Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University to expand their programming across the Eve

Grand Rapids, MI (7/19/23) -- Confluence, a festival that connects the worlds of art, music, science, and technology through programs and shared experiences, has announced expanded collaborations with Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University. Each will play a major role in the 2023 event.

Ferris, the Presenting Sponsor of the Maker Expo, will highlight their product design and engineering technologies in collaboration with Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design.

"The opportunity to build upon our partnership with Confluence provides a showcase for the cutting-edge work of our faculty,” said Bobby Fleischman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ferris State University. “We engage students in technology and design spaces as they prepare for careers in exciting industries that continue to evolve in West Michigan."

Ferris will also co-produce the Confluence esports competition to demonstrate the full range of their students’ gaming capabilities – from competition to casting to production.

Fleischman continued, "As we expand our footprint in Grand Rapids as 'One Ferris,' Confluence also allows us to introduce K-12 students to our new e-sports business degree program, student e-sport organizations, our School of Digital Media, and Kendall College of Art and Design’s programming."

GVSU, the Presenting Sponsor of the family-friendly Future Innovators Zone, will host a range of STEAM activities for attendees. Faculty and staff from their Padnos College of Engineering and Computing will design experiential learning opportunities to engage kids of all ages.

"Confluence showcases the creativity, energy and collaboration that are building blocks for our area's future success," said Philomena V. Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University. "We look forward to taking part and inspiring the next generation of creators and innovators."

To date, event sponsors include Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Steelcase, JR Automation, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, City of Grand Rapids, Consumers Energy, Technology Council of West Michigan, Spartan Innovations, Atomic Object, Warner Norcross + Judd, Gentex, and New Belgium Brewing. Media partners include Wood TV8, Grand Rapids Magazine and WGVU Public Media.

About Confluence Founded in 2021, Confluence is a multi-dimensional ideas festival that merges art, music, science and technology to support and celebrate the region's ecosystem of innovation and creative thinkers as they build a better tomorrow. Confluence presents a range of experiential programming throughout the spring and fall.