 Michigan Lean Consortium |
Lean Excellence student competition
Represent Your School!
March 19, 2027
What is the Lean Excellence Student Competition?
Teams of 4 students + 1 faculty or staff coach compete in a hands-on challenge applying Lean concepts to a live Kaizen-style problem. The competition will test collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous improvement under real time pressure. Modeled after the Lean Excellence World Championship this is a chance for future Lean leaders to put classroom theory into hands-on practice.
- Opportunity for student teams from colleges and universities across Michigan to apply Lean principles in a live, competitive, real-world setting.
- Teams of four students and a coach work together to reduce variation, standardize their process, and are scored on both their methods and their results.
- A full competition experience combining structured challenge rounds with direct engagement with Lean practitioners and industry professionals at the Summit.
Why Compete?
- Hands-On Learning: Apply Lean principles in a dynamic, live environment, no textbooks, just teamwork and action.
- Skill Building: Sharpen collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and process improvement skills you can't get from a lecture.
- Professional Networking: Connect with industry professionals, Lean practitioners, and potential mentors at the Summit.
- Stand Out: Add a powerful, hands-on experience to your résumé that demonstrates initiative, leadership, and applied learning.
- Stay Engaged: Walk away with free Summit access and a one-year MLC student membership, joining a growing community of Lean practitioners.
Why Host a Team?
- Elevate Your Program: Highlight the strength of your curriculum through student performance in a hands-on, applied challenge.
- Industry Engagement: Build connections with Lean-focused employers, organizations, and potential internship or job partners.
- Faculty & Staff Involvement: Coaches get to observe students in action, support their development, and build valuable professional connections of their own.
- Stay Engaged: Coaches receive complimentary Summit access and a one-year individual MLC membership, connecting your program to Michigan's broader Lean community.
What to Expect
Students will kick off the day alongside all attendees for the keynote, then head into competition during the three breakout session time periods (times TBA). Lunch and a dedicated observation period, where attendees can stop by, watch teams in action, and ask questions, offer built-in time to network with Lean professionals. The day wraps up with the winning team announced during closing remarks.
Cost
Student teams and their coach receive complimentary registration to the Summit; travel and lodging costs are the responsibility of each school.
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.