Register before June 22th and the early bird discount of $50 will be applied at the checkout!
$465
Regular Member
$300
Regular Student
Member
$300
Retired Member
Guest of Attendee
$595
Regular
Non-Member
Detroit has been a city in flux for more than one hundred years. From its early days as a river trading post to the automobile era to the modern revitalization, Detroit never ceases to amaze with its ability to reinvent itself. There are many lessons in community development that practitioners and academics can learn from this city. For the Community Development Society, choosing Detroit for the 2018 international conference is a smart bet for the following reasons:
For as long as there is music and those who faithfully dance, there will always be a need for the Godmother of House Music: DJ Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale. Detroit’s first female House music DJ plays dancefloor bangers, and orchestral melodies with live music.
Eastern Market Tour
Eastern Market Tour has become the most happening place in the US for high end cuisine, in part because of the farm to table movement and the expansion of urban farming in the city. This workshop will take a look at the genesis of urban farming in the city and how that connection with chefs and restaurants has led to a vibrant dining scene. This tour returns earlier enough to combine with the Dequindre Cut Bike Tour.
Dequindre Cut Bike Tour
This tour showcases Detroit’s most unique attractions, including the Dequindre Cut and the Detroit RiverWalk. Participants will tour the city to see attractions, neighborhoods, murals, and new developments by bike, enabling them to really take it all in. This tour leaves later in the afternoon and can be combined with the Eastern Market Tour.
Music and Manufacturing
Detroit has long been the soul of music for decades. This workshop will be journey through the musical history of Detroit, including the Motown Museum and to the headquarters of the organizers of the annual Electronic Music Festival. See how music has been a key ingredient to fortifying the sense of community in Detroit. Take a look at how Detroit is leading the way in American manufacturing again through cottage and specialty manufacturing, leveraging the existing physical and human assets to forge a path into the 21 st century. This workshop will feature tours and discussions with the pioneers of Detroit’s new manufacturing - Shinola, Third Man Pressing (record manufacturing), Detroit Bikes, and the Packard plant revival. See how Detroit is taking steps into the future, building off the base they have.
Where Detroit Happens
Join us as we visit Detroit's neighborhood based Community Development organizations across the city to see community development up-close and personal. Observe the variety of community development work, such as: urban farming, youth services, education, workforce enterprise, immigrant services, housing, commercial development, economic development, foreclosure prevention, food access, safety and neighborhood organizing.
Community in boxing Tour
Strap on your boxing gloves and come for a workout and a lesson in the power of comradery and spirit that the boxing gym offers. This tour includes a visit to the Downtown Boxing Gym and their Youth Program that has engaged young people, setting them on a path of educational and career success. Participants will hear about the beginning of the program from Founder and CEO Khali Sweeney and get an opportunity to workout and experience gym life first hand.
Automotive History and Future
250 acres of innovation. 300 years of history. 26 million artifacts. Discover America — its culture, inventions, people and can-do spirit — and hundreds of hands-on ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it. Tour through the historic Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
Detroit 2027 A city of learning: How we plan to make it happen
All Detroit children deserve to receive a world-class education. A top priority must be to teach them to read so that they can then read to learn. Join the Skillman Foundation for a conversation and tour of Detroit’s Summer Fun Centers, a partnership between the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department and Detroit Public Schools Community District, where literacy, enrichment and free time together support development of the whole child.
Detroit Black History Tour
Get an inside look at the rich history of the African American community in Detroit. This tailored tour, crafted by the Detroit Experience Factory, will take participants into the city to see and connect with Detroit’s Black History.
Gotta thing for cars, culture, gaming, music or sports? Detroit has your back with loads of thrilling events and mainstay attractions that cover every category. Detroit has the A to Z in top-notch experiences and to-dos. Have a blast filling your days and nights with a mixed bag of big-city fun, laid-back encounters, cultural wonders and high-octane entertainment.The automobile may be Detroit's biggest claim to fame – and we've got truck loads of car-lovin' activities year-round to prove it – but it's definitely just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to completely defining the Detroit experience. We've also got awesome art galleries and museums, America's greatest history attraction, Vegas-style gaming, Motown's first recording studio, beautiful beaches, shopping meccas and a fantastic foursome of professional sports teams. Plus, the people around here are just plain fun to hang with no matter the what, why or where.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle
Designed by famous architect Albert Kahn, the conservatory features permanent displays of rare flora, including one of the largest municipally owned collections of orchids in the nation. Daily: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Belle Isle Aquarium
Zoo, (313) 852-4083; Aquarium, (313) 852-4141. The aquarium is open all year and houses freshwater stingrays, coral reef fish, electric eels and other unique displays. The zoo will not open this season due to cuts in the budget by the City of Detroit. The animals are moving to their new home, the Detroit Zoo. The Detroit Zoo is open year round, with extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Belle Isle Park
Accessible by a bridge at the foot of East Grand Boulevard, this 1,000-acre island park features a zoo, aquarium, conservatory, Great Lakes museum and plenty of room to hike, barbecue, watch boats, bicycle and more. Original landscaping by the Dean of American landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmstead. Daily 6am-10pm.
Comerica Park
New home of the Detroit Tigers. State-of- the-art facility hosts ball games, concerts, and private events. Numerous locations and suites available with endless entertainment opportunities.
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA, among the top 10 museums in the country, offers over 100 galleries with art from ancient to modern times. Among the DIA's renowned works are French Impressionist, German Expressionist, American and Flemish paintings.
Detroit International Riverwalk
The Detroit International RiverWalk spans more than three miles, from Rose Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge. This breathtaking feature offers the RiverWalk Café for guests to fuel up for an enjoyable walk, run, bike ride or just to relax.
