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Day Tours

Please note, tour details including itinerary and descriptions are subject to change without notice.

 

Preferences should be entered in the registration form. You may have the opportunity to book day tours on-site, but there is no guarantee.

Colombian Cooking Class

 

The gastronomic landscape of Bogotá draws influence from Indigenous Colombian, Spanish, Arab, and African cuisines, and the country’s biodiversity means there’s never a shortage of fresh ingredients. Start the day with a visit to a local market (Paloquemado) to learn more about the typical ingredients found in the kitchens of Bogotá. Sample some local fruits before heading to Escuela Taller Bogotá, where you’ll learn to prepare a typical Colombian dish. As you slice, dice, sauté and simmer, hear about how Escuela Taller creates job opportunities for young people in vulnerable conditions by offering technical training programs in cooking, construction and restoration, and carpentry. We will then enjoy the delicious dishes we prepared for lunch. Next, we will learn about the history of Late Choco and how this project supports different producers of cocoa in the Colombian Pacific. We will drive to Plaza la Concordia and have a small tasting of Colombian chocolate in its different versions and flavors.  Then we will continue with a visit to the Memory, Peace and Reconciliation Center, a place that honors and memorializes the more than six million victims of internal armed conflicts in Colombia

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 1

*Accessible

 

Santa Maria del Lago Wetland

 

Get a taste of Colombia’s incredible biodiversity—it’s the second-most biodiverse country on the planet (Did you know that Colombia is FIRST in diversity of birds and orchids?)—with a visit to Santa María del Lago, a wetland within the Bogotá River basin just outside the city. Get an early start for the 45-minute drive to the wetland, followed by a morning of birdwatching at this nature reserve where some 95 species of birds have been spotted. Plan to spend about three hours in the park along a well-maintained path. Don’t forget your binoculars! Next, perk up after your early wakeup with a visit to San Alberto Coffee in the bohemian neighborhood of Usaquen. Take a tour of the neighborhood, once a small town that has been gradually swallowed by the city, that’s known for maintaining its vibe of a small Andean village. 

 

*The hotel will provide a grab-and-go breakfast for this early departure.

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 2

 

Shopping and Design in Bogotá: Past and Present

 

Colombia is known for its handicrafts, from jewelry to haute couture garments. Today, we will start with a tour of one of the oldest craft markets in the country, Pasaje Rivas, where artisans from different regions of Colombia come together. We’ll then visit the International Emerald Museum to learn more about the secrets of this important precious stone. We continue on to Artesanias de Colombia, an art collective that supports the traditional and modern handicrafts of indigenous communities from across the country. Sample the gastronomy of the region over lunch at Kuna Mya, a project that supports the artisans and producers of Cundinamarca (the department where Bogotá is located). We’ll finish the day with visits to a few shops of some of the city’s most forward-thinking designers in Zona T (an important commercial district) and hear how Colombia’s rich handicraft heritage is inspiring their modern designs. 

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 1

 

Bike Tour and Botanical Garden

 

Experience the west of Bogota by bike today, with stops at the Virgilio Barco Library, a masterpiece of Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona French, as well as Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park, the most important green space in the city due to its size and central location. Visit Plaza de los Artesanos, a fairground where artisans from around the region meet on Saturdays to offer their products. After lunch, continue to the Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino Mutis, a botanical garden named after the famed Colombian astronomer and botanist and Bogota’s first biodiversity refuge within the capital.

 

Duration: 9 hours

Level: 3

 

Chingaza National Natural Park

 

Lace up your hiking shoes for a day at Chingaza Natural National Park, one of Colombia’s 62 nationally protected areas and a place with an ecosystem so critical that only a limited number of visitors are permitted each day. These magic mountains were once inhabited by the Muiscas and the Guayupes indigenous communities and are currently a haven for Andean flora and fauna. 

