Grand Rapids, MI –The Michigan Center for Adult College Success today released a Solicitation of Bids seeking a qualified hotel and conference center as the organization prepares to host its inaugural Adult Learner Summit, a two-day event set to take place in Detroit in February of 2026. Please click here to view the full solicitation.
The Center-hosted event will provide the opportunity for colleges and universities across the state to discuss innovative methods to boost adult learner enrollment, persistence, and completion efforts on their campuses. The summit will feature presentations from national experts and opportunities for participants to share the work they are doing at their own campuses to better serve adult learners. Additionally, the summit will feature MI-LEARN Design Lab participants and Innovation Investment Award recipients.
“As we continue working with Michigan’s higher education community to support adult learners and reach Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, we’re presenting the opportunity to bring all institutions together in one space of collaboration,” said Jeremy Hendges, Director of the Michigan Center for Adult College Success. “Facilitating sharing of successful strategies, challenges and further resources for planning and implementation will help move us further toward our shared goals for adult learners.”
The Center will partner with the selected hotel and conference center on the two-day event to host up to 100 people, including lodging, conference space and multiple breakout rooms, as well as catering options and in-house A/V support.
Key components of the Solicitation for Bids include:
- Experience hosting conferences of a similar scope
- Room availability and capacity for spatial needs
- Full A/V support
- Detailed cost breakdown, including staff time and deliverables pricing
- Onsite catering options for light snacks, cash bar, as well as breakfast, lunch and snack breaks
Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. ET on December 9, 2025
Maximum Project Budget: $100,000 – including hotel rooms, food, conference space rental and A/V needs
The Center will evaluate proposals based on understanding of The Center’s work, experience hosting similar conferences, cost-effectiveness and detailed budget outline, and feasibility of the proposed timeline. A vendor will be selected no later than December 12, 2025, with contract execution completed by December 18, 2025.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit proposals electronically to:
Jeremy Hendges
Director, Michigan Center for Adult College Success
j.hendges@talentfirst.net
For additional information or questions, potential bidders may contact Hendges at 517-303-6026.
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About The Michigan Center for Adult College Success
The Michigan Center for Adult College Success is the state’s primary resource to improve the enrollment and completion of postsecondary education by adults. As an initiative of TalentFirst, The Center’s goal is to meet the statewide need for a skilled workforce. The Center collects research, shares best practices, funds innovative pilots and provides technical assistance. The Center partners with a wide range of educators, business leaders and policy makers toward a shared goal of helping more adults get the credentials they need to reach their full potential, so Michigan can thrive. Learn more: https://info.talentfirst.net/mcacs
About TalentFirst
TalentFirst is a premiere alliance of West Michigan CEOs who are joined by HR leaders, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers to collaborate on an unmatched scale for the benefit of all who live and work in the region. As a data-driven organization, TalentFirst provides practical, proven resources, strategies, tactics, advocacy and accountability to improve the recruitment, development and retention of talent in West Michigan. Learn more at http://www.talentfirst.net/