(Image of FEATURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Rajiv Chopra / Huntington Place Director of Events ; Marlon Wilson / Huntington Place Director of Public Safety ; Heather Anderson / Huntington Place Director of Marketing & Communications ; Rhys Scadden Visit Detroit Social Media Coordinator ; Rebecca Blanton / Visit Detroit Social Media Producer ; Samantha Scott / Visit Detroit Marketing Manager ; Amber Lewis / Detroit CEO (Chief Energy Officer ) Influencer ; Becky Bixby / Huntington Place Interim General Manager)
Partnering with Southeast Michigan’s Convention and Visitors Bureau
submitted by Heather Anderson, Huntington Place Detroit
DETROIT— As the NFL Draft gears up to touchdown in Detroit, Huntington Place is thrilled to announce its enthusiastic preparations for the momentous event. A project led by City Walls and the City of Detroit brings customized cleat statues adorning the streets of downtown, showcasing the intersection of art and athleticism. Notably, Huntington Place unveiled its bespoke cleat Wednesday morning on April the 3rd, a masterful creation by the Project Play affiliated artist, Phillip Simpson, which promises to add a distinctive charm into the city’s landscape. His hand-sketching captures big smiles and vibrant colors, infusing the cleat with an infectious joy and undeniable comfort that resonates deeply with Detroiters. Simpson’s abstract style spins narratives that speak to the soul. As it takes its place among Detroit’s vibrant displays, the cleat becomes a beacon of creativity and innovation, a testament to the city’s thriving artistic community and its commitment to embracing creativity in all its forms.
Visit Detroit (Southeast Michigan’s convention and visitor’s bureau) has been an invaluable partner in ensuring the success of this major event. Their unwavering support extends not only to the convention center but also to the entire city, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged every step of the way. Visit Detroit’s marketing team has gone above and beyond, providing a comprehensive brand kit and marketing plan aimed at maximizing the NFL Draft’s impact. This strategic guide is designed to drive visitors to Detroit’s array of stores, restaurants, and small businesses, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere throughout the city. At its helm is Stan Smith, Senior Director of Marketing, whose tenure of nearly seven years with Visit Detroit has been defined by his unwavering commitment to “Tell Detroit’s Story”, which has been key to welcoming conventions, meetings, and major events like the Draft.
Furthermore, Visit Detroit and Huntington Place have joined forces to offer NFL Draft visitors an unforgettable experience infused with Detroit’s essence. Teaming up with Detroit’s top influencers, they’re championing all things Detroit and NFL Draft. Collaborating with Sodexo Live, the convention centers’ in-house caterer, they’re crafting a menu featuring innovative cocktails tailored specifically for the occasion. By highlighting Detroit’s cultural gems and the excitement of the Draft, this collaboration promises an immersive and vibrant celebration that encompasses the spirit of both the city and the event.
In another inspiring collaboration, the NFL has joined forces with Move United to host the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) Veteran All-Star Game 2024 at Huntington Place,
coinciding with the NFL draft in town. The USAWFL stands as a pioneering force, offering adults with disabilities a platform to realize their utmost potential through the thrill of competitive, fast-paced team sport. This groundbreaking league is a testament to the power of inclusivity and determination, bringing together seasoned coaches and passionate athletes to cultivate skills and foster resilience both on and off the field. Move United, with its unwavering dedication since 2020, has been instrumental in propelling over 850 athletes and coaches, including 315 veterans, into the heart of the action through various developmental initiatives, showcasing the transformative impact of sports in fostering camaraderie and empowerment among individuals of all abilities.
“We are thrilled to be an integral part of the vibrant energy surrounding the NFL Draft’s momentous arrival in Detroit,” exclaimed Becky Bixby, interim general manager at Huntington Place/ASM Global. “With the invaluable support of the CVB and our unwavering commitment to community engagement, we eagerly anticipate extending a warm welcome to visitors hailing from both near and far, inviting them to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of experiences our city has to offer.”
About Huntington Place
With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Huntington Place, Detroit’s convention center, boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and has the largest ballroom in Michigan with 40,000 square feet. It is a LEED Gold certified venue and has received numerous industry awards for excellence including the 2020 USGBC Leadership Award for Building Performance, making it the only convention center in the history of the award to receive it. It is the 16th largest convention center in the United States. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and huntingtonplacedetroit.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, performing arts venues, and convention and exhibition centers, including The Moscone Center, San Francisco; ICC Sydney, Australia; Olympia London; Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, China; and P&J Live in Aberdeen, U.K. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and asmglobal.com.
