By WKTV Staff
Following the success of its first two years, community partners in Grand Rapids are excited to announce the return of Tech Week Grand Rapids Sept. 16-21, 2024.
This community-wide event is designed to showcase the region’s vibrant tech community and will host over 13,000 attendees.
“Tech Week GR has grown exponentially since its inception,” said Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Right Place, and lead organizer of Tech Week GR.
“This remarkable growth is due in part to Tech Week’s wide variety of events and content. It isn’t just for the techies of our community; there is truly something for everyone at Tech Week GR.”
What to expect
Tech Week GR will feature diverse events and programming, including panel discussions, hands-on tech exhibits, networking opportunities and more. Several large-scale events will participate, with more details to be announced soon.
The schedule is continuously expanding, and attendees can expect updates at www.techweekgr.com as additional events are confirmed.
One of the highlights of the week will be Stephen Dubner’s kick-off keynote address. Dubner is co-author of the bestselling book Freakonomics and host of the Freakonomics Radio podcast.
This open and collaborative “unconference” will feature events hosted by various organizations across the community. Applications are now being accepted for businesses and organizations interested in hosting a Tech Week event. For details on how to apply, please visit the Tech Week website.
“The tech industry in Greater Grand Rapids is thriving, and Tech Week GR’s remarkable growth is an example of this success,” said Mark Johnson, co-founder and partner of Michigan Software Labs and co-chair of Tech Week GR.
Event Schedule (as of 5/29/24):
Monday, Sept. 16: Tech Week Kick-Off featuring Stephen Dubner at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Tuesday, Sept. 17: Student Tech Showcase at Kent Career Technical Center
Tuesday, Sept. 17: Tech Talks Speaker Series at Twisthink
Tuesday, Sept. 17: Tech on the Deck at Michigan Software Labs
Wednesday, Sept. 18: AI Session at GRCC
Wednesday, Sept. 18: Start Garden’s Demo Day at Calder Plaza
Wednesday, Sept. 18: Tech Talks Speaker Series at GVSU
Thursday, Sept. 19: Tech Talks Speaker Series at LaFleur Marketing
Friday, Sept. 20 & Saturday, Sept. 21: Confluence Festival at Rosa Parks Circle
A leading tech hub
The Right Place is the proud organizer of Tech Week Grand Rapids, working in partnership with business and community leaders to make the event a leading destination for tech and innovation. The event is guided by an advisory board of over 35 community leaders, with Bank of America providing support as the Premier Sponsor.
“Tech talent development and retention are fundamental to our region’s goal of becoming a leading tech hub in the Midwest,” said Dr. Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University and co-chair of Tech Week GR.
“This year, Tech Week GR will offer countless opportunities to engage the next generation of the workforce with our region’s growing tech community.”
