APA Illinois, APA Colorado, and APA Texas invite you to connect, celebrate, and network at our Friends Reception during NPC26 in Detroit.

We are thrilled to announce an unforgettable evening for networking will be hosted at the Henry Ford Performance Center - where the Detroit Pistons train, sweat, and sharpen the skills that drive one of basketball’s most storied franchises.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST - Tour or Presentation of facility. (CM | 0.5 pending) This facility combines elite sports training with public-facing sports medicine and retail, driving economic development in Detroit's New Center neighborhood. Opened in 2019, this $90 million, 185,000-sq-ft facility acts as a mixed-use community hub that promotes physical health and economic revitalization.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST - Reception, including open bar (wine, beer & non-alcohol options) and fajita bar

** Important Note: The tour or presentation will depend on the Piston's schedule. They are currently in the playoffs and may need to be in the facility for practice. If we are unable to tour the facility, we will be able to receive a presentation by staff. Either way you can earn 0.5 CM credits (pending) and we will keep you updated as details are confirmed.

It's your choice - joining us for the tour is not mandatory. You're welcome to attend the reception only.

Waitlist Information

If weather allows, the Pistons may open the patio for the event, which would increase our capacity. If a ticket becomes available, you will be contacted automatically with further instructions to purchase your ticket. We ask that you complete your purchase within 1 day of receiving the notification. If Eventbrite does not receive a response, the next person on the waitlist will be contacted automatically.

Why Detroit? Why the Pistons? Why This Matters to Planners.

If you think basketball and urban planning don’t have much in common — think again.

The Detroit Pistons aren’t just a team. They’re a philosophy — and it’s one that resonates with planners across Illinois, Colorado, and Texas.

Communication is everything. On the court, a breakdown in communication means a busted play. In our field, it can mean a busted community engagement process.

Hard work is non-negotiable. The Pistons are famous for their blue-collar, lunch-pail mentality — a legacy that traces back to the “Bad Boys” era and continues in the organization’s DNA today. No shortcuts. No easy plays. Just grinding.

Teamwork makes the dream work and the plan work. A Pistons play isn’t about one star. It’s about five players moving as one. Urban planning is the same: nothing works in isolation.

And there’s more. The Pistons made a bold commitment to Detroit’s urban revitalization when they relocated their practice facility back into the heart of the city at the Henry Ford Performance Center in the New Center neighborhood — a move that sent a powerful signal about belief in Detroit’s comeback.

Come Be Part of It

Whether you’re with APA Illinois, APA Colorado, or APA Texas, this reception is your chance to build relationships, celebrate our work, and soak in some serious Detroit energy.

Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot.

How to Get There

We suggest using public transportation. The QLINE is free! The QLine streetcar provides a convenient way to view the beautiful architecture and historic neighborhoods along the Woodward corridor. It is a comfortable and convenient way to travel with stops every 15 minutes.

For other options, please click here for Google Maps directions.