Michigan Business Network

WEBINAR: From Intention to Impact: Making Strategic Goals Stick
2025-11-11 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | online
GOALS

Differentiate between goals, strategies, and tactics to better align your organizational focus
Apply a practical framework for identifying root causes and adjusting efforts accordingly
Develop habits and accountability structures that make strategic plans actionable and resilient over time

MBN SPEAKERS SERIES: Todd Martin
2025-11-11 11:00 - 13:30 | lansing airport, 4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI, 48906
MBN has something to SERVE you this November. Come and join us at the Capital Region International Airport to listen to Tennis Star Todd Martin as he talks about his tennis journey, his post-tennis career, and other important business insights from his point of view.
Partners of MBN get in for free. As for anyone else, the cost is $55.

2025 Place Matters Summit
2025-11-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Rockford Corner Bar, 31 N Main St, Rockford, MI, 49341
Placemaking means many things to different people – but we can all agree that positive, proactive, and strategic placemaking is essential for our communities to prosper.
Join us for The Right Place’s 2025 Place Matters Summit, where community leaders from across business, government, and non-profit sectors will come together to explore the power of place in building vibrant, resilient communities.

Place Matters Summit
2025-11-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Rockford Corner Bar, 31 N Main St, Rockford, MI, 49341
November 6, 2025 | 12:00 – 5:00PM | Rockford Corner Bar
Registration now open!
Strong places create strong economies. Discover innovative placemaking strategies at the Place Matters Summit with keynote speaker Eric S. Trevan, Ph.D.

Regional Business Outlook Brought to you by NLEA
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Great Lakes Center for the Arts, 800 Bay Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, Michigan, 49770

WORKSHOP DROP!
2025-11-06 08:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00 | Blue Water Convention Center, Port Huron, michigan
The MichiganFun Convention is bringing the heat—and the hacks—to help you level up your events like never before.
From storm prep to crowd control, trash talk to insurance tips, this year’s workshops are packed with real-world solutions, wild stories, and insider secrets from the pros who’ve seen it all.
November 6–9, 2025 Blue Water Convention Center – Port Huron, MI
Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just getting started, these sessions will spark ideas, solve headaches, and leave you fired up for your next big event.
This isn’t just a convention—it’s a masterclass in Michigan magic.

The 2025 MichiganFun! Convention
2025-11-06 08:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00

BioMixer Kalamazoo
2025-11-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, michigan, 49007
Hosted by MichBio and Avantor, BioMixer is the perfect chance to meet and mingle with Life Sciences professionals, academics, and students from across the industry. Whether you’re looking to explore new ideas, strengthen your network, or just enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals, there’s a place for you here.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

BioMixer Kalamazoo
2025-11-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, 355 E Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI, United States
BioArbor brings together life sciences professionals in the greater Ann Arbor area for engaging educational and networking events. Each session features industry experts, offering insights and fostering meaningful connections to help advance innovation and growth in our local life sciences community.

Aerospace and Defense Industries Global Outlook: Eurosatory 2026
2025-11-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Project DIAMOnD Digital Transformation Center, 2900 Auburn Ct., Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
In step with Eurosatory’s global defense focus, this session delivers a clear outlook on aerospace and defense—what’s changing now and what’s next—plus practical guidance on ITAR/EAR to keep international operations compliant. Attendees will hear real company case studies on entering and growing in overseas markets and learn how Michigan’s STEP program can support export success. Built for A&D executives, compliance leads, and manufacturers ready to compete globally.

CAR: The Promise for AI in Automotive Companies
2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:00 | online
Join us on November 5th for The Promise for AI in Automotive Companies – MBS Recap, featuring Bill Newman, Andrea Haupfear, and Rich Wilkins of SAP America, Hernan De la Torre of KPMG, and Elle Whittaker of CAR
In this follow-up to their popular MBS session, our experts will explore the real-world promise and practical realities of AI in the automotive industry — from the rise of Agentic AI to building trust, governance, and strategy for a smarter, more connected future.
Don’t miss this chance to gain insights that can help your business navigate the next phase of AI-driven transformation.

Regional Business Outlook
2025-11-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Great Lakes Center for the Arts, 800 Bay Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, Michigan, 49770
Join the NLEA and Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Regional Business Outlook on November 6th. Hear results from NLEA’s Fall Economic Pulse Survey with business and local government leaders to understand the latest in our region’s business climate, labor force trends, and development news. The event features a panel discussion with business leaders representing different industries to share their economic outlook for 2026. Stick around for hors d’oeuvres and networking!

