Trade Show News

An opinion piece argues that Detroit is missing out on significant revenue by not implementing local sales taxes on nonresidents, such as tourists and convention-goers. The article highlights that events like the NFL Draft generated substantial economic activity but no comparable local tax revenue for Detroit. This issue is expected to recur with future major events like the 2027 NCAA Final Four.

The 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, organized by the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, is underway, providing an opportunity for business leaders, government officials, and community changemakers to discuss Michigan's future. The conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and debates focused on developing policies and ideas for the state.

Nearly 10,000 attendees from across the drone, robotics, defense, manufacturing and autonomous systems sectors convened in Detroit, Michigan last week (May 11-14) for XPONENTIAL 2026, the world's largest event for uncrewed systems and robotics. The event generated more than $10 million in economic impact for Detroit.

XPONENTIAL 2026, co-hosted by AUVSI and Messe Düsseldorf North America, generated approximately $10.8 million in total business sales for the Metro Detroit region. The event, held May 11-14, brought nearly 10,000 attendees and over 600 exhibitors, supporting more than 1,400 jobs.

XPONENTIAL 2026, held from May 11-14 at Huntington Place, generated approximately $10.8 million in total economic impact for the Metro Detroit region. The event, co-hosted by AUVSI and Messe Düsseldorf North America, attracted nearly 10,000 attendees and over 600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. This significant economic contribution highlights Detroit's growing role as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing in the autonomous systems sector.

Tina Freese Decker, President and CEO of Corewell Health, has been named the Chair of the 2027 Mackinac Policy Conference by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Her appointment follows Bob Riney and aims to foster collaboration across industries to strengthen Michigan. The conference is a key event for statewide thought leaders.

Detroit at Work launched the T.R.A.D.E. Connect program on May 21, 2026, a multi-organization training and employment pipeline designed to connect participants to union apprenticeships. This initiative aims to provide pre-screened, job-ready candidates for contractors and reduce financial risk through wage reimbursement.

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Detroit Post announced upcoming events including a May Presentation & Luncheon on May 20, 2026, and the Detroit SAME Golf Classic 2026 on July 30, 2026, to support STEM scholarships.

Sam Klemet, former director of the Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, has been appointed Vice President of Operations for Catalyst, a newly launched association management company by Kelley Cawthorne. Klemet will also support Kelley Cawthorne's growth in Southeast Michigan, continuing his involvement in advocacy and association leadership.

Sam Klemet, former executive director of the Detroit Auto Show and Detroit Auto Dealers Association, has joined Kelley Cawthorne's new association management company, Catalyst, as vice president of operations. He will continue to support growth efforts in Southeast Michigan, leveraging his experience in advocacy and association leadership.

The 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo, hosted by the SBA and General Motors on June 5 at MotorCity Casino, will provide opportunities for small businesses to engage in one-on-one matchmaking sessions with major corporations and government buyers. The event supports the 'Made in America' initiative by fostering domestic sourcing and supply chain growth.

The 2027 Main Street Now Conference will be co-hosted in Detroit by Main Street America, Michigan Main Street, and Main Street Oakland County from May 3-5, 2027. This annual conference is a major gathering for community leaders and industry professionals focused on economic development, civic infrastructure, and historic preservation in commercial districts. Attendees will engage in professional development and immersive learning experiences.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and General Motors will co-host the second 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo on June 5, 2026, at the MotorCity Casino in Detroit. The event aims to connect small domestic suppliers with large companies and industrial producers to strengthen domestic supply chains and create local jobs. Suppliers can participate in one-on-one matchmaking sessions and network with various resources.

The Detroit Metropolitan Apartment Association (DMAA) is hosting its 2026 Trade Show, inviting attendees to explore an 'exhibit jungle' with various vendors. The event will feature an open space, a Bingo Zone for cash prizes, and an optional Legal Luncheon. The trade show floor will be open from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Detroit will host the Intelligent Transportation Society of America Conference and Expo at Huntington Place from June 9-12, 2026. The event is expected to draw over 3,000 transportation professionals and 170 exhibitors, featuring more than 100 sessions on intelligent transportation systems, AI, automated vehicles, and connected mobility solutions.

During a Detroit Police Commissioners Meeting on May 14, 2026, it was reported that an arson incident occurred at Huntington Place on April 28, 2026, where a person sprayed accelerants onto the carpet and set it on fire.

Philadelphia Sign, part of PSCO Sign Group, is supporting Huntington Bank's multi-state signage conversion and expansion program, which includes rebranding the Detroit Convention Center. This ongoing project involves coordinated planning, permitting, fabrication, installation, and schedule management across multiple markets.

Philadelphia Sign, part of PSCO Sign Group, is supporting Huntington Bank's multi-state signage conversion program, which includes rebranding the Detroit Convention Center (Huntington Place) as a high-profile location. This ongoing program involves coordinated planning, permitting, fabrication, and installation.

Huntington Place, Detroit's convention center, is the 16th largest in the U.S. with 723,000 square feet of exhibition space and over 100 meeting rooms. Owned by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority and operated by Legends Global, it continues to be a premier destination for conventions and trade shows.

Detroit's Huntington Place is slated to gain a second connected hotel as part of a master redevelopment initiative aimed at enhancing downtown connectivity and boosting convention business. The new property is expected to offer approximately 600 guest rooms and will join the 601-room JW Marriott Water Square, which is currently under construction and set to open in 2027. This project is part of a broader revitalization strategy that includes infrastructure upgrades to improve accessibility and community engagement.