ISM-Southeast Michigan: Elevate: An Evening to Inspire is ISM-Southeast Michigan’s signature leadership event, bringing together professionals from across business, industry, and the broader Detroit community for an evening of connection, insight, and inspiration.

Launched in 2025, Elevate drew nearly 150 attendees in its debut year and brought together professionals from across Southeast Michigan. The event is designed to go beyond traditional networking, offering a curated experience that blends meaningful conversation, executive perspectives, and community recognition.

This year’s program will feature executive leaders including Shilpan Amin, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Procurement & Supply Chain Officer at General Motors, and Dr. Boris Pasche, President and CEO of Karmanos Cancer Institute. The leadership conversation will be moderated by Jan Griffiths, Champion for Culture Change and host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast.

We’re also excited to welcome Detroit Pistons legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, who will join the evening’s leadership conversation and be recognized as the inaugural recipient of Elevate’s Humanitarian Leadership Award. An entrepreneur, philanthropist and longtime community leader, Isiah will join Shilpan Amin and Dr. Boris Pasche for the leadership conversation moderated by Jan Griffiths.

The evening will include a leadership conversation, recognition of outstanding professionals, and opportunities to connect with peers in a relaxed, engaging setting. Elevate is built for those who value strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and being part of a growing professional community in Southeast Michigan.

Leadership Awards & Recognition
Elevate will recognize outstanding professionals making an impact across the profession and community. 

This year’s recognition will include the Dave Nelson Procurement Leader of the Year Award, Rising Star Award, and the inaugural Humanitarian Leadership Award, which will be presented to Basketball Hall of Famer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Isiah Thomas.

Nominations are now open for the Dave Nelson Procurement Leader of the Year Award and the Rising Star Award. Self-nominations are welcome, and all nominations must be submitted by October 9, 2026.

Your Registration Includes
Registration includes the full Elevate experience: networking, a full dinner, the evening’s leadership program and awards recognition, a dessert reception, and one drink ticket.

Business Professional attire is recommended.

Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: GNS North America
Contributor Sponsors: Seraph | MOBIS North America
Supporter Sponsor: True ValueHub
Supporter Sponsor: Karmanos Cancer Institute

Location
Emagine Royal Oak
200 North Main Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Questions?
For questions regarding Elevate, sponsorship opportunities, nominations, or event participation, please contact Daniel Snyder, Elevate Chair, at ISMSEM.President@gmail.com.

ISM-Southeast Michigan: Elevate: An Evening to Inspire