Talent Learning Lab: Workplace Success - Creating a Culture that Retains Top Talent
2025-11-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, 120 N Washington Square #410, Lansing, MI, 48933
November 4, 2025 | 3:00 – 5:00PM | Warner Norcross + Judd
Attracting talent is only half the challenge—keeping them is what defines success. Learn strategies to build a culture where employees feel valued and want to stay.

Connecting Women
2025-11-04 15:00 - 17:00 | BJ’s Catering and Event Center, 990 N Center Ave, Gaylord, MI, United States

AIAM Supplier Development Workshop
2025-11-04 08:00 - 16:30 | Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 5500 44th St, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512
AIAM is excited to bring back the first segment of our Aerospace Supplier Development Workshop. This one-day training is designed for businesses looking to expand into the aerospace industry or grow their existing aerospace portfolio.
Developed and presented by industry executives, this workshop is built on real world experiences – both successes and lessons learned through failure. Join us to hear how aerospace businesses, large and small, have applied these insights to fuel their growth.
Attendees will get a detailed understanding of the aerospace ecosystem and leave knowing what it takes to compete and grow in the aerospace industry. Topics include:

How aerospace (commercial and defense) products get purchased
Understanding program lifecycles and the development schedule
Opportunity identification – why and when customers look for new suppliers
How suppliers and products are selected
Identifying key decision makers and buying influences

Aerospace Supplier Development Workshop
2025-11-04 08:00 - 16:00 | Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 5500 44th St, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512
AIAM is excited to announce the next Aerospace Supplier Development Workshop , scheduled for November. This one-day training is designed for businesses looking to expand into the aerospace industry or grow their existing aerospace portfolio.
Developed from the real-world experience of industry executives, attendees will get a detailed understanding of the aerospace ecosystem and leave knowing what it takes to compete and grow in the aerospace industry.
Topics Include:
• How aerospace products (commercial and defense) get purchased.
• Understanding program lifecycles and the development schedule
• Opportunity identification – why and when customers look for new suppliers
• How suppliers and products are selected
• Identifying key decision makers and buying influences
• And more!

Meet Senator Aric Nesbitt (R)
2025-11-03 16:00 - 18:00
Throughout his career, Senator Nesbitt has focused on legislative efforts that ensure a level playing field for the business community and fostering entrepreneurship in Michigan. His work has also included initiatives aimed at creating a climate for growth across the state.
Join SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley, MBBA President & CEO Charity Dean, and Senator Nesbitt for an exclusive conversation about his vision for the future of Michigan and the role small business will play in shaping it. This event is a part of our Road to 2026 series.

Place Branding – Launching Strategic EDO Narratives
2025-10-30 13:00 - 14:00 | online
Place Branding creates a compelling and attractive image of your region, helping it become a preferred choice for companies seeking expansion destinations. Ryan Frankel, President ROI Research on Investment and Mariana Bella, Marketing Director of ROI Digital Labs will walk you through the importance of place branding and provide a framework to help you articulate what makes your region unique.
Your regional narrative must not only resonate with your target audience, but also captivate. Place Branding is highly strategic in that it can lead to economic transformation, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and prosperity. Its value also extends to fostering a sense of pride and belonging among your local communities. This sense of unity and purpose is invaluable, creating a supportive ecosystem where businesses, local governments, and community organizations collaborate towards common goals.
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!

Small Business Expo – Halloween Edition
2025-10-26 13:00 - 17:00 | MRCC Banquet & Convention Center, 23401 Mound Rd, Warren, Michigan, 48091
Date/Time: Sun, October 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Location: MRCC Banquet & Convention Center, Fitzgerald (Detroit metro)

Focus: An expo tailored for small businesses — networking, vendor opportunities, business growth.

Why it’s good: Great for exposure, new partnerships, product/service showcases.

Development Spotlight: East Jordan!
2025-10-24 09:30 - 2025-11-24 15:00 | The Boathouse, 204 Water St, East Jordan, MI, 49727, United States
Join us for this half-day event designed to bring together developers, community leaders, and industry experts who are shaping the future of northern Michigan.
Development Spotlight will showcase upcoming housing, mixed-use, and industrial developments and investment opportunities in and around East Jordan.
Real estate developers, construction firms, and related industry professionals will gain local insights, meet key local partners, visit development sites, and experience all this northern Michigan lakefront community has to offer.