 

Today’s adventure begins with the two-hour scenic drive to the park, where we’ll be able to observe some of the surrounding communities along the way. Examine the moorlands ecosystem, found in only five countries on the planet, before proceeding by car another hour into the park. We’ll take our time along the 1.5-mile Suasie Trail (loop trail) as it passes through the Andean forest at an altitude of around 13,000 feet. During the 2.5-hour nature walk, keep an eye out for orchids, bromeliads, and some of the many species of birds spotted in the park. As you take in the sights and sounds of the park, learn more about the páramo—a unique ecosystem where frailejones (one of Colombia’s high-altitude botanical oddities ranging from 3 to 60 feet tall and sometimes called giant “daisies”) and swamp mosses that capture water from the air and release it back into the soil. The park provides around 80 percent of Bogotá’s water supply. If we’re lucky, we might spot spectacled bears (called the guardians of water), tapirs, pumas, ocelots, toucans, monkeys, or Andean condors.

*It’s a long drive to and from the park from Bogotá, but the park and tour get stellar reviews, including numerous five-star ratings on TripAdvisor. 

 

Duration: 11 hours

Level: 3

 

Classic Bike Tour

 

Get to know the cultural, historical, gastronomic, and architectural aspects of the “Bicycle Capital of the World” on this two-wheeled tour around town. In the capital, the culture of sustainability is promoted through the use of bicycles, with road cycling, mountain biking and bike paths stretching for more than 300 miles in the city. Begin in La Candelaria, the historic city center, where you’ll pedal to Plaza de Bolivar to learn about the historic importance of the square. Then take Seventh Avenue, one of the main streets of Bogotá running north-south. Continue past the bullring and a local park, through the artsy and leafy neighborhood of Teusaquillo, and on to the Paloquemao Fruit Market, where you’ll sample some of the many tropical fruits that grow in Colombia (and that you likely won’t find in a US or Canadian supermarket). Drop your bikes at the market before sitting down for a local lunch, then continue by car for a street art tour of the Distrito Grafiti. 

 

The portion of the tour by bike lasts approximately 5 hours. Expect to bike for around 7 miles (11 km).

 

Duration: 7 hours

Level: 3

 

Route of Hope

 

On December 29, 2018, the city of Bogotá launched the TransMiCable, a cable car system

designed to provide easier access up and down the steep slopes of the Ciudad Bolívar barrio, an underserved community in the south of the city. On this tour, we’ll take a 15-minute ride on the TransMiCable gondola from the Tunal Transmilenio station in the south of the city to Mirador del Paraíso (Paradise Lookout) in the steep hills of the Ciudad Bolívar district, taking in the incredible panoramic views of the city and busy neighborhoods below. At the top, take a walking tour of Bella Flor neighborhood, led by guides who are from the barrio, to hear about the challenges and successes of a community that has reinvented itself through public art initiatives, local NGOs, and investment in public spaces. Walk along the Path of Graffiti to admire the colorful street art, and visit Nugesi 21, a small NGO working with the community on arts, sports, literacy and other social services projects. Next up is a stop for lunch at Plaza de Mercado del 20 de Julio, a local market named after the country’s Independence Day. Finish the day with a visit to the 20 de Julio Church, built in honor of Divino Niño (Divine Infant Jesus). Thousands of devotees who attribute extraordinary events to the baby Jesus visit the church every Sunday. Its construction began in 1937 and was completed five years later.

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 3

 

Museums + Scooter Tour

 

Dive into Colombia’s history this morning with a visit to three of Bogotá’s most popular museums. Start at the Archaeological Museum (MUSA), located within a 17th century colonial house. Explore the collection of pre-Columbian ceramics for a fascinating insight into some of Colombia’s earliest indigenous inhabitants. Next, visit the Botero Museum to see the collection from Colombian artist Fernando Botero, known for his curvaceous bronze sculptures. The collection features Botero’s own works, as well as pieces from his personal collection by the likes of Monet, Picasso, and Matisse. Finish at the Gold Museum (El Museo del Oro), home to the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold. This museum is a must-see, with all of the country’s pre-Hispanic cultures represented. After lunch, hop on a motor scooter (moped) for a ride along 26th Street (an avenue running East-West) and a visit to the Memory, Peace and Reconciliation Center. This space honors and memorializes the more than six million victims of internal armed conflicts in Colombia. 

