How to
HOst a tech
week event

Tech Week Grand Rapids is built by our event hosts. Your organization can showcase your tech expertise by hosting a Tech Week event. The steps to get started are listed below, and we'd love to meet with you to talk about your event ideas.

Applications to participate in Tech Week Grand Rapids will open May 1, 2026.
Get Started with Hosting an Event

01. Plan & Finalize Your Event

Before you hit “apply,” get your event details locked in. Tech Week events are all about education and connection, and you have full creative control.

Things to consider when planning

  • Event Format – Panel? Workshop? Live demo? Pitch competition? You decide!
  • Topic – What groundbreaking, thought-provoking, or just plain cool thing do you want to share?
  • Venue – Where’s the action happening? It could be at your organization, a partner company, or another great space in Grand Rapids. Don't have a space yet? We may be able to connect you with venues willing to donate space for Tech Week events. Email techweek@rightplace.org to learn more.
  • Audience – Who do you want in the room? Knowing your audience helps you craft content, market effectively, and pick the best date/time.
  • Messaging – Keep it engaging and educational (must be non-partisan, and no sales pitches, please!).

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Need inspiration?

Here are some event ideas that work well:
  • Hands-On Tech Demos & Exhibits – Get interactive and show off the latest innovations.
  • Keynotes, Panels & Q&As – Gather the experts and talk about the big ideas shaping tech.
  • “How-To” Workshops – Teach something useful (think AI, coding, reskilling, etc.).
    ‍Past workshop examples:  
    • How to Use AI in Marketing
    • How to Integrate Machine Learning into Software Applications
    • How to Reskill/Upskill Tech Talent
  • Pitch Competitions – Offer a platform for entrepreneurs and startups to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and potential investors.

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If you're looking for topic inspiration, here are the themes our advisory board has identified as most relevant this year:
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  • Rapid Pace of Technological Change – Change management and adaptability
  • Agentic AI – Offer a platform for entrepreneurs and startups to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and potential investors.– Real-world AI implementation for organizations of all sizes; embedding AI into core business practices
  • AI Champions – How to build internal leadership to drive adoption
  • Workforce Transformation and Talent Development – Reskilling and upskilling workers; expanding access so non-technical people can build with AI
  • Accessibility, Inclusion & Societal Impact – Engaging students in tech early; making AI tools accessible to organizations of all sizes
  • How AI is Reshaping Business Models – Cost structures and value creation
  • AI's Long-Term Opportunities for Markets, Industries, and Growth
  • Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Environment
  • Leveraging Data for Better Decision-Making

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Not sure where to start? Download our What to Expect When You Apply guide for a full list of what you'll need to start the application process. Or reach out to our team, we'd love to talk through your event idea.
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Looking for a collaborator? the partnership committee can help.


Tech Week Grand Rapids runs on community, and the best events often happen when the right organizations find each other. That's exactly what the Tech Week Partnership Committee is here for. No matter where you are in the process, if you have a need, bring it to us: 
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Need a venue?
We'll connect you with spaces that might be the right fit for your event.

Have space to offer?
We'll match you with hosts or speakers who are looking for a home.

Have expertise to share but not sure where to start?
We'll help you find your place in Tech Week GR.

An idea, a resource, a gap. Whatever you've got, we want to hear from you. Reach out to the Partnership Committee.

02. Time to Apply

First, contact the Tech Week planning team by emailing techweek@rightplace.org. Tell us more about your event idea and we'll follow up with more details on what to expect as an event host. Then we'll send you an application link.

Applications open on May 1, and we accept submissions on a rolling basis until August 1.

Please note that spots on the Tech Week calendar will not be reserved, and some events will overlap. Determining your key audience will help ensure that your event can succeed even if it takes place at the same time as another.  

03. Hype It Up

A great event is only great if people show up! And successful events require effective marketing. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You are in charge of marketing your event – Event hosts are responsible for attracting attendees and ensuring the event's success. While Tech Week Grand Rapids provides support through our website and general promotion efforts, hosts must manage registration, communication, and all associated costs.
  • Get your team involved – Word-of-mouth is your best friend.
  • If you need sponsors – We’ll showcase your sponsorship package on the Tech Week Sponsor page. Just send it our way!
  • Watch our Marketing Best Practices video – Get tips straight from the Tech Week team on how to promote your event effectively.

04. Be Part of the Tech Week Community!

Tech Week is all about collaboration, connection, and creativity. As a host, you’ll:

  • Get your event featured on the website
  • Receive branding materials and promotional support
  • Join a group of amazing people dedicated to making our region the place to be for tech and innovation
Host FAQs
Who can host an event during Tech Week Grand Rapids?

Any organization is welcome to host a Tech Week event. Whether you're a tech company or not, as long as your event relates to the Greater Grand Rapids region's tech ecosystem, growth, or innovation, you're eligible. All events undergo an application process before being listed on the Tech Week Grand Rapids website.

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What type of content are we looking for in 2026?

