How to
HOst a tech
week event

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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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.

• 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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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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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.

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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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.

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.

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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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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• 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.

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.

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.

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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• 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.

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