Grand Valley State University’s Van Andel Global Trade Center will host the 27th annual Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium on Thursday, March 12, 2026, bringing together industry leaders to address challenges facing the automotive supply chain and the evolving global economy.
The symposium, to be held at the Devos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 West Fulton Street, will feature discussions focused on emerging trends, strategies, and technologies impacting the automotive sector. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with programming starting at 8:00 a.m.
Rowina Fórnice, Head of Supply Chain Excellence at Ford Motor Company, will deliver the keynote address. Additional speakers and panelists confirmed for the event include John Boos, President of Hilite International; Ellen Clark, Managing Director of PMCF Investment Banking at Plante Moran; Ed Pleet, CTO of Shape Corp; Dan Rufo, Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase; Mike Wall, Executive Director of Automotive Analysis at S&P Global Mobility; Chad Whitton, Senior Director of Finance and Controlling North America at Hilite International; and Terry Woychowski, President of Caresoft Global.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a Chinese electric vehicle displayed at the event, according to event organizers.
The Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium has been a yearly event, bringing together industry leaders, business owners, senior management, and key decision-makers from all tiers of the automotive industry, according to the Van Andel Global Trade Center. Warner Norcross + Judd LLP sponsored the 26th annual symposium, held on March 6, 2025.
Media representatives wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to Brian Vernellis at [email protected] to receive a parking pass.
