Tech Week and The Rising Innovation Hub of Grand Rapids
Join us on Symplicity Conversations as we dive into the excitement of Grand Rapids Tech Week with Jen Wangler, Vice President of Technology at The Right Place.
Discover how West Michigan is emerging as a technology and innovation powerhouse in the Midwest and hear about the exciting events planned, including a keynote by Steve Wozniak, and multiple events with the Symplicity team.
We’ll explore the significance of innovation, community collaboration, and the empowering role of women in tech.
Tune in for inspiring stories and insights on how Grand Rapids is shaping its tech future. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation!
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations with Catherine Behrenbrinker
(01:34) Guest Intro: Jen Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place
(03:11) How Tech Week Grand Rapids Got Started
(05:27) From 7 Events to 80+: Tech Week’s Rapid Growth
(08:42) Steve Wozniak Keynote and Major 2025 Highlights
(11:36) AI, Data, and Analytics: Disruption Across Industries
(14:18) Coffee Circles and Women in Tech Initiatives
(17:50) How Tech Week Creates Connections That Spark Careers
(21:04) Why Grand Rapids is Becoming Tech Hub 3.0
(24:33) Universities Driving Talent: GVSU, MSU, and More
(27:21) Success Stories: VC Showcase and Startup Momentum
(30:42) Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation in Tech
(34:19) Grand Rapids’ Advantage: Collaboration Over Competition
(37:10) Tech Ecosystem Growth: Healthcare, Defense, and Food Innovation
(41:27) Attracting Talent and Retaining Knowledge Workers in GR
(45:00) The Future of Tech Week: From Midwest to National Stage
(47:39) Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved
Subscribe and follow for more episodes on tech and community leadership.
Discover how West Michigan is emerging as a technology and innovation powerhouse in the Midwest and hear about the exciting events planned, including a keynote by Steve Wozniak, and multiple events with the Symplicity team.
We’ll explore the significance of innovation, community collaboration, and the empowering role of women in tech.
Tune in for inspiring stories and insights on how Grand Rapids is shaping its tech future. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation!
Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Symplicity Conversations with Catherine Behrenbrinker
(01:34) Guest Intro: Jen Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place
(03:11) How Tech Week Grand Rapids Got Started
(05:27) From 7 Events to 80+: Tech Week’s Rapid Growth
(08:42) Steve Wozniak Keynote and Major 2025 Highlights
(11:36) AI, Data, and Analytics: Disruption Across Industries
(14:18) Coffee Circles and Women in Tech Initiatives
(17:50) How Tech Week Creates Connections That Spark Careers
(21:04) Why Grand Rapids is Becoming Tech Hub 3.0
(24:33) Universities Driving Talent: GVSU, MSU, and More
(27:21) Success Stories: VC Showcase and Startup Momentum
(30:42) Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation in Tech
(34:19) Grand Rapids’ Advantage: Collaboration Over Competition
(37:10) Tech Ecosystem Growth: Healthcare, Defense, and Food Innovation
(41:27) Attracting Talent and Retaining Knowledge Workers in GR
(45:00) The Future of Tech Week: From Midwest to National Stage
(47:39) Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved
Subscribe and follow for more episodes on tech and community leadership.
Creators and Guests
Host
Catherine Ripley
Catherine Ripley founded Symplicity Communications in 2007 to help people avoid misleading sales practices during telecom purchases. By bringing respect, clarity and flexibility to the process, Symplicity Communications helps clients find peace of mind in a complex market. Her Midwestern values drive how she does business and selects the team that makes Symplicity special. Catherine possesses a great love for this industry and serves as a board member for Inforum Michigan’s TechnologyNEXT program for women in technology.
Guest
Jennifer Wangler
Jan Wangler is the Director of Training and Recruiting at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries of Northeast Ohio, where he leads talent development and hiring strategies across the organization. Based in Brecksville, Ohio, Jan brings extensive experience in workforce training and recruitment within the retail sector.
