BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//8THIRTYFOUR - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:8THIRTYFOUR X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://8thirtyfour.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for 8THIRTYFOUR REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260923T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260923T180000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260518T185627Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T185627Z UID:10000013-1790177400-1790186400@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Big Deal Energy™ Workshop DESCRIPTION: URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/big-deal-energy-workshop-september/ LOCATION:8THIRTYFOUR Learning Hub\, 1365 Plainfield Ave NE\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49505\, United States CATEGORIES:Personal Branding ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BDE_Definition_Upcoming-Workshops_1200x628.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260623T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260623T180000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260518T185222Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T185222Z UID:10000012-1782228600-1782237600@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Big Deal Energy™ Workshop DESCRIPTION: URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/big-deal-energy-workshop-june/ LOCATION:8THIRTYFOUR Learning Hub\, 1365 Plainfield Ave NE\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49505\, United States CATEGORIES:Personal Branding ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BDE_Too-Much_Upcoming-Workshops_QR_1200x628-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260521T110000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260429T130743Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T130835Z UID:10000009-1779357600-1779361200@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Step into Your Big Deal Energy™ DESCRIPTION:Click Here to Register\n \nBig Deal Energy™ (n.): The confidence of knowing exactly who you are\, owning your QUIRKS™\, and communicating your authentic self unapologetically. \nBig Deal Energy™ is named for Leslie Knope\, who has no idea she’s supposed to be timid or reserved\, knows exactly what she brings to the table\, and has never apologized for her ambition – that is Big Deal Energy™  \nIt’s the confidence that comes from knowing who you are\, owning your quirks\, and communicating your authentic self unapologetically. \nIt starts with questioning the rules meant to keep you small\, uncovering your Big Hairy Audacious Goal\, identifying what makes you weird and remarkable\, reframing your story to be unforgettable\, knowing your value\, and showing up authentically. \nThe things making you different aren’t liabilities; they’re your competitive advantage.  \nIt’s gonna be a Big Deal Energy kind of day. \n\nFind out how much work you gotta put in\, through the QUIRKS™ Quiz – are you Unforgettable AF or operating in Ghost Mode.\nYou’re gonna make yourself smaller for others’ comfort\nAmplify your voice\, your brand\, and story\, and in a world filled with AI-generated headshots and buzzwords\, it’s the only thing setting you a part. \nOwn what makes you weird and different; it’s what makes you unforgettable.\n\nhttps://youtube.com/shorts/UUefq04K5Hk?feature=share\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click Here to Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/step-into-your-big-deal-energy/ LOCATION:Kalamazoo\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, United States CATEGORIES:Personal Branding ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/She-Leads.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260513T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260513T103000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260505T201722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T130801Z UID:10000010-1778664600-1778668200@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:The Hard Cost of Soft Skills: How to Build a Workforce That Can Handle What the Mission Demands DESCRIPTION:register here\n \nDefense and manufacturing run on precision\, protocols\, and deadlines. When a team miscommunicates\, production slows\, contracts slip\, and the cost compounds fast. \nCritical thinking\, communication\, conflict resolution\, and accountability are the difference between a team meeting its mission and one in constant triage mode. The people entering your facilities today lack the tools to take feedback\, communicate between shifts\, escalate problems\, and ask for help before things break. Understanding why\, and what to do about it\, is not optional anymore. \nKim pulls from real-world operations failures and a skills framework built specifically for environments where precision and people have to work together. \nSession Takeaways: \n\nThe real dollar cost of poor communication and high turnover in defense and manufacturing environments\nHow to identify where your onboarding and management approach is reinforcing the skills gap instead of closing it\, and what to change first\nA practical framework for building critical thinking\, communication\, and accountability into daily operations\nStrategies for bridging the expectation gap between your leadership culture and your incoming workforce\n\nJoin Kim at the Michigan Defense Expo in Classroom 353. \n \n REGISTER HERE URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/the-hard-cost-of-soft-skills-2/ LOCATION:Huntington Place\, 1 Washington Blvd\, Detroit\, 48226\, United States CATEGORIES:Soft Skills ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MDEX-Event-Cover-1200x628-1-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260507T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260507T130000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T135117Z UID:10000001-1778155200-1778158800@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:The Skills Crisis: The Hard Cost of Soft Skills DESCRIPTION:Employers think Gen Z is entitled\, distracted\, and will quit the minute things get hard. Gen Z thinks employers are out of touch. Both sides are talking past each other – not to each other. \nThis webinar tackles the workforce readiness gap head-on\, exploring why a generation is entering the workforce underprepared\, what it’s costing business owners in real dollars and real time\, and what leaders can do to address it. \nYou’ll walk away with: \n\nA clear picture of why the workforce readiness gap exists and what’s driving it\nThe real dollar cost of turnover versus the investment in targeted training\nPractical strategies for building critical thinking and problem-solving skills into your onboarding and day-to-day operations\nA framework for bridging the communication gap between your expectations and your employees’ reality\nActionable next steps you can implement without a big budget or an HR department\n\nIt’s cheaper to invest in training than pay the price of turnover. The workplace needs to change – only come if you’re ready to have that conversation. \n \n Learn More and Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/the-skills-crisis-the-hard-cost-of-soft-skills/ LOCATION:MI CATEGORIES:Soft Skills ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Corp-Webinar_Hard-Cost-of-Soft-Skills_1600x900.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260428T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260428T190000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T125152Z UID:10000004-1777393800-1777402800@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Uncomfortable Conversations: The Skills Crisis DESCRIPTION:Click Here to Register\n \nSpeakers \n\nKim Bode\, CEO of 8THIRTYFOUR\nKevin Stotts\, President of TalentFirst\n\nFacilitators \n\nDonovan Anderson\, Interim Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University\nMarlee Boyle\, Director of Human Resources at Lake Michigan Credit Union\nMichelle Burke\, Director of Postsecondary Programs and Partnerships for The Michigan Center for Adult College Success\, an initiative of TalentFirst\nNatalie Lowell\, President of Project Management Institute West Michigan Chapter\nKyle Perry\, HR Assistant at Cooper People Group and Vice President of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber\n\nIn typical 8THIRTYFOUR fashion\, we’re talking about the sh*t no one wants to address head-on. We keep hearing there is a talent crisis in America\, and it’s not about finding people; it’s about finding people who can succeed. \nEmployers think Gen Z is lazy\, entitled and will quit the second things get hard. Gen Z thinks employers are out of touch and a pain in the a**. \nWe’re putting you in the same room\, across a table from each other and you’re going to talk about it. It’s time to fix it and since we don’t see anyone else stepping up\, we’ll go ahead and do it. \nEmployers and talent are going to discuss what’s working\, what’s missing\, and what they wish the other side understood. \nGet uncomfortable with us; we’ll have snacks and libations to loosen you up. \nRead the Hard Cost of Soft Skills and check out the videos below in preparation for this chat. \nEvent Schedule\n4:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Arrival + Networking\nCheck in\, find your assigned seat\, and meet the people at your table while enjoying light snacks and drinks. \n5:00 – 5:30 p.m. | The Problem\nSpeakers \n\nKim Bode\, CEO of 8THIRTYFOUR\nKevin Stotts\, President of TalentFirst\n\nThe opening presentation calls out the soft skills crisis — the stats\, the costs\, what broke\, and why we’re all here — followed by two perspectives: an employer sharing what they’re experiencing and an entry-level or newer employee on what it looks like from the other side. \n5:30 – 6:15 p.m. | Table Conversations (Facilitated)\nFacilitators \n\nDonovan Anderson\, Interim Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University\nKim Bode\, CEO of 8THIRTYFOUR\nMarlee Boyle\, Director of Human Resources at Lake Michigan Credit Union\nMichelle Burke\, Director of Postsecondary Programs and Partnerships for The Michigan Center for Adult College Success\, an initiative of TalentFirst\nKyle Perry\, HR Assistant at Cooper People Group and Vice President of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber\n\nEach table gets discussion prompts and a facilitator\, because this is where employers and talent actually talk to each other — not at each other — about what’s working\, what’s missing\, and what they wish the other side understood. \n6:15 – 6:40 p.m. | Share Out\nTables report back on what they learned that surprised them and what they’ll do differently. \n6:40 – 7:00 p.m. | Networking + Next Steps\nStick