Trade Show News

A UNITE HERE report indicates that new technologies in the hospitality industry are transforming work rather than eliminating it, with workers successfully negotiating for input on technology deployment. The report mentions a Marriott strike that led to expanded technology rights for union members.

A $1.6 billion redevelopment plan for Detroit's Renaissance Center has been unveiled by General Motors and Bedrock, with the project expected to take nearly a decade to complete. The proposal includes demolishing two towers to create a six-acre riverfront park and entertainment district. The central Marriott hotel tower will have its rooms reduced and new rental units added, while improving connectivity between downtown Detroit and the riverfront.

The "Rising from the Ashes Revival," an event held at Huntington Place on July 22, generated $145,000 in donations from ticket sales for local Catholic charities. Over 5,000 Catholics gathered, demonstrating the economic and community impact of large events utilizing Detroit's convention facilities.

NoMad Detroit, a 180-guest room hotel from Hilton's luxury portfolio, is set to open in 2027 at Michigan Central, anchoring the west side of the station. This will be the first time floors 14 through 18 of the building will be occupied, adding significant luxury hospitality options for the city.

Detroit is enhancing its meetings and events capacity with the upcoming JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, a 600-room convention hotel connected to Huntington Place by a skybridge, set to open in early 2027. This development, along with the Detroit EDITION and The Department at Hudson's, adds significant new hotel rooms and meeting space, elevating Detroit's appeal for major conventions.

Huntington Place is seeking an Executive Director, Sales & Marketing to lead revenue generation through convention center sales, strategic partnerships, and brand positioning. The role involves driving integrated marketing and sales campaigns for the premier convention center.

EVENTS BAY published a list of the top 5 exhibition stand builders in Detroit for 2026, noting Detroit's strong exhibition and events market supported by major venues like Huntington Place. The article emphasizes that choosing experienced builders requires considering custom fabrication, graphics production, freight handling, installation schedules, and venue regulations.

Huntington Place, Detroit's convention center, announced the appointment of Cody Disbennet as its new Director of Operations. He will oversee event operations, environmental and production services, and sustainability initiatives for the 2.5-million-square-foot facility.

Huntington Place has appointed Cody Disbennet as its new director of operations, bringing extensive event operations and venue management experience to the Detroit convention center. In this role, Disbennet will oversee a large operations team responsible for environmental and production services across the 2.5 million-square-foot facility. His responsibilities also include supporting the venue's sustainability initiatives and maintaining its LEED Gold certification.

Huntington Place has appointed Cody Disbennet as its new director of operations. Disbennet brings extensive event operations and venue management experience to the Detroit convention center, overseeing a large operations team responsible for environmental and production services. His role will also support the venue's sustainability initiatives and LEED Gold certification.

The Entrepreneur Expo, a business-focused trade show and networking event, is announced for Huntington Place in Detroit. It aims to bring together startups, small businesses, investors, and service providers to showcase products and explore growth opportunities.

Detroit is set to host several key events in Fall 2026, including the Smart Manufacturing for Automotive Summit on September 9, the Forth Roadmap Conference from September 12-14, and the American Automotive Summit 2026 from September 14-15. Other notable events include the Vehicle Displays and Interfaces Symposium and MOVE America in September, and The Battery Show North America in October.

AkzoNobel Powder Coatings will showcase its Resicoat EVcooling product at The Battery Show North America, taking place October 12-15 in Detroit, Michigan. The product is an electrically insulating powder coating developed for electric vehicle battery cooling plates.

The GBTA Michigan Chapter hosted its Annual Meeting & Trade Show on September 24, 2026, offering a full day of learning, collaboration, and networking for business travel buyers and suppliers.

Youmacon, Michigan's largest anime convention, will return to Huntington Place in downtown Detroit from October 29 through November 1, 2026. The four-day event will feature anime, gaming, cosplay, and Japanese pop culture programming with a "Spirits & Shadows" theme. Organizers expect thousands of attendees from across the U.S. and abroad.

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) at Huntington Place is actively seeking proposals for capital improvement projects, including the replacement of two existing LED display systems. Additionally, RFQs are open for a Tennant Sweeper and a Trailer Jetter. Trade contractors are encouraged to register with BidNet Direct to access solicitation documents and connect with construction managers for planned projects.

Comerica Park, home to the Detroit Tigers, has been officially renamed Fifth Third Park, reflecting Fifth Third Bancorp's increased investment in Detroit and commitment to Michigan communities. The naming rights transition follows Fifth Third's merger with Comerica, with signage updates expected to roll out during the offseason and the marquee installed before the 2027 season.

Huntington Place in Detroit is undergoing a $125 million expansion, adding 20,000 square feet of meeting space. This expansion will also introduce Detroit's first convention-connected hotel, a 600-room JW Marriott, linked via a skybridge. The Vibe Credit Union Showplace is also expanding, further boosting regional capacity and hospitality amenities.

Detroit's meetings infrastructure is evolving with Huntington Place undergoing a $125 million expansion that will add 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The Vibe Credit Union Showplace is also expanding, further enhancing regional capacity with new hospitality and mixed-use amenities. These expansions aim to provide more scheduling options and greater availability for event planners, solidifying Detroit's position as a premier destination for meetings and conventions.

Detroit's meetings infrastructure is evolving, with Huntington Place's $125 million expansion adding 20,000 square feet and introducing Detroit's first convention-connected hotel, the 600-room JW Marriott, via a skybridge. The Vibe Credit Union Showplace expansion will also enhance regional capacity.