• Today: Michigan Energy Forum: Cap & Trade. 5-7 p.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Put down the fireworks and BBQ fixings for a little while and join us at the Michigan Energy Forum as we take an in-depth look at Carbon Markets. This topic is rapidly evolving and has the potential for significant growth driven by various energy policies currently in play. Bob German from DTE Energy, Mark Bennett from Miller Canfield and others will take us through the basics, including: An overview of carbon markets including policy and the value chain; types of carbon projects being developed; typical carbon transaction structures; and how can I get involved in the carbon space? These and many other questions will be answered by a highly qualified panel. There will also be plenty of time for networking. Free. Click here for more information or to register.

• Wednesday: Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing meeting. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Topic: How to Harness Social Networks and Branding Yourself Online. Presenter: Collin LaLonde, Talent Driven Executive Search. For more information, e-mail info@la2m.com.

• July 8: Executive Luncheon for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sandler Training Center, 501 Avis Drive, Ann Arbor. Attend this two-hour in-depth look at the sales process and find out how most of your prospects are buying, how most of you are selling, and why there are so many problems. Cost: $91 per person. Registration is required at http://joemarr.sandler.com.

• July 8: How to Pick a Customer Relationship Management for Your Business. 3-5 p.m. Ypsilanti SPARK East, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. For this Summer Speaker Series event, the speaker is Karen Johnson. This presentation will review the various CRM systems available and how to choose the system that is most appropriate for your customer lead tracking. Free. Click here to register.

• July 13: Ann Arbor OpenCoffee. 8-9:30 a.m. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor. Networking event for entrepreneurs, investors and those who work with technology & innovation businesses. Free; coffee provided. For more information, visit annarborusa.org.

• July 13: Marketing Roundtable - Event Marketing. 5 p.m. registration and networking, 7 p.m. program. SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Meeting face to face with clients through event and trade show marketing can play a highly important role within your strategic marketing plan. Learn how to increase lead generation, engage your prospects and increase brand awareness toward improving your bottom line. This diverse panel will discuss the importance of setting event expectations, the strategic planning process, and the evaluation of your event ROI. Some topics that will be covered include: Event Planning Partners, Event Technology, Trends & Best Practices. So come with your questions to pose to this panel of experts. This Marketing Roundtable was re-scheduled for July because it was canceled in February due to weather. There will be no Marketing Roundtable in August. Free. Click here for more information or to register.

• July 13: Breakfast Meeting: Chapter 13 Update. 7:30-9 a.m. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Hosted by Credit Professionals of Ann Arbor, Kimberly Lubinski, attorney with Butler, Butler & Rowse-Oberle will speak on the latest developments in "lien stripping" of second mortgages in Chapter 13 cases; treatment of car claims in Chapter 13 cases; and set-off of shares against loans. Lubinski will share insights on current trends in bankruptcy cases, and provide advice on what we could be doing to get better results in bankruptcy court. $15. RSVP by July 8 by calling Mary Hoegler at 734-662-2563.

• July 13: Seminar: Learn How to Gain Media Exposure. 3-5 p.m. Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, 115 W. Huron St., third floor, Ann Arbor. Presenter: Josephine Nicholas, Press Agent, Insert Catchy Headlines. How many times have you watched the news, listened to the radio, or read the paper and thought, “I could have been the ‘expert’ they interviewed?” If your answer is many times, and you want to learn how to be the media's go-to person, this seminar is for you. As a public relations agent with a broad range of clients across the country, Nicholas passes on five PR tips that will help you position yourself as the media’s local expert. Now, more than ever, businesses and their teams need positive re-enforcement in the media - attend this event and get ready to be the media’s newest star. Free for chamber members, $35 for prospective members. Click here for more information or to register.

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