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Pre Tours

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

Pre-Tours that are three nights start on September 5 and Pre-Tours that are two nights start on September 6.

Boyaca Culture and Communities

The high plains, or altiplano, of the Boyacá department are known for their spectacular beauty, warm people, and cool climate. Take a deep dive into the flavors and craft traditions of the region with hands-on workshops in Gachantiva, stroll the cobbled streets of Villa de Leyva, and visit a local ecotourism farm. The tour also includes a full day of sightseeing in Bogota, with visits to the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Plaza de Bolívar.

 

4D – 3N

Includes ground transportation from Bogota

*Accessible

Gachantiva altitude: 8,038′

Full itinerary

 

Active: $495

Associate: $570

Emeritus/Guest: $595

 

Cartagena, La Heroica

Located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena’s colonial houses, centuries-old convents, stone streets and walls that defended the inhabitants from pirate attacks are part of its essence. With squares, balconies full of flowers and facades in pastel tones that change according to how they receive the sunlight, the capital of the department of Bolívar is ideal to surprise those who come to participate in world-class congresses, conventions and events. Tour begins at 2:30pm in Cartagena

 

3D – 2N

Includes roundtrip airfare between Bogota and Cartagena

Cartagena altitude: Sea level

Full itinerary

 

Active: $545

Associate: $620

Emeritus/Guest: $645

 

 

Coffee Region

The coffee region, also called the Coffee Triangle, is a topographic region of Colombia. It is part of the area known as the area “Paisa” of Colombia and the capitals of the three departments are Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia, respectively. This area was an important producer of rubber in the early twentieth century, and then moved on to coffee. Here we are in the heart of one of the major areas of coffee production, and the scenery is breathtaking. Everywhere you look, the coffee trees tumble down the mountains and stretch to the horizon. The Cultural Landscapes of Coffee in Colombia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011.

 

4D – 3N

Does not include domestic flight between Bogota and Armenia (estimated cost $148 per person)

Armenia altitude: 5,089′

Full itinerary

 

Active: $1014

Associate: $1089

Emeritus/Guest: $1114

 

Colombia Magical Realism

Santa Cruz De Mompox has passed the centuries in relative obscurity, changing little since its days as an important inland port on Colombia’s Magdalena River. Today this sleepy town will delight you with its colorful churches, bayou setting and laid-back culture of rocking chairs, card playing and story swapping. Back in Cartagena, learn to play percussion with a fishing community and enjoy the spectacular mangroves in a canoe tour.

 

4D – 3N

Includes roundtrip airfare between Bogota and Cartagena

Santa Cruz De Mompox altitude: Sea level

Full Itinerary

 

Active: $1012

Associate: $1087

Emeritus/Guest: $1112

 

Medellin: Stories of Resilience and Social Innovation

Understand why Medellin is internationally known as a symbol for social innovation and hear the story directly from the changemakers who have inspired thousands of people. On this trip, we will visit some of the most iconic places that showcase how an aligned effort of urbanism, social innovation, culture and activism can drive positive change. We will meet and spend time with the leaders of social enterprises who have lived and persevered through the toughest times of the dark past of the city, and learn from them how the projects like the ones they lead are the cornerstone of social transformation.

 

3D – 2N

Includes roundtrip airfare between Bogota and Medellin

Medellin altitude: 4,905′

Full itinerary

 

Active: $670

Associate: $745

Emeritus/Guest: $620

 

Nature and Adventure in Nuquí

The Pacific is one of those hidden gems of nature tourism in Colombia, a region little explored by travelers, maybe for the conflict that existed, for state neglect or simply because it does not appear on the tourist maps, however, it surprises visitors; dozens of rivers and gorges with crystal-clear waters, one of the most biodiverse jungles in the world, kilometers of secluded beaches and communities eager to show their territory and customs. Visit Nuquí is the perfect opportunity to discover tourism that respects its rhythm of life and the environment and will lead you to discover scenarios and sensations: the peace transmitted by the jungle and its sounds, the strength of waves, the emotion of seeing humpback whales, the freedom to explore the beaches and flavors of traditional cuisine.

 

3D – 2N

Includes roundtrip airfare between Bogotá and Nuqui

Gachantiva altitude: Sea level

Arrives in Bogotá on the last day at 4:23 pm

Full itinerary

 

Active: $745

Associate: $820

Emeritus/Guest: $845

 

Santander and its Heritage Villages

Santander is a unique destination where you can see a modern city, heritage towns, adventure destinations and beautiful landscapes among other attractions. With this program you will have the opportunity to stay in the city of Bucaramanga, visit some of its heritage towns like Barichara, Girón, Curití and San Gil, admire a beautiful landscape in Mesa de los Santos and also a coffee plantation.

 

3D – 2N

Includes roundtrip airfare between Bogota and Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga altitude: 3,146′

Full itinerary

 

Active: $500

Associate: $570

Emeritus/Guest: $595

 

Santa Marta and Its Communities

Santa Marta ranks among Colombia’s top beach destinations along the country’s Caribbean coast. Learn about local agriculture with a 4×4 tour through the “banana zone,” do some bird watching the Congo conservation area, hike through an ancient city steeped in indigenous mythology, hike through the tropical forest to a waterfall in the Sierra Nevada, and learn more about the local Tayrona and Katanzama Indigenous communities.

 

5D – 4N

Includes roundtrip airfare between Bogota and Santa Marta

Santa Marta altitude: Sea level

Full itinerary

 

Active: $800

Associate: $875

Emeritus/Guest: $900

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