The latest: The 601-room JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is set to open in February, part of a wave of more than 1,600 new hotel rooms expected downtown in the coming years.

Flashback: Detroit's record-setting 2024 NFL draft drew more than 775,000 fans over three days, showcasing the city's ability to host a massive national event.

The challenge: Tourism officials say Detroit's ability to land similarly high-profile conventions has been constrained by the number of hotel rooms within walking distance of Huntington Place.

By the numbers: Visit Detroit's meetings and conventions team booked 185,000 hotel room nights in 2025 and secured about a dozen major events scheduled through 2029.

What's next: A second, $450 million convention hotel with 600 rooms is planned near Huntington Place, with a targeted 2029 opening.