Michigan Business Network

2025 Place Matters Summit
2025-11-06 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

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.

WEBINAR: From Intention to Impact: Making Strategic Goals Stick
2025-11-11 13:30 - 14:30 | 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

Ladies Cocktails & Networking
2025-11-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Shift Kitchen & Cocktails, 117 Willits St, Birmingham, MI, 48009
This event brings together women business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and conversation. Attendees can purchase cocktails, mocktails, and meaningful networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Shift opens an hour early just for us! This month will also feature a She Decides Collection jewelry pop-up hosted by Suzana Gojcaj, highlighting gold-filled pieces designed to celebrate strength, self-worth, and authenticity.

USDOT's Interim Final Rule for the DBE/ACDBE Programs
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | online
Join the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council for a timely, high-impact workshop with Michelle Kantor, as she unpacks the USDOT’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) for the DBE/ACDBE programs and the sweeping certification rule changes that took effect in 2024.

40 Under 40
2025-11-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Masonic Pathways, 1200 Wright Ave, Alma, MI, 48801, United States
We are thrilled to announce our 40 Under 40 event this year, separate from Coming Home! Join us on November 12th at Masonic Pathways in Alma, Michigan, as we honor our 3rd class of Emerging Leaders. The event will take place from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. The first half will be dedicated to networking, followed by a presentation from our guest speaker, Hiliary Doe, before we move on to the awards ceremony.
This event is held in Alma, but we will be recognizing all of the 40 under 40 recipients from across the Mid Michigan region.

Washtenaw Region Owner to Owner Event
2025-11-12 16:00 - 18:00 | 1919 S Industrial Hwy Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 1919 S Industrial Hwy Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Please join us at Venue by 4M in Ann Arbor for an SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event! We will have a brief update from the SBAM team and attendees will be able to build relationships with peers.
These O2O Regional Meetings are for small business owners only. They allow small business owners to build a sense of community in their region and gather together with other small business owners on a regular basis. You do not have to be a member of SBAM to attend.

Sip, Shop & Celebrate the Season
2025-11-12 17:30 - 19:30 | GW Home, 1201 Woodward Ave, detroit, MI, United States
Get in the holiday spirit with Power of 100 Women at the brand-new GW Home in downtown Detroit — a stunning, three-level space that celebrates local design, creativity, and community.
Join us for a festive evening of sipping, shopping, and connecting with fellow Power of 100 Women members. You’ll get an exclusive look at Gardner White’s new GW Home concept store, which brings Detroit’s creative energy to life through modern design, local makers, and sustainable style.

Shop locally-made gifts from independent artisans and entrepreneurs — perfect for holiday giving.

Enjoy drinks and appetizers while exploring the beautiful new GW Home space.

Connect with fellow Power of 100 Women members and guests in a relaxed, festive setting.

Bring a friend, mentor, or colleague — this is an evening to mix, mingle, and make merry. Limited seating, so reserve your free ticket TODAY!

MBN SPEAKERS SERIES: The Econ Forecast
2025-11-15 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 several speakers from the Michigan Business community as they give a recap of the 2025 business season and tell their own predictions for the 2026 business season.
Partners of MBN get in for free. As for anyone else, the cost is $55.

State of Education & Talent
2025-11-18 11:00 - 12:00 | online
You do not want to miss the release of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual State of Education and Talent report on Nov. 18. The report measures key indicators of the Detroit Region’s talent pipeline, highlighting the crucial trends and challenges shaping the future of the workforce.

Following the report’s release, top business and education leaders will discuss the findings and tackle the critical perception crisis facing higher education and its impact on regional competitiveness.

MMDC's Quarterly Breakfast
2025-11-19 08:00 - 09:00 | Doherty Hotel, 604 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617
Join MMDC’S Breakfast. They will share updates on the work they’re doing in Clare County, with the help of special guest, Achille Di Nello, the proud new owner of Cops & Doughnuts.

Michigan Society of Association Executives Webinar: The Board as a Strategic Partner
2025-11-19 13:30 - 14:30 | online
GOALS:

To enable leaders to ensure the Board focus is on a strategic governance partnership that drives the association’s mission.
To provide a step-by-step blueprint for transforming a board into an effective strategic asset.
To understand how to implement new processes and communication frameworks that build trust and foster shared leadership.

MSAE Webinar: Your Blueprint for Effective Board Governance
2025-11-19 13:30 - 14:30 | online
We know that effective governance is the engine that keeps an association moving forward. Yet many boards get bogged down in tactical details, leaving little time for the big-picture conversations that fuel growth and change. This session explores a practical framework to shift your board from oversight to partnership – helping leaders re-focus their energy, align around shared priorities, and turn tough conversations into opportunities for progress. You’ll walk away with an actionable blueprint to build the high-performing board your organization needs to succeed.

