DETROIT, Mich.— Huntington Place, originally named Cobo Hall, opened in 1960 and, according to their website, currently is the 16th largest convention center in the U.S. and features 723,000 overall square feet of exhibit space.
Like its home city, the venue has seen numerous enhancements and revitalizations through the decades.
Trade Show Executive spoke with Bryan Crowe, CEO of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority and Regional Vice President at ASM Global, about what Huntington Place and The Motor City offer for business events and more.
ANDREW: How has Huntington Place been enhanced recently?
BRYAN: Huntington Place has undergone transformative changes over the past year, marking a new era for downtown Detroit. Currently, $550 million is being invested in Huntington Place. We secured approval and broke ground on a J.W. Marriott connecting hotel that will bring over 600 additional rooms to our vibrant city center and additional parking.
Extending ASM Global’s contract for another five years further solidifies their ability to implement impactful changes and drive our vision forward. As we look ahead, 2025 is already shaping up to be a record-breaking year, with an unprecedented lineup of high-quality, large-scale shows that reflect the incredible momentum and ambition of our venue and our city.
ANDREW: What can event organizers find at Huntington Place?
BRYAN: Huntington Place sets the standard for exceptional customer service in the industry. In fact, Huntington Place Detroit is proudly ranked first in attendee surveys and second in event organizer surveys for ‘Highest Overall Experience’ among large convention centers at ASM Global.
From our 4,800-square-foot marquee, viewed daily by an average of 14,000 people, to announce and showcase your show, to breathtaking views of the Detroit River … our venue is designed to leave a lasting impression.
As a sustainable venue, Huntington Place is committed to eco-conscious operations, including comprehensive recycling programs, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction initiatives that reflect our responsibility to the planet.
When it comes to in-house services, we deliver excellence at every turn. The Sodexo Live! team craft incredible cuisine, while our in-house AV team, Premiere Group, comprises some of the most innovative technicians in the business, ensuring flawless event execution.
ANDREW: How does Huntington Place’s location help events succeed?
BRYAN: For convention centers, waterfront property is highly coveted, and Huntington Place is uniquely situated on international waters. We took advantage of this position by renovating an impressive three-story glass atrium offering unparalleled views of the waterfront, where you can even wave at Canada right from our front doors. Huntington Place is also located in the heart of downtown Detroit and the center is surrounded by 5,313 hotel rooms and 1,900 restaurants, all within walking distance, making your stay and dining experience incredibly convenient.
For added ease, our venue features a stop for the Detroit People Mover, a two-car train with a station inside our building that travels through downtown Detroit for free. This allows guests to hop on a train from the fourth floor of the convention center, enjoy lunch, shop and return directly to their event.
Related. Trade Show Executive’s Digital Convention Center Spotlight: Part 1
ANDREW: How have the city’s offerings for business events been optimized?
BRYAN: Detroit is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for business events, thanks to an array of exciting new city offerings … Downtown is also welcoming an impressive lineup of new hotels, including an Autograph Collection Hotel [and] an Edition Hotel.
Complementing these developments are the growing attractions along the riverfront, with new parks and public spaces that offer stunning views and a perfect place to relax and recharge. With scores of new restaurant and retail openings, Detroit is thriving, making it an unbeatable location for hosting memorable and impactful events.
ANDREW: What offsite experiences can organizers find in the Metro Detroit area?
BRYAN: One of the most remarkable things about Detroit is how your experience of the city can shift with the seasons, offering something unique no matter when you visit. Of course, our year-round staples — like restaurants, breweries, museums and a thriving arts scene — are always here to impress.
But Detroit truly shines in its seasonal transformations. In the summer, Campus Martius becomes a lively urban beach, perfect for soaking up the sun, while the Detroit Riverfront — featuring parks, recreation areas and breathtaking waterfront views — adds even more opportunities for exploration.
In the winter, that same beach turns into a magical skating rink surrounded by festive shops and restaurants reimagined as Santa’s workshops and holiday hubs. Detroit doesn’t just welcome you — it transforms with you, making every visit unforgettable, no matter the time of year.
The highlight this year; The Michigan Central Station reopened as a vibrant hub for innovation, mobility and community engagement, breathing new life into Detroit’s iconic landmark. The revitalized space now hosts cutting-edge technology, creative workspaces and public areas designed to connect and inspire residents and visitors alike.
ANDREW: Are there any trade shows held in Detroit that you would like to spotlight from last year?
BRYAN: The trade shows held at Huntington Place in 2024 showcased how this premier venue and the vibrant city of Detroit combine to create exceptional event experiences. From iconic consumer events like the Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Boat Show, and AutoRama to highly technical gatherings such as SAE WCX/SME Rapid + TCT, Siemens Realize Live, The Battery Show, and American Gear Manufacturers Association’s Motion + Power Technology Expo/ASM Heat Treat, each event highlighted the best of what Huntington Place and Detroit have to offer.
Huntington Place and the city of Detroit work hand-in-hand to ensure every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable experience. From streamlined logistics to warm hospitality, this collaboration ensures that attendees can fully immerse themselves in both their events and the revitalized downtown Detroit.
This dynamic mix of consumer and technical trade shows demonstrated how Huntington Place excels at hosting a diverse range of events while offering guests a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving city of Detroit.
Related. AeroDef Manufacturing 2025 to Co-locate with Three Other Shows
ANDREW: How has Detroit changed in the past few years?
BRYAN: Detroit’s landscape has undergone an extraordinary transformation in recent years, yet the unshakable spirit and loyalty of its people remain the city’s defining essence, lighting the way to a future with promise.
In just five years, Detroit has celebrated remarkable milestones. Two James Beard nominations have shone a spotlight on the city’s vibrant culinary scene. The Detroit Lions’ resurgence has injected new energy into our sports culture, while the economic impact of hosting the NFL Draft has set new benchmarks for success. Major developments, such as the restoration of iconic landmarks and significant community investments, continue to underscore Detroit’s resurgence.
Detroit reached another milestone with the announcement of its inclusion in the Michelin Green Guide, joining the ranks of just 17 other U.S. cities, which stands as another testament to the city’s cultural and historical significance. Yet, amid all these changes, the heart of Detroit remains steadfast — resilient, loyal and deeply connected to its roots. This enduring spirit is what makes Detroit’s future so inspiring.
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add about Detroit?
BRYAN: Detroit is a city that often inspires strong opinions, but many misconceptions fail to capture its true essence. While challenges exist, as they do in any major city, Detroit is a resilient and innovative community undergoing remarkable transformation. In fact, Detroit made The New York Times’ list of places to go in 2025. Detroit is a city of opportunity. Its people are working hard to create a bright future while honoring the city’s rich history.
Every city has its unique narrative, and Detroit’s is one of creativity and progress. By looking beyond the stereotypes, it becomes clear that Detroit is an inspiring place, filled with people and possibilities worth celebrating.
Learn more about Huntington Place here and discover more about Detroit here.
