DACA- Detroit Area Construction Association

09/01/2026

Huge thanks to The Brinker Group for hosting our August Job Site Walk at the Detroit Horse Power project! Our DACA crew got the full story behind the build and left fired up to see it finished 💪

Then we headed to The Dakota Inn Rathskeller for German food, cold beer, and networking that turned into a full-on singalong by the end of the night 🎹🍺

We also welcomed a bunch of new faces this month, several already asking about membership 👀

Big thanks to our Programs & Events Team for another can't-miss combo, and to Brinker for being awesome hosts.
Already looking forward to the next one 👊

📍 Want in on the next event? Click the link in bio to join our September event coming up.

08/25/2026

⚠️ LAST DAY to register for this Thursday’s DACA’s Job Site Walk & Networking Happy Hour 🏗️🍻

It’s hard hats first and happy hour after. We’re touring the Detroit Horse Power project (a nonprofit campus that’s training Detroit youth in the skilled trades) before heading to the historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller for drinks and networking.

🎟️ $15 tickets
🏗️ Site Walk + Networking → members only, 25 spots
🍻 Networking Only → open to members & guests, 50 spots

This one’s expected to sell out. Today’s your last shot to grab a spot. Click the link in our bio to register.

08/17/2026

Sponsorship spots for Blueprints & Buckshot are open, and a few of DACA’s top tiers are still available.

We have options starting at $500 with ones available for every budget. Sportsman’s Lunch is already sold, so these are going fast.

Every package includes logo placement, event day recognition, and exposure to a room full of construction industry decision-makers.

DM us or check the link in bio for full sponsor details.

08/16/2026

Mark your calendars. DACA’s upcoming events lineup is here and it’s a good one!

🏗️AUG 27 — Job Site Walk & Happy Hour
Walk the Detroit Horse Power Jobsite, then unwind at The Dakota Inn. All tickets are $15.

🏛️ SEPT 22 — Leadership Forum
Michigan’s 2026 political outlook with keynote Bill Ballenger. Dinner included. This one will sell out.

🎯 OCT 21 — Blueprints & Buckshot
Sporting clays, lunch, cocktails, and networking at Bald Mountain. Individual $250, foursome $900.

Three ways to connect, learn, and have some fun with the construction community this fall. 🤝

Save this post so you don’t forget, and tap the link in bio to register for any (or all) of them.

08/15/2026

Spend the afternoon outdoors, shoot some clays, eat good food, and build relationships all while supporting DACA at our Annual Sporting Clays event Blueprints & Buckshot.

📅 Wed, Oct 21 | 11AM-4:30PM
📍 Bald Mountain, Oxford, MI

Registration includes:
🎯 Sporting clays course + ammo
🚗 Golf cart transportation
🍽️ Lunch, dessert & cocktails
🥽 Ear & eye protection
🤝 Networking with construction pros
🏆 Awards & bragging rights

Individual: $250 | Foursome: $900

This one will fill up fast. Tap the link in bio or scan the QR code to lock in your spot.

08/14/2026

DACA’s Leadership Forum is back with Decision 2026: Michigan’s Political Outlook, featuring keynote speaker Bill Ballenger.

Come get the real story on what the 2026 elections could mean for business, development, and policy in Michigan.

📅 Tuesday, Sept 22, 2026
🕐 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 The Iroquois Club (43248 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI)

Dinner’s on us with each ticket. Members $50 and Guests / Non-Members $75.

Seats are limited and this one WILL sell out. Tap the link in bio to grab your spot before it’s gone or scan the QR code.

08/06/2026

🏗️ Join us for DACA's August Member Event!

We're excited to partner with L.S. Brinker for an exclusive behind-the-scenes job site walk at the Detroit Horse Power project, followed by a networking happy hour at the historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller, just 2.3 miles away.

🦺 Site Walk (Limited to 25 DACA Members)
📍 Detroit Horse Power Jobsite
🕒 Registration begins at 3:15 PM
🚧 Site walk starts promptly at 3:30 PM
🎟️ Registration includes one drink ticket for the networking reception.
👷 Self-supplied PPE is required: hard hat, safety glasses, high-vis vest, and closed-toe shoes.

The site walk will open to members first. If any spots remain, registration will then open to guests.

🍻 Networking Happy Hour
📍 Dakota Inn Rathskeller
🕟 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Open to members and guests (limited to 50 attendees)
Cash bar, food available, and on-site parking.
🎟️ All tickets are $15. Register here at Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daca-job-site-walk-networking-happy-hour-tickets-1997045590119?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Whether you're interested in touring an exciting project or connecting with professionals from across the construction industry, we hope you'll join us!

⚠️ Members-Only Site Walk (25 spots) • Networking Open to Members & Guests • Tour Starts Promptly at 3:30 PM / Networking to Follow.

07/25/2026

The foundation of a great association is built on strong relationships, and Thursday night reminded us exactly why DACA continues to grow.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our DACA Summer Bash & 15th Anniversary Celebration! We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening. With sunny skies, 77-degree weather, an incredible rooftop setting, and a community of outstanding professionals, all the pieces came together perfectly.

A heartfelt thank you to our gracious Venue Sponsor, Rehmann, for hosting us on their spectacular rooftop patio and to their entire team for making everyone feel welcome. We also want to recognize all of our event sponsors whose support helped make the evening possible:

• Venue Sponsor: Rehmann

• Dinner Sponsor: Innovative Engineered Solutions, Inc.

• Main Stage Sponsor: Interior Environments

• Bar Sponsor: USI Insurance Services

• DJ Sponsor: CCS Presentation Systems - Michigan

• Magician/Mentalist Sponsor: Alta Equipment

• Supporting Sponsors: The Alan Group, Inc. and Connelly Crane Rental

A special thank you to Chuck VanDoorne for stepping in as our Master of Ceremonies. You kept the evening moving, the introductions seamless, and the energy high.

The curated cocktails, great conversations, and rooftop atmosphere created the perfect environment for building new relationships and strengthening existing ones. As any construction professional knows, successful projects begin with a solid foundation—and that's exactly what evenings like this continue to build for our industry.

A sincere thank you to our Annual Sponsors for your continued partnership and investment in DACA throughout the year. Your ongoing support allows us to create meaningful opportunities for education, networking, and professional growth across the AEC community.

Finally, thank you to our dedicated DACA Board and Committee members whose countless volunteer hours behind the scenes helped make this celebration a tremendous success. Events like these don't happen without your commitment and teamwork.

The scaffolding may have come down on this event, but there's plenty more being built at DACA.

Be sure to join us for our upcoming events:

🏗️ August: Project Site Tour (details coming soon)

🎤 September: DACA Leadership Forum at the Iroquois Club

🎯 October 21: Our inaugural Blueprints & Buckshot Sporting Clays Event at Bald Mountain (Registration opens on July 31st)

Thank you again for celebrating 15 years with us. Here's to continuing to build connections, create opportunities, and strengthen the AEC community for many years to come.

07/21/2026

We continue to be amazed with the support and excitement for this organization. The growth of our events and attendance this year has been fantastic. See you on Thursday!

07/11/2026

🌇In less than 2 weeks, we’ll be on the rooftop watching the sunset over Detroit and we hope you’ll be there!🔥

The DACA Summer Bash is more than a party. It’s 15 years of relationships, deals, mentorship, and community in the Detroit AEC world. If you’re in construction, engineering, architecture, or real estate, this is the room you want to be in on Thursday, July 23.

4:30–7:30 PM at Rehmann Rooftop Patio, 1249 Griswold Street, Detroit.

Members: $25 | Guests: $45

Good people, great drinks, live music, and a view that sells itself. Grab your ticket while space is still available!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daca-summer-bash-15th-anniversary-tickets-1991835038218?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you to our venue sponsor, Rehmann, for making this celebration possible!