Event Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended Detroit’s AI Workforce & Economic Development Summit on June 2, 2026. The event brought together industry leaders, educators, workforce professionals, and community stakeholders to discuss the future of AI, workforce development, and economic growth in Detroit.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, leaders in artificial intelligence, marketing, workforce development, and innovation are coming together in the heart of Detroit for a conversation that feels bigger than a typical conference.
The AI Workforce & Economic Empowerment Summit, presented by DSDT College, is not designed to be another event where people sit through vague predictions about the future. This summit is built around something much more practical: showing people how AI can actually be used right now to create opportunity, grow businesses, improve careers, and empower communities.
Hosted at the historic Garden Theater, the event will bring together entrepreneurs, marketers, educators, founders, creatives, and professionals who understand one thing clearly — the AI conversation is moving fast, and too many people are being left behind.
For just $20, attendees will gain access to a full evening of high-level insights, real-world AI strategies, and networking opportunities with some of the most recognized voices in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
More Than Talks — A Real AI Masterclass
What separates this summit from many AI events happening around the country is the focus on implementation.
Every speaker is bringing frameworks, systems, and strategies that attendees can immediately apply in their businesses, careers, and organizations. This is not theoretical discussion. It’s practical education from people actively building with AI every day.
The evening will feature a lineup of nationally recognized innovators and industry leaders, including:
- Alicia Lyttle known as “The Queen of AI” headlining with a presentation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, wealth, and economic opportunity.
- Dr. Dave Schippers sharing five prompt formulas that can dramatically improve AI-generated responses and workflows.
- Joshua Collier discussing human-AI performance frameworks for modern teams.
- Art Thompson focusing on scaling human potential instead of replacing it.
- Hajj Flemings speaking on innovation, culture, and reinvention in the AI era.
- Jenna Evola demonstrating AI-driven marketing campaigns that actually convert.
- Dennis Yu breaking down the scalable marketing systems and data strategies behind nine-figure brands.
The summit will be hosted by Robert Courtney and moderated by Johnnie Turnage.
Networking Starts Before The First Speaker
Before the main presentations begin, attendees will also have access to a special cocktail hour networking event from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
With space for up to 500 guests during networking and only 250 seats available for the summit itself, organizers expect the event to fill quickly. The networking portion is designed to connect Detroit’s growing ecosystem of founders, creatives, educators, tech professionals, and business leaders who are actively exploring how AI can shape the future of work and economic mobility.
In many ways, that may become one of the most valuable parts of the evening: getting the right people in the same room at the same time.
Why Detroit Matters In The AI Conversation
Detroit has always been a city built on innovation.
From manufacturing to mobility to entrepreneurship, the city has repeatedly reinvented itself through moments of technological transformation. As AI continues changing industries across the world, events like the AI Workforce & Economic Empowerment Summit position Detroit as a place where the future of work is not only being discussed but actively built.
For organizations like DSDT College, the mission goes beyond technology itself. It’s about access.
The summit represents a growing movement focused on making sure communities, students, small businesses, and working professionals understand how to participate in the AI economy instead of being displaced by it.
Event Details
AI Workforce & Economic Empowerment Summit
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Garden Theater
3929 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
- $20 Admission
- 250 Summit Seats Available
- Cocktail Hour Networking: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Networking Capacity: 500 Guests
If you are a founder, operator, marketer, educator, student, or professional looking to understand where AI is heading and how to use it in a meaningful way this is the room to be in.
The future of work is already changing. Detroit is making sure the conversation includes everyone.
