July 8, 2026
Confluence Thought Series to showcase the people, platforms, technologies, and ideas that are shaping our future
The use of AI, moon exploration, data center strategy, and sustainability are among the topics planned for Confluence’s fifth annual Thought Series.
Born from Innovation will present conversations with the region’s most influential leaders in tech, business, science, and more. Dates are Sept 17 and 18 at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design.
Confluence, founded in 2021, is a multi-dimensional ideas festival that connects the worlds of art, music, science and technology through programs and shared experiences. The team produces a range of programming throughout the year.
The event draws thousands of visitors to downtown Grand Rapids for a voyage of discovery across art, music, science and technology. The diverse range of programming includes esports, robotics, makers and more. The festival kicks off with an AI-powered opening night party featuring art, music, tech, fashion and culinary experiences. Confluence is also the capstone experience for Tech Week GR.
The event’s Thought Series presents in-depth conversations with CEOs, technologists, philanthropists and visionaries from across the country.
The series brings 24 world-class visionaries to the stage to explore critical frontiers.
From West Michigan’s pivotal role in the Artemis moon missions to advanced tech revolutionizing healthcare to the heated battle over data center development, Confluence is diving deep into the ideas reshaping our world.
Beyond the stage, Confluence offers unparalleled access to visionary teams in their own environments. Each half-day of sessions culminate in a curated field trip that allows attendees to go behind-the-scenes in the spaces where transformative ideas come to life. Tickets and complete details are available at confluencefest.com.
Thursday, Sept 17 8:30 a.m. “Future Ready: How Advanced Tech is Changing Higher Ed”
West Michigan’s higher education institutions are reinventing themselves to harness the power of advanced technologies. Greg Gogolin of Ferris State University, Samah Mansour of Grand Valley State University, and Jonnathan Resendez of Grand Rapids Community College will be in conversation with Joe Chrysler of the Atomic Object.
Sept. 17, 9:15 a.m. “Smart Medicine: Advancing Healthcare with AI”
The convergence of artificial intelligence with biomedical research and clinical practice is transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance and driving the next era of digital. Speakers are Eric Swindell from Van Andel Institute, Kristin Jacob from Corewell Health, and Kevin Maupin, from Grand Valley State University in conversation with Rob Campbell of Instrumentum.
Sept. 17, 10:15 a.m. “Next Stop – The Moon: Getting Artemis Off the Ground”
West Michigan’s aerospace industry is fueling space missions and more – spurring innovation, investment and jobs. Mark Ignash of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Sara McMurray of DornerWorks, and Stacy Paul of Array of Engineers are in conversation with Aaron Johnson of AIAM.
Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m. “Field Trip: Array of Engineers”
Catered networking lunch and tour of AoE's new headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids.
Friday, Sept. 18, 8:30 a.m. “Sustainability at Scale: Designing Systems that Work”
Sustainable design is transforming how products are built, packaged and distributed — proving good business can be good for the planet. Erik Petrovskis of Meijer and Gabe Wing of MillerKnoll are in conversation with Gayle DeBruyn of Ferris State University.
Sept. 18, 9:15 a.m. “Reclaiming the Grand River: Mapping the Frontiers of Restoration Science”
How human intervention can return ecosystems to a healthy state. Matt Chapman of GR WhiteWater, Tim Dekker of LimnoTech, and Eric Kehoe of Progressive Companies are in conversation with Kim Crawford of Atomic Object.
Sept. 18, 10:15 a.m. “Does It Compute? West Michigan's Data Center Strategy”
Leaders in economic growth and environmental activism weigh in on data center development – and the fierce debate they inspire. Mike Alaimo of the Michigan Chamber,
Steve Skripnik of LimnoTech, and Janet Zahn of the GR Climate Coalition are in conversation with Christine Simon of the Grand Rapids Chamber.
Sept. 18, 11:30 a.m. “Field Trip: Grand Rapids Chamber”
Catered networking lunch and inside look at the Chamber's efforts to address the region's housing shortage.
Ferris State is among the event’s sponsors. Others are Atomic Object, MillerKnoll, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, Grand Valley State University, Meijer, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids Chamber, Madcap Coffee, and Trellis.