Trade Show News

Visit Detroit reports that over 1,600 new hotel rooms are expected to open in downtown Detroit by 2027, including a second 600-room hotel connected to Huntington Place. This expansion aims to bolster Detroit's capacity to host industry-leading meetings, conventions, and large-scale events, generating an estimated $100 million in annual spending and creating 1,000 new hospitality positions.

The MMSDC 2026 Michigan Minority Procurement Conference is designed for businesses to gain access to capital pathways, expand markets, and connect with potential customers and partners. State of Michigan Procurement will be attending this event, which focuses on moving businesses beyond conversation into execution.

Downtown Detroit is set to gain over 1,600 new hotel rooms by 2027 through four new developments, including a second hotel connected to Huntington Place. This expansion aims to increase the city's total hotel capacity beyond 7,000 rooms, enabling Detroit to host larger conventions and events like the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four. The new hotels are expected to significantly boost the city's hospitality offerings.

Four new hotels, including the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, The Detroit EDITION, NoMad Hotel, and a second hotel connected to Huntington Place, will introduce over 1,600 rooms to downtown Detroit by 2027. This significant increase in hotel capacity is expected to create opportunities for larger gatherings and major events like the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four.

A second convention center-connected hotel is planned for Huntington Place, a $450 million project expected to create over 600 union construction jobs and 1,000 new permanent hospitality positions. Officials anticipate the project will generate $100 million in annual spending, enhancing Detroit's ability to secure more industry-leading meetings and large-scale events.

Visit Detroit is seeking a Director of Events to lead the strategic development, planning, and execution of its trade shows, conventions, meetings, and customer experiences. This role involves overseeing booth fabrication, activations, interactive elements, and managing event logistics from site selection and contracts to on-site management. The director will also build relationships with host committees, hotels, and partners to elevate Detroit's presence in the industry.

Sam Klemet announced his immediate resignation as executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the Detroit Auto Show on April 30, 2026. The organization is now seeking a new leader to continue elevating the Detroit Auto Show as a premier automotive event.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra) hosted a future mobility partnership event in Detroit on April 21, bringing together 40 U.S. automobile companies and 45 Korean auto parts manufacturers to foster cooperation in the automotive sector. The event aimed to explore opportunities amid shifts in global auto parts supply chains.

The Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) announced that its Leadership Conference will be held in Detroit from August 16–18, 2027, providing insights and networking opportunities for senior executives in the industry.

The Battery Show North America, a leading event for advanced battery technology, is confirmed for October 12–15, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit. This event will bring together over 1,300 exhibitors and more than 16,000 engineers, executives, and innovators from the global battery and EV sector. Attendees can expect four days of learning, networking, and access to technologies shaping the future of batteries and electric vehicles.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer opened XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit, emphasizing the event's focus on safety, integration, and enabling innovation at scale within the robotics and autonomous systems industry. The conference, running May 11–14, is expected to generate significant economic and innovation impact for the Detroit region. It features defense-focused programming, including integration with the co-located Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX).

XPONENTIAL 2026, the world's largest global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, is being held in Detroit from May 11-14. Co-hosted by AUVSI and Messe Düsseldorf North America, the event focuses on moving robotics and autonomous systems from development to operational use. The conference includes a strengthened focus on defense due to its co-location with the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX).

The Michigan Inventors Coalition will host its 14th Annual Inventors Summit on May 11, 2026, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. The event will feature exhibitor tables, keynote presentations, and a 'Spin, Pitch, & Sell' competition.

XPONENTIAL 2026, the world's largest global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, is open in Detroit from May 11-14 at Huntington Place. Co-hosted by AUVSI and Messe Düsseldorf North America, the show floor is completely sold out and co-located with the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX).

An arson suspect was arrested in connection with a fire set inside Detroit's Huntington Place on April 28. Huntington Place officials stated that the incident caused minimal damage and did not impact staff, guests, or scheduled events.

A suspect was arrested for setting a fire inside Huntington Place on April 28, after a viewer recognized him from news coverage. Surveillance video showed the man pouring gasoline on the carpet and igniting it. The fire was quickly extinguished, causing minimal damage, and did not impact staff, guests, or scheduled events.

A suspect was arrested in connection with an April 28 arson incident at Huntington Place, Detroit's convention center. Surveillance video showed the man pouring gasoline on the carpet and igniting it. Security quickly extinguished the fire, causing minimal damage and no impact to scheduled events or staff.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the arson incident at Huntington Place on April 28, following a citizen's tip. The individual is awaiting formal charges for spreading liquid and igniting a fire within the convention center.

The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi has been renamed Vibe Credit Union Showplace, effective January 1, 2026, under a 25-year naming rights agreement. The venue offers over 650,000 sq ft of space and hosts various events.