 

Those who do not wish to ride motor scooters can go with a guide by van to the Memory, Peace and Reconciliation Center.

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 2

 

Bogotá Like a Local

 

Experience Bogotá like a local through the city’s beloved foods, beverages, and pastimes. Start by sampling the diverse selection of Colombian fruit at La Perseverancia. (Did you know that in Colombia, you can eat a different fruit or seed every day for more than a year without repeating?) Next, head to Chorro Del Quevedo (Quevedo’s Fountain), where Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada purportedly founded Bogotá in 1538. From there, we’ll head to the Chicha Museum to learn about a slightly alcoholic ancestral drink made from fermented corn before sitting down to a meal of Colombian favorites at Tejo La Embajada. In the afternoon, test your coordination by playing Colombia’s national sport, tejo, while sipping local craft beer to the sounds of Colombian music.

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 1

 

Bogotá Highlights

 

If you’ve never been to Bogota before, this tour will introduce you to the city’s most important sites and attractions. Begin in the historic city center, known as La Candelaria, where you’ll visit the Gold Museum (El Museo del Oro) to see the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold in the world. Continue to the Botero Museum, home to the works and personal collection of famed Colombian artist Fernando Botero (known for sculpting curvaceous bronze statues). Continue through Bolivar Square, an important gathering place at the heart of the city, surrounded by grand government buildings. Next, head up the mountain by train to the sanctuary of Monserrate, an important pilgrimage spot in Bogotá’s eastern hills. Enjoy a typical Colombian lunch while you take in the stellar city views, then take a tour of the sanctuary before returning to the hotel.

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 2

*Accessible

 

Fusagasugá Coffee Farm

 

You don’t need to travel all the way to Colombia’s Coffee Triangle to savor the captivating aroma of roasting beans. On this tour, perk up with one of the country’s beloved beverages in Fusagasugá, a city located two hours outside the capital. The lower elevation means a warmer climate—ideal for coffee cultivation. Witness the seed-to-sip process at Hacienda Coloma, a colonial-era hacienda and one of the last strongholds of coffee wealth in the region. Learn about the cultivation, processing, and commercialization of coffee amid the beautiful gardens and historic architecture. Take a walk through the coffee plantations while hearing stories from an expert guide, and have lunch at the hacienda before making the scenic drive back to Bogotá.

 

Duration: 8 hours

Level: 2

 

Rock Climbing in Suesca

 

Experience one of Colombia’s geological wonders today at the Suesca Rocks, the site of an ancient Chibcha settlement. Make the two-hour drive to Zipaquirá to experience this natural rock formation that attracts rock climbers from around the globe. More than a mile of walls tower between 65 and 425 feet tall. From the town of Suesca, we’ll walk for 2.5 miles (4 km) through the Muisca land and a nature reserve to reach the rocks. With experienced guides and climbing routes suitable for all levels, you can put your climbing skills to the test. After your climb, return to Suesca for lunch, then sit back and relax for the drive back to Bogotá.

Duration: 9 hours

Level: 3

 

Legend of El Dorado: Guatavita Lagoon

 

​​Let the legend of El Dorado that attracted Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century summon you to the sacred Guatavita Lake, located two hours from Bogotá. According to the legend, new chiefs of the Muisca tribe who inhabited the Andes region of Colombia would come to the lake covered in gold dust and board a wooden raft laden with treasures made of gold and emeralds. The chief-to-be would throw these treasures into the lake as a sacrifice before submerging himself in the sacred waters, signifying the start of his rule. Hike a 3-mile (5-km) mountain path to a viewpoint overlooking the stunning lagoon, hearing stories of the Muiscas and their customs along the way. (Expect about 1,600 feet of elevation gain along the trail.) The hike should take about three hours in total. Next, visit the town of Guatavita, considered one of the most beautiful towns in the region, where we’ll have lunch before returning to Bogotá. 

