Just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine associating Detroit with words like innovation, or transformation, or modernism. 

Yes, those phrases encapsulated the spirit of ‘Motor City,’ the birthplace of the American auto industry, or ‘Motown,’ were Berry Gordy introduced legendary artists such as Diana Ross, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many others. The city’s location along the Detroit River, its international access to Canada, its architecture and grand boulevards all helped make Detroit the fourth most populous in the United States and arguably one of America’s wealthiest and most influential. 

Then came the industrial decline and an ensuing downward spiral eventually leading to the devastating news in 2013, when the city, drowning in $18 billion in debt, became the largest municipality in the country to declare for Chapter 9 bankruptcy.  

Now a decade later, there’s yet another chapter to be written in the story of Detroit, a renaissance in a city that has once again embraced innovation, transformation and modernism. Behind private and public investments, 6% job growth over the last 10 years, an 18% increase in adults 25-54 years old, and initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, revitalized neighborhoods and a thriving downtown filled with green spaces, diverse eateries, entertainment and professional sports, Detroit is on the move again, living up to the phrase seen around town, ‘Detroit hustles harder.’ 

Lisa Williams, Executive Director of Sales at MGM Grand Detroit, touts Detroit’s transformation, citing examples such Ford Motor Company investing over $1 billion in the Corktown area by transforming the historic Michigan Central Train Station. The area, to be known as Detroit Central, will be a “game changer to the technology industry above and beyond automotive,” she said.  

Add to that $1.5 billion in development in Detroit’s retail and billons planned for a hospital and medical research campus in collaboration with the Detroit Pistons and Michigan State University.   

“There is currently an estimated $15 billion dollars in projects happening in the city, which has not happened in decades,” she said. “All of this investment in housing, retail, business, from public, community, and private partnership is the driving force behind the next Detroit.” 

Meeting and Event Business 

The transformation is also helping drive the city’s effort to attract more meetings and events off all sizes. There’s already been high-profile events such as the NFL Draft, which brought 775,000 fans to the city, and the National Guard Association of the United States annual conference. The Battery Show, North America’s largest event in advanced battery manufacturing and electric vehicles, will take place this year at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall), the 16th largest convention center in in the country with 723,000 square feet of exhibition space, 100 meeting rooms and a 40,000 square foot Grand River Ballroom. The facility is already gearing up for a $397 million expansion that will include a hotel. 

Whether for large city-wide meetings or intimate gatherings, meeting planners are once again looking at Detroit to book business. 

“We really love Detroit from an accessibility standpoint,” said Emilie Perkins, Vice President of Client & Conference Services for Raybourn Group International, an association management company working with nearly 20 associations. She has booked upcoming meetings for the Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America and the Midwest Building Supply Association, both at MGM Grand Detroit. 

“Detroit kind of come off the radar for a few years, but they have just made such an incredible revitalization of their downtown,” Perkins said. “Over the past several years, they've really kind of put their money where their mouth is and restructured a lot in downtown Detroit, but kept that really historic charm that they're known for. They didn't lose that for sure. Once we saw that they kind of have had this real renaissance, I would say, it came back on our radar for sure and has been really a great option for many of our association clients.” 

Movement Search & Delivery brings its annual meeting to Detroit every year, most recently at the Detroit Foundation Hotel, the former 1929 Fire Department headquarters. Elisha Gray, Operations Manager for the organization, likes Detroit for several reasons: its proximity to company headquarters and the convenience of getting in and out of the city. 

“We absolutely love the Foundation, not only their space, but just working with them in general was such a fantastic experience from beginning to end. What really stood out to us with the Foundation is just the uniqueness that it had in everything that we wanted. We like that little bit of an upper class, upper echelon feeling of what the Foundation is. Plus, the event space wasn't just like some boring board room. 

“We also really like treating our people for a night out in Detroit, whether it’s a concert, a musical or a sporting event.” 

James Dannecker, General Manager of the Detroit Foundation Hotel, said the city’s revival parallels the “beauty and genuine hospitality of Detroiters. There’s pride in being from Detroit but also just that friendly welcoming atmosphere. They’re genuine and they're authentic, and you get to see the grit of Detroit.”

“People call it the ‘Paris of the Midwest,” and there’s a lot of Parisian influence. Now on top of all that, we have these new great offerings from a hospitality standpoint.” 

Visit Detroit Focuses on Growth 

The resurgence of meetings and conventions in Detroit is exactly what Dave Beachnau, Executive Vice President at Visit Detroit and Executive Director at Detroit Sports Commission, and his team have been focused on. Visit Detroit reports more RFPs, more interest and more excitement about Detroit than it has seen in a long time. 

“For us certainly it's the development that's taking place,” he said. “Everyone is invested in what we're doing. The collaboration in our community is something that I haven't seen in, you know, the 30-plus years that I've been with the organization. There’s a willingness for everyone to step up and be sure that we're successful not only as an organization or a destination, but as a community. That’s probably what I'm most proud of. We've just got so much momentum in our region right now. We're just poised for great success in the future.” 

Chris Moyer, Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs for Visit Detroit, added that Detroit was battling the perception that the city was mired in what it was in the 1980s and ‘90s. 

“We're starting to finally connect with a larger critical mass and major sporting events like the NFL draft have helped propel Detroit in a cultural understanding of how great the city is as opposed to the more outdated perspective,” he said. 

Meeting industry events like PCMA EducCon, Connect Marketplace and ASAE’s annual Diversity Executive Leadership Program reunion have helped expose the city to more meeting planners and association leaders. 

While airline access to Detroit is strong -- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), a hub for Delta Airlines, offers more than 140 non-stop destinations and is one of the largest hubs in the U.S. – a challenge for attracting more citywide meetings is hotel rooms.  

Moyer said if a meeting and convention needs 3,500 rooms on peak, the city could probably stretch to make that work. He said the city over the last five years has lost over 600,000 rooms from meeting and convention business. 

“They want to be here, but whether we're one room short of their peak needs or 5 ,000 rooms short of their peak needs, we can't do it,” he said. “They love Detroit and say, ‘let's talk when you've got more hotel rooms,’ so that's something holding us back right now.” 

While there are 3,000 downtown rooms under development, there are numerous hotels like MGM Grand Detroit and the Detroit Foundation Hotel that can successfully accommodate certain size meetings. For larger meetings, Visit Detroit works closely with suburban cities where there are 45,000 hotel rooms. 

With major events like the successful NFL Draft comes additional attention, such as 55 million television viewers. 

“You can't pay for that kind of advertising,” Beachnau said, “and we certainly saw an uptick in interest from meeting planners and decision makers since the draft was hosted here in Detroit. 

“We have not solved every problem. There's still so much work to do to fully integrate the region and we are working together better than at any time in the entire history of Detroit.” 

But there is a sense that Detroit is entrenched on a path for growth. 

“Ultimately the key factors contributing to the success of Detroit is the inclusive collaboration of community, business, labor, and government,” Williams said. “One of our community leaders, Jeanette Pierce (Detroit Experience Factory), said it best: ‘Detroit is a city big enough to matter in the world, yet small enough for you to matter in it.’” 

Why Detroit 

• Cars wouldn’t be cars, music wouldn’t be music and culture wouldn’t be culture without Detroit. The birthplace of five music genres, including Motown, funk and techno, Detroit has inspired creators and visitors for decades. Known as the "Motor City," Detroit’s spirit of innovation continues today with its leadership in sustainable mobility, including the completion of the country’s first EV charging road. 

• Detroit boasts a thriving culinary scene with over 1,000 restaurants, featuring nationally acclaimed chefs and local favorites, from innovative fine dining to classic Detroit coney dogs. 

• The city is home to more than 200 parks and open spaces, including the beautiful Belle Isle Park, an island gem larger than New York City’s Central Park. Visitors can also enjoy the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk, voted the Best Riverwalk in the U.S., and the Joe Louis Greenway, a 27.5-mile path connecting neighborhoods and public spaces throughout the city. These outdoor areas offer countless opportunities for recreation and scenic exploration. 

• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) offers more than 140 non-stop destinations and is one of the largest hubs in the U.S., making it easily accessible for domestic and international visitors. J.D. Power and Associates named Detroit the number one Mega Airport in North America for customer satisfaction. 

What’s New in Detroit 

• A major expansion and renovation of Detroit’s premier convention center, Huntington Place, has transformed it into a world-class venue for conferences, trade shows and events. Located downtown along the Detroit River, the facility offers over 723,000 square feet of exhibit space and cutting-edge amenities, including a rooftop terrace and panoramic views of the city skyline. 