Detroit is the New Black
Inspired by the city, combining minimalism and high street aesthetic to achieve the perfect balance of urban fashion.
Detroit Opera House/Michigan Opera Theatre
With superb acoustics and an orchestra pit large enough to accommodate 100 musicians, the restored 1922 theater is the home of Michigan Opera Theatre, which produces grand opera and presents a dance season. For ticket and show information, call (313) 237-SING (7464).
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra Hall, one of Detroit’s most prized cultural and historic landmarks, was restored and modernized as part of the $60 million music center's project. See the Events Calendar for more information.
Eastern Market
The largest outdoor farmers market in the nation, encompassing more than 43 acres and founded in 1841, moving to its present site in 1891. It is a large hub for the Michigan food industry with farmers, retailers, wholesalers and vendors.
Fillmore Detroit
Located in Detroit’s entertainment district, this elegant venue offers guests a unique site for corporate events, private parties, concerts and social gatherings with impressive technical capability and support, interactive entertainment, creative decor options and delectable catering.
Fisher Theatre
Come see the best of Broadway at this elegant theater in the spectacular Fisher Building. Box office hours Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. when there's not a show. Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. noon-7:30 p.m. when there is a show.
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant/Model Automotive Heritage Complex
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the birthplace of the Model T- the most significant automobile of the 20th century. Come walk the floors where the first 12,000 Model T's were assembled.
Fox Theatre
Built in 1928 in the tradition of great movie palaces, the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Detroit hosts a variety of events, including Broadways shows, drama, comedy and musical events, and the annual holiday classic "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular," starring the Radio City Rockettes.
Greektown Casino
For great gaming action surrounded by a historic and bustling entertainment district in the heart of the city, there’s only one choice: Greektown Casino-Hotel. Always fun and friendly, and amidst the action. It’s where real Detroiters play! Must be 21.
Hart Plaza
Right in the heart of the city, and named for the late U.S. Sen. Philip A. Hart, this Isamu Noguchi- designed plaza is the site of Detroit's summer-long riverfront festivals and the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival.
London Chop House
In 1938, the London Chop House began a tradition of serving Detroit’s elite the finest aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood. Come experience a new era in fine dining.
Magic Stick
Pool tables and a large dance floor provides an ideal backdrop for one of the city's legendary rock rooms. Place where Eminem rap battle from “8 Mile” occurred.
Majestic Theatre
Opening in 1915 as the largest theatre in the world of its kind, The Majestic Theatre has been the site of memorable concerts from touring artists such as The Black Keys, George Clinton, Black Eyed Peas, Flaming Lips, Wilco, Sheryl Crow and more. Also a unique site for special events.
MGM Grand Detroit
The evolution of entertainment has arrived. Indulge your senses at our ultra chic hotel and resort- style spa. Or, feed your desires at three signature restaurants. Then, spark your imagination with the hottest gaming and lounges in the land.
MotorCity Casino
A tribute to Detroit’s rich cultural heritage, MotorCity Casino Hotel offers an exciting combination of dining and entertainment in a unique gaming environment and luxury hotel. Easily accessible downtown location with secure self-parking and complimentary valet parking. 21 or older.
Motown Museum
Long known as Hitsville USA, the museum is home of the world-famous Studio A, where The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and countless others recorded with the Funk Brothers. Group rates available for 20 or more visitors.
ST. Andrew's Hall, The Shelter & The Society Room
This iconic venue hosts a multitude of live acts and is a favorite of Detroiters. Composed of three versatile rooms including St. Andrew’s Hall, The Shelter and The Society Room. Conveniently located near Greektown and Detroit People Mover stops.
The 49th International Conference of the Community Development Society is an official host of Ignite talks - Enlighten us, but make it quick!
Tonya Allen, serial “idea-preneur,” serves as the Skillman Foundation’s president & chief executive officer.
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After three years of projects centered on building houses from the ground up in six days that were deeded to deserving families, Lambert partnered with the Detroit Public Schools to refocus Life Remodeled’s efforts on under-resourced high schools and their surrounding neighborhoods, evolving into a transformative citywide community rebuilding initiative.
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Dan Gilmartin is the executive director & CEO of the Michigan Municipal League.
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Scott Sprague represents the Bradley Voting District and has been a member of the Gun Lake Tribal Council since 2014.
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Eugene Magnuson, as Tribal Treasurer, has maintained an active role in the tribe's economic activity for several years.
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Frank Ettawageshik is a family man and an Odawa Indian from northern Lower Michigan, in the Odawa homeland of Waganakising (the Crooked Tree).
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Elissa Hillary is committed to working at the leading edge of values-based capitalism, building sustainable local economies that put people first.
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Madhavi works on Community Development Advocates of Detroit’s place-based initiatives supporting neighborhoods to develop a shared vision for their future.
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Sarida Scott has served as the Executive Director for Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) since September 2012.
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Stacey Hale was a mainstay on the radio stations in the mid to late 80s, including WLBS, WHYT, WDRQ and WJLB, winning the Motor City Mix contest 10k prize. Stacey has been featured on numerous Internet radio shows and is currently featured on www.deepspaceradio.com.
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Tia performs and tours professionally as a solo artist and with many different groups, including her most recently created The Tia Imani Hanna Project, which produced the CD The Spaces Between Us.
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He is known for a type of classically-influenced jazz and world music. Of a live performance, reviewer Lawrence Cosentino wrote, “He meandered from the Ganges to Delta blues, bluegrass, flamenco and a folk idiom so heartfelt it bordered on the devotional.”
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Malik Kenyatta Yakini is co-founder and Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN).
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Shakara Tyler is a mother, returning generation farmer, educator, and organizer-scholar. She is a PhD candidate at Michigan State University studying Black agrarianism.
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