, Lansing, MI, 48917, United States
WHO: Choose Lansing® staff, Board of Directors, as well as area hospitality industry staff and other regional community leaders.

WHAT: Executive leadership of Choose Lansing® will share how the Greater Lansing hospitality and tourism industry welcomes 6.7 million visitors each year, generating $732 million dollars in economic impact for the region. It will also celebrate the CTA Star of the Year and share a look into 2026 initiatives.

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Lansing
925 S Creyts Rd.
Lansing, MI 48917

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

U-M Flint Research Mixer: Mobility & Cybersecurity Innovation
2026-03-03 08:30 - 11:00 | Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Drive, Troy, MI, United States
University of Michigan-Flint’s College of Innovation and Technology is hosting a dynamic exchange designed to connect industry leaders with emerging university research capacity. Representatives from technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation sectors are invited to participate in roundtable discussions about current industry challenges and future breakthroughs, helping shape collaborative pathways and inform problem-solving research projects and industry-relevant student training. The event begins with a brief presentation followed by direct exchange between industry partners and university representatives to set new directions for university-industry innovation in Michigan.

Automation Alley's: Project DIAMOnD Additive Insight Exchange
2026-03-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Geofabrica, 2900 Auburn Ct, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
The Project DIAMOnD Additive Insight Exchange is a monthly discussion series hosted at the Digital Transformation Center (DTC), designed to help Michigan manufacturers deepen their understanding of 3D printing and additive manufacturing in a collaborative, conversational format.

Mich Bio: Detroit BioMixer
2026-03-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Plymouth Green Innovation Community – The Kiva Conference Center, 3600 Green Court, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105
Looking for an easy, no-pressure way to connect with Michigan’s life sciences community? Join us Wednesday, March 4 in Detroit for BioMixer, hosted by MichBio and VWR part of Avantor.
BioMixer is all about relaxed conversation and meaningful connections. You’ll meet life sciences professionals, academics, and students from across the region—whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, grow your network, or just enjoy catching up with peers in a casual setting.
No formal agenda. No panels. Just good conversation, great people, and a welcoming environment.

Axis Advisors: You're Invited to Outlook Detroit 2026
2026-03-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226, 48226
Axis Advisors invites corporate and industry partners to join us for Outlook Detroit 2026: A View into the Future of Commercial Real Estate

Axis Advisors invites corporate and industry partners to join us for Outlook Detroit 2026: A View into the Future of Commercial Real Estate on Wednesday, March 10th at the Detroit Athletic Club in downtown Detroit.

Detroit Impact Conference
2026-03-13 09:00 - 18:00 | Urban Tech Xchange, 1520 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
A one-day immersive conference around leadership, impact, and entrepreneurial growth in urban environments. Features panels with business and civic leaders, guided tours, and a networking reception.
​Hosted in Downtown Detroit at the Urban Tech Xchange, this all-day conference aligns with Detroit’s iconic 313 Day and brings participants directly into the city’s energy, history, and ongoing transformation.
​Our 2026 theme, Grit & Growth: Impact and Leadership Through Adversity, examines what it truly takes to build, lead, and create meaningful impact, especially in complex and challenging environments.
​Whether you’re interested in impact, entrepreneurship, leadership, or the future of cities, the DIR Conference offers an opportunity to experience Detroit up close and learn directly from those shaping its future.
​What to expect:

​Speakers include Sonya Mays (CEO, Develop Detroit), Jacob Cohen (Partner, Detroit Venture Partners and Co-Founder, SignalAdvisors), Grant Gilbert (VP, Rock Entertainment), Hilary Doe (Chief Growth Officer of Michigan), Christina Fair (Founder, Hum), and many more to be announced soon.

​Panels across Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact.

​Guided walking tours of the most iconic buildings in Downtown Detroit.

​Light breakfast and lunch from Detroit businesses like Breadless and Buddy’s Pizza.

​Networking reception with speakers and leaders of Detroit.

​Bus transportation between Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day
2026-03-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Friendship Hall, Capital Region International Airport, 4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI, 48906, United States
Step into a day filled with Original Rosies, U.S. Veterans, Tuskegee Airmen, and tributes to Rosies in aerospace, farming, and the skilled trades. Experience vintage planes, WWII-era singers, dynamic speakers, and a community united in gratitude.

