269 Netwrk

Rising Tides Kzoo
2025-10-02 08:45 - 22:15, 2025-09-25 08:45 - 22:15, 2025-09-18 08:45 - 22:15 (America/Halifax) | 24208 Front Street Suite A, 24208 Front Street Suite A, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
The goal of our meetings is to build lasting friendships, see how we can help each other, and refer business to one another.

Community Night of Networking
2025-09-30 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Louie’s Corner Bar, 7177 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
RBI is hosting a night of networking! All are welcome, so come see what RBI is all about and meet new people in the business community!

Relationship Builders International's 501 Event
2025-09-30 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Louie’s Texas Corners, 7177 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
This evening event will be open to people outside our group in hopes to create new connections and potentially welcome new RBI members. Food and drinks will be provided.

Kalamazoo Event Center Groundbreaking Community Celebration
2025-09-26 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Event Center, 100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 490007, United States
Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5–7 PM Water Street & Kalamazoo Mall
Be part of a big moment for downtown Kalamazoo! We’re breaking ground on the new Kalamazoo Event Center with a free community block party.
Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, mascots, fan activities, arena sneak peeks, and special appearances from WMU student-athletes, coaches, and the Kalamazoo Wings.
Come celebrate the future of sports, entertainment, and community in Kalamazoo!
Learn more here: https://www.kalamazooeventcenter.com/…/kalamazoo-event…

Pints & People - LINK x 269 fest
2025-09-25 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Haymarket Plaza, 139 N Edwards St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
We’re bringing Kalamazoo’s future together by connecting young professionals to the heart of the community. Whether it’s networking with like-minded peers, discovering new opportunities, or volunteering to make a difference, we exist to link you to the big things that are happening in our small town. Our events are where connections spark—linking young professionals across industries and backgrounds through laid-back vibes and meaningful conversations. From new friendships to unexpected career moves, big things happen when people come together.

Gull Lake Area Business Fall Networking
2025-09-25 16:00 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | Compass & Cleaver, 12454 E D Ave, Richland, MI, 49083, United States
COME , Connect.. with others in the Gull Lake area along with any of our friends , businesses that would like to join us from the surrounding areas!!!! Grab a drink, as Compass and Cleaver , this phenomenal local family restaurant owned by Paul Dykstra over looking beautiful Gull Lake and also meet Holly Oswalt who has started a young professionals group here in Richland!!! Look forward to connecting.. Open House style from 4:00 – 6:30

FREE End of Summer Party: Join us at House Rules September 25!
2025-09-25 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | House Rules Games Lounge, 404 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
We’re back from summer break and ready to reunite! Join us for food, drinks, and a fun night of networking with your industry friends. We’ll be gearing up for the 2025-2026 program year with A/E/C marketing and business development professionals across West Michigan!
You do not need to be a member to attend! ONE FREE SMPS MEMBERSHIP will be raffled off for this upcoming year to non-members. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to kick off the season, network, learn about our committees, and discover the exciting programs coming up with the SMPS West Michigan Chapter.
With over 600 games, the House Rules Board Game Lounge is the perfect atmosphere to hang out and get to know your chapter. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Lakeshore Networking
2025-09-24 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Holland Homestead, 624 Lugers Rd, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow business professionals in the area! Bring your business cards, invite a friend, and expand your network.
A suggested contribution of $5 is appreciated to help cover administration and marketing costs. Simply drop your contribution in the event jar.
RSVP Here: Click to Register

Bonus: Include your business card, and we’ll promote your business on our social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16kKGxbZnW
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollandhomesteadllc

Oddlympics
2025-09-24 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49048, United States
With a wide array of wacky games, the Oddlympics, hosted by Rotary Club of Kalamazoo, is a perfect gathering for company or organization team building and networking with fellow community supporters. Participants will play a series of team-building style games designed for four players each, and each entry includes a beverage and a meal.
All proceeds raised will benefit Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation! Register to participate or become a sponsor at https://oddlympics.com/.

Green Drinks | Community Homeworks
2025-09-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The SugarBowl Bar & Grille, 904 Washington Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Learn how Community Homeworks’ new Tool Library supports safe, sustainable homes and how you can get involved as a member.

Green Drinks | Community Homeworks
2025-09-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The SugarBowl Bar & Grille, 904 Washington Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Since 2009, Community Homeworks has been empowering low-income homeowners in Kalamazoo County by filling critical gaps in post-purchase support. Their mission: empowering our neighbors to maintain safe, stable, and sustainable homes for generations. Community Homeworks will present on their three core programs, with a spotlight on their newest addition: the Tool Library. Attendees will learn about the benefits of a tool library, both economically and environmentally, as well as how you can get involved and sign up as a member.

About Green Drinks Kalamazoo
Green Drinks Kalamazoo is a monthly meetup at a local establishment to highlight and discuss anything within the realm of sustainability. We host a lively mix of folks from non-governmental organizations (NGO), academia, government, and business. Everyone invites someone else along, so there is always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network. Come one, come all! Click here for a full list of upcoming events.

About the Sustainable Business Collaborative Powered by Southwest Michigan First
Sustainability is at the core of good business. The mission of the Sustainable Business Collaborative is to drive social and environmental sustainability actions through collaboration to foster business success in the Southwest Michigan region. We utilize the MI Healthy Climate Plan to help inform our work.

Skilled Trades Expo 2025
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Lacrone Park, 704 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007-2421, United States
We are having our 2025 Skilled Trades Expo on September 20 from 1-4pm at LaCrone Park. This expo will feature hands-on trades stations, industry vendors and family fun. The goal is to introduce more people to job opportunities in the trades and get the community connected with its local contractors and housing services.
Last year, KCDC hosted our very first Skilled Trades Expo and it was a huge success! We are excited to bring it back again this year and we are calling on the community to help us make it even better. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or supporting in any way, we’d love to have you involved. If you’re ready to be a part of this impactful event, please sign up by heading over to: https://www.kcdc.cc/events-1/skilled-trades-expo-2025

Skilled Trades Expo 2025
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Lacrone Park, 704 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007-2421, United States
Hosted by the Kalamazoo Contractors & Developers Connect, this annual event is all about connecting our community with local contractors, developers, and organizations to promote workforce development and celebrate the skilled trades. There will be hands-on activities as well as food, fun and games! Bring your company, bring your family and bring your energy as we kick off the fall season the best way we know how!!
Last year, KCDC hosted our very first Skilled Trades Expo and it was a huge success! We are excited to bring it back again this year and we are calling on the community to help us make it even better. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or supporting in any way, we’d love to have you involved. The goal is to introduce more people to job opportunities in the trades and get the community connected with its local contractors and housing services.
There is no requirement to RSVP for this event – we’ll just see you there!

269FEST - Entrepreneurial Summit
2025-09-19 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us September 19th at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art for the Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit—a day dedicated to sparking innovation, forging connections, and empowering the future of entrepreneurship in our region.
Join us from 1-5 p.m. to fuel the growth of our community and support the next wave of leaders. Keynote speaker, MoviePass founder, and Author of “Black Founder,” Stacy Spikes.
Whether you’re a current founder, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with a passion for growth, this summit is your opportunity to:
🔹 Connect with like-minded individuals🔹 Learn from the founders of Movie Pass, Farmish, Vetr Health, Glid, and more🔹 Discover the latest trends and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit 2025
2025-09-19 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Kalamazoo Institute of Art, 314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us September 19th at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art for the Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Summit—a day dedicated to sparking innovation, forging connections, and empowering the future of entrepreneurship in our region.
Join us from 1-5 p.m. to fuel the growth of our community and support the next wave of leaders. Keynote speaker, MoviePass founder, and Author of “Black Founder,” Stacy Spikes.
Whether you’re a current founder, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with a passion for growth, this summit is your opportunity to:
🔹 Connect with like-minded individuals🔹 Learn from the founders of Movie Pass, Farmish, Vetr Health, Glid, and more🔹 Discover the latest trends and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southwest-michigan-entrepreneurship-summit-2025-tickets-1564029457209?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite
Startup Zoo: https://startupzoo.org/

Kalamazoo Leadership Breakfast with Michael Wozniak
2025-09-19 07:15 - 09:30 UTC | Kalamazoo Country Club 1609 Whites Rd Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, 1609 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Presented by Christian Business Round Table

Join us for breakfast, meaningful networking, and a dynamic discussion with Business Leadership Coach Michael Wozniak. Registration and hospitality open at 7:15 AM. Tickets available now!

About Michael Wozniak
Michael is a trusted coach to business owners and leaders, helping them unlock leadership potential at every level. His coaching centers on relational intelligence—focusing on communication, culture, alignment, and execution to drive relationships, performance and profit.
He has a rich background that includes working with the NBA during the iconic 1992 Dream Team and launching their business in Japan. He also co-founded KidsGames, which grew into a global movement across 150+ countries, and has owned multiple businesses.
Michael is the author of Employee Drift, a must for leaders who want to engage their teams with purpose, clarity, and trust. He believes that when employees feel truly supported, they don’t just work for you—they work with you. The book reached bestseller status in new releases across multiple categories.
Michael lives in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife of 32 years, Beth.

