2026 Thought Series
Born from Innovation brings 25 world-class visionaries to the stage to explore critical frontiers. From our region’s pivotal role in the Artemis moon missions to advanced tech revolutionizing healthcare to the heated battle over data center development, we’re diving deep into the ideas reshaping our world.
The Thought Series includes special events as well. After each half-day of sessions, attendees go behind-the-scenes with visionary teams that are transforming our community. Each site visit included a complimentary networking lunch and tour hosted by leaders in the spaces where their ideas come to life.
THURSDAY, SEPT 17, 2026
Re-imagining Higher Ed:
How Advanced Tech is Changing Education
8:30a – 9:15a
The region’s higher education institutions are reinventing themselves to capture the promise of advanced technologies.
-
Greg Gogolin
Professor/GR AI Council, Ferris State University
-
Samah Mansour
Assistant Professor/Cybersecurity Graduate Program Director, GVSU
-
Jonnathan Resendez
Assistant Professor/AI Incubator Faculty Director, GRCC
Digital Transformations:
How AI is Rewriting the Rules of Healthcare
9:15a – 10:00a
TBD
-
Rob Campbell
VP of Data & Analytics, Instrumentum
-
Kristin Jacob, MD
Medical Director/APP Well-Being, Corewell Health
-
Eric Swindell
Chief Academic Office/Dean of the Graduate School, Van Andel Institute
Next Stop – The Moon:
Getting Artemis Off the Ground
10:15a – 11:00a
TBD
-
Aaron Johnson
President, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan
-
Mark Ignash
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Ecosystem Development for Aerospace & Defense, MEDC
-
Sara McMurray
Director of Sales & Marketing, DornerWorks
-
Stacy Paul
CEO, Array of Engineers
Field Trip #1
ARRAY OF ENGINEERS
11:15a – 1:00p
Networking lunch and tour featuring cutting-edge demos from Symplicity Communications' partner providers. Discover the latest in AI, automation and next-gen solutions transforming the customer experience.
(address)
FRIDAY, SEPT 18, 2026
Sustainability at Scale:
Designing Systems that Work
8:30a – 9:15a
TBD
-
Angie Barksdale
Chief Operating Officer, West Michigan Works!
-
Carlos Cubia
EVP, Chief Health Equity & Inclusion Officer, Corewell Health
-
Katie Hall (moderator)
Founder, Claira Technologies
Does It Compute?
West Michigan's Data Center Gamble
9:15a – 10:00a
TBD
-
Nathan Owen
General Partner, Grand Ventures
-
Tamara Milobinski
VP, Business Banking Manager, Mercantile Bank
-
Mike Marsiglia (moderator)
Co-CEO, Atomic Object
Reclaiming the Grand River:
Mapping the Frontiers of Restoration Science
10:15a – 11:00a
TBD
-
Liz Burnson
Business Development Executive, Warner Norcross + Judd
-
Shannon Cohen
Founder, The Rockstar Woman Movement
-
Jen Wangler (moderator)
VP of Technology, The Right Place, Inc.
Field Trip #2
GR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
11:15a – 1:00p
Behind the scenes tour of the future Acrisure Amphitheater. This exclusive hard hat tour will showcase innovative construction techniques, state-of-the-art entertainment tech, and the venue's role in creating a “green ribbon” along the Grand River. Then enjoy a networking lunch at Acrisure HQ. (address)
