"Detroit Made," the theme for Detroit Homecoming's fifth installment, is not just an ode to manufacturing.

It's a net that encompasses the origin stories of 250 former Detroiters invited to the three-day event — and the next generation being molded here through K-12 and university education.

Homecoming, produced by Crain's Detroit Business, draws expats who found success outside Detroit back to their hometown. Speeches, mixers, tours and a showcase of local businesses Sept. 12-14 will invite the attendees to re-engage with the community — and consider investing. A total of 400 expat and local guests are expected.

"The expat was made in Detroit, but we also want to highlight the makers," said Colleen Robar, Homecoming's production manager.

Organizers previously held an annual pitch competition, but this year startups and entrepreneurs will mingle with the visiting Detroit natives through a networking fair called Motor City Mashup.

Created based on community research by Challenge Detroit and led by Medvis Jackson, a Challenge Detroit fellow, and Sheu-Jane Gallagher, an experienced startup coach, Motor City Mashup will bring 50 small businesses. Many will set up in booths, displaying signs showing what kind of advice they may need from industry experts.