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Your guide to the 2026 MI Healthy Climate Conference - Planet Detroit
The fourth annual MI Healthy Climate Conference will convene on April 21, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit, bringing together over 800 climate leaders, officials, researchers, and community organizers. The conference, themed “Advancing Climate Action Together,” will focus on moving from climate goal-setting to implementation, addressing the tension between economic development and environmental commitments.
Business
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The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, a 25-story luxury hotel with 601 guest rooms and over 53,000 square feet of meeting space, is on track for completion in 2027. This hotel will be the first in Detroit to connect to Huntington Place convention center via a skybridge, a development expected to significantly boost downtown Detroit's lodging capacity and attract larger-scale events.
A new report from the Detroit Regional Chamber, 'State of the Region' analysis, indicates Metro Detroit's economy is falling behind similar areas in the US across various economic measures. The report, released on March 25, highlights the need for policymakers to address these 'hard truths' to improve the region's competitiveness.
The Detroit Foundation Hotel, renovated in 2025, offers approximately 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and is conveniently located across the street from Huntington Convention Center. This hotel contributes to the hospitality infrastructure supporting Detroit's convention business.
The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, a 227-room luxury lifestyle hotel in Corktown, has opened, featuring a 5,000 sq ft ballroom suitable for corporate and special events. The hotel's proximity to Detroit's convention centers and other attractions enhances the city's offerings for business and event travelers.
The Detroit People Mover temporarily closed on March 13, 2026, following high winds that deposited debris on the guideway track. Maintenance and operations teams are working to restore service, which is crucial for transportation in downtown Detroit, impacting accessibility for events and conventions. The system will reopen after repairs and operational testing are complete.
Industry
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Hilary Doe, Michigan's Chief Growth Officer, is featured as a speaker at the PCMA Business Events Summit 2026. Her role involves leading efforts to grow Michigan's population, economy, and reputation, which directly impacts the state's appeal for business events.
Destination Professionals Day, first launched internationally in 2025, marks the founding of the world's first destination organization, the Detroit Convention and Businessman's League, on February 19, 1896. This day celebrates the global industry that strengthens local economies and enhances quality of life through attracting conventions and events.
ATS Global announced its participation as a Pavilion Row Sponsor for Siemens Realize LIVE Americas 2026, taking place in Detroit at Huntington Place from June 1-4, 2026. The article highlights the event as a key gathering for digital transformation, offering insights into industrial AI, digital twins, and real-world customer case studies. Early bird registration was available until March 23, 2026.
The UFI Global Membership list, updated in March 2026, includes 'Visit Detroit' among its exhibition centers, organizers, and industry partners. This confirms Visit Detroit's active participation and standing within the global exhibition industry.
The 2026 SISO CEO Summit, held March 9-11, included a Women in Exhibitions Network North America meetup sponsored by Visit Detroit. The summit provided insights into trends for independent trade show organizers and the broader meetings, events, and hospitality industries.
Shows
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XPONENTIAL 2026, the world's largest global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, will be held in Detroit from May 11–14 at Huntington Place. This marks the first time the event comes to Detroit, reflecting the city's leadership in mobility and advanced manufacturing. The conference will feature live demonstrations, industry applications, and a co-located Michigan Defense Exposition (MDEX).
XPONENTIAL 2026, a global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, is announced to be held in Detroit at Huntington Place from May 11-14, 2026. This marks the first time the event will be held in Detroit, highlighting the city's role in mobility and advanced manufacturing. The conference will feature live demonstrations, industry applications, and defense integration.
AutoSens and InCabin Will Return to Huntington Place, Detroit | 9–11 June 2026
AutoSens and InCabin will return to Huntington Place, Detroit, from June 9–11, 2026. This immersive three-day event will bring together engineers, academics, and specialists in interior sensing, ADAS, and autonomous vehicles, featuring engaging sessions, an extensive exhibition, and networking opportunities.
The Magnetics Show USA 2026, a commercial exhibition dedicated to the entire magnetics industry, will take place in October 2026 at Huntington Place in Detroit. It will feature numerous global exhibitors and two conferences on groundbreaking developments.
The Battery Show North America 2026, the largest event for battery and electric vehicle industries, will take place at Huntington Place in Detroit from October 12 to October 15, 2026. The show is expected to host over 1,300 suppliers and attract more than 21,000 attendees, showcasing the full supply chain for EVs and energy storage.
Venues
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The rehabilitation of Detroit's Michigan Central Station, which will include a NoMad Detroit hotel, was named the most outstanding construction project of 2025. The Christman | Brinker Corktown Transformational Joint Venture received the top prize in the Baldwin Group Build America Awards for restoring the 640,000-square-foot Beaux-Arts station after more than 30 years of abandonment.
In April, the Motown Museum in Detroit will premiere “Psychedelic Soul: A Journey Through Rhythm and Time,” a new exhibition, marking the first exhibit in the Esther Gordy Edwards Centre for Excellence. This new 38,000-square-foot space, which opened in 2025, is part of a larger expansion project for the museum, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2027 and will include meeting spaces.
Michigan Governor Whitmer signed bills allowing the Huntington Place expansion to move forward, as mentioned in a Reddit discussion about downtown Detroit real estate. This legislative action supports the ongoing development and enhancement of the city's primary convention center.
Construction is actively underway at Huntington Place in Detroit, with the installation of a new skybridge marking a significant milestone for the convention center.
A March 2026 industry news roundup includes an update on construction progress for the new skybridge connector at Huntington Place in Detroit. This connector will link the convention center to a JW Marriott hotel and the riverwalk. The development is part of ongoing evolution and innovation within the US event industry.
