With more than 700,000 square feet of space, it is one of the largest convention centers in the U.S. It also boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in all of North America and has the largest ballroom (40,000 square feet) in the state of Michigan. It has LEED Gold certification and has received numerous industry awards for excellence, including the USGBC Leadership Award for Building Performance, making it the only convention center in the history of the award to receive such acclaim. Let me repeat that. It is the only convention center in the history of the award to receive such acclaim.
That facility is Detroit’s Huntington Place, which has gone through many reincarnations since it first opened as Cobo Hall decades ago. And now, it has outdone itself by successfully hosting the NAACP Freedom Fund event last month. It was the NAACP’s 69th annual gathering, and it seems to have set a new standard for excellence in event hosting, with the attendance of President Joe Biden and a host of other distinguished guests at the foray. Naturally, the May event garnered widespread attention and acclaim for the unparalleled experience it delivered to attendees, including White House members.
President Joe Biden was a distinguished guest and an observer of the remarkable organization and efficiency that Huntington Place Convention Center exhibited. As Matt Lancaster, Public Safety Manager of Operations, observed, “Witnessing the success of the NAACP event reaffirms our commitment to prioritizing our guests’ experience and safety above all else. Our dedicated employees worked tirelessly to ensure seamless operations, allowing attendees to focus on the event’s purpose while feeling secure and valued. Their dedication was pivotal in making this event not just a success, but a testament to the importance of hospitality and security working hand in hand.”
Becky Bixby, CEM Interim General Manager of the convention center, supported such sentiments. She said the entire team worked together to guarantee that this event was a success. “We made sure that every department and partner vendor was in the know, hearing the same information, making decisions collectively, and communicating with others. I’m so proud to be a part of this Huntington Place team!”
In response to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the White House has expressed its intent to return to Huntington Place Convention Center for future events, citing unparalleled service and hospitality as key factors in its decision.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to excellence, Huntington Place was naturally honored to have earned the admiration and trust of such revered guests. As a beacon of professionalism in Detroit, the convention center remains committed to upholding the highest standards of service for all who walk through its doors, not just the president.
HP is also an ASM Global property and a leader in venue and event strategy and management, delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. In fact, 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. No wonder the high-profile NAACP Freedom Fund event was such a huge success. Congratulations Huntington Place!
