Annual Convention & Expo
October 11-13, 2026 ● The Trade Hotel ● Milwaukee, WI
2026 Schedule
All times are local time and subject to change.
A casual gathering for early arrivals. Grab a name tag, enjoy a drink ticket, and connect with fellow members in the hotel bar.
We’re kicking things off with a laid-back evening to ease into convention week. Feel free to join the fun by wearing your favorite brewery, beer, or spirit-themed shirt. Vintage, local, big brand, or something totally obscure… all are welcome. No pressure to dress up, though! Just a fun way to break the ice and get conversations flowing.
Go behind the scenes at one of the industry’s leading manufacturers with an exclusive tour of the Eder Flag facility, offering a firsthand look at the production process, materials, and operations. The experience also includes a boat tour lunch aboard the Miss Wisconsin, where you’ll take in the sights of the beautiful city of Milwaukee while enjoying a picnic lunch buffet courtesy of our host, Eder Flag.
Come enjoy drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres while networking with manufacturers and suppliers. The event will conclude early to allow manufacturers and dealers time to meet privately.
Stay informed on what our Advocacy Committee has been up to this past year and find out how you can be part of member-led initiatives in the coming year.
Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds built AmericanFlags.com from a post-9/11 startup into a thriving business and brings decades of leadership experience as a nonprofit CEO. In his keynote, “Battle-Tested and Beating the Odds,” he shares powerful lessons drawn from entrepreneurship, serious illness, and endurance sports, offering NIFDA members practical insights on resilience, leadership, and staying the course when challenges feel overwhelming.
This hands-on session will walk through practical ways flag businesses can use AI for market research, content planning, lead generation, website creation, and day-to-day workflows. Attendees will see real examples and learn how to apply these tools immediately, without needing technical experience. Everyone will leave with a curated resource pack of copy-and-paste prompts tailored specifically for flag businesses so they can start using AI right away.
Hear from NIFDA members who have expanded beyond flags and built additional revenue streams within their businesses.
After a record-setting year for the industry with the celebration of America250, the World Cup, and the Winter Olympics, what do we have to look forward to next? An open discussion on things that worked in 2026 and sales strategies for the years to come. Panel led by Dealers and Manufacturers.
Step into an evening inspired by the Roaring Twenties, a time of reinvention, resilience, and bold American enterprise, as we gather to celebrate those same qualities that continue to move our industry forward. Cocktail or 1920s-inspired attire is encouraged. The evening will feature the announcement of the Betsy Ross Award Winner, recognition of outgoing board leadership, the Early Bird raffle drawing, and the reveal of the 2027 convention location — a signature night of the convention you won’t want to miss.
Speakers & Sessions
Click the images below for more information.
Special Events
Welcome Reception
We’re kicking things off with a laid-back evening to ease into convention week.
Feel free to join the fun by wearing your favorite brewery, beer, or spirit-themed shirt. Vintage, local, big brand, or something totally obscure… all are welcome.
No pressure to dress up, though! Just a fun way to break the ice and get conversations flowing.
Eder Flag Facility Tour
Go behind the scenes at one of the industry’s leading manufacturers with an exclusive tour of the Eder Flag facility, offering a firsthand look at the production process, materials, and operations.
The experience also includes a boat tour lunch aboard the Miss Wisconsin, where you’ll take in the sights of the beautiful city of Milwaukee while enjoying a picnic lunch buffet courtesy of our host, Eder Flag.
Manufacturer Expo
Network with flag industry leaders, manufacturers, and suppliers, explore exhibitor tables showcasing cutting-edge products and programs, and discover special attendee pricing.
Enjoy an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres throughout the event and be sure to participate in our Expo Passport Game for a chance to win cash prizes and manufacturer gift certificates.
The Expo wraps at 7:00 PM, allowing time for more relaxed, one-on-one conversations afterward.
Awards Banquet
We’ll begin with a speakeasy-style cocktail reception before gathering for a hosted dinner and bar in a setting rich with history and character; cocktail or 1920s-inspired attire is encouraged.
The evening will feature the announcement of the Betsy Ross Award Winner, recognition of outgoing board leadership, the Early Bird raffle drawing, and the reveal of the 2027 convention location — a signature night of the convention you won’t want to miss.
