May 21, 2026, 5 PM at Ann Arbor Spark

Join us to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the founding of New Enterprise Forum. Our special program will include a look at the Past, Present and Future of NEF with notable guest speakers – Tom Porter, founder of NEF; Bill Mayer, SVP of Entrepreneur Services at Ann Arbor SPARK; Ana Timoficiuc, Founder & CEO of MinaRosa; and Patty Glaza, EVP & Managing Director of ID Ventures.

In addition, we will honor Gary Hessenaur with a Lifetime Service Award in appreciation of his valued and significant long-term contributions to the New Enterprise Forum and to the Michigan entrepreneurial and small business community. Ray Waters, President of Detroit Development Fund will join us to help present the award to Gary.

Our Showcase Investor Presentation will be delivered by Stefan Sysko, Co-Founder & CEO of OneSix Energy, a technology company making clean hydrogen affordable.

This will be a great opportunity to visit with old friends and make new connections as we raise a glass to toast forty years of helping entrepreneurs make it in Michigan.