There’s no better direct marketing for the Detroit Region than meeting with companies looking to expand in North America, especially those in industry sectors that play to the Region’s strengths.
This spring the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) has hit trade and industry shows around the country touting the Region’s talent, business climate and ecosystem, and the strong advanced manufacturing base that continues to drive innovation. It’s creating connections with companies and showing them that Detroit is the best place for companies looking for a new U.S. or North American location.
Here are a few highlights from the DRP’s spring travels:
Select USA: Where Companies Come to Enter the U.S. Market
May 11-14 in National Harbor, Maryland
Why be there? Picture thousands of international companies from a variety of industries sizing up all 50 states as they seek for their first U.S. location or expansion – at an event hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. is the largest destination for Foreign Direct Investment in the world – and the DRP’s attendance ensures our Region is there connecting with companies looking to expand their operations.
Notable: At this year’s show, the DRP joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, and other leaders in announcing that AquaAction, a Canadian nonprofit organization that supports water tech entrepreneurs, is opening its U.S. headquarters in Detroit as it looks to accelerate the growth of water-focused startups and technology.
The Battery Show South: Investment in Emerging Technology Continues
April 16-17, Atlanta, Georgia
Why be there? While Michigan continues to lead in investment in EV assembly and battery plants, southern states such as Georgia and Tennessee are on its heels. This show offers the opportunity for the DRP to connect with companies looking to expand and invest in this emerging industry and show them why the Detroit Region continues to be the best place for investing in EV batteries and related technology.
Notable: As the global market continues to advance EVs, investment in battery technology remains high. Michigan and the Detroit Region maintain a distinct advantage in these industries and continue to target battery-related shows to connect with innovators in this space that are looking to invest in U.S. facilities.
Michigan Defense Expo: Leveraging a Robust Supply Chain
April 8-10, Warren, Michigan
Why be there? This is a premier event for creating connections between the Department Defense and the private sector. It allows the DRP to engage companies looking to expand or find opportunities to tap into Michigan’s robust defense supply chain, which is largely anchored in the Detroit Region.
Notable: This is just one of several defense-related shows the DRP is attending as it looks to help the industry sustain its momentum in the Detroit Region. The automotive and mobility industries have long shared synergies that continue to make the Region a premier destination for defense companies.
Advanced Clean Transportation Expo: Mobility Is So Much More Than Passenger Vehicles
April 28-May 1, Anaheim, California
Why be there? It’s one of the top places where commercial transportation stakeholders come to explore the latest technologies and strategies shaping the future of the industry. Given the Detroit Region’s leadership in automotive and mobility technology it’s a no-brainer to meet with innovators in this space who would benefit by creating or expanding operations in or near Detroit.
Notable: Mobility is so much more than passenger vehicles, it includes large commercial fleets and vehicles that serve heavy industry. There is also a nice intersection between mobility and clean energy tech. Case in point, one of the DRP’s signature project wins was helping attract Australian-based iron ore producer Fortescue to create an advanced manufacturing center in Detroit to support its goal of creating a carbon-free fleet.
