The Profile Experience: Connected SE Michigan

​Event Overview

​The Profile Experience returns on Wednesday, December 17 at Newlab Detroit for Connected SE Michigan: Building Together Across Cities.

​​This curated dinner brings together Michigan’s founders, professionals, service providers, investors, and community builders for an evening focused on collaboration, connection, and shared growth.

​​We’ll explore what already exists across our ecosystem, highlight the people driving innovation, and uncover new ways to work together across Ann Arbor, Detroit, and the suburbs.

​What You Will Experience

​🍽️ A seated dinner and drinks with Michigan’s most engaged professionals and builders

​🎤 Intro to the Ecosystem with Abby Gates
🎤 A panel conversation with ecosystem leaders who are shaping Michigan’s future
🤝 Real connections that lead to meaningful partnerships and new ideas
💡 A community that believes in building something bigger together

​Featured Speakers

​Opening Speaker: Abby Gates

​Founder of Sproutwise and creator of Silo Busters
Abby is leading a grassroots movement to break down silos and bring Michigan’s builders together. She supports early stage teams and has become a trusted guide for understanding what is happening across our innovation ecosystem. Her opening session will set the tone for the night with clarity, energy, and a sense of shared purpose.

​Panelists

​Amanda Lewan
Co Founder and CEO of Bamboo
Amanda has spent more than a decade building community driven innovation hubs across Michigan. Her work supports founders, creatives, and remote workers through programs, coworking spaces, and statewide collaborations. Her perspective on how our cities connect and grow together will be a major value for this conversation. Bamboo is also now an official partner of The Profile Experience. Members receive a discount on all room and event space rentals across Bamboo locations.

​Hilary Doe
Chief Growth Officer for the State of Michigan
Hilary leads the statewide effort to grow Michigan’s population, strengthen our economy, and position the state for long term success. She is a champion for talent, innovation, and shared prosperity. Her statewide view will help us think bigger about how Michigan can grow together across cities and regions.

​Lauren Daniels
Founder and CEO of Sumptuous Spirits and Co Founder and CEO of Digital Rich Technologies
Lauren brings a unique blend of hospitality, technology, and smart business strategy. She has built and scaled companies across multiple states and continues to invest in tools that help operators and event leaders collaborate effectively. Sumptuous Spirits will be providing drink service for the event which adds a perfect layer of experience and connection. Lauren’s builder mindset will ground the conversation in practical insights and real lived experience.

​Who It’s For

​The Profile Experience brings together founders, professionals, investors, service providers, and community builders who care about Michigan’s growth and want to collaborate across cities and industries.

​Founders looking for peers and partners
Professionals growing their network with intention
Investors who want to meet Michigan builders
Service providers supporting the startup and tech ecosystem
Community builders who want a stronger and more connected region

​Tickets

• ​Members: Free but you still must claim your spot (included with membership)

• ​Guests: $99 per ticket (includes dinner, drinks, and access to this curated community experience)

​Memberships are $50 per month and include access to all upcoming events and member perks.

​🎟️ Become a member here: https://subscribepage.io/TheProfileExperience