Michigan Lean Consortium upcoming events

MLC Text Messaging Consent (Monday, November 17, 2025)

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Sign Up to Receive Text Messages from the Michigan Lean Consortium!

Stay connected with the MLC — right from your phone!
By registering for this “event,” you’re giving the Michigan Lean Consortium permission to update your member profile so you can receive helpful text (SMS) messages from us.

✅ What you’ll receive:

Event announcements and reminders
Membership renewal notifications
Occasional surveys or quick polls

This isn’t a real event — registering simply gives us your consent to activate text messaging on your profile. The MLC will handle the update for you so you don’t have to log in and do it yourself.

Our Promise:
We value your trust. The MLC will only send messages that are relevant and timely — never spam — and you can opt out at any time.

Informed Consent for Text (SMS) Messaging

With your consent, The Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) would like to send text (SMS) messages to the mobile number you have provided in our records. By providing your informed consent where indicated, you acknowledge that you have understood the information below and agree to participate in our text (SMS) messaging service.

Purpose and Description: MLC’s text (SMS) messaging service is designed to provide you with helpful information, reminders, and notifications via text messages sent to your mobile phone. We may use text (SMS) messages to communicate with you for a variety of purposes, including:

announcements and reminders related to MLC events

reminders about membership renewal

surveys and polls

Voluntary Participation: Participation in our text (SMS) messaging service is completely optional. While we aim to keep messages timely and relevant, you may opt out at any time if you no longer find them valuable.

Benefits and Risks: Benefits: The text (SMS) messaging service aims to keep you informed about the MLC by providing an additional method of convenient and timely communication.

Risks: While every effort will be made to protect the security and confidentiality of information transmitted through text (SMS) messages, there are inherent risks associated with all electronic communication. These risks include unauthorized access, loss of privacy, and potential breach of sensitive information. It is important to be aware that text (SMS) messages may not be entirely secure and could be intercepted or accessed by unintended recipients.

Potential Costs: Standard text messaging rates may apply through your mobile carrier. Please check with your provider for any applicable fees. The MLC does not charge any fees for participating in our SMS messaging service.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact admin@michiganlean.org.

MLC Lean Virtual Coffee with Rebecca VanDerveer (Friday, November 13, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Join us for a MLC Lean Virtual Coffee!

Virtual | Free For Members | 8:30am - 9:30am

Topic: Setting the Table for Innovation: The Human Side of Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement depends on more than strong processes and proven methodologies. It also requires an environment where people feel able to share concerns, challenge assumptions, contribute ideas, and learn openly from setbacks.

In this interactive session, we will explore how psychological safety supports collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Attendees will consider the leadership behaviors and team conditions that encourage honest dialogue, diverse perspectives, thoughtful experimentation, and accountability.

Participants will leave with practical questions and strategies they can use to create more productive conversations and strengthen continuous improvement within their teams and organizations.

Presenter:

Rebecca VanDerveer

Senior Client Success Consultant

PI Midlantic

Rebecca “Becca” VanDerveer is a Senior Client Success Consultant and Certified Master Trainer with PI Midlantic. She specializes in helping leaders and teams better understand human behavior, improve communication, and create the conditions for stronger collaboration and performance.

Her work focuses on the intersection of behavioral awareness, psychological safety, leadership, change, and innovation.

What is a Virtual Coffee?

A Virtual Coffee offers a relaxed and engaging platform to connect with Lean professionals and explore meaningful discussions in a collaborative virtual environment. These sessions combine the best of our Coffee Chats and Book Club, offering a platform to discuss all things Lean, share professional challenges, and explore solutions with like-minded peers.

Opportunity to connect with other Lean practitioners and like-minded individuals.
Attendees are able to ask questions, interact with the presenter and other attendees virtually.

Why attend?

Leverage Collective Knowledge: Tap into the expertise of our MLC membership.
Focus on Lean Implementation: Discuss practical applications of Lean tools and strategies.
Networking Opportunities: Expand your network of Lean professionals.
Share and Learn: Exchange best practices and gain insights from others' experiences.
Stay Engaged: Stay connected with the MLC community and learn about upcoming events.

Join us for a session filled with ideas, insights, and inspiration—all from the comfort of your home or office!

Cost

Members: Free

Non-Members: $20

New To The MLC?

At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.

An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!

MLC Book Club: Zingerman’s Guide to Giving Great Service (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for a virtual MLC Book Club - From Page to Practice!