RSVP: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/leadershipbreakfastevents/event/lbk-6c/

Pitch Night
2025-09-19 06:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Institute of Art, 314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Pitch your project, idea, or business for funding and resources. Five finalists are selected to compete for $10,000 in equity-free capital!
Every other month, on the first Friday, five (5) Southwest Michigan-based businesses will pitch live to three (3) judges for $10,000 equity-free capital, partnership, customers, and free resources to start or grow their idea. Attendees can engage and vote for their favorite pitch, The People’s Favorite walks away with $1,000.
Register to RSVP, bring a friend, vote, and support your local entrepreneurs!

Mattawan Business Association Networking Event
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Vintage Inspired, 52530 N Main St, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
Join the Mattawan Business Association for an evening of networking and connection. Drinks and desserts will be provided. Wine and Country food truck will be set-up for purchases.

Fall Networking Event
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Our Story Dixie Paint Plant Club, 52500 N Main St, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
Join the Mattawan Business Assocation as we kick off the fall season with networking and community connections!
All business owners and representatives are welcome to join for this free event. Wine and Country Catering will be set up with food for purchase. Beverages and desserts will be provided.

Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration
2025-09-18 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | Dalton Center, 1300 Theatre Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Join us as we connect, learn, and celebrate the power of small business in Southwest Michigan.
We invite you to be part of something truly special—the inaugural Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration. Join us for this important gathering of business owners and leaders, entrepreneurs, and community champions. The Southwest Michigan First Chamber’s signature celebration event will bring together folks from all sectors, sizes, and backgrounds to strengthen and support our area’s business community, and to celebrate the people and organizations driving impact across our region. Registration is just opening now!
Also, there are a number of opportunities to sponsor. Your support will help us create a unique, high-energy, and high-visibility experience that both honors the spirit of this business community while aligning your brand with growth, impact, and community success.
This afternoon experience will include:

Impactful keynote presentations from State and national business experts and leaders
The presentation and celebration of this year’s Chamber’s Choice Award winners
A chance to connect and engage in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, from opening registration and networking to the closing Happy Hour Awards Celebration to end the day

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chambers-choice-small-business-conference-and-celebration-tickets-1500388174419?aff=oddtdtcreator
Agenda
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Doors Open, Registration Begins, Meet & Greet
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Opening Welcome
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Keynote Presentation #1 – Future-Proof Your CX: How to Thrive in the New Selling Landscape
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM: Keynote Presentation #2 – Announcement Coming Soon!
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM: Refresh and Recharge Break
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Chamber’s Choice Awards
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Awards Celebration Happy Hour

Don’t miss this first of its kind event. And if you’re looking to really take advantage of this event, join us as a featured sponsor by checking out the options here. View the Sponsorship Packet
Sponsors enjoy VIP access, seating, and prominent recognition at the event and beyond.
All sponsorships need to be closed by August 30.
Email eschultz@southwestmichiganfirst.com to learn more.
Seating will be limited. Take advantage of member and early bird pricing through August 18.
We will see you there.

Brewpub Social: Networking & Community Connect
2025-09-17 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | New Holland Brewing Pubs, 64 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI, 49017, United States
This social hour is designed to bring Battle Creek area professionals of all ages, college students, business leaders, and local community members in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy craft brews and casual conversation Expand your professional and personal network Support downtown Battle Creek while building lasting connections
Where: New Holland Brewing – Battle Creek Brewpub When: Wednesday, September 17th, 6pm – Close Free to attend | Open to all
Whether you’re looking to grow your professional circle, explore community opportunities, or simply enjoy a great night out, this event is the perfect mix of social and networking and to bring Battle Creek together.
BONUS: New Holland hosts EVERYTHING IS BIG ON WEDNESDAYS – Steins deals / Adult juice pouches / $5 Taller cans / Twisted Taller cocktails / $4 Mystery shots (4pm – Close) / POWER HOUR (7-8pm) $5 mini pizzas, $5 steins, & $5 shot & pops

Speed Networking with Baxter E. Hall
2025-09-17 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | Ty’s Joint, 1301 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Welcome to You Get What You Give – Speed Networking!This dynamic Speed Networking experience is designed to help you build rapport faster and give you full permission to show up as your authentic self. It’s not about surface-level connections—it’s about creating meaningful relationships that move the needle personally and professionally.Special Performance by: DC=Emcee
Bonus: Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of You Get What You Give—Baxter Hall’s latest book offering a practical and inspiring roadmap to cultivating your ideal network and learning how to show up with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

September Barrels, Bottles & Brews
2025-09-17 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Gull Lake Distilling Company, 92 East Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI, United States
A casual networking group about getting connected in the community and supporting locally owned breweries, tap houses, and other establishments. Come enjoy the camaraderie and hang out or just enjoy good craft beer, cocktail or glass of wine.

