A Century of Detroit Business

Built on Relationships. Driven by Results.

The Detroit Executives Association has been bringing Metro Detroit’s top business owners and executives together since 1926. We meet every week at the Detroit Athletic Club — one member per professional category, no exceptions.

What happens at a DEA lunch is simple: introductions, referrals, a featured member presentation, and real business getting done. Over 4,000 business transactions and leads flow through our membership in an average year. But what keeps people coming back for decades isn’t just the business — it’s the people.

1926

 Founded in Detroit

70+

Active Members

2000+

Annual Referrals 

Every Thursday at the DAC

What Happens at a DEA Lunch

Every week, 70+ members gather at the Detroit Athletic Club for one of the most efficient — and enjoyable — networking lunches in Metro Detroit. Here’s what to expect:

Networking Half Hour
Members mingle before lunch — introductions happen naturally, not forcibly.
Roll Call
Every member stands, introduces themselves, and acknowledges business given or received from fellow members.
The Boost
One member gives a short, enthusiastic spotlight on another member's business.
Speaker of the Day
A featured member gives an in-depth presentation of their business or service to the full group.
Door Prize
One lucky member wins every week. It's a small thing that adds to the culture.
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Global Reach, Local Roots

Proud Member of the International Executives Association

The DEA’s network doesn’t stop at Detroit’s borders.

 Since 1916

Executives Associations have been connecting business owners city to city for over 100 years.

110+ Associations

 Official chapters across the US, Canada, England, Switzerland, South Africa and beyond.

5,000+ Member Firms

A worldwide network of owners and decision-makers — one per category, everywhere.

98%

 Member Retention Rate

Quotes White

“The DEA isn’t just a networking group — it’s a room full of people who actually pick up the phone when you call. I’ve done more business through this group than any other investment I’ve made.”

John Deo – CEO ABCWorks

Life Inside the DEA

Where Detroit’s Best Show Up

From weekly DAC lunches to the annual President’s Ball — see what membership looks like.