Inter-City Visit 2026 Grand Rapids, Michigan

Durham Chamber Inter-City Visit 2026
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tuesday, September 29 through Friday, October 2, 2026

Join the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce as we bring together up to 100 leaders from business, government, nonprofit, and education sectors across Durham and the Triangle for one of the most impactful leadership experiences of the year.

Each year, the Inter-City Visit gives us the opportunity to learn from a peer community, strengthen relationships with one another, and return home with fresh ideas to help move Durham forward.

This year, we are headed to Grand Rapids, Michigan a city with many similarities to Durham, including rapid growth, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, thriving healthcare and innovation sectors, and a commitment to building an inclusive and connected community.

Throughout the visit, attendees will engage in conversations around:

• We’ll explore how over $359 million in public-private partnerships in the past two years has catalyzed economic and community development through transformative projects like the Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Soccer Stadium, and the Grand Rapids Riverfront Redevelopment project. 
• We’ll learn how Grand Rapids has leveraged signature events like ArtPrize, which attracts more than 800,000 visitors each year, and placemaking initiatives such as the Medical Mile to build a distinctive and vibrant community identity.
• We’ll hear how Grand Rapids Public Schools built strong partnerships with universities to develop its educator pipeline and collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce to expand career pathways for students.
• We'll meet with the leaders working to lower barriers for infill housing development with permit ready plans and expand access to affordable housing through the county's revolving loan fund and the city's affordable housing fund 

The Inter-City Visit is more than a trip. It is an investment in Durham’s future and in the relationships that help shape it.


Confirmed Attendee List

Early Bird Rate: $2,799 through Friday, July 10, 2026. After July 10th, registration pricing will increase to the standard rate of $2,999 with no exceptions.

*Registration fee includes curated tours and immersive learning experiences, meetings and programming, select meals and dinners throughout the visit (September 29 – October 2, 2026), and lodging for up to three nights.

Please note: Airfare is NOT included in the registration cost. Attendees are responsible for booking and covering their own flights to and from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Additional information on optional add-on experiences and activities will be shared for attendees arriving Tuesday morning or departing Friday afternoon.

Refunds available through Friday, July 31st. Substitutions may be made at any time. Cancellations after Friday, August 4th may be subject to costs incurred.

If you care about where Durham is headed, this is where you need to be.

Questions?
Brandon Pinnix – bpinnix@durhamchamber.org

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@DurhamChamber
#DurhamICV26