Connect To Converge In Motor City Next Summer

October 13, 2021

Meetings, events, travel and tourism industry leader, Connect, is gearing up to welcome a pre-pandemic number of event professionals to its signature summer marketplace conference and trade show in Detroit next year. Set for Aug. 8-10, 2022 at TCF Center, Connect Detroit expects to attract approximately 4,000 decision-making planners and suppliers, who will gather together to meet, network, do business and experience all that the city has to offer for meeting and event groups.

The annual August conference will once again draw in attendees from four main market segments: corporate, association, specialty and sports, with BizBash, Connect’s sister company, collocating with the event. 

“We’re very excited to be coming to Detroit next year,” said Chris Collinson, president of Connect. “Not only is Detroit known as the Motor City, but it’s also a place where business gets done. We can’t wait to help connect the right planners with suppliers. And by partnering with Visit Detroit, we know this will be a show that nobody forgets.”

Along with its signature reverse-style trade show for one-on-one appointments, the conference will host its largest traditional trade show to date on a showfloor featuring a variety of creative activations. 

Using a thorough vetting process to make sure that only top-quality event professionals qualify to take appointments, Connect’s qualified planners use the company’s expert matchmaking system to ensure that they meet with the right destinations, hotels and other venues capable of hosting their future events. 

Also on tap at the conference will be an enticing menu of celebrity keynotes and industry event veterans delivering engaging and inspiring content. Notable individuals who have previously spoken at Connect events include former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as star athletes Simone Biles, Peyton Manning, Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Phelps, and famed personalities such as Nicole Kidman and Anderson Cooper.

Connect Detroit expects that its keynote speakers will fall into the same high-end category.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Connect is heading to Detroit,” said Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “Connect will put thousands of decision-makers in our city, which is a huge opportunity for us to ensure Detroit is on their radar for future meetings and sports events.” 

He continued, “Detroit is a revitalized, vibrant and friendly destination, and seasoned when it comes to hosting successful meetings and events. Our hospitality industry is committed to using all of our resources to create an unforgettable experience for Connect attendees.” 

According to Connect officials, Connect conferences, which typically attract from 3,000-4,000 attendees, mean thousands of jobs for host communities, ranging from chefs and cleaning crews to restaurant workers and travel and tourism staff. 

Connect 2021, which took place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Tampa, Fla., drew approximately 2,500 event professionals, and in May of next year, the company will be launching a new signature event in Puerto Rico, which expects to attract more than 2,000 attendees.  

Hosted buyer registration is now open for Connect Detroit. Meeting planners can click here to register, and sports planners and rights holders can click here to register.


Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact