Sept. 10, 2026
Tech Week Grand Rapids will take place Sept. 14-19 with over 120 independently hosted events taking place around the city. Faculty and staff from GRCC’s Schools of Business and Industry, STEM and Workforce Training are excited to participate and highlight how the college’s programs are helping students learn practical skills and build community.
From the latest in advanced manufacturing and automation to future-proofing your career in an AI economy, GRCC’s Tech Week sessions have something for everyone.
Tech Week Events at GRCC
Automation Open House, Sept. 15
Get a special look inside GRCC’s new Automation Lab. Whether you're exploring career opportunities, looking to develop your workforce, or simply interested in emerging technologies, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience GRCC's commitment to preparing the next generation of automation professionals.
Attendees will tour the Automation Lab and see demonstrations of our equipment, including collaborative robots, or “cobots.” There will also be an opportunity to connect with faculty, instructors, employers and fellow attendees during a networking reception with light refreshments.
When and where:
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
2-3:30 p.m.
GRCC Leslie E. Tassell MTEC
622 Godfrey Ave. SW
Register: grcc.edu/AutomationOpenHouse
Claude in the Wild, Sept. 15
Forget hypothetical examples. The practitioners on this panel are using Claude right now, in actual West Michigan companies, to get actual work done. From automating workflows at a global consulting firm to rethinking marketing strategy at a custom software development firm, this panel pulls back the curtain on what AI adoption really looks like.
Panelists will share what's working, what surprised them and what every professional should know before getting started. Whether you're Claude-curious or already building with it, you'll leave with practical takeaways you can apply the next day.
When and where:
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
4-5:30 p.m.
GRCC Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center
151 Fountain St. NE
Register: grcc.edu/ClaudeWild
From Classroom to Career, Sept. 15
Join FutureTech Careers and West Michigan Works! to discuss how to build the next generation of tech talent. This moderated panel brings together local employers, higher education institutions and current or recent students to discuss the future of technology internships, work-based learning and early-career talent development.
The conversation will explore what employers look for in interns and emerging professionals, what students value in an employer and workplace experience, and how students can better prepare for and find meaningful opportunities. Panelists will also discuss how employers can build stronger relationships with tech centers and higher education and turn internships and other work-based learning experiences into long-term career pathways.
When and where:
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026
Noon-1 p.m.
West Michigan Works!
215 Straight Ave NW
Register: grcc.edu/ClassroomToCareer
FutureProof: Career Strategies for the AI Economy, Sept. 16
As artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce, many students and recent graduates are questioning their career prospects. Concerns about automation and the future of entry-level jobs are growing, but so are new opportunities.
FutureProof brings together employers, workforce development leaders, educators and emerging professionals to explore what the AI economy means for the next generation. The discussion will provide a reality check on AI’s impact on the labor market, the evolving value of degrees, and the technical and human skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace.
Panelists will share practical strategies for launching a career, including the importance of internships, micro-internships, certifications, personal projects, GitHub portfolios, and entrepreneurial thinking. Attendees will also learn about organizations creating work-based learning opportunities that help students gain real-world experience while building in-demand skills.
When and where:
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026
8-10 a.m.
GRCC Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center
ATC Auditorium, Room 168
Register: grcc.edu/FutureProof
Latino Tech Mixer, Sept. 17
See how technology meets community in this interactive Tech Week event hosted by FutureTech Careers and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Stop by for technology demonstrations, innovation showcases, networking and opportunities to connect with business leaders, entrepreneurs, students and professionals from across West Michigan.
Local businesses, organizations, educational institutions and innovators are invited to exhibit and showcase how they use technology to drive innovation, streamline operations and shape the future of their industries.
When and where:
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
5-7 p.m.
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
1111 Godfrey Ave. SW
Register: grcc.edu/TechMixer
About Tech Week Grand Rapids
Tech Week Grand Rapids is built by the community, for the community. Every panel, workshop, demo, and conversation is hosted by people and organizations across the Greater Grand Rapids region who have something worth sharing. This week-long celebration brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and community members to connect, learn and collaborate.