Business casual is appropriate for most of the convention, including sessions and the Expo.

Milwaukee weather in October can be unpredictable, so we recommend bringing layers and comfortable shoes for walking between venues.

Additional details:

• Saturday Night Mixer: We know many of you are flying in on this day. Wear whatever makes you comfortable!

• Welcome Reception: Casual and fun — feel free to wear your favorite brewery, beer, or spirit-themed shirt (totally optional)

• Eder Tour: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes. There will be some steps and some light walking.

• Expo: Business casual

• Sessions: Business casual. Meeting spaces in hotels can run cool, so you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater just in case.

• Awards Banquet: Cocktail attire or 1920s-inspired looks are encouraged

No. All the Convention & Expo events take place at The Trade Hotel, or are within walking distance.

Welcome Reception: Drink Wisconsibly is a 3-minute walk from the hotel to 320 W Highland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

Awards Banquet: Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery is an 11-minute walk from the hotel to 917 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Parking at The Trade Hotel

Valet Parking Cost: $62.00 per day

Nearby Self-Parking: Guests typically use the independent 5th Street parking structure located directly next door, or nearby public surface lots and garages in the Deer District.

Self-Parking Rates: Public garages and nearby lots generally charge around $16.00 for 0–3 hours, $25.00 for 3–5 hours, and up to $54.00 to $62.00 for full 24-hour periods, with rates frequently subject to change during major events at the nearby Fiserv Forum.

Parking at Drink Wisconsibly

Drink Wisconsinbly does not have dedicated event parking. Public garages, surface lots and street parking are available throughout the Deer District, including the 5th Street Parking Structure, Highland Garage and Ace Lot.

Please note that Mumford & Sons is performing at Fiserv Forum that evening, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Because the concert overlaps with our Welcome Reception, attendees driving to the venue should expect heavier traffic, limited parking availability and event-rate pricing. We recommend arriving early and allowing extra time to park.

Attendees staying at The Trade Hotel are strongly encouraged to walk to the reception. Drink Wisconsinbly is approximately a 3-minute walk from the hotel.

Parking at Eder Facility & Boat Cruise Lunch

Drive to 1000 W Rawson Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154 and meet up with the group at 9:30 AM. There is limited on-site parking available. For the boat tour lunch that follows, you have three options:

1110 N. Martin Luther King Dr. – Riverfront Plaza Building/Third Street Tavern Restaurant 1 block North of Edelweiss Dock

1017 N. Martin Luther King Dr. – Vern’s Parking 1 block South of Edelweiss Dock

130 E. State St., Marcus Center - This parking ramp is on the East side of the Milwaukee River. Take the Highland Ave. walking bridge to the West Side of the Milwaukee River, where you will find the Edelweiss boats.

Parking at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery

Parking around Best Place is generally easy and inexpensive in the evening.

The Brewery Garage, located at 1213 N. 9th St., is directly across the street and about a 1-minute walk from the venue. Evening parking is typically affordable, and advance reservations may also be available through SpotHero.

Street parking is also available throughout the surrounding Brewery District. Metered parking in the area is generally enforced until 6:00 PM, so street parking should be free during our evening event.

Attendees should still allow a few extra minutes to park and walk to the venue.

You can view or download the complete 2026 NIFDA Convention & Expo Schedule of Events HERE for a day-by-day look at sessions, activities, meals and special events.

The Trade Hotel has several on-site options for meals, drinks and coffee outside of scheduled NIFDA events:

CRAFT: Located in the hotel and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is available daily beginning at 6:30 AM Monday–Friday and 7:00 AM Saturday–Sunday. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, with dinner service beginning at 4:00 PM.

Solomon's Terrace & Lounge: Shareable small plates, handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and wine. Open Thursday–Saturday evenings, with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

il Cervo: Rooftop dining featuring modern Italian cuisine, cocktails and city views. Open daily, with weekend service beginning at 10:00 AM.

Lobby Coffee Bar: Serving locally roasted Colectivo Coffee in the hotel lobby.

Please keep in mind that restaurant hours are subject to change. NIFDA-provided meals and event food are listed separately in the Convention schedule.

Yes! A complimentary breakfast buffet will be available in the Founders Ballroom on both Monday and Tuesday from 7:00–8:30 AM.

The buffet includes:

• Regular and decaf coffee and assorted teas

• Orange, cranberry and apple juice

• Seasonal sliced and whole fruit

• Scrambled eggs

• Smoked pork bacon

• Roasted apple chicken sausage

• Seasoned breakfast potatoes

• Assorted bagels with butter, cream cheese and honey

NIFDA is providing breakfast on both Monday and Tuesday, lunch following the Eder Tour on Monday for participating Dealers, and lunch on Tuesday.

Dinner is also included with the scheduled evening events (Welcome Reception, Expo, Awards Banquet).

If you previously provided dietary restrictions during registration, we have shared those needs with our venues and caterers where applicable.

If you have a serious food allergy or a dietary need that you did not include with your registration, please contact NIFDA as soon as possible so we can determine what accommodations may still be available.

Convention check-in will take place at The Trade Hotel in the Founders Ballroom Foyer. Look for NIFDA signage directing you to the registration area.

Badges and Convention materials will be available at check-in. Please wear your badge throughout the Convention & Expo.

If you need assistance during the Convention, please find Marine or any NIFDA Board Member onsite, or contact:

Marine Jackson
Association Coordinator
admin@nifda.net
Call: 916-798-5730 x700
Text: 916-798-5730

Upload photos to Yogile by visiting www.yogile.com/nifda2026 or emailing them to nifda2026@yogile.com. Alternatively, you can text them to (714) 673-2041.

Attendees arriving early are invited to join us for the Saturday Night Mixer at Solomon’s Lounge at The Trade Hotel.

This is an informal, come-as-you-are gathering and a chance to catch up with fellow NIFDA members before the Convention officially gets underway. Food and beverages are available for individual purchase.

Sunday includes optional pre-convention activities for attendees who signed-up in advance, followed by Convention registration and our Welcome Reception that evening.

Where do I check in for the Convention?
Convention registration will take place at The Trade Hotel in the Founders Ballroom from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Where is the Welcome Reception? [ IMPORTANT VENUE UPDATE ]
The Welcome Reception has been moved to Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, located at 320 W. Highland Ave., approximately a 3-minute walk from The Trade Hotel.

The reception begins at 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 11.

**Please note: This is a change from the location published in the printed Convention booklet. Drink Wisconsinbly Pub is the correct location for the Welcome Reception.

Yes! EVERYONE should attend the official kick-off at 8:30 AM Monday morning. This will include the opening ceremony complete with Color Guard presentation and introductions from everyone around the room.

The Eder Flag facility tour is reserved for Dealer attendees with “Full Registrations” only. Manufacturers will not be permitted to attend the tour.

Manufacturers exhibiting at the Expo may use this time to set up their tables in the Founders Ballroom from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.

Bus transportation is provided.

Following Monday morning's kickoff, the group will head to the front of The Trade Hotel together at 9:00 AM. The bus is scheduled to depart at 9:15 AM.

If you are driving yourself, head to 1000 W. Rawson Ave., Oak Creek, WI 53154 and meet the group at 9:30 AM.

Yes. The Monday lunch is provided for Dealers participating in the Eder Flag facility tour. Following the tour, Dealers are invited to enjoy a boat cruise lunch courtesy of our host, Eder Flag.

The Edelweiss boat cruise is scheduled for 11:30 AM and includes a picnic lunch buffet while you take in the sights of Milwaukee.

Please note: The Eder Flag facility tour and boat cruise lunch are for Dealers only.

The Expo takes place Monday from 3:00–6:30 PM in the Founders Ballroom.

Food stations, passed hors d'oeuvres and an open bar will be available throughout the event.

The Grand Prize Raffle drawing will take place at 6:15 PM, followed by a group photo of all Convention attendees, so please stick around through the end!

Yes. A lunch buffet will be served in the Founders Ballroom at 12:45 PM.

Whether you're a Manufacturer or Dealer, we encourage you to attend all Tuesday sessions.

The Real Stories of Business Diversification Panel is geared more specifically toward Dealers, but Manufacturers are still welcome to attend.

Yes, for the Advocacy Session. This is an interactive, working session, so attendees should bring a laptop (or tablet) and be prepared to participate as we work together on advancing state legislative efforts.

You do not need a computer for the other sessions unless you personally prefer to take notes digitally.

The Awards Banquet will take place Tuesday evening at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery.

Cocktail attire or 1920s-inspired attire is encouraged, but themed attire is completely optional.

Best Place is approximately an 11-minute walk from The Trade Hotel. Parking is also available nearby for those who prefer to drive.