Embargoed until Weds, July 31 at 6AM
CONFLUENCE EXPANDS ROBOTICS AND STEAM PROGRAMMING WITH NEW PARTNERS
Grand Rapids, MI (7/31/24) – Confluence is an annual festival that celebrates innovation across art, music, science and technology. The free, 2-day event returns for its fourth year on Sept 20–21 at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Confluence also returns as the capstone experience for Tech Week GR.
Each year, the Robotics Expo & Parade welcomes top middle and high school robotics teams to
show off their engineering, coding and computer science skills. This year’s field includes teams from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Allendale, Berrien Springs and more. Between exhibitions, teams will participate in a robot street parade that circulates throughout the festival. Advanced manufacturers will also present demonstrations (try your luck against a roulette-dealing robot) and highlight career opportunities available with some of the most innovative companies in West Michigan. Presenting Sponsor of the Robotics Expo & Parade is Dematic. “Dematic is excited to support the Robotics Expo & Parade at Confluence this year,” said Scott Knight, Director, Marketing and Communications, Americas, Dematic. “As one of the world's largest intelligent automation solution providers and longstanding members of the Grand Rapids community, our employees are deeply engaged in the STEAM field through the use of AI, robotics, and more. This event allows us to share our expertise and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.” Additional program areas expanding this year include the Future Innovators Zone (FIZ), presented by GVSU. Designed as a playground for kids of all ages, the FIZ features STEAM activities presented by the region's top educators. New program partners for 2024 include WGVU Public Media and School of Rock. Each will deliver fun and meaningful hands-on learning experiences for the next generation of curious thinkers.
For complete details on all areas of the festival, visit www.confluencefest.com.
Presenting sponsors include Dematic, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Steelcase. Event partners include Atomic Object, City of Grand Rapids, Ford International Airport, Kikcit, Meijer, Samuel Adams, Tito's Handmade Vodka and Xfinity. Early Childhood Education partner is WGVU Public Media. Media partners includes Wood TV8 and Grand Rapids Magazine.
About Confluence Founded in 2021, Confluence provides a fun and engaging gateway into the innovation that is shaping our ever-evolving world. Top collegiate and high school teams compete for trophies and bragging rights in esports tournaments; a Robotics Expo hosts the region’s top middle and high school teams to show off their creations and demonstrate their work across engineering, coding and computer science; a Maker Expo highlights the region’s DIY community; a Future Innovators Zone presents STEAM-based activities for kids of all ages; and much more.
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