Virtual | Free For Members | 4:00 - 5:00 pm

What we are Reading: Zingerman’s Guide to Giving Great Service

Zingerman's Guide to Giving Great Service by Ari Weinzweig is a practical, engaging blueprint for building a world-class customer experience, written by the co-founder of the legendary Zingerman's Delicatessen. Through real-world stories, Weinzweig shares actionable strategies on leadership, culture, and hospitality, proving that exceptional service starts with treating employees well and embracing customer complaints as opportunities.

Note: Reading the book is encouraged but not required.

Facilitator:

Ruth Archer
Director of Continuous Improvement | Michigan Technological University

Ruth Archer is the Director of Continuous Improvement at Michigan Technological University and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. She manages the continuous improvement activities for the university, where she is responsible for facilitating improvements that close the gap between current state and the university's strategic goals, fostering the continuous process of people development, and promoting collaborative partnerships and sharing Lean expertise in the state, the nation, and the global community. In addition, she teaches several courses on Lean culture and tools. Archer is also the president of the Superior Leadership Institute, where she coaches others for leadership excellence and creates and delivers training on Lean and continuous improvement, leadership development, and managerial skills.

Archer holds a BS in Electrical Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in Business Administration with a specialization in organizational psychology. She is the Lean Higher Education Americas Steering Committee Professional Development Officer and former Chair, and a former examiner for the Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx) award and the Baldrige National Quality Award. Archer also holds a Lean Systems certification through the University of Kentucky and a change management certification through PROSCI.

Before working at Michigan Tech, Archer served in the United States Air Force, where she held multiple positions, including aircraft master technician and quality maintenance inspector, test equipment designer, aircraft electromagnetic signature collector, radar capability modeler, current and future radar engineer, executive officer, and AFROTC instructor.

What is the Book Club - From Page to Practice

Join the MLC Book Club: From Page to Practice—a collaborative learning experience where we explore impactful Lean books and translate key concepts into real-world application. Each session goes beyond discussion, helping you walk away with practical insights and actionable ideas you can immediately bring back to your organization.

Non-MLC members welcome too.

Meet and greet other Lean thinkers

Join us with a topic that you need help brainstorming

Learn about MLC and upcoming events

Networking, networking, networking!

New To The MLC?

At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.

An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!

MLC Lean Virtual Coffee with Scott Post (Friday, December 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Join us for a MLC Lean Virtual Coffee!

Virtual | Free For Members | 8:30am - 9:30am

Topic: Lean Leadership and Daily Management

Most Lean transformations don't fail because of bad tools, they fail because leadership never adjusts to support the new way of working. This Virtual Coffee is a chance to talk through what it actually looks like to lead Lean day to day: leading like a servant, not a boss, running daily management that people actually use, and connecting the dots between people, process, and strategy so improvement becomes part of how work gets done, not another initiative competing for attention.

Presenter:

Scott Post

Founder | S Post Consulting

Scott Post is an Operational Excellence and Lean Leadership Coach with over 20 years of experience in leadership, continuous improvement, and Lean methodology. Known for his ability to identify inefficiencies and optimize processes, Scott helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through practical, results-driven approaches.

Scott’s passion for process improvement began during his service in the United States Marine Corps and continued as he earned an Industrial Engineering degree from Iowa State University. His expertise deepened through roles at Pella Corporation and later as Chief Operations Officer at Pizza Ranch, where he led the Operations, Training, and Process Improvement teams toward operational excellence.

Scott founded S Post Consulting in 2021 and began working full-time with clients in 2023. Based in Northwest Iowa, the firm helps Siouxland business leaders stabilize operations, boost profits, and build momentum. Scott helps organizations move from chronic inefficiencies to high-performing operations. Through a diagnostic, boots-on-the-ground approach, he uncovers root causes, aligns leadership, and builds sustainable systems that reduce waste, improve execution, and drive long-term profit, without adding headcount or complexity. Clients consistently experience improved employee engagement, increased labor efficiency, shorter lead times, and stronger bottom-line results.

A dedicated Servant Leader, Scott has also been an active contributor to the local Lean communities, serving on the board of the Siouxland Lean Consortium, and volunteering with the Iowa Lean Consortium. Outside of work, he enjoys family life, camping, and a hobby farm by Rock Valley, Iowa with his wife, four children, and a collection of farm animals.

What is a Virtual Coffee?

Opportunity to connect with other Lean practitioners and like-minded individuals.
Attendees are able to ask questions, interact with the presenter and other attendees virtually.