 

Duration: 9 hours

Level: 3

Please click one of the following sections to go to that area on the page:

Key Dates     Pricing     Schedule     Hotel Information    Transportation    Terms and Conditions   FAQs     Committee    Attendees List

Cancellation Policy

 

Cancellations up until September 7 will not be assessed a fee. Cancellations between September 8 – September 15 will be assessed a $150 fee. There will be no refunds provided after September 16, 2021. All cancellations must be received in writing by the SATW Convention Registrar. ‎Exceptions will be made only for documentable and serious medical emergencies or death of someone ‎in the member’s immediate family (e.g., spouse, spouse equivalent, child, parent, sibling, ‎grandchild, grandparent). In these instances, the member will receive a full refund minus a $150 ‎processing fee. In the case of a medical emergency, a note from the attending physician is required ‎stating he/she is unable to travel due to medical reasons. The approval of the refund exception must ‎be made by the SATW President, or in his/her absence, the SATW President Elect. Any appeals by a ‎member will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and a final decision will be issued within 60 ‎days. SATW strongly recommends that members purchase optional trip insurance for cancellation, ‎interruption, illness, injury, and baggage loss or damage.

 

Canadian members who have registered for the convention and are unable to attend due to the US/Canada border closing will be allowed to receive a full refund, even after the September 7 deadline.‎

Pricing

 

Members

 

Actives – $575
Associate – $1,175
Emeritus – $1,275

Guest of a member* – $775
Non-member Guest* – $975

 

Non-Member

 

Active*: $625

*Qualified journalists include those who have attended one of these industry events as a journalist in the past five years: Travel Classics, IMM, and IPW. We will also welcome members of NATJA, TMAC, the Midwest Travel Writers Association, the British Travel Writers Guild, the Australian Travel Writers Association, ASJA, the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Asian American Journalists Association

 

PR professional: $1,275
Open to anyone in the travel field who works with media. Does not include Media Marketplace.

 

Registration Fee Includes:

– Ground transportation to/from hotel
– Four night stay
– All meals (Sunday evening through Thursday morning)
– All professional development sessions
– Marketplace
– Awards dinner
– One full-day tour or two half-day tours
– Chapter and Council meetings
– SATW business meeting
– Opening reception Sunday evening
– Farewell dinner Wednesday evening
– Tour Tips

 

*SATW members must register at the applicable SATW rate. A guest may share a room, but unless they register as a non-member guest, they can not participate in any convention activities, and will be asked to leave if they attend.

Participating non-members must register as non-member guests and must share a room with an SATW member. The package includes ground transportation in Milwaukee, Evening activities, Breakfast and Lunch with members and Day Tours-optional. Non-Member Guest rate does not include participation in Marketplace or attendance at the Business, Chapter or Council meetings.

Hotel Information

 

You will be responsible for your own hotel reservation. Once your process payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email that contains a link to book your hotel room. A credit card will be required, but your credit card will not be charged. If you need additional nights outside of the core convention, the Saint Kate will be offering rooms for $129 per night between September 29-October 9. You are responsible for any additional charges and fees outside the core convention dates. You are responsible for any and all incidental charges for your entire stay (i.e. guest room wifi upgrades, parking, room service etc.)

 

For questions about your reservation, please reach out to the Front Desk at 414-276-8686.

 

 

For information on the hotels safety precautions, click here.

 

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel

139 East Kilbourn

Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 276-8686

 

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel is a unique, boutique arts hotel created by artists for artists. The name Saint Kate gives nod to Saint Catherine — the patron saint of artists and the original champion of the creative process — and then spins around and walks firmly in a bold, modern, new direction. She’s the supporter, the encourager, the instigator. Saint Kate is more than a hotel. It is a one-of-its-kind destination for travelers, artists, and the community. It is a venue — a platform for exploration, connection and expression. It is a hub for the established and the emerging, the curious and the visionary.

