Back in 2015, amidst the city facing the largest bankruptcy in American history, we brought together 125 leaders, creating a pivotal moment for Breakout. Changemakers from cities steeped in culture, history, and shared struggles came together, uncovering common ground and forging the core of our resilient community.

Almost 10 years later, the city of Detroit has grown immensely and we felt it only right to be able to celebrate our own story alongside the city that has given us so much and has so much to celebrate in its own continued growth.

Breakout provides programming through authentic partnerships, which have transpired from years of legwork in community building since 2014.

We flip the script, ditching traditional programming such as panels and conference rooms in favor of getting an under the hood look. As Breakout builds lasting relationships between changemakers, it doesn't just make their work more effective; it provides them with a national peer network to learn with and lean on.

Our programming elements include:

Grounding

• Programmed + unprompted (as the need arises)

Context

• History and Culture through the lens of locals

Discourse

• Opportunities for Deep Reflection

• Intimate discourse/ Small groups

• Collective discourse/ Large groups

Play

• Interactive Elements

• Moments for Mobility

• Spontaneity

All areas of interest are explored through the lens of the local community, with special attention placed on storytelling and collective reflection.

• Historical Transparency & Its Impact on Local Communities

• Culture & Creativity: A Vehicle of Resilience and Innovation

• Supporting Macro and Micro-Economies

Through the past decade we’ve brought together diverse groupings of leaders from across the US and leaned on our existing community members & partners to nominate key leaders in areas of interest.

As part of the application process, we weigh our existing network, gauge interest through an online, community assessment, and conduct 1-on-1 interviews, as well as consider referrals from the community.

Participants selected are considered through the following criteria:

• “Solutionists”

• Diverse Backgrounds (i.e. industry, geography, ethnicity, lived experience)

• “Master Collaborators”

Small groups are integral to the Breakout experience, as they give each attendee daily the opportunity for deep reflection and discourse. Our team gets to know each attendee ahead of the weekend to help place you in the group best fit for your growth.

Each small group has 2 “Captains” are experienced Breakers who will facilitate and their groups (10-15 ppl) throughout these moments. They serve to support the group throughout the city, as well as giving vital context and insight into the experience.