For 2026, we're especially excited about workshops and hands-on demos, but all strong eventideas are welcome. Our advisory board has identified these themes as priorities this year:

  • Rapid Pace of Technological Change: Change management and adaptability
  • Agentic AI
  • AI Transformation and Practical Adoption: Real-world implementation fororganizations of all sizes; embedding AI into core business practices
  • AI Champions: Building internal leadership to drive adoption
  • Workforce Transformation and Talent Development: Reskilling, upskilling, andexpanding access for non-technical builders
  • Accessibility, Inclusion & Societal Impact: Engaging students in tech; making AIaccessible to all sizes of organizations
  • How AI is reshaping business models, cost structures, and value creation
  • AI's long-term opportunities for markets, industries, and growth
  • Cybersecurity in an AI-driven environment
  • Leveraging data for better decision-making

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Have a topic that fits? Reach out to our team, we'd love to hear your idea.

I've got an idea for an event. How do I apply to host an event during Tech Week Grand Rapids?
  • Step 1: Contact the Tech Week planning team by emailing techweek@rightplace.org.
  • Step 2: Let us know your idea and event logistics.
  • Step 3: We'll send you more info and an application link and you can hit submit when your event info is finalized.

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Looking for a collaboration?

Tech Week Grand Rapids runs on community, and the best events often happen when the right organizations find each other. Whether you need a venue, have space to offer, want to connect with a speaker, or just have an idea and aren't sure where to start, the Tech Week Partnership Committee is here for it. Bring us what you've got and we'll put in the work to help you find the right fit.

Reach out to hamiltonb@rightplace.org to get the conversation started.

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Does my event need to be free to attend?

Yes, we strongly encourage all Tech Week events to be free! The goal is to make Tech Week as accessible as possible to the entire community. The only ticketed event is the official Tech Week Kickoff Event. If you believe your event requires paid tickets, please discuss it with the Tech Week team first.

What are the benefits of hosting an event during Tech Week Grand Rapids?

Hosting an event during Tech Week Grand Rapids offers numerous advantages, including increased visibility, networking opportunities, access to a targeted audience, and contributing to the growth of the tech ecosystem in the Greater Grand Rapids region.

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Are there any costs associated with hosting an event?

Each host covers their own event costs, so you control your budget, allowing flexibility according to your needs. If you’re looking for sponsors, we can help by featuring your sponsorship package on the Sponsor page of our website.

Why do you allow overlapping events?

Just like a traditional conference, Tech Week GR thrives on variety, and that means overlapping events! Here’s why:

  1. More events = More growth – If we limited time slots, we’d have far fewer events, fewer attendees, and a much smaller Tech Week GR community.
  2. We help hosts navigate the schedule – Every event host meets with us first, so we can advise on other events already scheduled that week.
  3. Sharing is caring – We do our best to encourage hosts to adjust their timing so that they’re not directly competing with events that have similar topics and audiences, helping everyone get the best attendance possible.

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At the end of the day, more events mean more people engaged, and that’s what makes Tech Week special.

What kind of support do I get as a host?

Once you’re in, we’ve got your back with:

  • A listing on the Tech Week website
  • Inclusion in Tech Week promo
  • A branding kit to help you advertise your event

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Can I host a virtual event during Tech Week Grand Rapids?

While virtual events are prevalent in tech and innovation, we require in-person events for Tech Week Grand Rapids to facilitate connections and highlight the unique atmosphere of the Greater Grand Rapids region. That said, you can offer a virtual option alongside your live event if you want.

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How can I promote my event during Tech Week Grand Rapids?
  • Social media + email marketing = a winning combo.
  • Use #TechWeekGR and tag our social media channels so we can amplify your event.
  • Word-of-mouth is key – encourage your team members to help promote. Personal outreach always works best!
  • Partner with other organizations and events to cross-promote.
When is the event application deadline?

All event applications must be submitted by midnight on August 1, 2026. This ensures that we have enough time to help promote your event before Tech Week Grand Rapids occurs on September 14-19, 2026.

What types of events are not permitted?

Great question! Tech Week Grand Rapids does not permit events that are:

  • Political in nature or promote a specific candidate, party, or agenda
  • Religious in nature or centered around spiritual teachings or practices
  • Drug-related or promote the use of illegal substances
  • Primarily sales pitches or product demos without broader educational or community value
  • Hosted outside of the Greater Grand Rapids region. Eligible events must take place in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Barry, Montcalm, Newaygo, or Mecosta County
  • Not aligned with the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and community learning that Tech Week promotes

If you're unsure whether your idea fits, we encourage you to reach out to our team before submitting your application.

Why must events be non-partisan?

Tech Week Grand Rapids is all about innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing – all events must be non-partisan. This ensures that our programming remains centered on tech, creativity, and growth without political bias, letting all voices come together in celebration of progress in our region.

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What happens after I submit my event application?
  • The Tech Week Advisory Board & Event Approval Committee reviews applications weekly.
  • All applicants will receive notice of their application status by the end of the following week.*
  • If approved, a Tech Week team member will connect with you to request any additional information we may need to list your event on the Tech Week website.
  • We will also provide a Tech Week branding kit to support your event promotion.

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*Applications submitted by Thursday at 11:59 PM will be reviewed the following week, with notification of your application status sent by the end of the subsequent week.

What should I do if I have additional questions or need assistance?

For any further inquiries about hosting an event, please contact the Tech Week planning team at techweek@rightplace.org.

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