Social Events
At Digital Collegium, community is at the heart of everything we do—and that doesn’t stop when the sessions end. Our lineup of social events is designed to help you connect in fun and meaningful ways with fellow attendees, speakers and volunteers.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, recharge after a full day of learning or simply share a laugh with peers who get it, these events are for you.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by
Sunday, Sept. 28 from 6-8 p.m.
Ambassador Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza
Join us in Grand Rapids at the historic Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for the Digital Collegium 2025 Welcome Reception! We’ll gather in the stately Ambassador Ballroom on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 6-8 p.m. for light appetizers, live music, games and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends old and new.
The reception takes place right inside the conference hotel, making it easy to drop in, grab a bite and start great conversations with others who share your passion for higher ed digital.
Board game enthusiasts can enjoy crowd-favorite tabletop games and try their hand at Euchre, a midwest classic card game found at many Michigan get-togethers. Learn more about Euchre.
Monday, Sept. 29
Dinner is on your own, but we’ve got you covered with a list of local restaurants open Monday night. We’ve also organized several opportunities to connect and unwind with fellow attendees.
Dinner with friends
Monday, Sept. 29 from 6-8 p.m.
You don’t have to dine alone! The Digital Collegium Board of Directors welcomes you to join their dinner groups. Stop by the DigiCol booth (100) in the exhibit hall to sign up.
Happy hour with White Whale
Monday, Sept. 29 from 5-7 p.m.
IDC, Amway Grand Plaza
Stop by the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s IDC to celebrate the first full day of #DigiCol25 with White Whale! This secret speakeasy — location revealed only to those in the know — features a private, covered year-round balcony bar with indoor and outdoor seating, a panoramic view of the street below and the city above. Visit White Whale at booth 106 to get access to this one-of-a-kind event.
Happy hour with Pantheon
Monday, Sept. 29 from 5-7 p.m.
Woodrows DuckPin Bowling, Amway Grand Plaza
Fun from the moment you walk in the door! Woodrows DuckPin Bowling features duckpin bowling lanes, a comfortable lounge area and great music. Join Pantheon for a curated cocktail, craft beer or wine as you relax and network after the first full day of #DigiCol25. Visit booth 224 for more information.
After-hours with Element451
Monday, Sept. 29 from 6-8 p.m.
Hopcat Grand Rapids, 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 100
All are welcome to join Element451 at HopCat Grand Rapids for some festivities, fun and networking. This unique brewpub in an historical building downtown just steps from the Amway Grand Hotel hosts an oversized bar and comfortable seating.
Register online and stop by the Element451 booth (304) for your free drink ticket.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
Big Social Event
Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 6-9 p.m.
LMCU Ballpark (shuttle service provided)
We’re taking over the home of the West Michigan Whitecaps for a night of ballpark fun, games and fresh-air connections. Hit the batting cages, play lawn games on the field, grab your favorite concessions and enjoy a crisp fall evening under the lights.
Whether you’re chatting in the stands or making memories on the field, it’s a can’t-miss part of your DigiCol experience.
Shuttle bus service
Shuttles will be provided to the Big Social Event from the Amway Grand Plaza.
LMCU Ballpark is 6 miles from the conference center and hotel. Buses will pick up attendees at the Amway Grand Plaze on Lyon Street, which can be accessed from the first floor of the hotel — just down the hallway across from the valet booth.
- Pickup and departure times: Buses will depart the Amway Grand Hotel between 5:30-6:30 p.m., heading to LMCU Ballpark. One bus will remain in rotation for anyone needing to leave early or arrive late.
- Return trips: Buses will depart LMCU Ballpark between 8:45-9:00 p.m., returning directly to the Amway Grand Hotel.
The LMCU Ballpark and the Amway Grand Hotel are the only two shuttle stops for the evening.
Karaokeplane 2025 sponsored by OHO
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Hopcat Grand Rapids, 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 100
Come unleash your inner rock star at the 15th annual karaoke outing at Hopcat Grand Rapids, just a 10 minute walk from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. No singing experience required. Stop by OHO (booth #203) in the exhibit hall to receive a complimentary ticket for the event.
Swing by the Amway Grand lobby between 9:20–9:40 p.m. to team up for a short walk to the Karaokeplane venue. The crew from OHO will be there to round everyone up and join the stroll.