 

Saint Kate at a Glance

      • 219 elegant guestrooms
      • 11,600 square feet of meeting space
      • 5 unique culinary experiences
      • Black box theater
      • Multiple gallery and exhibition spaces
      • Walking distance from notable art attractions in Milwaukee’s entertainment district as well as the Historic Third Ward neighborhood and the Deer District

 

Room Amenities

      • Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
      • Fully-equipped, on-site fitness center
      • Self-parking is available at $20/night
      • In-building restaurant open 7 days a week
      • Wireless charging station in every room
      • Concierge service
      • A ukulele in every room
      • Artwork found in multiple locations in rooms (check out the mural in the closet!)
      • A record player and a small selection of records in every room (additional records available in the lobby)
      • In-room paper scroll and colored pencils

 

Once the Saint Kate room block has been filled, additional rooms will be available at:

 

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

509 W. Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53203

Phone:(414) 271-7250

 

Experience the graceful style and superb service of Hilton Milwaukee City Center, one of Milwaukee’s AAA Four Diamond hotels and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Hilton Milwaukee’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has restored the hotel to its original 1920s magnificence with elegant chandeliers, rich woodwork accents, marble floors, and refined furnishings.

 

Room Amenities

      • Complimentary high-speed wireless internet hotel-wide
      • Refrigerators available
      • Safes in all guest rooms
      • Hilton Honors points and miles available
      • Accessible for handicapped
      • Connecting rooms
      • Non-smoking rooms
      • Television (standard network, cable, and premium)
      • Telephones with data port and voicemail
      • In-room coffee makers
      • USA Today newspaper delivered Monday through Friday

Transportation

GETTING TO MILWAUKEE

See here and below different options to get to the 2021 Convention.

 

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is just eight miles from downtown offering non-stop flights from about 40 cities and one-stop flights from about 160 cities.

 

      • Delta Discount for SATW Attendees
        • When booking a flight, please apply both the Meeting Event Code AND the SkyBonus Member Number to your reservation.
          • Meeting Event Code: NMULH
          • SkyBonus Points Member Number: US0084894

 

Please note the following:

    • A single code is used for both Domestic and International flights
    • Not all fares are eligible for a discount; fare rules determine eligibility
    • Discounts vary, depending on the class of ticket purchased, and apply to round trip travel only
    • Not valid with other discounts, certificates, coupons or promotional offers

 

For a possible cheaper alternative, consider flying into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and taking a bus to Milwaukee’s Airport (MKE). Check the bus schedule here.

 

Milwaukee Intermodal Station is serviced by Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses, Megabus, and Coach USA.

 

Lake Express Ferry is an auto/passenger vessel linking Milwaukee with Muskegon in a two-hour ride that is more direct than driving south around Lake Michigan.

 

By car, Milwaukee is located just 90 minutes north of Chicago and within a day’s drive of one-third of the U.S. population. Parking is available at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel as well as surrounding parking structures and lots at varying daily rates.

  

GETTING AROUND MILWAUKEE

 

      • The Hop streetcar connects some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions
      • Bublr Bikes stations are located throughout Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis
      • Rideshare and Taxi are available from companies like Uber, Lyft, American United Taxicab Services, and Forward Pedicab
      • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses run throughout Milwaukee County, including special shuttles during lakefront events
      • Walking around Milwaukee’s compact downtown or along the city’s RiverWalk are popular options to get around the city

MKE FAQs

 

What are the dates of the convention?

The dates for the core convention are Oct. 3 – 7, 2021. Pre and post tour dates vary and will be found on the pre and post tour listings page.

 

Is Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel offering a special room rate before and after the convention? 

If you are not attending a pre or post tour and would like to arrive before or stay after the core convention, the hotel is offering rooms between October 4 and October 8. The special room rate is $129 per night. That will be available until September 10, 2021 or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. Price does not include sales and/or occupancy tax or fees. A credit card will be required at checkout to guarantee your reservation at the hotel for both the core convention and any additional nights. Once you’ve registered and submitted payment for the convention, you will be emailed a receipt that includes the link to book your hotel reservation. If you don’t receive that email, please send a note to [email protected].

