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Event Host
The Highland Room
Located on the legendary Woodward Avenue, The Highland Room stands as a radiant homage to Highland Park’s vibrant past and its electric present. Inspired by the glamour and geometry of Art Deco design, our space blends timeless elegance with a modern edge — creating an experience that’s both luxurious and unforgettable.
At THR, every detail is thoughtfully crafted, from our gilded accents and sleek lines to the curated cocktails and warm hospitality that invite you to savor every moment. More than a venue, The Highland Room is a gathering place for those who appreciate bold style, rich culture, and spirited connection.
Whether you’re joining us for an intimate evening, a lively celebration, or a night where the past and future collide in dazzling fashion, The Highland Room promises a sensory journey — one where history, artistry, and indulgence come together in perfect harmony.
Welcome to a new chapter in Highland Park’s legacy. Welcome to The Highland Room.
Speakers and Panels
Keynote
Deputy Mayor Melia Howard
Melia Howard
Deputy Mayor
City of Detroit
Opening Remarks
Melanie A. Markowicz Executive Director, Midtown Detroit
Melanie A. Markowicz
Executive Director
Midtown Detroit
Construction, Collaboration, and Advancing The Built Environment
Best practices for working together to drive the project lifecycle forward
Karen Slaughter-DuPerry
Executive in Charge of Construction
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Eric Tuomey
VP
Olympia Development
Christopher John Laurent
President
Cinnare Solutions
Trae Allman
Principal and Co-Founder
Innovo Development Group
Michael Poris
Founding Partner
McIntosh Poris Architects
Yash Chaudhary
Portfolio Manager
DMC Group
Exploring the Evolving Development Pipeline
The latest people, projects, and possibilities shifting the industry into high gear.
Rian English Barnhill
VP
Olympia Development
Vincent Paul
President and Artistic Director
Detroit Music Hall
John Line
Executive Vice President
Farbman Group
Joe Heaphy
President
Ethos Development Partners
Michael Guthrie
Founding Partner
INFORM Studio
Ed Nahhat
Shareholder
Kemp Klein
Why You Can't Miss This Event
You'll Learn About:
Construction and Collaboration
Best Practices for Working Together Across the Project Timeline
Repositioning, Adaptive Reuse, and Conversions
Developing an internal branding strategy for both the organization and individual properties.
Project Financing and Capital Trends
The market moves and money makers shaping recent projects
Policy and Politics
From tariffs and labor to taxes and financing, what's driving (and impeding) ongoing efforts?
Geographic Limitations and Demographic Opportunities
How has Detroit's development been shaped by changes in population, job growth, and internal and external investment?
How You’ll Do More Business:
Bisnow’s Detroit Construction and Development event continues our work examining the city’s leading projects, with an added emphasis on the teams and best practices that make their creation possible. Join us as we hear from top GCs and developers on the collaboration, partnership, and project management practices required to see the city’s top buildings through to success.
Who You'll Network With At This Event: Owners, developers, investors, brokers, business consultants, architects, engineers, designers, lawyers, accountants, bankers and city and government officials.
Why You Should Attend This Program:
Bisnow events convene the biggest power players in the industry to help you grow your business across a complex market. With engaging discussions, exclusive networking opportunities, and the largest and most equipped audience in the field, Bisnow’s unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the market makes attendance a value add for any CRE professional.
Questions about your ticket purchase or interested in sponsoring?
Reach out to customerservice@bisnow.com for customer support. For questions, recommendations, comments or press inquiries please email our Midwest event producer Will Follett at will.follett@bisnow.com. To request disability-related accommodations, please contact janet.fernandez@bisnow.com no later than seven business days prior to the event.
Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
|
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
|
Breakfast, Networking, and Welcome
|
|
2:00 PM
2:05 PM
|
Keynote: Deputy Mayor Melia Howard
|
|
2:05 PM
2:50 PM
|
Construction, Collaboration, and Advancing The Built Environment
Best practices for working together to drive the project lifecycle forward |
|
2:50 PM
3:40 PM
|
Exploring the Evolving Development Pipeline
The latest people, projects, and possibilities shifting the industry into high gear. |
|
3:40 PM
4:40 PM
|
Closing Networking
|
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