🍺 Your Milwaukee Planning Guide

Have you started planning for Milwaukee yet?

October will be here before we know it! We wanted to share a few helpful details – from what to wear and what the weather is like to optional Sunday activities, local recommendations, and a few reminders before you travel.

SUNDAY
WELCOME RECEPTION

Oak Barrel Public House

(6-minute walk from The Trade)

We're kicking things off with a relaxed evening in Milwaukee's historic Old World Third Street District.

For a little fun, wear your favorite brewery, beer, winery, or spirit-themed shirt. Vintage, local, major brand, or something completely obscure – it all works.

Not your thing? No worries. Casual attire is perfectly fine.

MONDAY

TOUR

+ BOAT LUNCH

Bus transportation from The Trade Hotel included in your registration.

Upon arrival, you'll tour the Eder Flag manufacturing facility and then hop back on the bus to go board a private charter for lunch cruising through downtown via the Milwaukee River and into Lake Michigan.

Please wear:

Comfortable clothing
Closed-toe shoes (required)

*Manufacturing tour open to Dealer & Associate members only. Photography is not permitted inside the manufacturing facility.

TUESDAY

AWARDS

BANQUET

Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery (11-minute walk from The Trade)

Inspired by the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, our Awards Banquet celebrates innovation, resilience, and leadership within our industry.

Cocktail attire or 1920s-inspired attire is encouraged (but not required).

You'll enjoy:

Betsy Ross Award presentation
Early Bird raffle drawing
Recognition of outgoing board leadership
First announcement of our 2027 convention destination

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSOR:

STAYING AT THE TRADE?

The NIFDA room block is almost sold out.

If you haven't booked your hotel room yet, we recommend making your reservation ASAP while discounted rooms remain available.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

KEEP THE CONVERSATIONS GOING

Some of the best conversations happen after the Expo. Step outside The Trade into Milwaukee’s Deer District and walk to dinner with customers, reconnect with industry friends over drinks, visit one of the city’s top breweries, or spend the evening at 3rd Street Market Hall.

We’ve put together a guide featuring our favorite local spots—all within walking distance of the hotel.

VIEW GUIDE →

EXPLORE MILWAUKEE BEFORE CONVENTION KICKS OFF

We've arranged several optional activities to do with fellow NIFDA members on Sunday for those arriving early.

Harley Davidson Museum Tour
Lakefront Brewery Tour
Brown Deer Park Golf
Old Milwaukee E-Bike Tour (sold out)

If you indicated interest in these during your registration, you should have received an email. If you have not and/or are interested, please email kim@customflagcompany.com

VIEW ACTIVITIES →

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

BRINGING A SPOUSE OR COWORKER?

Use the same registration form to add additional attendees from your company. Simply complete a separate registration for each person and select the registration type that best fits their participation (Full Registration, Guest to All Evening Events, or Individual Event).