Traction First: Because ‘We Use AI’ is NOT a Business Model

Most founders think they have a sales problem. In reality, they have a traction problem. This time, we’re flipping the script.

Instead of a lecture, you’ll step into a live, choose-your-own-venture game where the audience decides how a startup is built in real time. Think gamified traction: fast decisions, real trade-offs, and maybe even some LOLs (snacks included).

Together, we’ll explore how traction is won—or lost—before a single line of code gets written. Every choice shapes the outcome. Will your company survive, thrive, or flame out in glory?

What You’ll Experience

• A choose-your-own-venture startup game guided by the Traction First methodology
• Learn how to test markets and validate ideas before you build
• Discover why traction—not product—is the ultimate early metric
• See how AI and automation can accelerate go-to-market experiments
• Plenty of laughs, audience voting, and a few surprises along the way

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Format

• 30 minutes: Networking & snacks 🍿🥤
• 60 minutes: Live game experience (hosted by Josh Barker & team)
• Audience-driven decisions, real-time feedback, and startup drama

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Who Should Attend

• Startup founders (pre-product or post-launch)
• Innovation leaders inside large organizations
• Product managers and marketers testing new ideas
• Anyone responsible for driving growth—or curious if their venture would survive the game

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📅 Date: September 17, 2025
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Location: City Innovations HQ – “The Tower”
38 Fulton St W, Suite 420, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(in the San Chez building, on the fourth floor)
🅿️ Parking: Street parking is available, with a parking garage across the street.

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