2026 Chamber’s Choice Conference and Celebration
Small businesses are the movers, shakers, and makers who make our region stronger, and this is their moment to shine. Hosted by the Southwest Michigan First Chamber in partnership with Varnum LLP and Kabundant, the theme of this year’s Chamber’s Choice Conference and Celebration is “Small Is Your Superpower.”
Featuring a keynote from Shawna Suckow, practical breakout sessions, and the live presentation of the 2026 Chamber’s Choice award winners, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Location: Dalton Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, 1300 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo
Parking: Free, Miller Auditorium ramp
Early registration is encouraged as this event is expected to sell out.
Program Agenda:
1 p.m. | Doors open, registration, and networking
1:30 p.m. | Conference program, keynote, breakout sessions, Chamber’s Choice Awards
5 p.m. | Post-event reception
Keynote Speaker:
Shawna Suckow, CSP, is a speaker, consultant, and author of Small Is Your Superpower, the inspiration behind this year’s theme. Sponsored by Paint the Town Green, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan
Breakout Sessions:
- Lean Into Your Weird, by the Michigan Retailers Association. Best for retail and restaurant owners.
- Who Wants What You Have and Why, by Michael Prebenda of Evergreen Hill, LLC. Best for owners and marketing leads.
- The Attention Economy Isn’t Fair for Small Businesses, by a5 Branding & Digital. Best for owners managing digital presence or marketing spend.
Chamber’s Choice Awards Ceremony
Presented by LMCU, the Chamber’s Choice award winners will be announced live on stage across nine categories:
- Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Kalamazoo Forward Ventures
- Nonprofit of the Year presented by United Way of South Central Michigan
- Alumnus/a of the Year, presented by the WMU Alumni Association
- Woman-Owned Business of the Year presented by Caring Companions
- BIPOC-Owned Business of the Year, presented by City of Kalamazoo Community Planning and Economic Development
- LGBTQIA+-Owned Business of the Year
- Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, presented by Modern Woodmen of America Financial Services
- Chamber Member Business of the Year (Small, up to 50 employees), presented by Acrisure
- Chamber Member Business of the Year (Mid/Large, 50+ employees), presented by People Forward, plus
- Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Watch the inspiring stories from the 2025 winners in every category here.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring? Email chamber@southwestmichiganfirst.com.