Why attend?

Leverage Collective Knowledge: Tap into the expertise of our MLC membership.
Focus on Lean Implementation: Discuss practical applications of Lean tools and strategies.
Networking Opportunities: Expand your network of Lean professionals.
Share and Learn: Exchange best practices and gain insights from others' experiences.
Stay Engaged: Stay connected with the MLC community and learn about upcoming events.

Join us for a session filled with ideas, insights, and inspiration—all from the comfort of your home or office!

Cost

Members: Free

Non-Members: $20

New To The MLC?

At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.

An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!

2027 MLC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course (Friday, February 26, 2027)

Fri, 26 Feb 2027 05:00:00 GMT

MLC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course

Pre-Registration Open to Confirmed Host Sites.

(Interested in hosting, learn more here)

Member Registration begins January 1, 2027.

Take the next step in your Lean journey with our comprehensive Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course, facilitated by expert instructor Jerry Browne.

This blended learning course spans February – July 2027 and is designed to meet the requirements of ISO 18404 certified Lean Practitioner & Six Sigma Green Belt.

What You will Receive

Experience an immersive, hands-on approach to learning Six Sigma methodologies with all materials and support included!

6 In-person Classroom Days (Lunch Provided)
5 Virtual Study Hall Sessions
Final Exam & Practical Simulation
Comprehensive Training Materials (Including Textbooks)
Small Class Size for Personalized Instruction (Limited to 16 Participants)

What to Expect

One In-Person Training Day Per Month: We are looking for host locations, if you are interested learn more here.
Virtual Study Sessions: Monthly virtual sessions available to help you prepare for the exam.
Coaching & Project Review: Gain expert feedback as you complete a Six Sigma project throughout the course.

Boost your skills in Lean Six Sigma with hands-on learning and real-world application!

Schedule

In-Person Training Dates (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)

2/26/27
3/26/27
4/23/27
5/14/27
6/11/27
7/16/27

Virtual Study Hall Sessions (via Teams, 10 AM - 12 PM)

3/18/27
4/15/27
5/6/27
5/27/27
7/14/27
7/29/27 (virtual makeup session)

HOW IT WORKS

Register for this course via the MLC website
Look for the Welcome Email
Follow the instructions
Take the course
Apply the Lean Learning to your work!

Course Registration Cancellations

We understand that plans change. In the event you are unable to attend an event, refunds will be issued in full for cancellation refund requests received in writing via the events@michiganlean.org email at least seven (7) days before the event. Refunds will not be issued when less than a seven (7) day notice is provided. After submitting your cancellation refund request via email, please allow up to ten (10) business days for your refund to be processed. If the event is rescheduled, all purchases will be honored for the rescheduled event date. If the event is cancelled, all purchases will be refunded in full.

2027 Grand Rapids Lean Summit (Friday, March 19, 2027)

Fri, 19 Mar 2027 12:00:00 GMT

9th Annual Grand Rapids Lean Summit

In partnership with

Save the Date

Friday, March 19, 2027

Bundle & Save

Get even more value from your 2027 learning experience by bundling the 2027 Grand Rapids Lean Summit with the 2027 Annual Conference. When you add the Annual Conference during Grand Rapids Lean Summit registration, you'll receive our exclusive bundle pricing and secure your spot at two premier MLC events designed to inspire new ideas, practical learning, and meaningful connections, all with one registration process.

How It Works

Select the Annual Conference add-on when completing your Grand Rapids Lean Summit registration.
We'll take care of the rest! Your Grand Rapids Lean Summit registration information will automatically be copied to your Annual Conference registration, no additional registration is required.

2nd Annual Lean Excellence Student Competition

We're excited to bring back the Lean Excellence Student Competition for its second year at the Grand Rapids Summit, where college teams put Lean tools to the test in a live, hands-on Kaizen challenge

Learn More

Hotel Block

The block is for the nights of Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19, 2027. If you would like to extend your stay, please call the hotel and ask for the Michigan Lean Consortium group rate.

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
310 Pearl St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Book Online: Michigan Lean Consortium Booking Page

Group Code: MLC

Call: (616) 235-7611 and ask for the Michigan Lean Consortium Group Rate

Group Guaranteed Rates: Book by March 2, 2027.

Room	Rate
Two Queen Standard (1–4 guests)	$144 per night

Room rates are subject to applicable state, local, and occupancy taxes, currently 18%.

