Detroit, Michigan, January 30, 2026
The 2026 Detroit Policy Conference was held at The Department at Hudson’s, focusing on ‘A New Leadership Era.’ Key speakers included business and civic leaders discussing collaboration and future strategies for the city. The event emphasized the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements and addressing regional challenges.
Detroit Hosts 2026 Policy Conference at The Department at Hudson’s
Detroit, Michigan – On January 29, 2026, the Detroit Regional Chamber convened the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference at The Department at Hudson’s, a newly established event space in downtown Detroit. The conference focused on the theme “A New Leadership Era,” addressing the city’s evolving leadership landscape and its future direction.
Conference Highlights
The event featured prominent leaders from various sectors, including:
- Jared Fleisher, President and incoming CEO of Bedrock, who shared insights into the company’s vision for Detroit’s development.
- Joi Harris, President and CEO of DTE Energy, who outlined her strategic plans for advancing sustainable and innovative energy solutions in the region.
- Mike Duggan, former Detroit mayor and independent candidate for governor, who discussed his campaign and perspectives on Michigan’s future.
Venue Significance
The Department at Hudson’s, located on Woodward Avenue, served as an appropriate backdrop for the conference. This venue, part of the Hudson’s Detroit development, symbolizes the city’s rich history and its ongoing revitalization efforts. The development includes a 45-story skyscraper, with the 12-story office building portion housing General Motors’ new headquarters. The choice of this venue underscores the conference’s focus on leadership and innovation in Detroit.
Conference Objectives
The conference aimed to foster collaboration among business, government, civic, and philanthropic leaders to propel the Detroit Region forward. Discussions centered on addressing the region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, with a particular emphasis on adapting to rapid technological advancements and policy changes.
Background Context
The Detroit Policy Conference is an annual event organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber, bringing together leaders from various sectors to discuss and develop strategies for the city’s growth and prosperity. The 2026 conference’s theme, “A New Leadership Era,” reflects the significant leadership transitions occurring within the region and the broader state of Michigan.
Additional Information
For those interested in accessing the conference content, livestream options were available for the full-day programming. Afternoon-only registration was also offered, providing access to the latter sessions and the reception.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the theme of the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference?
The theme was “A New Leadership Era,” focusing on Detroit’s evolving leadership landscape and its future direction.
Who were some of the key speakers at the conference?
Key speakers included Jared Fleisher, President and incoming CEO of Bedrock; Joi Harris, President and CEO of DTE Energy; and Mike Duggan, former Detroit mayor and independent candidate for governor.
Where was the conference held?
The conference was held at The Department at Hudson’s, a newly established event space in downtown Detroit.
What is the significance of The Department at Hudson’s as the conference venue?
The venue symbolizes Detroit’s rich history and ongoing revitalization efforts, housing General Motors’ new headquarters and reflecting the conference’s focus on leadership and innovation in the city.
How can I access the conference content?
Livestream options were available for the full-day programming, and afternoon-only registration provided access to the latter sessions and the reception.
Key Features of the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | “A New Leadership Era” |
| Key Speakers | Jared Fleisher, Joi Harris, Mike Duggan |
| Venue | The Department at Hudson’s, downtown Detroit |
| Conference Focus | Detroit’s evolving leadership and future direction |
| Access Options | Livestream and afternoon-only registration |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