Thank you to our committed sponsors: Networks Northwest, the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, and Consumers Energy.

NLEA: Development Spotlight: East Jordan!
2025-10-24 09:30 - 15:30 | The Boathouse, 204 Water St, East Jordan, MI, 49727, United States
Development Spotlight will showcase upcoming housing, mixed-use, and industrial developments and investment opportunities in and around East Jordan.
Real estate developers, construction firms, and related industry professionals will gain local insights, meet key local partners, visit development sites, and experience all this northern Michigan lakefront community has to offer.
Thank you to our committed sponsors: Networks Northwest, the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, and Consumers Energy.

MTU Fall 2025 College of Business Career Fair
2025-10-23 11:00 - 15:30 | Memorial Union Building, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Are you ready to explore exciting opportunities, connect with industry leaders, and shape the future of your career journey? This fair is the perfect opportunity to do so! Join us in October to network with top employers who are eager to recruit talent like you.

📅 Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
🕒 Time: 11:00am-3:30pm ET
💻 Location: Memorial Union Building

Tips to help you get prepared!

Research the list of participating employers through Handshake
Get your résumé reviewed by making an appointment with our office in Handshake
Prepare your “elevator pitch”, there will be career fair prep workshops before career fair!
Make sure you are dressed to impress and bring plenty of copies of your résumé!

Don’t forget to ask for business cards at the job fair so you can follow up with thank-you notes and questions

Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Induction
2025-10-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, 48236, United States

Tax Insights on the OBBBA
2025-10-22 10:00 - 11:00
What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for Michigan Businesses

The Michigan Chamber is partnering with Maner Costerisan to help MI Chamber members understand the practical implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

Join tax experts for a 60-minute webinar Tuesday, Oct 22 from 10-11 a.m. focused on what Michigan businesses need to know — and how to prepare for what’s ahead.

Michigan Job Fair: Wayne County and Prime Healthcare
2025-10-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Radisson Hotel, 26555 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI, United States

State of the Community: Gaylord Chamber
2025-10-22 07:00 - 07:30 | E-Free Church, 1649 M-32, Gaylord, michigan, 49735

Great Lakes Conference
2025-10-22 00:00 - 2025-10-24 00:00 | Cadillac Book Westin Hotel, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Conferences aren’t just about learning—they’re about connecting. At Great Lakes Rising 2025, you’ll meet peers, partners, and industry leaders from across the entire Great Lakes region.

With attendees representing eight states and two provinces, this is the most diverse and powerful network you’ll encounter this year. From formal sessions to casual conversations over coffee, every moment offers the chance to build relationships that can accelerate your work back home.

Networking highlights include:

A Welcome Reception to kick off connections on opening night.
Structured sessions designed for interaction, not just presentations.
Informal opportunities in Detroit’s vibrant downtown.

Your next collaboration, partnership, or big idea could start with a handshake at Great Lakes Rising. Don’t miss the chance to meet the people who are shaping the future of our region.

Workshop Wednesday: AI & Automation
2025-10-21 11:00 - 13:00 | online
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Ann Arbor SPARK

Location: Virtual (hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK) Ann Arbor SPARK

Focus: Business technology, automation trends — useful for businesses looking to adopt or scale tech.

Why it’s good: Low cost, remote access, timely topic for digital transformation.

Cutting Edge / Drug Discovery & Development Symposium
2025-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Be part of Michigan’s premier gathering for drug discovery and development! This one-day symposium brings together academia, industry, and research organizations to exchange ideas, explore new science, and spark collaborations that move innovation forward.
What to Expect:

Inspiring Keynotes & Panels – Hear from leaders addressing today’s toughest challenges in drug discovery.
Posters & Presentations – Dive into groundbreaking research from Michigan’s brightest minds.
Exhibit Hall – Connect with organizations showcasing cutting-edge tools and technologies.
Networking Opportunities – Build relationships that open doors to future partnerships.

Who Should Attend:
Faculty • Students • Researchers • CROs • Entrepreneurs • Industry Pros

BioMixer Traverse City
2025-10-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Bonobo Winery, 12011 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI, United States
Hosted by MichBio and Avantor, BioMixer is the perfect chance to meet and mingle with Life Sciences professionals, academics, and students from across the industry. Whether you’re looking to explore new ideas, strengthen your network, or just enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals, there’s a place for you here.
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Bonobo Winery | 12011 Center Rd, Traverse City