around\, because the best conversations happen after the formal stuff ends. \nhttps://youtu.be/RHcxLPsuK3Q?si=-U1z7_sd7Si1JJ1Shttps://youtube.com/shorts/guPp3NArljw?si=zEBDWRP8bxcZtkEahttps://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Perception-Is-Reality_-The-Brutal-Gen-Z-Wake-Up-Call.mp4 \nDate & Time\nDate: Apr 28\, 2026Time: 4:30-7:00 p.m. \nPresenting Partner\n \n \n\n 8THIRTYFOUR Learning Hub \n\n1365 Plainfield Ave NE\n \n Grand Rapids\,\n MI\n 49505\n United States\n\n\n\n \nRegister\nAbout Uncomfortable Conversations\n\nChange only happens if you talk about the uncomfortable stuff\, which is something we’ve kind of made a career of — 19 years and counting. You can sit around and complain about it\, or you can do something to change it\, and we’ve chosen the latter. \nUncomfortable Community Conversations are where we tackle what some would say is the hard or taboo stuff\, because growth happens in the uncomfortable\, and that’s what we want for our community\, small businesses\, and you. It’s where we stop being nice and start getting real. URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/the-skills-crisis/ LOCATION:8THIRTYFOUR Learning Hub\, 1365 Plainfield Ave NE\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49505\, United States CATEGORIES:Soft Skills|Uncomfortable Community Conversations ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Uncomfortable-Conversations-The-Skills-Crisis.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260425T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260425T120000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T135229Z UID:10000007-1777111200-1777118400@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Shelley Irwin Fun Run DESCRIPTION:The team at 8THIRTYFOUR had such a good time last year\, we decided to do it again (and to be clear\, I mean just the hanging out with the dogs part\, not running). We’re this year’s Dog Walk Sponsor for the Shelley Irwin Fun Run\, so stop by and support WGVU. You’ll even get to pet some dogs. \n \n Learn More and Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/shelley-irwin-fun-run/ LOCATION:Millennium Park\, 1415 Maynard Ave SW\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49524\, United States CATEGORIES:Community Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Shelley-Irwin-Fun-Run.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T130000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T135450Z UID:10000008-1776857400-1776862800@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Barry County 2026 Administrative Professionals Luncheon DESCRIPTION:Big Deal Energy (n.): The confidence of knowing exactly who you are\, owning your quirks\, and communicating your authentic self unapologetically. \nThe things you’ve been told to hide are what make you memorable. Your story is important\, and the moment you decide to own what makes you weird is the moment you start to own your Big Deal Energy. \nIn this presentation\, I’ll show you why your personal brand already exists and what people are already saying about you when you leave the room. You will leave with a clear understanding of how to start shaping that story intentionally instead of leaving it to chance. \nWhen you’re visible\, really visible as yourself\, opportunities find you. \n \n Learn More and Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/barry-county-2026-administrative-professionals-luncheon/ LOCATION:Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro\, 105 E State St\, Hastings\, MI\, 49058\, United States CATEGORIES:Personal Branding ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BDE-April-22nd-Barry-County-.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260421T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260421T140000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T135549Z UID:10000006-1776776400-1776780000@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:The Hard Cost of Soft Skills DESCRIPTION:While many associate business growth with technology\, automation\, or strategic planning\, the real determinant of success is people\, and how they collaborate\, communicate\, and lead. The so-called “soft skills” (or as Kim calls them\, essential skills) directly drive performance\, retention\, decision-making\, and customer experience. \nIn this session\, Kim Bode\, CEO of 8THIRTYFOUR\, reveals the true cost of poor communication\, from measurable delays to operational breakdowns\, and shows how strengthening essential skills becomes a competitive advantage for Michigan small businesses. Attendees will examine real-world examples of common communication and alignment failures and learn practical\, repeatable strategies to build trust\, reduce friction\, and improve daily team operations. \nSoft skills aren’t optional. They’re the difference between success and failure\, and they’re the key to scaling sustainably\, no matter your industry. \n \n Learn More and Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/the-hard-cost-of-soft-skills/ LOCATION:Kellogg Center\, 1 McCamly Square\, Battle Creek\, MI\, 49017\, United States CATEGORIES:Soft Skills ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MCSB_Hard-Cost-of-Soft-Skills-1600-x-900-px.