EVENTS
Thought Serie
s
April 15 & 16, 2025
Each spring, the Confluence Thought Series assembles dozens of national and local leaders from diverse fields to participate in two days of talks, panels and conversations on the transformative power of technology and innovation. Themes vary year to year, but the series is always focused on how West Michigan is moving the region forward in tech and social innovation.
For 2025, We Make Things: Building Better Teams, Businesses and Communities will showcase over two dozen influential leaders in tech, business, design and workforce development for two days of conversation, networking and takeaways.
Field trip experiences, hosted by some of Grand Rapids' most innovative companies, will take you behind the scenes in the offices where their ideas come to life.
Friday@
Fri, Sept 19, 2025
Friday@Confluence kicks off this year’s festival with an interactive journey through our region’s tech ecosystem. The party features AI-powered art activations with hands-on experiences, a gallery-style fashion presentation, culinary creations and more. Live musical performances and DJ sets featuring artists who utilize AI will offer aural and visual journeys throughout the night. Take-home opportunities will be available via a pop-up art market where attendees can purchase original artwork and wares from local makers.
Esports Expo
Saturday, Sept 20, 2025
Innovation doesn’t just happen on the coasts. It’s happening right here and West Michigan is home to a growing number of tech start-ups, entrepreneurs and industries that are laser-focused on strategic innovation. This year’s Innovation Showcase spotlights to the work of companies and organizations that are bringing the latest tech innovation to gaming and esports. Furnishings, game spaces, peripherals, and more will be on display as a Super Smash Bros tournament, magnified on a giant outdoor LED wall, brings everything to life.
Robotics Expo
Saturday, Sept 20, 2025
The Robotics Expo & Parade features top middle and high school teams from across the region who show off their creations and demonstrate their work across the fields of engineering, coding and computer science. Between FTC and FRC exhibitions, all teams will participate in a robot street parade that circulates throughout the festival.
Future Innovators Zone
Saturday, Sept 20, 2025
Confluence is for everyone. The Future Innovators Zone (FIZ) is an amazing, thought bending area designed for kids of all ages. Budding young innovators can explore hands-on exhibits and activities focused on science, technology and art. As with the rest of the festival, FIZ delivers meaningful learning experiences for the next generation of curious thinkers.
Maker Expo
Saturday, Sept 20, 2025
The Maker Expo is a diverse showcase of enthusiasts, crafters, hobbyists, engineers, artists, and organizations who create amazing things in celebration of the DIY spirit. Equal parts science fair and tech meet-up, these makers will come together to share their work and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering and art.