Datebook: Convergence conference and more

• Dec. 1: Convergence conference 2009. 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Event includes keynote speaker and breakout sessions for artists, arts and culture administrators and supporters of the arts. Eastern Michigan University Student Center, 900 Oakwood St., Ypsilanti. For more information, visit the Arts Alliance Web site.

• Dec. 1: Mingle & Match. 5-7 p.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Those launching a startup can have one minute to tell about the business and what kind of help they are seeking. Those interested in joining a startup can learn about early stage businesses and have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor. For more information, contact Amy Cell at Amy@AnnArborSPARK.org or (734) 821-0075.

• Dec. 2: Entrepreneur Education 2.0: The Management Team/Hiring. 5-7 p.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Speaker: Scott Trossen. The right people in the right roles is critical to achieve extraordinary results. Mini-topics include assessing talent, legal interviewing and contractor vs. employee options. $10. For more information, visit Ann Arbor SPARK's event calendar.

• Dec. 2: Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing meeting: Affiliate Marketing. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Speaker: Shawn Smith, Optimal Webworks. For more information, call (734) 272-4698 or e-mail info@la2m.org.

• Dec. 3: WCA Membership Meeting. Noon. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Get updates on two significant new University of Michigan initiatives that are of importance to companies in the construction industry: a new safety program that will impact all contractors working on U-M projects and the sustainability initiative. For more information, call (734) 769-2500.

• Dec. 3: The Smart Grid: Planning Today for Tomorrow's Connections (Energy Technology Forum). 5-7 p.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Panel discussion of key issues and strategies associated with the smart grid ranging from infrastructure development to its future capabilities. Free. For more information, call (734) 761-9317 or e-mail Amy@AnnArborUSA.org.

• Dec. 3: Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce Year Ender. 4:30-7 p.m. 610 Hilton Blvd., Ann Arbor. Members may bring non-perishable food items, which will be donated to Food Gatherers. For more information, contact Barbara Davenport at (734) 214-0104.

• Dec. 5: Ann Arbor Chamber member educational and shopping event. 8-10 a.m. Best Buy, 3100 Lohr Road, Ann Arbor. Best Buy invites chamber members to the store to introduce the "Best Buy for Business" program, designed to “focus on technology so you can stay focused on your business.” A demonstration of the A2Chamber iPhone app, released earlier this month, will also be available. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast provided. Chamber members and their employees are welcome to bring their families and friends, including children.

• Dec. 8: Ann Arbor OpenCoffee. 8-9:30 a.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Networking event for entrepreneurs, investors and those who work with technology & innovation businesses, particularly in IT, cleantech and life sciences. Free. For more information, visit Ann Arbor SPARK's event calendar.

• Dec. 8: Merry Mingling at the Michigan Theater. 4-6:30 p.m. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Sponsored by the Women's Exchange of Washtenaw. WXW will be collecting business clothing for The Women's Center. $10. Click here to register.

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