2026 IFWTWA Conference
October 18-21, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rediscover Milwaukee!
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee blends historic charm with bold innovation. Striking architecture rises alongside revitalized neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving arts and culture scene. In its Flavor Era, Milwaukee’s culinary talent takes center stage, with celebrated chefs, iconic supper clubs, and a brewery legacy that continues to evolve. From lakefront festivals and professional sports to immersive museums and live music, the city delivers experiences that feel both authentic and unexpected. Walkable districts, scenic riverways, and a strong sense of community invite visitors to connect in meaningful ways. Visit Milwaukee proudly showcases a city that is rooted in tradition, rich in flavor, and ready to welcome the world.
What Can I Expect at an IFWTWA Conference?
Our annual Professional Development Conference is an annual event that brings together influential food, wine, and travel media professionals, along with destinations, DMOs, and travel brands. Each year our conference welcomes 40-60 credentialed media members and around 20 destinations and brands, creating a focused, relationship-driven environment designed for meaningful, long-term connections. IFWTWA conferences are intentionally sized to encourage real conversations—not rushed interactions. This is the place where writers discover story ideas, learn how to grow their craft, uncover the unexpected, forge new relationships, and develop future partnerships. We look forward to welcoming you in Milwaukee in October.
Conference Registration Rates
Member Registration:
- Early Bird Registration – $235
Available through March 31, 2026 - Early Registration – $269
Available April 1 through May 31, 2026 - Regular Registration – $279
Available June 1 through August 31, 2026 - Late Registration – $299
Available between September 1 and September 24, 2026
One-Day Member Registration Only (Valid for only Monday or Tuesday) – $145
Guest Registration:
Valid for meals and receptions only, does not include professional development attendance – $200
Non-Member Registration:
- Early Bird Registration – $335
Available through March 31, 2026 - Early Registration – $369
Available April 1 through May 31, 2026 - Regular Registration – $379
Available June 1 through August 31, 2026 - Late Registration – $399
Available September 1 through September 24, 2026
Registration closes at Midnight (Pacific time) on September 24, 2026
Cancellation Policy:
The following cancellation charges will apply:
- $50 if you cancel by May 31, 2026
- $150 if you cancel between June 1 and August 31, 2026
- $200 if you cancel between September 1 and September 24, 2026
- No refund if you cancel after September 24, 2026
Note: The cancellation policy for the one-day registration will vary slightly; details on the registration form
Exceptions are:
- Death of an immediate family member
- Personal illness (you will be required to submit a doctor’s note)
Conference Venue
Potawatomi Hotel Milwaukee
1611 West Canal Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414.847.7711
Hotel Room Rate: $142 (plus 17.9% tax) per night
Please note: When booking your hotel room, first select your arrival date, then select your departure date (usually Thursday, October 22nd). Yes, Thursday is marked “Not Available.” It’s okay, you are not booking to stay that night. Please choose Thursday as your departure day to lock in your entire stay.
Arriving Early or Staying Late?
We have arranged the same rate of $142 per night for 3 days before and 3 days after the conference. If you try to select those dates and they are showing as not available, please book the nights that are available, so you have a reservation for the core conference days (arrival on October 18th and departure on October 22nd), and then send an email to Cori or Susan with your full name you used to book and your reservation number, and we will be able to extend your reservation.
If you are interested in upgrading your room to a suite, please email Cori or Susan so we can make the proper arrangements with the hotel for you.
Prefer to call?
Call (800) 729-7244 and use block name IFWTWA Profession Development Conference or CODE IFW10152026.
Items Included in Your Room Rate:
- Valet or self-parking is free
- Wi-Fi (in the room and throughout the hotel and conference center) is free
Important Hotel Information:
- Check-in time: 4 PM
- Check-out time: 11 AM
- Valid credit card required at check-in to cover room, tax, and ancillary services
- First night’s deposit is required at the time of booking using a valid credit card
- DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Note: Potawatomi Hotel and Casino is a non-smoking facility
The conference area is on the third floor, away from all gaming areas
HOTEL CANCELLATION POLICY:
Hotel reservations may be cancelled up to 72 hours before arrival. Cancellations received after that time will be charged a $75 fee.
Tentative Conference Itinerary
This is the tentative itinerary for the IFWTWA Conference 2026. We will update as more information becomes available. Note that the order of workshops is subject to change.
Pre- and Post-Conference FAM Trips
Pre-Trips:
TBD
Post-Trips:
TBD
Daily Schedule
Sunday, October 18
Noon to 4 pm: Special early session for Personal Development, topic TBD
11:30 AM to 4:30 PM: Registration
6 to 8 PM: Welcome Reception, Location TBD
Monday, October 19
7:30 to 8:45 AM: Breakfast
9 – 9:15 AM: Welcome Address
9:15 – 10:45 AM: Inside the Industry: DMOs and Writers Discuss Today’s Industry, Moderated by Robin Smith
10:45 – 11 AM: Break
11 AM – 4 PM: Marketplace Open
11 AM – Noon: Culinary Panel Moderated by Andy Harris
Noon – 1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 – 2:15 PM Professional Development Session TBD
2:15 – 3:15 PM Dedicated Marketplace Hour, Meet with DMOs
3:15 – 3:30 PM Break
3:30 – 4:30 PM Professional Development Session TBD
4:30 – 5:45 PM Break – get ready for dinner
5:45 PM Shuttle leaves for dinner
6 – 9 PM Exclusive dinner at the newest Bartolotta Restaurant, details TBD (additional payment required)
9 – 10:30 PM Networking and Nightcaps in the Hospitality Suite
Tuesday, October 20
7:30 – 8:45 AM Breakfast
9 – 9:15 AM Opening comments
9:15 – 10:15 AM Panel discussion on Milwaukee, details TBD
10:15 – 10:30 AM Break
10:30 – 11:15 AM Keynote Speaker, TBD
11:15 AM – 4:30 PM Marketplace Open
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Dedicated Marketplace House, Meet with DMOs
12:15 – 1:45 PM Lunch
1:45 – 2:45 PM Professional Development Session TBD
2:45 – 3 PM Break
3 – 4:15 PM Wisconsin Wine Panel and Tasting
3 – 4:15 PM Profession Development Session TBD
6 – 8 PM Dinner TBD (may be on your own; details coming soon. Note there are several restaurants inside the Potawatomi Casino Resort.)
8:30 – 10 PM Networking and Nightcaps in the Hospitality Suite
Wednesday, October 21
7:30 – 8:45 AM Breakfast
9 AM – 6 PM Tour Milwaukee Day (half-day and full-day tours TBD)
6:30 – 8:30 PM Closing Reception Location TBD
8:30 – 10 PM Networking and Nightcaps in the Hospitality Suite
Thursday, October 22
Check Out
