Summit has taken you to the edges of the earth — deserts, beaches, mountaintops, open water. Now, we’re taking you somewhere different. Somewhere electric.
S O M E W H E R E A L I V E .
DETROIT ISN’T JUST A PLACE. IT’S A FREQUENCY. A DEEP BASSLINE THAT HAS MOVED GENERATIONS. A CITY BUILT ON INVENTION, REINVENTION AND A REFUSAL TO FADE. A CITY WHERE CREATIVITY AND INDUSTRY COLLIDE IN A WAY THAT CHANGES THE WORLD.
WE’RE INVITING YOU TO EXPERIENCE DETROIT THE SUMMIT WAY: WITH EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE, UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS AND THE KIND OF ENERGY THAT ONLY COMES FROM STEPPING INTO THE UNEXPECTED.
TRUST US — THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST VIBRANT, EYE-OPENING AND WILDLY FUN GATHERINGS WE’VE EVER CREATED. IF YOU COME WITH AN OPEN MIND, DETROIT WILL MEET YOU WITH AN OPEN HEART.
ARE YOU IN?
SUMMIT DETROIT SPEAKERS
Tim Urban
WRITER, ILLUSTRATOR & CO-FOUNDER OF THE WAIT BUT WHY PODCAST
Renowned writer and speaker on AI, creativity and leadership, with a top TED Talk on procrastination and the bestseller What’s Our Problem? offering a new framework for understanding today’s societal challenges.
Dr. Bernice A. King
CEO, THE KING CENTER
A powerful voice for social change, Dr. Bernice A. King will share insights on advancing equity, justice and nonviolent leadership in today's world. Drawing from her parents' legacy, she will offer actionable strategies for driving meaningful impact in business, communities and global movements.
Moodymann
DJ SET
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Moodymann’s unique blend of samples and original instrumentation puts his sound in a class of its own leaving you hooked on a groove from start to finish.
Moodymann’s unique blend of samples and original instrumentation puts his sound in a class of its own leaving you hooked on a groove from start to finish.
Ev Williams
CO-FOUNDER MOZI, TWITTER, MEDIUM
Ev Williams has helped shape the internet, building platforms that connect people and ideas. Ev is co-founder of Twitter, Medium and now Mozi, a new social network that helps you connect in person with the people you care about.
Lori Gottlieb
NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR, PSYCHOTHERAPIST, “ASK A THERAPIST” COLUMNIST, THE NEW YORK TIMES
Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, is the co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast and writes The New York Times’s “Ask a Therapist” column.
LP Giobbi
DJ SET + TALK
A powerhouse behind the decks, LP Giobbi is known for her electrifying sets and signature blend of house, funk and techno. As a producer, DJ and founder of Femme House, she’s redefining dance music while championing gender equity in the industry and headlining top festivals worldwide.
Stavroz
Live Performance
Stavroz blends cinematic electronica with organic grooves, crafting melancholic yet driving soundscapes. Their genre-defying sound and cult favorite tracks have taken them from Coachella to Cercle, cementing them as boundary-pushing artists in electronic music.
Refik Anadol
MEDIA ARTIST & DIRECTOR OF REFIK ANADOL STUDIO
Refik Anadol is an internationally renowned media artist, director and pioneer in the aesthetics of machine intelligence. Residing at the crossroads of art, science and technology, Anadol’s immersive installations take varied virtual and physical forms to bring spaces to life in infinitely breathtaking aesthetics.
The Wailers
GRAMMY-NOMINATED REGGAE PIONEERS
The Wailers, led by Aston Barrett Jr., son of legendary bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, continue to spread reggae’s timeless message of love and unity. Known for classics like One Love and No Woman, No Cry, this iconic band carries on Bob Marley’s legacy with original members and a new generation of talent.
Robert Friedland
CHAIRMAN, IVANHOE MINES
A pioneer in global mining, Robert Friedland is redefining energy, technology and sustainability through groundbreaking discoveries. As chairman of Ivanhoe Mines, he is transforming how the world sources critical materials for the future.
Full Crate
DJ SET
Multidisciplinary artist, producer and DJ Full Crate seamlessly blends R&B, hip-hop and soulful beats. Known for collaborations with BJ The Chicago Kid, Naomi Sharon and T3 of Slum Village, his sound is a vibrant mix of authenticity, diversity and emotion.
