International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association Conference 2026 in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is having a moment. The city just entered the global culinary spotlight with the launch of the Michelin Guide Great Lakes edition — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) couldn't have picked a better time to bring their 2026 Professional Development Conference to Wisconsin's popular city.
From October 18–21, food, wine, and travel writers from across the country will descend on Milwaukee for four days of learning, networking, storytelling, and discovery. And if the preview we got from three IFWTWA board members is any indication, this conference is going to be one for the books.
Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference. Watch below or listen/download the episode on Podbean.
PODCAST GUESTS:
- Cori Solomon — IFWTWA President & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com
- Susan Lanier-Graham — Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com
- Andrew Harris — Culinary Advisor & Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com
A Taste of What's Coming
The conference opens with back-to-back cheese workshops and a reception at the Milwaukee Public Market — think Bloody Mary demos, Wisconsin sausages, craft beer, and artisan confectioners. It closes at the historic Women's Club of Wisconsin, a building funded and built by the women who founded it.
In between? Two days of professional development panels including the fan-favorite "No Stupid Questions" session, an exclusive private dinner at High Stakes — the brand-new restaurant from two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta — and a full Milwaukee Day of immersive tours covering art, architecture, brewing history, Harley-Davidson, African American history, Frank Lloyd Wright, and yes — the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame.
As Susan Lanier-Graham's husband perfectly put it: Milwaukee is a city of stories. And writers are going to leave with content for years.
Ready to Join?
The conference is open to members and non-members alike. Day passes are available for local Milwaukee writers. Pre- and post-conference trips to Shipshewana, Indiana and New Glarus, Wisconsin round out the experience.
📋 Register & learn more: https://www.ifwtwa.org