Allendale Business Celebration 2025
2025-11-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Pigeon Creek Event Center, 10195 120th Ave, West Olive, MI 49460
An awards & celebration event hosted by the Allendale Chamber of Commerce honoring local businesses (“Best of Allendale 2025”), includes food, drink, professional headshots, networking opportunities.

Choose Lansing Holiday Showcase
2025-12-02 11:00 - 13:30 | MI
Get ready to kick off the season in style at the annual Choose Lansing Holiday Showcase on December 2, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Lansing Center! This year’s theme, “Illuminate the Holidays!” promises a bright and memorable event showcasing hotels, new venues, and inspirational ideas. With the Lansing Center glowing under the inspired direction of the new Legends’ leadership, expect a spectacular showcase that truly shines. Mark your calendars for this much anticipated luncheon.

Economic Outlook for 2026
2025-12-04 07:30 - 10:00 | JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, mi, 49503
December 4, 2025 | 7:30 – 10:00AM | JW Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids
Registration now open!
Stay ahead of the curve with expert forecasts shaping the year to come.

The Right Place's Economic Outlook
2025-12-04 07:30 - 10:00 | JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, mi, 49503
Registration is now open for one of the most anticipated economic forecast events in our community.
The Right Place’s Economic Outlook will provide critical perspective for what may lie ahead for the Greater Grand Rapids region, the State of Michigan, and the nation, so you can prepare yourself and your business for success. Register now to save your seat.

National Black Men in Leadership Conference
2025-12-04 08:00 - 19:00 | Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Press Conference at Michigan League for Public Policy
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:00 | online
WHAT: A press conference on the impact of the loss of enhanced APTCs for Michigan residents hosted by the Michigan League for Public Policy.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Michigan League for Public Policy office
101 S. Washington Square, suite 820, Lansing, MI 48933
Media can register via Zoom if not local or available to attend in person.
WHO:

State Representative Emily Dievendorf
Amber Bellazaire, senior policy analyst, Michigan League for Public Policy
Grant Hendrickson, partner and corporate benefits consultant, Brogan
Additional speakers to be announced.

MSAE25
2025-12-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. Acme, MI 49610
Whether your organization is struggling to engage younger members, show value, manage change, or strategize for the future, Sarah Sladek’s MemberShift keynote at MSAE25 promises to pack a punch and inspire a turnaround. This is your opportunity to create meaningful change and place your organization on a renewed path for success!
Sarah is the Founder of XYZ University, thought leader and best-selling author. She’s been recognized as a Woman Who Advances Associations, a Global Leader of Strategy, and invited to meet with Senior Presidential Advisors at the White House.

Grand Rapids Chamber: Business Exchange Luncheon
2025-12-11 11:30 - 13:30 | MI
The Chamber’s most popular networking series brings together West Michigan professionals to foster connections that turn into leads. This event provides members and future members with the opportunity to learn about the services and products offered in their communities through both open and facilitated networking. Expo tables, conversation, and a buffet of food are available upon arrival, followed by three rounds of 20-minute facilitated networking. It’s the go-to event for growing your social capital and building meaningful business relationships.

Business Growth Workshop
2025-12-16 08:00 - 10:00 | MI
Business Growth Workshops give business owners key tools to succeed by covering important topics like finances, operations, marketing, and more.

MMDC's Business Brews Mixer
2025-12-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Sixth & Main Bar and Grill, 202 N Main St, Evart, MI, 49631, United States
Business Brews is a mixer series for entrepreneurs, business owners, resource providers hosted by Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC). Our December mixer will include learning more about local and statewide resources available. See below for event details!

ESD: Tour of Amazon Fulfillment Center in Pontiac
2026-01-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Amazon Fulfillment Center, 1220 Featherstone Rd Pontiac, MI 48342
Attendees will get a firsthand, behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon fulfills customer orders while learning about the innovative technology and processes that enable fast delivery. Discover the complete journey of an Amazon package, from the moment an order is placed until it leaves the building.

Bocce with the Board: An Exclusive ESD Networking Event
2026-01-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Palazzo di Bocce, 4291 S Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, MI, 48359
An exclusive evening of networking, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers and members of the ESD Board while enjoying a lively game of bocce ball. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

The Leader’s Playbook Webinar
2026-01-13 13:30 - 14:30 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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
