Our focus is on the human impact and human condition of growth, opportunity, challenges, and the outcome of conversations around the topics. The goal at each of our summits is to provide multi-level conversations that are compelling, challenging, and provocative allowing for participation and fluid exchange of ideas.

Vice President of Mobility and Research | Detroit Regional Partnership and GEM

Faculty Director, Urban Technology Degree Program | Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan

Dean of Graduate Studies and Research | College for Creative Studies
A maker-researcher and designer, Ian’s research interests lie in climate action, sustainable design, material practice, and making-as-thinking. He recently co-led the d.Tree Studio in collaboration with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, using urban lumber for making cultural artifacts that advanced social justice narratives. His work with ocean plastic has been widely published, and, as a member of the Detroit River Coalition, he is developing projects on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes and the Detroit River.
He has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in the UK.

North America Business Development & R&D Director | Valeo Powertrain Systems

Director, Climate Action Engagement | LIESL EICHLER CLARK School for Environmentand Sustainability,University of Michigan

Attaché for Infrastructure & Water Management Working with | Netherlands Consulate General in San Francisco

Deputy Chief of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit
Tony currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mobility innovation at the City of Detroit. He is a professional engineer who comes into the mobility realm with a diverse background in CAV, ITS, and Transportation Planning. After over a decade in consulting, he made the move to public service to lead and grow Intelligent Transportation and Smart City efforts for the City of Detroit. Throughout his career, Tony has led diverse teams through multiple traffic, ITS, and mobility projects, both locally and internationally. His passion is promoting safety and efficiency, human-centered design and engagement, and actively interacting with residents and stakeholders for the betterment of the community, where every voice matters. He has brought that momentum into the City to help envision and build the future of Detroit Mobility through innovation, sustainability, and equity.
Our mission is to make our summits as sustainable as possible.
Used all-paper, no-plastic name tags for attendees to minimize plastic waste.
Created floral arrangements using flowers foraged from around the city, promoting local and sustainable decoration practices.
Ensured all food and beverage services avoid plastic, using alternatives like biodegradable or compostable materials.
Offered gifts made from repurposed wood and glass, emphasizing sustainability and reducing waste.
Worked with artist Scott Hocking to incorporate artifacts from the former Book Depository Building into his display, adding a unique, sustainable element to the event by reusing historical materials.
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