Miller Canfield to host briefing on selling to government: The law firm of Miller Canfield presents “Is the Government on Your Client List?” at an upcoming Business Briefing on Thursday, June 19, from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. at Automation Alley Headquarters, 2675 Bellingham in Troy. Miller Canfield attorney Richard D. Choi will present a nuts and bolts discussion on legal considerations and protections for manufacturers, engineering firms, and technology service providers of all sizes. Topics include Federal Acquisition Regulations and International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The event is co-sponsored by Miller Canfield and Automation Alley. There is no cost to attend. Please make reservations with Sandy Bera at (248) 267-3345 or bera@millercanfield.com. 

Somanetics to present at Citigroup healthcare conference: Somanetics Corp. (NASDAQ: SMTS) is scheduled to participate in the Citigroup 2008 Healthcare Conference May 21 - 22 at the New York Hilton. Bruce J. Barrett, Somanetics' president and CEO, will make a 25-minute presentation that will be webcast live on Wednesday, May 21, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time. The Webcast may be viewed by visiting the Investor Relations section of Somanetics' Web site at www.somanetics.com. The webcast also can be accessed at www.veracast.com/webcasts/citigroup/healthcare08/61104426.cfm. 

Verizon Wireless to offer free smartphone workshops in Flint: Verizon Wireless is offering free PDA and smartphone workshops at its Flint store, located at 4375 Miller Road. The popular class, “20 Things Your PDA and Smartphone Can Do For You,” is geared to help wireless phone users get the most out of their PDAs and smartphones by learning about their functions and features. Some of the topics include text messaging, Internet browsing, using email and the camera, changing ringtones, pairing Bluetooth devices and setting up the speed dial and address book synchronization functions. The free, in-store classes are open to Verizon Wireless customers and other PDA and smartphone users -- all brands and models are welcome. Dates for the classes are Wednesday, May 21, Tuesday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 29. All classes run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are required. Register online at http://workshop.wds.vzw.com.

Trivalent Group to hold IT Solutions Expo: Trivalent Group, a Grandville-based systems and communications integrator, will host its fourth annual information technology Solutions Expo on June 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This year’s event, “Better Technology Solutions = Better Business Outcomes,” will focus on minimizing technology risks and potential for exposure. Industry experts will share strategies for protecting, securing, moving and storing data. The Expo is free and open to the business community by registering via email at expogr@trivalentgroup.com or by calling (616) 301-6399. The registration deadline is May 23. 

Wayne State biz alums to offer NextEnergy event: The Wayne State University School of Business Administration Alumni Association will hold "An Evening Inside NextEnergy" starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at NextEnergy, 461 Burroughs, Detroit. Ten energy companies will share their work in tours from 5:30 to 7. Attendees will have the chance to try out the Smart Car for size, consult with the National Biofuels Laboratory on gasoline alternatives, discuss how to convert harmful emissions to valuable energy, get energy efficiency ideas and more. NextEnergy CEO James Croce will provide a keynote at 7 p.m. To RSVP, e-mail sbarsvp@wayne.edu or call (313) 577-5961. More information at http://www.jcidesign.com/InsideNextEnergy4/.

Indus Entrepreneurs to focus on economies of China, India: The Detroit Chapter of the Indus Entrepreneurs will meet June 10 on the intriguing topic, "A Better Path for Investment: India or China?" Attendees will learn from officials of event sponsor Foley and Lardner LLP about current developments and the outlook for these markets from seasoned industry professionals. Discussions will include comparative insights into the current business and regulatory climates in India and China; hHands-on, practical analysis of the risks and rewards of investments in India and China; and a review of the outbound investment climate in India and China, including the overseas mergers and acquisitions activity of Indian and Chinese companies, and the outlook on future outbound investments. The event begins with networking from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., the panel discussion from 6:15 to 7:15, and questions from 7:15 to 8.  The venue is the Westin Southfield, 1500 Town Center. The event is free to members and $10 for nonmembers. Register at www.tie-detroit.org.

GR tech council to hold Fourth Friday event: The West Michigan Technology Council of the Grand Rapids economic development group Right Place Inc. will hold its Fourth Friday Technology Forum on Friday, May 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Computer Products and Resources Inc., 1595 Galbraith Ave. NE in Grand Rapids. The guest speaker is Bill Small of Innovation Works, who will tackle the topic "Accelerating Innovation in West Michigan." For additional information contact George Bosnjak at (616) 771-0326 or bosnjakg@rightplace.org. 

Chamber Presents Structured After-Hours Networking: The Troy Chamber’s ITroy Committee presents “Technology Exchange -- Structured After-Hours Networking” on Thursday, May 22, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bailey’s Pub & Grille, 1965 W. Maple Road. This structured networking event will not only give you an opportunity to meet area business professionals, but leave you with a sense of whether or not you are using technology to optimize your performance on a daily basis. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose a group: social networking, blogging, podcasting, Web strategy, hosted applications and more. For 20 minutes, that group of 5-8 people will discuss the topic, moderated by a chamber "expert" on the issue. After the time is up, everyone chooses whether he/she wants to switch groups or stay where there and continue the conversation. There will be three 20-minute periods. Confirmed moderators include: Antoine Dubeauclard, Media Genesis; Chris Lakatos, Netpods; Carl Winans, Elemental; Matt McInally, Grid4 Communications; and Mike Lakatosh, BTR Associates. The cost to attend is $10 for Troy Chamber and ConnecTech members and $20 for non-members. (ConnecTech members must identify themselves upon registering.) An additional $5 will be charged to those registering on the day of the event. Hors d'oeuvres are included and attendees will enjoy a cash bar. To register, call (248) 641-8151 or e-mail: theteam@troychamber.com.