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260317T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260317T163000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T202416Z UID:10000005-1773761400-1773765000@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Big Deal Energy Q&A DESCRIPTION:You’re Kind of a Big Deal\nBig Deal Energy (n.): The confidence of knowing exactly who you are\, owning your quirks\, and communicating your authentic self unapologetically. \nThe leaders and brands standing out are not polished or predictable; they are authentic\, memorable\, and a little or a lot weird – it’s why you remember them. \n\n\n Want to embrace your own Big Deal Energy? Join Kim for an informational webinar on the course\, coaching\, and being your authentic self. \n\nIt Matters\nYour personal brand already exists\, it’s what people say about you when you leave the room. The only question is whether you’re shaping it or leaving it to chance. \nWhen you’re visible\, really visible as yourself\, opportunities find you: speaking engagements\, media features\, partnerships\, clients who choose you specifically because of who you are. We’ve landed contracts because of a handwritten note; not because of a slick proposal or a lower price\, but because someone felt like they knew us. \nYou in? Register below. URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/big-deal-energy-qa/ LOCATION:MI CATEGORIES:Personal Branding ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Big-Deal-Energy-QA.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260211T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260211T160000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T202417Z UID:10000003-1770822000-1770825600@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Beyond the Horizon: Women in Defense Monthly Webinar Series DESCRIPTION:Big Deal Energy: The Art of Being Unforgettable\nRegistration Now Open\nBig Deal Energy (n.): The confidence of knowing exactly who you are\, owning your quirks\, and communicating your authentic self unapologetically. \nYou’ve been taught to tone it down\, fit in\, and play by rules you didn’t write. What if the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding are actually your greatest competitive advantage? \nDitch the overly polished\, generic version of yourself and show up as the Big Deal you already are – at work\, in life\, and every room you walk into. In a space where discretion is everything\, your personal brand is the difference between being forgettable and being the person people trust\, recommend\, and seek out. \nThis webinar will teach you how to harness your Big Deal Energy by showing up with intention and passion while being unapologetically authentic. Get ready to embrace the messy\, imperfect\, quirky parts of yourself – not as obstacles to overcome\, but as your greatest assets. \nBode has spent over 20 years teaching and speaking on personal branding (she also runs a Forbes Top 200 PR firm\, if you’re into awards and stuff). She’s a dog rescuer (9 and counting)\, powered by 5-shot shaken espressos (and ADHD). \n \n Learn More and Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/beyond-the-horizon-women-in-defense-monthly-webinar-series/ LOCATION:MI CATEGORIES:Personal Branding ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BDE-WID-Speaking.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260210T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260210T130000 DTSTAMP:20260530T062650 CREATED:20260329T175028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T202416Z UID:10000002-1770723000-1770728400@8thirtyfour.com SUMMARY:Big Deal Energy: Personal Branding with Kim Bode DESCRIPTION:This keynote is about discovering what makes you unforgettable\, owning it without apology\, and showing up consistently as yourself. \nEvent Description\nThose annoying people who seem to land every good opportunity aren’t the smartest people in the room; they just figured out how to be unforgettable and use it to their advantage. Discover what makes you memorable\, own it without apology\, and show up the same way in every room – unapologetically you. Your voice\, your story\, and your weird are your competitive advantage when everyone else is using AI to find their personality. \nBig Deal Energy is about embracing the messy\, imperfect\, quirky parts of yourself\, not as obstacles to overcome\, but as your greatest personal brand assets. This is when you become unforgettable; instead of chasing opportunities\, you are sought out\, referred\, requested\, and remembered. \nKey Takeaways\n\nWhy your voice\, story\, and quirks are your biggest competitive advantage\nHow to build a personal brand people actually remember\nWhy authenticity matters even more in an AI-driven world\nHow being “different” can attract opportunities instead of chasing them\n\nAbout the Speaker\nI’ve built a Forbes Top 200 PR (and many other awards – so many) agency over 19 years by being exactly who I am—ADHD with OCD tendencies\, dog rescuing (eight nine dogs)\, red wine with ice sipping\, f-bomb dropping\, and I didn’t succeed despite those quirks; I succeeded because of them. \n“I’m big enough to admit I am often inspired by myself.” — Leslie Knope \n \n Learn More and Register URL:https://8thirtyfour.com/event/big-deal-energy-personal-branding-with-kim-bode/ LOCATION:L. William Seidman Center\, 50 Front Ave SW\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49504\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://8thirtyfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR