Our Next Great Adventure ...

Name: Detroit 2025
Start: 2025-06-05
End: 2025-06-08
Location: Detroit

Welcome to Summit Detroit, where innovation and resilience meet the pulse of techno, Motown and raw rock riffs. Just as Detroit built America’s cars, it built a culture of reinvention that mirrors Summit’s spirit of bold ideas and transformative community.

At Summit Detroit, we are tapping into this unapologetic energy—a fusion of beats, engines and visionaries. Detroit is a powerful statement of passion, creativity and unstoppable drive—a dynamic echo of everything Summit stands for.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.