Our Agenda is simple:
1 – Meet people and business owners without all the formality2 – Have a Beer (or other beverage)3 – REPEAT

RSVP on Facebook Requested – Out of respect to the businesses we visit we need to know how many people are planning to attend.
Sponsored by: Tara GallagherFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/161pbd9XobWebsite: https://www.budgetblinds.com/saint-joseph-mi
Here at Budget Blinds of St. Joseph, we are a full-service company. We offer Free in-home consultations. Our designers will come to your home, measure, bring the showroom with them, and provide a quote at no charge. Then we come back and install them with one of the best warranties and guarantees on the market. We offer custom window treatments, blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and motorization.

Building a Smarter Future: The Role of DAM & AI in AEC Success
2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Zoom, https://u49318761.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.Cf4v6EIa-2BjtwXG-2BCJULMV4oN1KGKEjp-2F3x-2BKK1-2FH0YUPo-2BWAJ-2BWpNJDXhp-2BnZ4nia-2FNpFHHIVMchIm74X-2F-2F28g-3D-3DXRW0_xOQYXbIIu33VnUQaDqx-2BQdokVYyMaE0XBXMq7BExq9sx602NeB9DJ0cjfO7PwUGOlhxYAo5d6jV-2FNXmGbLmRRIcj1X-2FtKfn3Vf43xsQ7sTaQsSyaktbLBejQ94pw2xX3-2BmcNEkfTGuaeveD5gML9dfmbmmz9Gzvfpeh4vzuqfj-2FyScwrZD5mBurmrDCfS-2FNVBjoRv-2BTfPDaVlp8YDJq2YcjDefh8bJ8J3JvqpMKLG75K4rn4N3nyJ8rAka8gp4IURosVyKYoPJOzvSX5-2Fw-2BpCTvtDMWXjTM65ZL4IWEDJDqB5uE8p8UHq1-2FIN8N6P8xt5Ru3DapsAXFu2nxpkBuD5uSP-2BGfE9PMZ9i5fCXxeGQo8DO4a8tMXbIw5g05UE4uN
Tired of digging through chaotic folders, endless email threads, or files named “FINAL_v3_reallyFINAL_useTHISone”? You’re not alone.
In this session, we’ll explore how AEC firms can modernize their marketing workflows with Digital Asset Management (DAM) and AI. We’ll unpack common pain points—like finding the right project photos, building resumes, or pulling proposal content—and show how a DAM strategy purpose-built for the AEC industry can transform hours of manual work into seconds with automation.
Whether you’re just starting to explore DAM or you’re already using OpenAsset, you’ll walk away with something valuable. We’ll cover recent feature releases, share practical tips for organizing your assets, and show how new AI tools like tagless search and automated content generation are changing the game.
Expect interactive polls, a conversational demo, and real-world strategies you can bring back to your firm, including how to make a strong business case to leadership.

Tickets
$45.00 Non-Member Ticket
$35.00 SMPS West Michigan Ticket
$35.00 Other SMPS Chapter Member
$165.00 Member Group Rate (5 people)
$300.00 Member Group Rate (10 people)

Gull Lake Networking September Morning Meetup
2025-09-17 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Halifax) | Java Jones Coffee Roasters, 8885 N 32nd St, Richland, MI, 49083, United States

The Growth Exchange-Networking Group
2025-09-17 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Halifax) | The Crew Family Restaurant and Bakery, 5200 Portage Rd, Portage, MI, 49002, United States

The Growth Exchange
2025-09-17 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Halifax) | The Crew, 5200 Portage Rd, Portage, MI, 49002, United States
We’re looking forward to another great session together—sharing, networking, and helping one another grow. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and be ready to connect.

The AMA 2025 Fall Mixer
2025-09-16 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | Thunderbird Kalamazoo, 701 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, M, 49007, United States
Join AMA Southwest Michigan for the 2025 Fall Mixer!
Come join us at Thunderbird for an evening of fun, laughter, and good vibes on September 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Eastern Time). Get ready to mingle with old friends and make new connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you’re a social butterfly or a bit shy, this event is perfect for everyone. Enjoy delicious drinks and snacks while catching up with familiar faces or breaking the ice with new ones.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-fall-mixer-tickets-1587938309229?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite
Mark your calendars and spread the word. See you there!