Sade Lythcott
CEO, NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE & AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER
Sade Lythcott is shaping Harlem’s cultural future and championing global Black artistry. At Summit Detroit, she explores the artistry of storytelling, the importance of theatrical impermanence and the connections created every time an audience fills a room and actors fill a stage together in time.
Aluna
DJ SET
Aluna is a trailblazing artist blending electronic, R&B and pop, known for her chart-topping collaborations with Disclosure and Kaytranada. As a solo act, she continues to captivate with soulful vocals, infectious beats and boundary-pushing creativity.
Shepard Fairey
AMERICAN ARTIST & ACTIVIST
Shepard Fairey is one of the most influential street artists of our time, constantly shifting between the realms of fine art, commercial art, street art and political art.
Coco & Breezy
DJ SET
Trailblazing DJs and producers, Coco & Breezy are redefining the electronic music scene with their vibrant energy and genre-blending sound. From sold-out tours to global festivals, they captivate audiences with immersive performances that ignite dance floors.
Bill T. Jones
AMERICAN CHOREOGRAPHER & DIRECTOR
Bill T. Jones is an artistic leader known for his groundbreaking works that blend storytelling, movement and social commentary. A recipient of numerous honors, including a MacArthur “Genius Grant," he continues to shape the world of contemporary performance.
Mayor Mike Duggan
MAYOR OF DETROIT
Mike Duggan is a lifetime Michigan resident who was born in Detroit and has led a series of transformational mayoral terms in the city.
Elena Brower
AUTHOR, ARTIST, MEDITATION TEACHER, SHAMBHALA PUBLICATIONS
An Exploration of Why Life is Death and Death is Life.
Mother, mentor, poet, artist, bestselling author and host of the Practice You podcast, Elena Brower joins the Summit stage to dive deep on the journey of death in our day-to-day lives.
Mother, mentor, poet, artist, bestselling author and host of the Practice You podcast, Elena Brower joins the Summit stage to dive deep on the journey of death in our day-to-day lives.
Kulapat Yantrasast
ARCHITECT, FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, WHY
Renowned for his groundbreaking architectural design methodology, Kulapat Yantrasast stands as the founder and creative force behind WHY, an interdisciplinary design practice with a global footprint.
Shaka Senghor
BESTSELLING AUTHOR, STORYTELLER & RESILIENCE EXPERT
In conversation with Brad Keywell.
Shaka Senghor is a bestselling author and speaker whose journey from the streets to redemption inspires change. Hailed by Oprah as one of her most profound conversations, the Detroit native uses storytelling to redefine wisdom, purpose and second chances.
Shaka Senghor is a bestselling author and speaker whose journey from the streets to redemption inspires change. Hailed by Oprah as one of her most profound conversations, the Detroit native uses storytelling to redefine wisdom, purpose and second chances.
Brad Keywell
SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR, INVESTOR & CREATOR
In conversation with Shaka Senghor.
Brad has founded/co-founded nine tech companies—including three NASDAQ IPOs—bridging innovation, venture capital and immersive storytelling. From global ideas platforms to experiential museums, his work redefines how we engage with technology, creativity and impact.
Brad has founded/co-founded nine tech companies—including three NASDAQ IPOs—bridging innovation, venture capital and immersive storytelling. From global ideas platforms to experiential museums, his work redefines how we engage with technology, creativity and impact.
Ashley Bell
FOUNDER & CEO, READY FINANCE
Ashley Bell is reshaping financial access, leading the historic establishment of the first Black-owned bank in the Mountain West. As CEO of Ready Life, he’s pioneering a new path to homeownership, removing credit score barriers and expanding economic equity.
Ara Katz
CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO, SEED HEALTH
Ara Katz is at the forefront of transforming breakthrough microbiome science into innovations for human and environmental health. Her groundbreaking work in this frontier field explores the potential of microbes and how this new framework is revolutionizing health and offering a radical new pathway to well-being.
Dick Costolo
CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER, 01 ADVISORS
A native Detroiter and former CEO of Twitter, Dick Costolo co-founded 01 Advisors to help companies scale with hands-on expertise. He’s also founded multiple startups, including FeedBurner, acquired by Google.
Marc Porat
TECH ENTREPRENEUR ADVISOR, MILLENNIAL ADVISORS
Marc Porat, co-founder of General Magic, helped pioneer the first smartphone and shape modern mobile communication. As chairman of Millennial Advisors, he explores the transformative impact of AI agents and superintelligence on our future.
Caleesi & Kreis
DJ SET
Caleesi and Sarah Kreis are a dynamic duo in deep and mid-tempo house, known for their eclectic selections and seamless mixing. From starlit outdoor sets to intimate venues and industrial late nights, they create soulful, refined soundscapes that captivate seasoned dancers and newcomers alike.
Double Touch
Live Performance
Where classical finesse meets electronic soul. Pianist Van-Anh Nguyen and DJ/producer Mark Olsen merge their worlds into a seamless blend of ambient grooves, organic/Latin/Afro House and live percussion for an unforgettable experience.
Stacy Letrice
DANCER, INSTRUCTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER & DANCE THERAPIST
Immersive dance workshops inspired by African and Caribbean dance to access happiness and healing.
Tony Touch
DJ SET
Tony Touch, also known as Tony Toca, is a trailblazer in hip-hop, house and Latin music. From his legendary mixtapes to his skills on the turntables, he's cemented his place as one of the world's most influential DJs, continually pushing the boundaries of sound and style.
Eames Demetrios
DESIGN HISTORIAN & STORYTELLER
Eames Demetrios, together with his siblings, celebrates and evolves the legacy of their grandparents, Charles and Ray Eames. As director of the Eames Office, he keeps their design principles alive for future generations. Through Kcymaerxthaere, his global storytelling project, he reimagines geography with installations, collaborations and narratives of a parallel world.
John McWhorter
LINGUIST & NEW YORK TIMES WRITER
Prolific linguist, writer and columnist bridging the gap between linguistics science and how we communicate in everyday life.
Dr. Linda Lancaster
FOUNDER, LIGHT HARMONICS INSTITUTE CO-FOUNDER, THE MILK CLEANSE
Dr. Linda Lancaster has spent over 42 years pioneering integrative healing, blending energy medicine, homeopathy, Ayurveda and nutrition to restore balance and vitality. Through Light Harmonics Institute and The Milk Cleanse, she continues to bridge ancient wisdom with modern innovation to redefine well-being.
DJ Ruckus
DJ SET
A staple in the global music scene, DJ Ruckus is known for his high-energy sets and genre-blending style. From Vegas to Ibiza, he's headlined the world's top venues and events, making him one of the most sought-after DJs today.
Kiko Dontchev
VP of Launch, SpaceX
Leading SpaceX’s efforts to make space travel as accessible as air travel.
Yamagucci
DJ SET
Israeli-Japanese DJ and producer Yamagucci is carving out his place in contemporary dance music with a genre-blurring sound that’s landed him on Solomun’s Diynamic, Moscoman’s Disco Halal and Adam Ten’s Maccabi House.
Dan Goods
FOUNDER, THE STUDIO, NASA JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
Dan Goods will share how blending art, science and design can unlock new ways of thinking, sparking innovation and transforming the future of business and human exploration.
Donna D'Cruz
MYSTIC SOUND ALCHEMIST, MEDITATION GUIDE & CREATOR, “DIP INTO BLISS” & SLEEP BEDITATIONS
Join Donna D’Cruz throughout Summit Detroit as she guides meditations infused with music, mysticism and the eternal wisdom of the heart.
Hank Willis Thomas
ARTIST & ACTIVIST
In conversation with Shepard Fairey
Hank Willis Thomas is a visionary artist exploring themes of identity, history and power. In a special conversation with Shepard Fairey, he will dive into the intersection of activism and visual storytelling—examining how art shapes culture, challenges narratives and redefines the public space.
Hank Willis Thomas is a visionary artist exploring themes of identity, history and power. In a special conversation with Shepard Fairey, he will dive into the intersection of activism and visual storytelling—examining how art shapes culture, challenges narratives and redefines the public space.
Eric Berlow
CEO, VIBRANT DATA LABS
An ecologist and data scientist, Eric Berlow founded Vibrant Data Labs to map climate solutions funding with open-source tools. Currently an Emerson Collective Senior Fellow and formerly a TED Fellow, he's known for simplifying complexity and revealing hidden patterns in data.
Harold Faltermeyer
COMPOSER & MUSIC PRODUCER
Harold Faltermeyer is a legendary composer and producer behind iconic movie scores like Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop. His work has left a lasting impact on film music.
Kim Strother
TRAINER, HEALTH COACH & YOGA INSTRUCTOR
With over two decades of experience as a personal trainer and instructor at some of the most prestigious gyms in the country, Kim combines years of strength training, yoga and gymnastics to create dynamic workouts that produce optimal results.
Ben Gleib
COMEDIAN
Comedian, TV host and master of the entrepreneurial roast Ben Gleib brings his sharp wit and fearless humor to Summit Detroit. Prepare to laugh, cringe and maybe even get roasted yourself.
Dames Brown
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Hailing from Detroit, Dames Brown channels the city's storied musical heritage into a jaw-dropping celebration of house music. With soulful vocals and infectious beats, Dames Brown have become legendary—from underground clubs to global stages.
Starr Hawkins
Fitness Coach & Trainer, BabyMommaFit
Known for her unmatched energy and high intensity workouts that have garnered a global following.
BLKSMTH
ARTIST
Portland-based artist Michael James Schneider aka BLKSMTH is known for his viral balloon letter installations that fuse humor with deep introspection. His work explores themes of anxiety, love, and digital culture, sparking conversation and connection across the internet and beyond.
IN-Q
SPOKEN WORD POET
IN-Q is an Emmy-nominated poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and best-selling author who has inspired millions through his spoken word performances and workshops. Named to Oprah’s SuperSoul 100, his work explores creativity, connection and emotional well-being.
Pablos Holman
HACKER, INVENTOR & TECHNOLOGY FUTURIST
Pablos Holman is pushing the limits of innovation. As Managing Director at Deep Future, he invests in bold thinkers solving global challenges. He’s built brain surgery tools, 3D food printers and mosquito-zapping lasers for Bill Gates’ malaria efforts and worked on spaceships with Jeff Bezos at Blue Origin.
Ally Bogard
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
Ally Bogard is a dedicated student and worldwide instructor of mindfulness and embodiment practices. Each day, Ally will guide us through a variety of dynamic yoga, movement and meditation sessions to energize our minds, bodies and spirits.
Jonathan Swerdlin
CEO & CO-FOUNDER, FUNCTION HEALTH
Jonathan Swerdlin is the co-founder and CEO of Function Health, the fastest-growing personal health platform in the U.S., on a mission to make 100 healthy years possible for everyone.
Aaron Taylor Kuffner
ARTIST, SCULPTOR & CREATOR, GAMELATRON
Aaron Taylor Kuffner’s Gamelatron reimagines Indonesia’s Gamelan tradition as hypnotic, mechanical orchestras. Blending tradition with innovation, his immersive installations create a meditative, otherworldly experience.
Franz von Holzhausen
CHIEF DESIGNER, TESLA
Since 2008, Franz von Holzhausen has shaped the design of iconic vehicles, including the Model S, Model 3, Cybertruck and Model Y—the world’s best-selling car—as well as Tesla Energy products.
Tero Isokauppila & Miki Agrawal
CO-FOUNDERS, HIRO TECHNOLOGIES - PLASTIC-EATING FUNGI
Hiro Technologies is a biotech pioneer using plastic-eating fungi to break down consumer plastics at scale. Co-founders Miki and Tero explore how nature-inspired solutions can transform business and global problem-solving.
Chloe Macintosh
FOUNDER & CEO, KAMA
Sessions on intimacy and pleasure education—Chloe will teach us ways to transform how we experience pleasure and its role in our well-being.
Melissa Levy
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS INSTRUCTOR & FOUNDER OF RBL REMOTE FITNESS STUDIO
Melissa Levy is committed to helping you move smarter, feel stronger and show up at your best. Join her in Detroit for science-backed, form-focused functional fitness workouts that will challenge, energize and elevate your movement.
Radha Agrawal
FOUNDER, DAYBREAKER, BELONG INSTITUTE, BELONG CENTER & THINX
A deep dive into belonging, loneliness and the alchemy of community building. Radha Agrawal will explore what it takes to create meaningful spaces for connection—and why now, more than ever, community is the antidote.
Jacy Cunningham
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR & CREATOR OF THE JACY METHOD
With a passion for movement and community, Jacy fuses dance, fitness and emotional expression to create a transformative mind-body experience.
Steve Tam
DJ SET
From floor parties to dance floors, DJ Steve Tam creates playful moments using songs with words.
Emily Morse
SEXUALITY EXPERT, PODCAST HOST & BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Dr. Emily Morse is a renowned expert in sexuality and relationships, best known as the host of the #1 podcast Sex With Emily and author of Smart Sex. She’s dedicated to breaking taboos, dispelling misinformation, and helping people cultivate deeper, more fulfilling connections.
The Great Bingo Revival
LIve PErformance
The ultimate funk and soul experience featuring music, dance, comedy and 100% unadulterated BINGO.
GAVLAK
DJ SET
Austin Gavlak has spent over a decade as a cultural cross-pollinator, crafting radically unique experiences. A passionate artist and musician, he’s played iconic venues and festivals worldwide, blending sound, space and storytelling in unforgettable ways.
The AstroTwins
ASTROLOGERS & BESTSELLING AUTHORS
Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, have brought astrology to the mainstream, guiding everyone from celebrities to CEOs with their cosmic insights. At Summit Detroit, they’ll explore how the stars shape our lives, decisions and collective future in ways both mystical and practical.
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
John Varvatos
AWARD-WINNING FASHION DESIGNER
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
A visionary, philanthropist and cultural icon, John Varvatos created one of the most aspirational lifestyle brands that exists. His unique vision led him to seamlessly meld fashion and music, his two biggest passions.
A visionary, philanthropist and cultural icon, John Varvatos created one of the most aspirational lifestyle brands that exists. His unique vision led him to seamlessly meld fashion and music, his two biggest passions.
Dhani Jones
QEY CAPITAL PARTNERS & FOUNDER, HILLMAN ACCELERATOR
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Moodymann
DJ SET
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Moodymann’s unique blend of samples and original instrumentation puts his sound in a class of its own leaving you hooked on a groove from start to finish.
Moodymann’s unique blend of samples and original instrumentation puts his sound in a class of its own leaving you hooked on a groove from start to finish.
Phillip Cooley
Entrepreneur & founder
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Tracy Washington
Label Director, Mahogani Music
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Jonny Imerman
co-founder, CLOZTALK & Imerman Angels
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Philip Kafka
Founder & President, Prince Concepts
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Kenan Juska
of Chances with Wolves
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
David Belt
Co-founder & Executive Chairman, Newlab
Dennis Archer Jr.
Chairman & CEO, sixteen42 ventures
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
Bethany Shorb
Founder, Well Done Goods
Nicole Patrice De Member
entrepreneur, investor & advisor
SUMMIT DETROIT ADVISORY BOARD
With Gratitude For Our Partners
With Gratitude To Our Partners






Detroiy Let's Build Left Image
SUMMIT DETROIT IS DESIGNED TO FUEL, CHALLENGE AND INSPIRE - DEEPENING THE CONNECTIONS AMONG OUR GLOBAL LEADERS, VISIONARIES, CREATORS AND EXPLORERS.
LET’S BUILD TOGETHER.
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INNOVATION, MODERN MANUFACTURING,
FUTURISM,
THE FUTURE OF OUR CITIES
ART,
DESIGN,
ARCHITECTURE,
URBAN PLANNING
MUSICAL BEATS,
LIVE BANDS,
SPOKEN WORD,
WRITING WORKSHOPS
EXQUISITE CULINARY EXPERIENCES,
POP-UPS, TASTINGS, PAIRINGS
THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE, MOVEMENT, MINDFULNESS, NEUROBIOLOGY, SEXUALITY
Our campus is set in a historic corner of detroit’s downtown district made up of hotels, venues and theaters.
Indoor and outdoor areas for our
Summit flow.
Detroit stands for what is possible.