Huntington Place is a premier convention center located in downtown Detroit, Michigan, and ranks among the largest event venues in the United States. Positioned along the Detroit International Riverfront, it serves as a central destination for global conferences, trade shows, and major industry events.
Exhibiting at Huntington Place requires strategic planning to navigate its expansive exhibit halls, union regulations, and venue-specific logistics. E&E Exhibit Solutions provides full-service trade show displays in Detroit, including custom exhibits, rental booths, fabrication, logistics coordination, and turnkey project management designed for seamless execution.
About Huntington Place
Located at 1 Washington Boulevard, Huntington Place has undergone multiple transformations throughout its history. Formerly known as Cobo Hall and later Cobo Center, the venue was rebranded following regional banking mergers and now reflects its modern identity as one of the Midwest’s most advanced convention facilities.
The 2.4-million-square-foot complex features approximately 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, over 100 meeting rooms, and multiple large-scale ballrooms, including the Grand Riverview Ballroom overlooking the Detroit River. Its size and flexibility allow it to host everything from niche industry expos to internationally recognized events.
Huntington Place is perhaps best known as the longtime home of the North American International Auto Show, along with other major events such as Detroit Autorama and Youmacon.
Expansion & Future Development
A major expansion project is currently underway, with completion expected in early 2027. This $125 million investment includes a 20,000-square-foot addition and a new glass-enclosed skybridge that will connect the convention center directly to a 600-room JW Marriott hotel.
These improvements will further enhance attendee flow, increase accessibility, and strengthen Huntington Place as a top-tier destination for large-scale events.
Key Features & Facilities
Huntington Place offers one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America, allowing for large, uninterrupted booth layouts and high-impact exhibit designs.
Additional features include:
- Grand Riverview Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling waterfront views
- Multiple flexible meeting rooms for breakout sessions and private events
- A three-story glass atrium overlooking the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario
- Integrated Detroit People Mover station for easy downtown transportation
- On-site parking garages with convenient access to exhibit halls
Exhibitor Logistics & Planning
Exhibitors must coordinate closely with both show management and Huntington Place’s in-house service providers. Most services are managed through a digital exhibitor portal, making early planning essential.
Order Essential Services Early
Ordering services in advance, typically 2 – 3 weeks before move-in, helps secure lower rates and ensures availability.
- Electrical: Provided exclusively by Freeman Electrical
- Internet & Plumbing: Managed by in-house venue services
- Booth Catering: Exclusive to Sodexo Live!; outside food and beverages are not permitted
- Cleaning: Must be handled through the venue unless performed by your own staff
Shipping, Freight & Load-In
Efficient logistics planning is critical due to the size of the facility and dock scheduling requirements.
- Hand-Carry Items: Small materials can be brought in through designated entrances using a two-wheel cart
- Loading Docks:
- Halls A–D: Access via Second and Congress Streets
- Hall E: Access via Atwater Street
- Freight Coordination: Must be arranged through your general service contractor
- Floor Load Limits: Standard capacity is 300 lbs per sq. ft.; heavier exhibits require advance approval and engineering documentation
Venue Rules & Compliance
Huntington Place enforces strict guidelines to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
- No helium balloons, stickers, decals, or outside alcohol
- Booth construction must comply with fire safety standards and use flame-retardant materials
- Hanging signs require advance approval and professional installation
- Exhibitors may self-install booths up to 400 sq. ft. (non-island) using limited tools; larger booths require union labor
Sustainability & Innovation
Huntington Place stands out as a LEED Gold Certified facility and a leader in environmentally responsible event operations.
- River-Based Cooling System: Uses grey water from the Detroit River to reduce energy consumption
- Green Roof & Urban Beekeeping: Supports stormwater management and a large on-site apiary
- Waste Diversion: Over half of event waste is diverted from landfills through recycling and composting programs
Unique Location & Experience
Situated directly on an international waterfront, Huntington Place offers a one-of-a-kind setting for exhibitors and attendees.
- Panoramic views of the Detroit skyline and Windsor, Canada
- Direct access to downtown hotels, restaurants, and entertainment
- Built-in People Mover station for quick, elevated transit across the city
Booth Strategy & On-Site Success
To stand out in Huntington Place’s large-scale exhibit halls, exhibitors should focus on visibility, engagement, and efficient use of space.
- Maximize Layout: Keep booth fronts open and inviting to encourage foot traffic
- Increase Visibility: Use tall structures, backlit graphics, and hanging signage where permitted
- Stay Flexible: Modular displays allow you to adapt to different booth sizes and event types
- Engage Attendees: Incorporate demos, interactive elements, and clear messaging
Staffing & Lead Strategy
A strong team and clear follow-up plan are essential for maximizing ROI.
- Keep staff active and positioned at the front of the booth
- Include experienced team members who can answer technical questions
- Use badge scanners or apps to capture leads efficiently
- Follow up within 2 – 3 days to maintain momentum
Trade Show Booth Options for Huntington Place Exhibitors
E&E Exhibit Solutions designs trade show displays specifically for the scale and operational requirements of Huntington Place.
Custom Island Exhibits – Open-concept designs built for 360-degree visibility, often featuring hanging signage, LED walls, and immersive brand environments.
Modular & Rental Booths – Flexible solutions ranging from 10×10 displays, 10×20 displays, 20×20 displays, and larger configurations that deliver professional branding without long-term ownership. E&E Exhibit Solutions delivers turnkey rental exhibits featuring expert collaborative design, dedicated trade show project management, custom graphics production, booth fabrication, shipping, and nationwide installation and dismantling services, complete with LED video displays and on-site labor supervision.
Double-Deck Exhibits – Two-story structures that maximize vertical space and provide private meeting areas, engineered to meet venue and safety requirements.
Tension Fabric Displays – Lightweight, cost-effective solutions that are easy to ship and install while still delivering strong visual impact.
Full-Service Trade Show Support
E&E Exhibit Solutions manages every aspect of your Huntington Place exhibit, including:
- Strategic planning and scheduling
- Material handling and paperwork assistance
- Pre-show staging and client previews
- Freight coordination and dock scheduling
- On-site installation, dismantling, and supervision
Plan Your Huntington Place Trade Show Display
If you’re preparing to exhibit at Huntington Place, E&E Exhibit Solutions can help you create a trade show display built for visibility, compliance, and performance.
From custom exhibits to scalable rental booths, our team delivers complete solutions tailored to your event goals at the Huntington Place.
Book a design session today to get started.
