April 27, 2016 - Detroit

Though it can sometimes seem like the interest in Detroit is new, the Detroit Experience Factory (DXF) recognizes that there have always been people with an interest in Detroit and they have been helping inform and channel that interest for the last 10 years.  

Although their name has changed, their passion for connecting locals and visitors to Detroit's people, places and projects has not. From launching as a grassroots nonprofit called Inside Detroit in 2006, to growing with D:hive as part of a 3-year collaborative project, to moving into their new Welcome Center space as the Detroit Experience Factory in 2015, the last decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2006, they have taken more than 70,000 people on experiential tours. Here are some other interesting stats:

• In 2015, DXF conducted 538 separate tours for more than 17,000 individuals

• More than 10,000 people visited the Welcome Center in 2015

• 67% of DXF tour attendees live in Detroit or Metropolitan Detroit

• 95% of DXF bus tours visited neighborhoods outside of Greater Downtown

• 82% of DXF tours are custom experiences for groups or individuals

To celebrate this milestone and to launch their new expanded Summer Tour Schedule, DXF is hosting a Summer Kickoff Party on May 6th from 11am - 7pm with snacks, drinks, giveaways and games. The 2016 DXF Summer Tour Schedule is unprecedented as it triples their offerings from last year and includes 14 brand new public tours.

“There are literally thousands of amazing people, places and projects in this city and we want to showcase them all,” says Jeanette Pierce, Executive Director at DXF, “By tripling our public tour offerings and constantly creating new custom tours focused on all sorts of themes we hope to continue to show both locals and visitors that there is something for everyone in Detroit.

Some of the more anticipated tours include:

• Innovation and Inspiration - Go inside some of Detroit’s most innovative projects where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the doers that are inspiring people near and far.

• Detroit Bikes and Sights - Take in some of the best greater downtown has to offer while test driving a Detroit Bike manufactured right here in the city.

• Strolling Supper - Get the inside scoop and enjoy wonderful food at 3 different hot spots...all in one evening.

• Art in the Market - From local, national, and internationally acclaimed muralists to galleries galore, you’ll find a new reason to love the oldest and largest public market in the country!

• Neighborhood Bus Tours - Detroit is much more than downtown and this series of tours will help you connect with some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods from Grandmont-Rosedale to East English Village and everything in between. First up: Northwest Detroit

For details about the Summer Kickoff, to schedule a custom tour and for the full DXF Summer Tour Schedule visit www.detroitexperiencefactory.org. For media assets including infographics, hi-res photos and more visit: http://detroitexperiencefactory.org/media-kit.

As an affiliate of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Detroit Experience Factory uses interactive experiences and innovative resources to help newcomers and locals alike get more connected to the people, places and projects in Detroit. It operates Detroit’s community based Welcome Center at 123 Monroe.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is a nonprofit that strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant, resilient urban core for Detroit and the adjacent community. Build Institute and Detroit Experience Factory (DXF) are affiliate programs of the DDP. Build Institute provides access to education, resources and support for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. DXF uses interactive experiences and innovative resources to help newcomers and locals alike get more connected to the people, places and projects in Detroit. The Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), an initiative of Downtown Detroit Partnership, is a special assessment district formed by property owners to provide the necessary services that support a vibrant Downtown.

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