 

Will there be day passes available?

No, all attendees must register for the full convention.

 

Will there be a joiner fee?

Since the registration does not include airfare, there will be no joiner fee.

 

What does the registration fee include? 

 

The registration fee includes:

      • Ground transportation to/from hotel
      • Four-night stay at the convention hotel
      • All meals (Sunday evening through Thursday morning)
      • All professional development sessions
      • Marketplace
      • One full-day tour or two half-day tours
      • Chapter and Council meetings
      • SATW business meeting
      • Opening reception Sunday evening
      • Awards dinner Monday evening
      • Taste of Wisconsin reception Tuesday evening
      • Farewell reception Wednesday evening
      • Tour tips

 

How soon will I know which day tours I have been assigned?

All tour assignments selections will be confirmed via email during the week of August 16.

 

Can I make changes to my requests for day tours, pre/post tours or when I receive them?

Our registrar cannot accommodate requests to swap day tours. For pre/post tours, as of August 13 changes cannot be accommodated. Effective August 13, SATW’s no-refund policy for cancellations is in effect.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Per SATW’s Code of Conduct, attendees are expected to participate in all activities for which they registered. If an attendee must cancel a tour, he/she is expected to notify the registrar as soon as possible. Anyone missing two or more scheduled activities for which they are registered without giving prior notification to the registrar may be liable for Code of Conduct violations.

 

Have itineraries for day tours and pre/post tours been finalized?

Although largely accurate today, all itineraries are subject to revisions between now and October. A few weeks prior to the convention all attendees will receive a personalized itinerary reflecting their individual tour arrangements.

 

Can my guest come on a pre and/or post tour with me?

Yes, but they must register for a pre and/or post tour with their accompanying member; they cannot travel independently from the member.

 

Are there any special requirements to be able to participate in a pre or post tour?

All participants on pre and post tours in the region must be prepared for a reasonable amount of walking. Participants are expected to be able to manage the requirements as noted in each tour itinerary.

 

What is the appropriate dress code?

In the cool October of the Midwest, you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and plan to layer your garments, perhaps with a light vest and/or jacket as the outer layer(s). Please bring comfortable walking shoes. For the day tours during the core convention and the pre- and post-convention tours, we recommend casual attire but refer to the individual itineraries for specific apparel suggestions. For the SATW program activities, evening programs, and meals, we suggest business-casual attire. No formal events are scheduled.

 

Are tips included in the convention package?

Tips for guides and drivers on day tours as well as pre and post tours are included. Tips for maids, bellhops, and waiters are at your discretion.

 

Is there a cancellation deadline? 

Cancellations up until September 7 will not be assessed a fee. Cancellations between September 8 – September 15 will be assessed a $150 fee. There will be no refunds provided after September 16, 2021. All cancellations must be received in writing by the SATW Convention Registrar. ‎Exceptions will be made only for documentable and serious medical emergencies or death of someone ‎in the member’s immediate family (e.g., spouse, spouse equivalent, child, parent, sibling, ‎grandchild, grandparent). In these instances, the member will receive a full refund minus a $150 ‎processing fee. In the case of a medical emergency, a note from the attending physician is required ‎stating he/she is unable to travel due to medical reasons. The approval of the refund exception must ‎be made by the SATW President, or in his/her absence, the SATW President Elect. Any appeals by a ‎member will be reviewed by the Executive Committee and a final decision will be issued within 60 ‎days. SATW strongly recommends that members purchase optional trip insurance for cancellation, ‎interruption, illness, injury, and baggage loss or damage.

 

Canadian members who have registered for the convention and are unable to attend due to the US/Canada border closing will be allowed to receive a full refund, even after the September 7 deadline.‎

 

SATW strongly recommends members purchase optional trip insurance from Medjet Assist for trip cancellation, interruption, illness, injury and baggage loss or damage (U.S. and Canadian members only).

 

Hashtags

      • #SATWMKE
      • #VisitMKE
      • #TravelWI

 

Milwaukee FAQs

 

What is Milwaukee weather like in October?

