Trade Show News

Windsor, Ontario, is experiencing economic pain due to uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, impacting its manufacturing-heavy economy that relies heavily on cross-border trade with Detroit. Businesses in Windsor, including a sign company serving automotive clients, have seen investment stall and orders decline amid tariff threats. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of the Detroit region's economy with its Canadian neighbors and the broader impact of trade policies.

The Michigan Republican Party is facing criticism over its $50 convention registration fee, which some grassroots members claim is hindering attendance at their state convention. Republican consultant Dennis Lennox noted that fewer than half of alternate delegate slots have been filled, partly due to the fee and travel costs. This issue highlights the financial challenges and impact on participation for political conventions in Michigan.

The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, slated for completion in 2027, will be the city's first hotel directly connected to Huntington Place via a skybridge, a development expected to significantly boost Detroit's ability to attract larger conventions. Visit Detroit's CEO, Claude Molinari, stated the hotel 'was always the missing piece' and will elevate tourism's economic impact.

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.

The Detroit Regional Chamber's 2026 State of the Region event, held on March 26, 2026, addressed strategies for Michigan's future growth, emphasizing workforce development, modern infrastructure, and collaborative growth strategies. These discussions are vital for creating a robust economic landscape that supports the trade show and convention industry.

Tré Builders, a general contractor, lists 'Conference Areas – MGM Grand Detroit' as one of its clients, indicating ongoing or completed work related to hospitality and meeting spaces in Detroit. This highlights activity in venue development and maintenance within the city.

Hilary Doe, Michigan's Chief Growth Officer and a Detroit resident, is slated to speak at the PCMA Business Events Summit 2026. She leads state efforts to boost Michigan's economy and reputation, engaging in initiatives to grow the population and make Michigan a desirable place to live and work.

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 Detroit Artists Market has announced its 2026 exhibition schedule, featuring eight exhibitions exploring themes such as memory, identity, and public space. The schedule includes 'Process + Perception' (January 23 – February 21), 'THRESHOLDS' (March 6 – 28), and the 'Annual Scholarship Awards & Exhibition' (April 17 – May 16).

Michigan Republican Party delegates met in Novi on March 28, 2026, for a convention to endorse candidates for the general election ballot. The Democratic Party will hold its convention on April 19 in Detroit to endorse candidates for similar roles. Over 2,000 GOP delegates attended their convention, which had a $50 participation fee.

The fourth annual MI Healthy Climate Conference will convene over 800 climate leaders, officials, and business executives at Huntington Place in Detroit on April 21. The conference, themed 'Advancing Climate Action Together,' focuses on moving from climate goal-setting to practical implementation in Michigan.

XPONENTIAL 2026, the world's largest global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, will be held in Detroit in May 2026 at Huntington Place. This marks the first time the event is hosted in Detroit, reflecting the city's leadership in mobility and advanced manufacturing.

AutoSens and InCabin will return to Huntington Place, Detroit, from June 9–11, 2026, bringing together engineers, academics, and specialists in interior sensing, ADAS, and Autonomous Vehicles. The event will feature engaging sessions, an extensive exhibition, and diverse networking opportunities.

Huntington Place Convention Center is undergoing a significant expansion on its west side, including a Second Avenue Extension over the M-10 Freeway, set for completion by October 2026. This project will provide seamless access to the Riverfront for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Additionally, a skybridge connecting Huntington Place directly to the upcoming JW Marriott Hotel is under construction, with completion anticipated by October 2027.

The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, a 25-story hotel with over 53,000 square feet of meeting space, is on track for completion in 2027. It will be the city's first hotel directly connected to Huntington Place convention center via a skybridge, significantly boosting downtown Detroit's lodging capacity and attracting larger-scale events.

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.

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.