JOIN US IN DETROIT

The Downtown Alliance and fellow Salt Lake City stakeholders will travel to Motor City, September 16-19 for an immersive exploration of one of America's most remarkable urban revivals — from world-class public spaces and greenways to billion-dollar private bets on a city's future.

Detroit gets under your skin and you'll come home with new ideas, new colleagues, and a new level of conviction about what's possible in Salt Lake City.

  • UX sells out, register today.

  • Frequently asked questions are below. 

Is this your first Urban Exploration trip and wondering what we’ll cover in Detroit? Check out our key findings and takeaways for action from our 2025 trip to Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Urban Exploration is a unique learning experience designed for Downtown SLC leaders and changemakers committed to urban progress. This immersive experience uses Detroit’s triumphs and challenges as a platform to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions to make Downtown SLC even greater. We’ll examine bold infrastructure investments, the visitor economy, arts and culture, public space activation, downtown development, and public-private partnerships.

    Expect to collaborate with public and private sector leaders—those actively shaping the next phase of Salt Lake City’s evolution. If you're looking to learn, collaborate, and be part of transformative change, this experience is for you!

  • Early Bird Registration: $3500
    Standard Registration (After June 1): $3800​

    *Fee includes hotel stay at program hotel for three nights (Sept. 17-19), 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 3 receptions, transportation within the program itinerary, and all programmed activities.

  • Cancellation before June 15: Full refund.
    Cancellation between June 15 - August 14: 50% refund.
    Cancellation on/after August 15: No refund.

    Please email kristina@downtownslc.org if you need to cancel. 

  • Make your own travel arrangements. A recommended flight plan is:

    TO DTW:

    WED, SEPT 16: DL2236, 9:40am

    RETURN TO SLC:

    SAT, SEPT 19: DL 935, 12:25pm

  • No. We will book your room as a part of your registration. Participants can expect to receive a hotel confirmation by August 30 at The Siren Hotel.

  • Our group will be staying at the gorgeous Siren Hotel in Downtown Detroit

  • Yes! Once you receive your hotel confirmation, you are welcome to contact The Siren directly to extend your stay. Please note, your registration includes three nights (September 17–19), and any additional nights will be at your own expense.

  • Download our event app, Whova and unlock all the secrets of Motor City! 
    *Whova will be available for download starting August 17, 2025.

  • Contact Kristen Lavelett: kristen@downtownslc.org.

  • Reach out to our Urban Exploration Director, Kristina Olivas, kristina@downtownslc.org

A group from Salt Lake City visits San Diego's sports and entertainment district.

2025 UX Findings

A Love Letter to Seattle & and To-Do List for Downtown SLC