Applications Are Now Open to Host an Event at Tech Week Grand Rapids 2026

Tech Week Grand Rapids returns September 14–19, 2026, and we're looking for organizations, companies, and community leaders ready to shape what this week becomes.

Tech Week Grand Rapids is built by the community, for the community. Every panel, workshop, demo, and conversation that fills this week comes from people and organizations across the Greater Grand Rapids region who have something worth sharing.

Event applications for Tech Week Grand Rapids 2026 are now open. If your organization is doing interesting work at the intersection of technology, business, and community, or if you have insight, expertise, or a perspective worth sharing, we want to hear from you.

What Is Tech Week Grand Rapids?

Tech Week GR is a week-long celebration of technology and innovation. Every September, 120+ events — including panels, workshops, demos, competitions, and more — take place at venues and organizations throughout the region, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and community members to connect, learn, and collaborate.

Events throughout the week vary in topic and audience, and most are free to be as accessible as possible. It's not a single conference with a fixed agenda, it's a distributed, community-driven experience, and every event in the lineup is hosted by someone like you.

What We're Looking For in 2026

This year, the Tech Week GR advisory board has identified a set of themes they're especially excited to see explored:

AI‍

• Agentic AI | Autonomous systems and what they mean for how we work
• AI Transformation and Adoption | Real-world implementation for organizations of all sizes
• Building AI Champions | Developing internal leaders who drive adoption from within
• Managing Rapid Change | Adaptability and change management in a fast-moving landscape

Business and Workforce‍

• Impact on Business Models | How AI reshapes cost structures, value creation, and growth
• Long-Term Market Opportunity | AI's potential across industries, markets, and economic growth
• Workforce Transformation | Reskilling, upskilling, and expanding access to opportunity
• Accessibility and Inclusion | Engaging students and making AI accessible to all communities

Technical Foundations

• Cybersecurity | New threats, new defenses, and staying ahead of risk in an AI-driven environment
• Data-Driven Decision Making | Leveraging data as a strategic asset for better outcomes

We're especially excited about workshops and hands-on demos this year, formats that give attendees something to do, not just something to watch. That said, all strong event ideas are welcome. If you have a topic that fits the spirit of Tech Week and the needs of our community, we want to hear your idea.

A Few Things to Know Before You Apply

To be accepted as an official Tech Week event and listed on the website, events must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be educational, collaborative, and aligned with the spirit of tech and innovation in our region
2. Must take place in person in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, or Ottawa County
3. Must be free or low-cost to attend to be as inclusive and accessible as possible

To view additional ground rules, click here. You can also visit our Planning Resources page that walks you through everything you need to go from idea to application.

How to Apply

We do this a little differently than a standard form submission. We want to talk to you first!

1. Email us at techweek@rightplace.org with a brief overview of your event idea.
2. We'll connect to learn more about your vision, answer questions, and make sure you're set up for success.
3. We'll send you the application link to make it official.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through August 1, 2026. The earlier you reach out, the more time you'll have to plan, promote, and fill your room.

Let's Build Something Together

Tech Week Grand Rapids is what it is because people across this region show up, open their doors, and share what they know. Every year, the lineup gets stronger because of the community that builds it. We’re excited to connect with you!