WELCOME TO DETROIT!
What up doe?! The time has finally arrived for us to gather for the 2022 Connect Marketplace. As host for this years conference, we can’t wait for you to explore and experience everything our city has to offer. We are so ecstatic to welcome you to our home, our community and to one of the nation’s top tier destinations. Whether you visit frequently or haven’t been to the area in some years, Detroit is ready to surprise and delight. This page will serve as your information center for things to do, the opening reception details, conference information, schedule, and more. Check it out!
While you’re in town, use this page to help you decide what to do with your varied periods of free time. History buff? Music lover? Art gawker? Food fanatic? Sports enthusiast? Retail Therapy Session? We have that and so much more! While you will find plenty of recommendations below on what to do while you’re here, the most important experience that you can’t miss is Monday night’s opening reception, the ‘Detroit Throwdown’! Find out more and check out the great options below
PARTY WITH US...

Grab your musical passport to bold beats that move your feet.When the music drops, the party don’t stop. Find your frequency, that district vibe and sound, recharge your musical soul, be inspired by our culture, dance to the Detroit decibels, move your body and leave it all on the dance floor at the Detroit Throwdown. You won’t go hungry along this journey and be sure to stay for the finale fireworks show at the conclusion of the party at 9pm!
HITSVILLE HALL
FREQUENCY FACTORY & SPEAKEASY CLUB
JIT ALLEY
HOW TO GET TO THE
DETROIT THROWDOWN...
Transportation will be provided to and from the opening reception at the following hotels:
THE PARTY ISN'T OVER YET...
Ain’t no party like a Detroit party, because a Detroit party don’t stop! Join us for more exciting activations and experience the undeniable vibe of our beloved city.


PARTY IN THE PARK
Trying to decide what to do with your open night? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In addition to several itineraries and recommendations, Visit Detroit in partnership with the Detroit Sports Commission and the Huddle Up Group, invite. you to the ‘Party in the Park.’
On Tuesday, August 9 from 5-9pm, we will be at offering food from local food truck vendors, live entertainment, tons of games and most importantly, hanging out at the Campus Martius Park Beach. You read that right! A real beach in the middle of downtown.
This night is open to all Connect Attendees with no registration required. We can’t wait to keep the party going with you. Be sure to stop by!
LGBT MPA NETWORKING EVENT
Visit Detroit presents: DJ Ross who will be spinning tunes at the Birdie Room at the Shinola Hotel with special musical performances by La Drag Queen Soy Yo Bubbleina as Selena, Downriver Diva Whitney Naomi as Dolly Parton and Detroit Native Price Releve Cole as Prince.
Come network, meet new people, and discover new opportunities with LGBT MPA while enjoying live performances and music! There will also be a raffle giveaway, courtesy of the Shinola Hotel Detroit! This is an event you won’t want to miss. *INVITE ONLY*
SNAP. POST. WIN.
Don’t wait until it’s to late! Join the Visit Detroit: Connect Marketplace Photo Contest now.

Here’s How to Participate…
Who has the best photo from Connect Marketplace? Enter yours into the contest for a chance to win one of three 1-year Clear Memberships!!!
- Let the contest begin! – The photo contest begins on Monday at 8am and ends on Friday at 6pm.
- Photo Fresh – Be sure to grab your ring light from the registration desk when you pick up your badge. Lighting is everything!
- Hashtags for the WIN! – Your photo entry must have one of the following hashtags included in your post: #ConnectInDetroit #ConnectDetroit #Connect22 #ConnectMP #BizBash
- Stay Tuned – Contest winners will be announced on Connect’s social media platforms on Sunday afternoon. Keep an eye out to see if you are one of three winners.
Rules & Regulations…
-
- Submission of photos must be between Monday, 8/8 at 8am through Friday, 8/12 at 6pm.
- MUST be a registered attendee of Connect Marketplace.
- We’re looking for the SPIRIT OF DETROIT – showcasing THE BEST monuments of Detroit, restaurants (food, drinks), hotel accommodations – anything to showcase your time in Detroit.
- Post must be a PUBLIC post via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, that can be SHARED by Visit Detroit
- You can enter more than one picture. Reels and videos will also be accepted.
- Tag Visit Detroit in your post (Connect with us here on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok)