A Summer to Remember: West Michigan Intern Connect Wraps Up 2026

A Summer to Remember: West Michigan Intern Connect Wraps Up 2026

West Michigan is home to some of the best internship experiences in the country — and this summer, Intern Connect made sure the region's interns knew it. From a jam-packed kickoff event to laid-back summer socials and an ongoing podcast, Intern Connect gave hundreds of interns the chance to build real connections, both professional and personal, across Greater Grand Rapids.

For twelve years, Hello West Michigan has hosted Intern Connect, the state's largest conference for interns. This year’s event built on previous years’ success with refreshed programming, a new venue, and additional social events providing interns with more opportunities to get to know each other and explore everything Greater Grand Rapids has to offer. That refresh comes at a meaningful moment for young professionals. Employers have described the job market for the Class of 2026 as its toughest in years, and internship experience has become one of the clearest differentiators for new graduates. According to NACE's Spring 2026 update, graduates who completed internships or co-ops were hired at a rate of 81.6%, compared to 40.7% for those without any work experience. Programs like Intern Connect exist to make sure West Michigan's interns have access to the connections and the soft skills they will need to succeed.

Here's a look back at how the summer unfolded.

The Big Kickoff: Intern Connect at Amway Grand Plaza

On June 10th, more than 500 interns from companies across West Michigan filled the Amway Grand Plaza for a half-day of professional development and networking. It was a powerful reminder of just how many talented young professionals are spending their summer here in the region.

The day kicked off with a fireside chat featuring Dr. Bill Pink of Ferris State University and Scott Ayotte, JD, of Miller Knoll. The two shared candid insights on leadership, career growth, and what it takes to turn an internship into a launching pad for a lasting career.

From there, interns rolled up their sleeves for Networking 101, an interactive session led by Celeste Ross and Steve Zaagman. The session broke down the fundamentals of professional networking — how to start a conversation, follow up with purpose, and build a network that lasts well beyond the summer.

A huge thank-you goes to Gentex Corporation, the event's full conference sponsor. Gentex's Daniel Quintanilla, Director of Talent Programs-Acquisition and Development, took the stage to speak about what success as an intern really looks like.

Interns also picked up complimentary professional headshots courtesy of Fifth Wheel Freight and spent time exploring an exhibitor hall featuring both community and corporate partners. Corporate partners included Meijer, Amway, HR Collaborative, Rockford Construction, tesa tape, Plascore, and Consumers Credit Union. Each of these organizations brought robust intern programs of their own to the table, giving attendees a firsthand look at the breadth of opportunity across the region. Community partners included the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, and the Radical Hospitality Grand Rapids Ambassador Program. Each of these partners has offerings for young professionals that will help them connect and build roots in our region.

Keeping the Momentum Going: Summer Socials

After the main conference, Intern Connect kept the summer rolling with two social events designed to showcase the region and bring interns together in a more relaxed setting.

June 16th — Bocce Ball Social at Silva GR Interns gathered for appetizers and a few friendly rounds of bocce ball. It was an evening full of fun and genuine connection at a venue that is filled with fun and surprises.

July 15th — Summer Social at Millennium Park As a summer heat wave rolled through West Michigan, interns cooled off the best way possible: on the water. Kayaks, paddleboards, and plenty of beach time made this social a favorite, proving that some of the best networking happens outside the conference room.

Beyond the Events: The Intern Connect Podcast

Alongside the in-person events, the Intern Connect Podcast has provided West Michigan Interns with professional development tips and West Michigan highlights, with guest appearances from Misti Stanton, Kimberly Van Driel, and Shayna Velasquez, among others. The podcast will continue throughout the school year, giving young professionals access to professional development advice all year round.

Looking Ahead

From a packed house at the Amway Grand Plaza to bocce ball at Silva and paddleboards at Millennium Park, this summer's Intern Connect programming gave West Michigan interns something increasingly rare: a real community. Whether they're headed back to campus or staying on in Grand Rapids for good, this year's cohort leaves with new connections, new skills, and a much better sense of everything this region has to offer.

Here's to another great summer of Intern Connect — and to the interns who make it worth doing.