Group rate reservations are due by March 2, 2027. After that date, reservations are accepted based on availability at the group rate or the hotel’s current rate, whichever is higher. Guests must present a photo ID and a valid credit card at check-in, and room, tax, and incidentals are paid at checkout. Individual reservations follow the hotel’s cancellation policy. A guest who cancels after the cancellation deadline will be charged one night’s room and tax. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and checkout is at 12:00 PM. Parking is free for registered hotel guests, who must register their vehicles at check-in. The hotel is smoke-free.

New To The MLC?

At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.

An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!

Disclaimer

By registering for Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) events, you acknowledge and agree that photographs, videos, and other media taken during the event may be used by MLC for business purposes, marketing, and promotional materials. If you have concerns, please contact the event organizer prior to the event.

Summit Registration Cancellations

2027 MLC Annual Conference (Tuesday, August 03, 2027)

Tue, 03 Aug 2027 19:00:00 GMT

August 3 - 6, 2027

Hagerty Center, Northwestern Michigan College Traverse City

Learn More About the Conference

Bundle & Save

Get even more value from your 2027 learning experience by bundling the 2027 Annual Conference with the 2027 Grand Rapids Lean Summit. When you add the Summit during Annual Conference registration, you'll receive our exclusive bundle pricing and enjoy two premier MLC events designed to inspire new ideas, practical learning, and meaningful connections, all with one registration process.

How It Works

Select the Grand Rapids Lean Summit add-on when completing your Annual Conference registration.
We'll take care of the rest! Your Annual Conference registration information will automatically be copied to your Grand Rapids Lean Summit registration, no additional registration is required.

Hotel Information

Bayshore Resort

Traverse City, MI Ph: (231) 935-4400

Group Rates:

Room Type	Rate
Standard	$269/night
Eastside	$279/night
Bayfront	$339/night

Rates plus 11% tax, based on single or double occupancy. Additional guests in a room incur a $10/person/night surcharge. Guests 17 and under stay free in a parent's room.

How to Reserve: Call the hotel directly and reference "MI Lean." Booking link coming soon — call-in reservations only for now. Ph: (231) 935-4400

Book by: Thursday, June 3, 2027

Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM

Please note: Bayshore Resort is entirely non-smoking; a $200 fee applies for smoking anywhere on property, including balconies and the beach.

Park Place Hotel & Conference Center

300 E State Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 Ph: (231) 946-5000

Group Rate: $309/night (Double Queen or King, Historic Tower) Rates subject to 6% sales tax (if applicable), 8% facility fee, and 5% local assessment.

How to Reserve: Call the hotel directly and reference the "Michigan Lean Room Block." Booking link coming soon — call-in reservations only for now. Ph: (231) 946-5000

Book by: Sunday, June 20, 2027 Rooms not reserved by this date will be released and are subject to availability and prevailing rates thereafter.

Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM

New To The MLC?

At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.

An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!

Michigan Lean Consortium upcoming events

MLC Text Messaging Consent (Monday, November 17, 2025)

Sign Up to Receive Text Messages from the Michigan Lean Consortium!

MLC Lean Virtual Coffee with Rebecca VanDerveer (Friday, November 13, 2026)

What is a Virtual Coffee?

Why attend?

Cost

New To The MLC?

MLC Book Club: Zingerman’s Guide to Giving Great Service (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

What we are Reading: Zingerman’s Guide to Giving Great Service

Facilitator:

Ruth Archer Director of Continuous Improvement | Michigan Technological University

What is the Book Club - From Page to Practice

New To The MLC?

MLC Lean Virtual Coffee with Scott Post (Friday, December 11, 2026)

What is a Virtual Coffee?

Why attend?

Cost

New To The MLC?

2027 MLC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course (Friday, February 26, 2027)

MLC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course

Pre-Registration Open to Confirmed Host Sites.

What You will Receive

What to Expect

Schedule

HOW IT WORKS

Course Registration Cancellations

2027 Grand Rapids Lean Summit (Friday, March 19, 2027)

9th Annual Grand Rapids Lean Summit

Save the Date

Friday, March 19, 2027

Bundle & Save

How It Works

New To The MLC?

Disclaimer

Summit Registration Cancellations

2027 MLC Annual Conference (Tuesday, August 03, 2027)

Hotel Information

Bayshore Resort

Park Place Hotel & Conference Center

New To The MLC?

Registration Cancellations

Disclaimer

Ruth Archer
Director of Continuous Improvement | Michigan Technological University