Sponsor & Exhibit
Why you should be a part of it
Connect with 50+ independent flag dealers all in one place
Build relationships with key decision-makers
Generate high-quality leads in a focused setting
Showcase new products and innovations
Exhibit space is limited to 20 tables and is expected to fill quickly. You will be able to reserve a table or sign up to sponsor during registration.
What top manufacturers are saying
“As a manufacturer, the convention gives us the opportunity to meet many of the top resellers in the country at one time. The feedback from the seminars and meetings allows us to make decisions based upon the dealers’ responses and needs. What the dealers learn from the conference also results in increased sales which helps all of us. NIFDA leads to greater relationships across the industry.”
“As a manufacturer, the annual convention offers a unique opportunity to meet with the country’s most successful flag & flagpole dealers. Sponsoring convention and exhibiting in the expo every year is now a staple of our marketing strategy. Whether it’s new product launches or developing relationships with key customers, we see a significant return on investment with NIFDA.”
“The convention gives us a great opportunity to meet with many flag dealers all in one place. Getting to know our customers personally really helps us to build our business with each dealer. The tradeshow is a fun and energetic event where we get to show our bestselling and new products. We make sure to attend every year and we truly value this annual opportunity!”
Stay at the Trade Hotel
The official hotel of the Deer District
This is an Autograph Collection Marriott Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee next to Fiserv Forum, the hotel places you in the center of the city’s energy. Enjoy a rooftop restaurant and lounge with sweeping views, paired with a blend of modern comfort and timeless luxury.
Group rate: $219 valid until Friday, September 18, 2026
Call 844-695-6198 or book online:
Local Things To Do
Pre-Convention Group Activities for Sunday
FAQ
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Everything from Sunday evening through Tuesday night is included in your full registration.
Specifically:
1 drink at the Saturday Night Mixer (for early arrivals)
Sunday Welcome Reception with dinner and open bar
Monday & Tuesday American breakfast buffet
Monday Eder Flag facility tour (includes transportation + boat cruise lunch)
Monday Manufacturer Expo with heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar
Tuesday lunch buffet
Tuesday Awards Banquet with dinner and open bar
Not included:
Food & drinks at the Saturday Night Mixer
Pre-convention activities (Sunday morning)
Transportation to/from the airport
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At this time, we do not offer “à la carte” pricing.
If you are attending the facility tour and/or sessions, a Full Registration is required.
If you are only attending the Expo as an exhibitor, you may purchase:
Exhibit table ($550)
“Guest to Expo ONLY” registration ($150)
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Single-event registration options are available.
For example, if someone is joining you only for the Expo, select “Guest to Expo ONLY.”
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Absolutely.
Sponsors receive one table included with their sponsorship
Additional tables can be added during registration
If not sponsoring, simply select 2 or more tables when registering
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No. Attendance to this event is optional.
The convention officially begins Sunday, October 11.
The Saturday Night Mixer is a casual, informal gathering for those arriving early, held at The Trade Hotel (Solomon’s Lounge).
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Nope! Everything is designed to be easy and accessible.
All general sessions and events take place at The Trade Hotel
Transportation is provided for the Eder Flag facility tour
The Welcome Reception and Awards Banquet are both within walking distance of the hotel
The only transportation you’ll need to arrange on your own is to/from the airport.
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Business casual is appropriate for most of the convention, including sessions and the Expo.
For evening events:
Welcome Reception: Casual and fun — feel free to wear your favorite brewery, beer, or spirit-themed shirt (totally optional)
Awards Banquet: Cocktail attire or 1920s-inspired looks are encouraged
Milwaukee weather in October can be unpredictable, so we recommend bringing layers and comfortable shoes for walking between venues.
Meeting spaces in hotels can run cool, so you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater just in case.
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We recommend staying at the official event hotel, The Trade Hotel, to stay connected with the group and maximize networking opportunities.
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Registration may be canceled through September 1st for a full refund.
After this date, registrations are non-refundable.
This allows NIFDA to guarantee food and beverage commitments in advance.
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Average October temperatures:
High: ~59°F
Low: ~45°F
Mid-October weather can vary, with temperatures ranging anywhere from the 30s to 90s°F.
