How to
HOst a tech
week event
Applications to participate in Tech Week Grand Rapids 2024 are now closed. We encourage you to keep us in mind for next year. Tech Week Grand Rapids will return September 15-20, 2025.
Hands-on Tech Demos and Exhibits
Keynote/Panel/Q&A Discussions
How-to Workshops
Dive deep into specific topics with practical workshops. A few examples of past workshops include:
- How To Use AI in Marketing
- How To Integrate Machine Learning into Software Applications
- How To Reskill/Upskill Tech Talent
Pitch Competitions
Any organization is welcome to host a Tech Week event. Whether you're a tech company or not, as long as your event relates to Grand Rapids' tech ecosystem, growth, or innovation, you're eligible. Events must also remain non-partisan and not focus on political topics. All events undergo an application process before being listed on the Tech Week Grand Rapids website.
To start the application process, schedule a meeting with our lead organizer, Andria Romkema, via email at romkemaa@rightplace.org. During this meeting, she will go over the details of how to host an event and talk over your event idea. Afterward, you’ll receive a link to an application form to fill out once your event information is finalized.
Hosting an event during Tech Week Grand Rapids offers numerous advantages, including increased visibility, networking opportunities, access to a targeted audience and contributing to the growth of the tech ecosystem in the Greater Grand Rapids region.
Each event host is responsible for their event’s cost, allowing flexibility in budgeting according to your needs. If you’re seeking sponsorships, you can showcase your sponsorship packet on our Sponsor page for additional support.
Once your event is approved, we’ll feature it on our Tech Week website and include it in various Tech Week communications to help promote it. Additionally, you will receive a Tech Week branding kit for your use.
While virtual events are prevalent in tech and innovation, we require in-person events for Tech Week Grand Rapids to facilitate connections and highlight the unique atmosphere of the Greater Grand Rapids region. Events may have a virtual option in addition to being in-person.
A few ways to promote your event is to utilize social media and email marketing, incorporating the hashtag #TechWeekGR and collaborating with other event hosts to maximize your visibility and engagement. Word-of-mouth and encouraging your teams to reach out to their personal networks is the best way to promote your event.
Applications are reviewed weekly by an approval committee. Once reviewed, you’ll be notified of your application status by the end of the following week. If approved, a member of the Tech Week team will reach out to you for any additional information we may need to list your event on the Tech Week website, and provide the Tech Week branding kit to support your event promotion.
For any further inquiries about hosting an event, please contact our lead organizer, Andria Romkema, at romkemaa@rightplace.org.
All event applications must be submitted by midnight on August 16, 2024. This ensures that we have enough time to help promote your event before Tech Week Grand Rapids occurs on September 16-21, 2024.