The average monthly high in October is 59 degrees with the average low being 43 degrees. Although Milwaukee’s 29 million visitors come to the city almost evenly across all seasons, fall is the highest with 28 percent of visitors during autumn. Fall color traditionally peaks in the Milwaukee area during early October.

 

What should I pack?

Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can vary with the temperature often much cooler the nearer you are to Lake Michigan. For active events, we encourage you to bring close toed walking shoes, water bottle(s), a backpack or bag, and perhaps some snacks.

 

What is Milwaukee’s population size?

Milwaukee proper is home to nearly 600,000 residents. The four-county area has a population of 1.5 million. (Source: US Census Bureau 2019 estimates)

 

What time zone is Milwaukee in?

During the convention, Milwaukee will be in Central Daylight Time (CDT).

 

Is Milwaukee safe?

Milwaukee is a safe city and growing even safer each year with the city crime rate being down 30 percent over 10 years as of early 2020.

 

How do I travel around Milwaukee?

      • The Hop streetcar connects some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions
      • Bublr Bikes stations are located throughout Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis
      • Rideshare and Taxi are available from companies like Uber, Lyft, American United Taxicab Services, and Forward Pedicab
      • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses run throughout Milwaukee County, including special shuttles during lakefront events
      • Walking around Milwaukee’s compact downtown or along the city’s RiverWalk are popular options to get around the city

 

Where can I find story ideas?

General story ideas can be found on VISIT Milwaukee’s website. To discuss more in-depth story angles please reach out to VISIT Milwaukee’s communications team by emailing [email protected]. You may also access to downloadable photos and b-roll from the VISIT Milwaukee media library.

 

Where can I find Milwaukee facts?

Check out VISIT Milwaukee’s Tourism Fact Sheet for fun facts and tourism data as well as the Milwaukee Fact Sheet for population and business information.

 

What are Milwaukee’s signature events?

Milwaukee is the City of Festivals. From the world’s largest music festival – Summerfest – to countless cultural festivals, neighborhood street parties, and even a 24-hour bike race, there’s always something to celebrate in Milwaukee. Explore Milwaukee’s Annual Event Calendar and Milwaukee365.com for upcoming events.

 

 

Compliments of VISIT Milwaukee.

A special thank you to the Milwaukee committee and staff for putting this spectacular convention together.

President: Larry Bleiberg
Convention Co-Chairs: Laurie Armstrong Gossy & Christine Loomis
Executive Director: Marla Schrager

 

Visit Milwaukee Support

Director of Communications: Claire Koenig
Communications Manager: Lindsey McKee
Director of Event Experience: Brittany Korth
Chief Marketing Officer: Megan Suardini

 

Travel Wisconsin Support

Communications Director: Craig Trost
Communications Officer: Amanda Weibel

 

Staff
Account Manager: Anna McManus
Meetings Manager: Brittany Marinovich, Debbie Jennings
Sponsorship Manager: Alan Goodin

 

Professional Development Committee

Chair: Deborah Wakefield
Advisor: Catharine Hamm
Committee: Jody Halsted
Committee: Mary Jo Manzanares
Committee: Bea Broda
Committee: Ethan Gelber
Committee: Susan Lanier Graham
Committee: Kirsten Maxwell
Committee, Meet the Editors: Jane Wooldridge

 

Social Media

Chair: David Swanson
Twitter: Melissa McGibbon
Instagram: Mary Jo Manzanares
Facebook-External: Elliot Gillies
Communications-Internal: Anietra Hamper

Communications-External: Victoria Larson
LinkedIn: Jane Wooldridge

 

Photo Quest

Chair: Mark Downey

 

Marketplace

Chair: Gaylene Ore

Co-Chair: Joyce Kiehl

 

Awards

Chair: Eric Lindberg

Lowell Thomas: Catharine Hamm
Bill Muster Photo Awards: Doug Peebles
Phoenix: Toby Saltzman

 

First Timers

Co-Chair: Meryl Pearlstein
Co-Chair: Annita Thomas