Explore hands-on STEM activities for kids, meet inspiring leaders, visit unique vendors, and connect with manufacturers, trades workers, robotics teams, scout troops, families, students and history enthusiasts from across Michigan.

This is more than an event—it’s a celebration of courage, innovation, unity, and the unstoppable American spirit.

U.S. Open Cup Tickets & Merch On Sale Now
2026-03-19 18:30 - 22:00 | Don Batchelor Stadium, 11920 S Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, MI 48439

MBN SPEAKER SERIES: Sensible Cybersecurity with Rick Snyder
2026-03-25 11:00 - 13:30 | Friendship Hall, Capital Region International Airport, 4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI, 48906, United States
Come and join us at the Capitol Region International Airport to listen to Rick Snyder talk about Sensible Cybersecurity. With the rise of new technologies, it is always important to make sure your irreplaceable information does not fall into the wrong hands. At this luncheon, the former governor of Michigan, now the current CEO of SensCy, will talk about the importance of Cybersecurity, what hackers might do to try and steal your data, and how you can prevent that from happening.
Partners of MBN get in for free. As for anyone else, the cost is $55.

Multi-Employer Business Spotlight Invitation
2026-03-26 13:00 - 14:00
The event will include seven (largely) statewide employers serving as panelists and will also include questions from me for those panelists of many industries. The participating employers are included in the flyer. About 75-100+ employment opportunities are available from these seven businesses!

The session will be geared to:

Enhance attendees’ job search skills (learning about tips about overcoming barriers to employment, transferable skills importance, resume tips, interviewing tactics)

Provide personal life tips (self-sufficiency tips, insight into the panelists’ career paths, and general advice) from the panelists

While also outlining the panelists’ employment opportunities!

MWF: Managing UP Webinar
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 | online

Aerospace Supplier Workshop
2026-04-01 08:00 - 16:30 | Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI, 48314, United States
The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) invites you to attend our Aerospace Supplier Development Workshop on Wednesday, April 1st, at Velocity in Sterling Heights. This one-day event is tailored for manufacturers and businesses interested in exploring opportunities within the aerospace sector.
As one of Michigan’s fastest-growing industries, aerospace offers significant potential for companies of all sizes and specialties—from machining and tooling to software, technology, and logistics. This workshop will provide valuable insights and a practical roadmap to help you understand how your capabilities can align with and succeed in the aerospace market.
You’ll learn about:

How commercial and defense aerospace purchasing works
Program lifecycles and supplier entry points
When and why customers seek new suppliers
How suppliers and products are evaluated
Who the key decision-makers are and how buying decisions are influenced

Advanced Lead Generation & Project Engagement for Economic Developers
2026-04-02 13:00 - 14:00
Economic development lead generation can feel like guesswork.
Which companies are worth your time?
Which industries actually fit your community?
And how do you know if any of it is working?
We’re cutting through that.
In this upcoming Be Greater! webinar, you’ll learn how to:

Identify target industries with confidence
Find companies actively exploring expansion
Reach real decision-makers
Use tools like intent data, LinkedIn, and website tracking to focus your efforts

This is practical. No theory. No fluff.
Whether you’re a local official, economic developer, or chamber leader this webinar will give you the knowledge and tools to help your community Be Greater!

BioArbor | Fueling Innovation: A Founder’s Guide to Life Sciences Debt Financing
2026-04-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Plymouth Green Innovation Community – The Kiva Conference Center, 3600 Green Court, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105
Fueling Innovation: A Founder’s Guide to
Life Sciences Debt Financing
Wed., April 8, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM | Ann Arbor
Agenda: Networking–5:00-6:00 PM; Program–6:00-7:00 PM
Every equity round costs founders’ ownership. But what if there were other ways to fund growth? Debt financing has quietly become a powerful tool for life sciences companies – from venture debt to equipment financing and cash-flow lending. When used strategically, these instruments can extend runway, fund critical infrastructure, and preserve founder control. Experts will explain how debt financing really works in the life sciences sector – when founders should start thinking about debt, how lenders evaluate companies, and the most common use cases – from purchasing lab equipment to bridging the gap between equity rounds. The session will also highlight examples of debt deals and the lessons founders can learn from them.
