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:

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:

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

PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN BOOKING YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION, YOU WILL NEED A GROUP CODE AND A PASSWORD.
GROUP CODE: BKG191 (those are three capital letters and then three numbers with no spaces)
PASSWORD: IFWTWAguest (IFWTWA is capitalized and guest is lowercase with no space)

YOU MUST PREPAY THE FIRST NIGHT WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR ROOM. IT IS REFUNDABLE UP TO 72 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL.

When you enter the reservation system, there is no more availability in the room block for arrival on October 15. Please select an arrival date on or after October 16. If the date you want to arrive is not available, or if you want to arrive earlier or stay later, please email Susan or ******@***il.com“>Cori to reach out to our hotel contact directly for you.

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). After that, please select your room type (either King or Double Queen).

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN BOOKING YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION, YOU WILL NEED A GROUP CODE AND A PASSWORD.
GROUP CODE: BKG191 (those are three capital letters and then three numbers with no spaces)
PASSWORD: IFWTWAguest (IFWTWA is capitalized and guest is lowercase with no space)

YOU MUST PREPAY THE FIRST NIGHT WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR ROOM. IT IS REFUNDABLE UP TO 72 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL.

Experience Milwaukee Day

Note: Trips are in the works. We will add details as they are confirmed. Itineraries will be added as available.

Experience Milwaukee Day (Wednesday, October 19)

Registration for Experience Milwaukee Day Opens June 15th

Milwaukee Day is a celebration of the city’s deep roots and bold creativity. Known as Brew City, Milwaukee’s beer legacy helped shape neighborhoods and gathering spaces that still define the city today. The story continues through the warm glow of Cream City brick, the distinctive pale brick that built much of Milwaukee’s historic architecture, and the design influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose Wisconsin legacy helped shape the region’s architectural identity It’s a place where history, craftsmanship, and culture come together, best experienced the Milwaukee way.

Pre- and Post-Conference FAM Trips