Summer may be winding down, but Milwaukee’s energy is only picking up speed. Take a look at what Visit Milwaukee has been up to and what’s on the horizon.  

This month, Milwaukee made a big impression at Connect Marketplace in Miami, one of the top gatherings for meeting planners nationwide. Attendees who visited the booth experienced remote-controlled custom cars filled with Sprecher root beer zipping across the tradeshow floor and joined the Milwaukee Tailgate Club for a taste of the Good Land. Both activations gave planners a feel for the fun and hospitality that make Milwaukee stand out. 

Visit Milwaukee also took the stage during the Speaker Showcase, sharing the city’s story with a national audience of planners and decision-makers. For those who connected with the team during the event, every conversation was an opportunity to showcase Milwaukee’s strengths and learn more about future events. For those who didn’t get the chance to connect, Visit Milwaukee welcomes the opportunity to follow up and share why Milwaukee and the Baird Center are the ideal fit for upcoming meetings or conventions. 

Adding to the excitement, a very special guest joined the team in Miami—someone who knows a thing or two about big moments. 

Leaping out of Lambeau and into the palm of attendees’ hands, Packers legend LeRoy Butler is back in action—this time as an ambassador for why Milwaukee is the premier city to host a meeting, convention, or event. 

Ask LeRoy, Milwaukee’s first AI-powered augmented reality sales rep, made its debut at Connect Marketplace in Miami. Meeting planners who visited the Visit Milwaukee booth were greeted by a lifelike 3D avatar of the Hall of Famer, answering questions about everything from the expanded Baird Center to the city’s vibrant dining scene and attractions. 

LeRoy himself was also on the tradeshow floor helping launch this one-of-a-kind experience and connecting with planners face to face. Ask LeRoy blends innovation with hospitality to spotlight Milwaukee’s story in a way that is engaging, interactive and unforgettable. Just ask LeRoy! 

While LeRoy was introducing planners to Milwaukee in an entirely new way, another activation was also making a bold impression on the show floor. Firing up in August, the Milwaukee Tailgate Club  made its debut at ASAE before hitting the road for its first stop at Connect Marketplace. Inspired by Milwaukee’s legendary game day traditions, the club is more than just a booth theme—it’s a growing community of meeting planners who receive exclusive perks and maintain meaningful connections with the Visit Milwaukee team long after the tradeshow ends. 

Founding members received branded swag and membership cards that unlock priority access to future events, surprise giveaways, and year-round engagement designed to keep Milwaukee top of mind. The Milwaukee Tailgate Club reflects what makes the city truly unique. Just like a classic tailgate brings people together for food, fun, and camaraderie, this club is all about building lasting relationships with planners who want to be part of something bigger. 

With the start of the school year in full swing, it’s the perfect time to spotlight Milwaukee’s incredible colleges and universities. 

Milwaukee is a city of ideas, and its 11 colleges and universities fuel that spirit every day. Nearly 100,000 students from around the world live and learn in the city, shaping a diverse, energetic community that adds to the rhythm of the Good Land. 

From Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and the Medical College of Wisconsin, to specialized schools like Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), the city is anchored by institutions that drive education, research, innovation, and creativity. 

For meeting planners, this robust academic network provides access to talent, thought leaders, and strategic partners who can elevate events of all kinds. Milwaukee’s colleges and universities aren’t just part of the city—they’re a vital part of what makes it a smart, forward-thinking destination for meetings and conventions.