Media Contact: Heather Anderson

handerson@huntingtonplacedetroit.com  

313-877-8289

 

 

DETROIT – March 13th, 2025

 

The Past: 2024 – Pioneering Sustainability in Convention Center Events

In 2024, sustainability took center stage in the food and beverage industry within convention centers. Huntington Place successfully executed several events that showcased innovative sustainability efforts, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious catering.

Fourth Road Map Conference – September 2024

This event took a groundbreaking approach by eliminating bottled water and opting for glassware instead. Attendees utilized the Fill It Forward program, scanning QR codes on reusable bottles to track their environmental impact while contributing to donation opportunities for clean water initiatives.

PCMA – June 2024

PCMA introduced a strolling station concept for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering guests a variety of small-plate options. This approach allowed for creative and diverse menu selections while maintaining staple offerings. The strategy supported portion control, reduced food waste, and maximized the use of local produce, reinforcing a strong commitment to sustainability.

The Benefit Event – September 2024

This large-scale dinner event, serving 1,800 attendees, featured a locally sourced trout dish, supporting Michigan’s fishing industry while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with sourcing seafood from outside the region.

These efforts demonstrated that sustainability in convention center food and beverage programs is not just an ideal but a practical, successful reality.

 

The Future: 2025 – Embracing Global Flavors and Sustainability

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, convention centers are not only continuing their sustainability efforts but also expanding their culinary offerings with bold, global flavors. The rise of sweet and spicy cuisine is shaping event menus, driven by growing demand for authentic and adventurous dining experiences. Clients are increasingly drawn to dishes that balance heat with sweetness, drawing inspiration from Africa, the Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, and South America.

Trending Global Dishes for 2025

  • Duet of Beef – Oxtail, bone marrow, root vegetables, alliums, spice-infused egg yolk pasta, sofrito of aji pepper, ginger beer-braised short rib, Guinea-style Swiss chard greens.
  • Shrimp and Fonio Grits – Lightly African curry-spiced white shrimp, fonio grain grits, bitter greens, yuzu vinaigrette.
  • Lamb Domod – Herb and ginger-roasted garlic lamb loin, red pepper reduction, celeriac potato soufflé.
  • Local Pike – Herb-crusted pike, smoked crab emulsion, crayfish, artichoke, beans, and fodio risotto.
  • Chicken and Lamb Jolla – Smoked chicken, lamb merguez, rice, spice, tomato, winter squash, roots, and local mushrooms.

“Our goal is to bring an exciting, global dining experience to our guests while incorporating locally sourced ingredients,” says Chef Blaser. “With every dish, we strive to honor its cultural roots while making it accessible and memorable for large-scale events.”

Sustainability and Plant-Based Innovation

Sustainability remains at the core of Huntington Place’s culinary philosophy. Menus are being presented to companies like Microsoft, Siemens, Bell Tire, and SAE who are prioritizing food waste reduction, small plate service, and portion control. Additionally, there is a significant push towards plant-based dining, offering guests delicious, health-conscious, and eco-friendly options.

Standout Plant-Based Dishes for 2025

  • West African Peanut and Winter Squash Pottage – Locally sourced winter squash, spice, plant-based milk, chili, roasted peanuts, and spiced seeds.
  • Salatu Niebe – Black-eyed peas, hothouse cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, green onions, coriander, and chili lime vinaigrette.
  • Mushroom Moi – Caramelized alliums, king mushrooms, chickpea tian, African curry, yam porridge, crispy winter kale slaw, smoked tomato vinaigrette.
  • Caramel Apple Thiakry – White millet, plant-based milk, cream, palm sugar, caramel maple syrup, and apple.

Elevating the Guest Experience

At Huntington Place, the mission is clear: exceed expectations through innovation, culture, and sustainability. With the expertise of District Chef Blaser and Executive Chef Robert, and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients and global flavors, the convention center is redefining the culinary experience for large-scale events.

“At Huntington Place, we aim to craft personalized menus for every event, highlighting local products and celebrating the rich history of Detroit and Michigan agriculture,” says Kyle Kalis, General Manager with Sodexo Live!

Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a major convention, the focus on sweet, spicy, and sustainable dishes ensures every guest leaves with a memorable taste of Detroit. As the industry continues evolving, Huntington Place leads the way, proving that exceptional dining and sustainability can go hand in hand.

 

 

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About Huntington Place

With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Huntington Place, Detroit’s convention center, boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and has the largest ballroom in Michigan with 40,000 square feet. It is a LEED Gold certified venue and has received numerous industry awards for excellence including the 2020 USGBC Leadership Award for Building Performance, making it the only convention center in the history of the award to receive it. It is the 16th largest convention center in the United States. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and huntingtonplacedetroit.com.

 

About ASM Global

Award-winning ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network spans five continents featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers and performing arts venues. 

 

ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into innovative project development, planning and execution; content programming; curated guest-immersive experiences; locally tailored solutions; and optimized revenue streams for our client’s properties and surrounding communities. Focused on value creation and economic growth, ASM Global realizes venue business potential to elevate the profitability and profile of our clients and partners. We cultivate strong, inclusive relationships with the communities we work and live in while championing the welfare and development of our employees and small-business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient and vibrant community.   

 

ASM Global's expertise and commitment extends across existing venue management, new venue development, and transformative renovation projects across the most exciting properties in the industry, including Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong), Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana), The Moscone Center (San Francisco, California), AO Arena (Manchester, U.K.), The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, California), Desert Diamond Arena (Glendale, Arizona) and Fishers Event Center (Fishers, Indiana)