2025 GABC Fall Dinner
30+ Years of Fostering German-American Business Relations in Michigan
In our 31st year as Michigan's leading trade organization between Germany and the State of Michigan, the German-American Business Council of Michigan cordially invites you to attend our annual Fall Dinner at the magical Detroit Athletic Club.
The GABC Fall Dinner is the pinnacle event of the GABC and it will be sure to entertain, inspire and provide new opportunities for all our guests to network and strengthen partnerships and friendships. Take the opportunity now to secure your spot at the premier German-American business event of the year.
Attendees of the evening will be given the chance to win 2 Business Class round-trip tickets originating in the Untied States or Canada & traveling to Europe on board Delta Air Lines, as well as some additional new prizes this year.
The Resurgence of Detroit
We would like to introduce our three guest speakers as they share their perspectives on visitors, development and architecture in a renewed Detroit.
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Claude Molinari
President & CEO, Visit Detroit
Claude Molinari oversees Visit Detroit's operations and develops its strategic direction. His leadership enables the organization to attract meetings and conventions, leisure, and business visitors to Southeast Michigan while accelerating economic growth. Claude co-chaired the 2024 NFL Draft, which drew a record 775,000 attendees to Downtown Detroit, along with 54 million viewers on TV. Under his leadership, hotel lodging revenue reached $1 billion in 2023 for the first time in the region. He also manages the Detroit Sports Commission, which attracts amateur and large-scale sporting events to Southeast Michigan. Claude previously led Huntington Place, the 16th largest convention center in North America, where he served as general manager.
Claude serves on several boards, most notably as the Chairman of the Board of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority appointed by the Governor of Michigan.
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Stefan Stration
Senior Vice President of Development, Olympia Development in Michigan
As Senior Vice President of Development for Olympia Development of Michigan, Stefan Stration leads the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic real estate initiatives within The District Detroit. With more than 25 years of experience as an executive, co-founder, and principal in private equity real estate firms and related operating businesses, he brings a proven record of driving growth, profitability, and innovation across diverse real estate portfolios and asset classes. Stefan’s expertise spans the full spectrum of real estate development including project planning, acquisitions, design programming, joint ventures, capital funding, sales, marketing, and leasing. His leadership has guided numerous complex developments from concept to completion across multiple property types.
A passionate advocate for community and wellness-focused development, Stefan is actively involved with organizations such as the Michigan Senior Olympics, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Urban Land Institute, Meals on Wheels, and the Detroit Economic Club. He holds real estate broker licenses in Michigan and Georgia and is accredited by both the International WELL Building Institute (WELL AP) and Fitwel as an Ambassador.
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Michael Poris, AIA
Founding Partner, McIntosh Poris Architects
Michael Poris, AIA, has been transforming Detroit for 30 years. Since establishing McIntosh Poris Architects in 1995 with Douglas McIntosh, he has led adaptive reuse, multi-family, and urban design projects to revitalize Detroit’s historic buildings and neighborhoods. His contemporary design experience on both coasts informs his collaborative, consensus-driven approach. Michael received the 2025 AIA Michigan Robert Hastings Award, 2024 AIA Michigan Firm of the Year, 2022 AIA Detroit Charles Blessing Award and serves on the boards of Architectural Salvage Warehouse Detroit and DIA Friends of Modern Art. He has also served on SCI-Arc’s Board of Trustees and AIA boards.
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Agenda:
5:00pm - Registration Opens
5:30pm - Complimentary Cocktails, Hors d'Oeuvres and Networking
6:15pm - Opening Address and Bread & Salad Course
6:30pm - Guest Speakers "The Resurgence of Detroit"
7:00pm - Entrée (Beef Filet of Tenderloin and Salmon Filet)
8:00pm - Dessert and Coffee & Tea
8:30pm - Closing Remarks, Delta Air Lines Giveaway followed by Networking
10:00pm - Closing
Good to know:
Attire: Business Formal
The Detroit Athletic Club is an elegant experience. Guests and members are expected to demonstrate good judgment.
NOT PERMITTED | Denim
MEN | Properly tucked collared shirt and tailored slacks. Jacket required in The Gallery and The Tap Room.
WOMEN | Blouse or sweater, slacks, skirt or dress mid-thigh length or longer. Suit, business attire or dress required in the Main Lobby, Reading Room, The Gallery and The Tap Room.
Parking:
Parking and Valet Parking is available for a fee at the garage or entrance of the Detroit Athletic Club.
Garage parking is $10 USD payable in cash.
The GABC would like to thank our sponsors for their generous and continuous support
Tickets
$180.00 GABC Members
$165.00 Earlybird rate before November 7
$250.00 Guests of the GABC
$235.00 Earlybird rate before November 7
