A one-day immersive conference around leadership, impact, and entrepreneurial growth in urban environments. Features panels with business and civic leaders, guided tours, and a networking reception.

​Hosted in Downtown Detroit at the Urban Tech Xchange, this all-day conference aligns with Detroit’s iconic 313 Day and brings participants directly into the city’s energy, history, and ongoing transformation.

​Our 2026 theme, Grit & Growth: Impact and Leadership Through Adversity, examines what it truly takes to build, lead, and create meaningful impact, especially in complex and challenging environments.

​Whether you’re interested in impact, entrepreneurship, leadership, or the future of cities, the DIR Conference offers an opportunity to experience Detroit up close and learn directly from those shaping its future.

​What to expect:

• ​Speakers include Sonya Mays (CEO, Develop Detroit), Jacob Cohen (Partner, Detroit Venture Partners and Co-Founder, SignalAdvisors), Grant Gilbert (VP, Rock Entertainment), Hilary Doe (Chief Growth Officer of Michigan), Christina Fair (Founder, Hum), and many more to be announced soon.

• ​Panels across Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact.

• ​Guided walking tours of the most iconic buildings in Downtown Detroit.

• ​Light breakfast and lunch from Detroit businesses like Breadless and Buddy’s Pizza.

• ​Networking reception with speakers and leaders of Detroit.

• ​Bus transportation between Ann Arbor and Detroit.