• Nearly $20 billion has been invested in downtown Detroit’s resurgence, including new hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and public spaces, making it a dynamic place to host events and business meetings. 

SEE 

Motown Museum

Step into music history at the legendary Motown Museum, where you can tour the original recording studio and home of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records. This museum celebrates the birthplace of hits from legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross. Motown Museum offers a soulful backdrop for private events. 

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation 

Located just outside of Detroit, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States. Visitors can explore historic artifacts from American innovation, including the Rosa Parks bus and the Wright Brothers' plane. The Henry Ford offers unique spaces for special events, allowing guests to step into the past while celebrating the future. 

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) 

The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the top art museums in the country, with an impressive collection ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum is home to Diego Rivera’s famous "Detroit Industry Murals," considered one of the finest works of 20th-century American art. The DIA offers private event spaces surrounded by inspiring art. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO. 

DO 

Take a Detroit Food Tour 

Explore Detroit's burgeoning culinary scene with a food tour through the city’s diverse neighborhoods. From Eastern Market's fresh produce and gourmet food stands to Corktown’s cutting-edge restaurants, your guests will sample Detroit-style pizza, pierogi, and other iconic local flavors. Private tours can be arranged for groups of all sizes. 

Detroit Riverwalk 

Named the Best Riverwalk in the U.S., Detroit's Riverwalk stretches along the Detroit River, offering picturesque views of the water and the city skyline. Whether walking, biking, or simply enjoying the scenery, this is a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the city. Riverfront activities such as kayaking or boat cruises can be arranged for group events. 

Catch a Game 

Detroit is passionate about its sports teams, and there’s no shortage of action for visitors. Detroit is the only city in the country where all four major sports team play within a three-block radius downtown. The city is home to the Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), and Detroit Pistons (NBA). Whether you’re at Comerica Park for a baseball game or Little Caesars Arena for hockey or basketball, your guests can experience the energy of "The D" and its devoted sports fans.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO. 

EAT 

Selden Standard 

Known for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, Selden Standard offers seasonal small plates in an open, industrial-chic space. From locally sourced vegetables to artisanal pizzas, the menu is constantly evolving, making each visit unique. The restaurant is perfect for private dining and gatherings. 

Detroit Vegan Soul 

For a plant-based dining experience that’s won national acclaim, Detroit Vegan Soul offers comfort food with a healthy twist. Their Southern-inspired dishes, like "Catfish" Tofu and BBQ tofu, appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. A great option for groups looking to experience Detroit’s diverse food scene. 

The Apparatus Room 

Located inside the stunning Detroit Foundation Hotel, The Apparatus Room blends historic architecture with modern flair. The restaurant’s refined menu features American cuisine with a local twist, crafted by a James Beard Award-winning chef. Perfect for upscale dinners or private events in one of Detroit's most stylish settings. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO. 

STAY/MEET

ALHI has two Members in Detroit ready to welcome you and your clients to the Motor City. 

Detroit Foundation Hotel 

The Detroit Foundation, restored in 2017, at the former home of the 1929 Fire Department headquarters and the Pontchartrain Wine Cellars, captures the essence of Detroit’s history with 100 guest rooms and 3,900 square feet of meeting space. The centerpiece is the Apparatus Room, with spaces designed for socializing, eating, drinking and relaxing.  

“What I'm most proud of is how this building is maintaining the history and telling the story of Detroit,” Dannecker said. “You never want to forget where you came from and who you are, and I feel like we do a really great job on that. It all shows up in the authenticity and the genuine hospitality that we provide. We do things that are fun. We do things that are educational. But we really try to highlight what Detroit is about and bring that life into the four walls of the Foundation.” 

MGM Grand Detroit 

MGM Resorts International celebrated 25 years in Detroit this past summer at the MGM Grand Detroit. The hotel features 400 guest rooms, 30,000 square feet of meeting space, seven different eateries, a 20,000 square foot luxury spa, Topgolf swing suite, lounges and the same table games and slots available in Las Vegas.  

The luxury hotel was intentionally designed to be separate from the casino. Guests access all the amenities of the hotel; three-meal restaurant, spa, gift shop and meeting space without entering the casino. Recent updates to the spa and lobby add to the upscale services and amenities.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO.