Membership – Detroit Economic Club

Invest in You. Join Today!

Individual membership is open to all who share a passion for engaging in the discussion and debate of the great business, government, and social issues of our time.

Your membership begins on the day you join and runs for a full calendar year. Determine which level you best qualify for and join today.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

GOLD

ANNUAL DUES: $500

Gold membership gains unparalleled access to valuable networks and opportunities with regional and global leaders. Utilize the additional benefits to enhance your professional standing and connect with influential figures.

REGULAR

ANNUAL DUES: $150

Regular membership provides opportunities to forge new business relationships, gain exclusive access to member-only meetings with influential speakers, and enjoy a range of additional benefits.

YOUNG LEADER

ANNUAL DUES: $75

Under 40? A Young Leader membership includes all the regular DEC member benefits, along with access to programs designed to promote professional growth, personal development, and valuable connections across the region. Learn more about the program.

ASSOCIATE

ANNUAL DUES: $120

Associate membership is reserved for ministers of religion, full-time members of the faculties of accredited schools, colleges, and universities, both public and private, officials of local, state, and national governments, employees of non-profit organizations, and retirees over 60 years of age.

NON-RESIDENT

ANNUAL DUES: $120

Non-Resident membership is reserved for individuals who live and work more than 50 miles from downtown Detroit.

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Plan Ahead: To fully maximize your membership, keep up-to-date with meetings and events by checking your email and visiting econclub.org. Register early to secure your ticket at a member rate and take full advantage of our offerings.
Utilize Membership Benefits: Membership provides opportunities to forge new business relationships, gain exclusive access to member-only meetings with influential speakers, and enjoy a range of additional benefits.
Spread the Word: Invite colleagues, clients, vendors, and prospects to join you at meetings at a special rate. Sharing this experience fosters valuable one-on-one interactions.
Expand Your Network: Ask for introductions. Make it a goal to connect with at least one new person at every event to expand your professional network.
Attend the Network Café: Each meeting features a Network Café designed to connect individuals from leading Southeast Michigan corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Arriving early allows you to benefit from this networking opportunity before the main program begins.
Optimize Seating Arrangements: While it may be tempting to sit with familiar colleagues, consider enhancing your networking potential by requesting to sit with other DEC members. Review the “Meeting Roster” beforehand to identify key attendees who align with your professional objectives and contact the DEC two days before the meeting.
Explore Additional DEC Events: In addition to regular meetings, the DEC offers smaller, specialized events. Participate in Peer Groups, networking sessions, and professional development workshops that are exclusively available to members.
Get Involved with the Event Experience Committee: Contribute to enhancing the value of membership for all by participating in the Event Experience Committee. This group is dedicated to ensuring an outstanding attendee experience at every meeting.
Sponsor Students and Promote Your Community Outreach: Sponsor high school or college students to attend DEC meetings, providing them with valuable one-on-one time with our speakers. This initiative not only supports the community but also enriches the event experience.
Keep the Conversation Going Online: Maintain the momentum of your networking by leveraging social media. Share your experiences, photographs from events, and continue the discussions online. Don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #econclub to enhance ongoing dialogue.

Additional Gold Member Benefits

Streamlined Registration: Bypass the regular registration line to receive your pre-printed name badge at the Speaker Reception Registration table. This badge serves as your Speaker Reception access credential.
Engage in the Speaker Reception: As a VIP, this is your chance to network with the speaker(s), DEC Board Members, and other executives from Southeast Michigan before each meeting. You can bring up to two guests with you (on most occasions), allowing for even more opportunities to connect. This reception is a great way to build valuable relationships that can lead to future partnerships.
Join the Head Table: For select meetings, consider opting to sit at the Head Table. This provides an opportunity to dine with DEC Board Members and other Gold members, allowing for direct engagement and insights from prominent industry leaders.
Participate in Exclusive Dinners: Gold Member Dinners provide a monthly opportunity to engage with some of the region’s leading business figures. Hosted by a DEC Board Member, these intimate gatherings are held at unique venues with space limited to ten members, fostering deep conversations with both the host and fellow attendees.

member testimonials

MEMBERSHIP FAQs

How do I purchase/renew my DEC membership?

Get started by visiting etix.econclub.org to create/login to your account.
Click the “Membership” tab and add the desired membership to your cart.
Proceed to checkout and purchase your membership with a credit card.
We do not store credit card information. You will receive an email notification to manually renew your membership when it expires.

Do I need to be nominated by a current member to join?

There is no nomination or application process to join. We are looking for people who want to build their network with other DEC Members and who love to learn from thought leaders on our stage.

Is there a job level or salary requirement?

There is no job level or salary requirement to join. The DEC is the perfect place to build your network if you are looking to make connections or are between jobs.

Do I have to live in Detroit to be a member?

Yes! As a 501(c)(3) organization, your membership dues are 100% tax-deductible.

Are membership dues tax deductible?

Membership is open to those who work or live within 50 miles from Downtown Detroit.

For those who are more than 50 miles away, you can enjoy the same member benefits with a Non-Resident membership.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

We welcome all ages to join the DEC!

Our Young Leader program is designed for those ages 20 to 40 to develop, inspire, and connect with the community.

I have more questions. Can I schedule time to talk with someone before joining?

Of course! Click here to schedule a video call with a DEC Staff Member.