MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee will once again be in the spotlight next year. It’s been selected to host the 12th International Public Market Conference in 2025, the organization Project for Public Spaces announced Monday.
The Milwaukee Public Market will co-host the event. The city’s public market gained recognition earlier this year when it was selected as the best public market in the country in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.
“This is a landmark achievement for the Public Market, and we are thrilled to co-host this conference with such a respected organization like Project for Public Spaces,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District #2, in a release. “As we celebrate the Milwaukee Public Market’s 20th anniversary next year, this conference offers a unique opportunity to highlight the success of our market alongside the many vibrant markets across our city and state. We are committed to showcasing the very best of Milwaukee and Wisconsin to a global audience.”
The conference — which has been hosted in places like Toronto, London and Barcelona — will take place from June 12-14, 2025. This is the first time in over a decade that the conference has been held in the U.S.
The three-day event will feature panels, discussions, guided tours, workshops and more that aim to showcase Milwaukee.
In addition to highlighting the Milwaukee Public Market, the conference will also spotlight the West Allis Farmers Market, Fondy Farmers Market, Milwaukee Night Market and Zocalo Food Truck Park. Officials said it will also reveal two new markets, the Green Bay Public Market and the Madison Public Market, which are slated to open in 2025.
“Milwaukee’s dynamic public markets scene is outstanding and offers a rich variety of markets that will provide our international audience with exceptional learning opportunities. Our conference attendees are always eager to dive into what our host cities have to offer, and I’m sure they will return home from Milwaukee with a wealth of new skills, knowledge, and connections, ready to bring best practices back to their local markets,” said Kelly Verel, Project for Public Spaces’ co-executive director, in a release.
The theme for the 2025 conference is “Public Markets for Every City.” It puts the focus on the idea that when leaders in the public market space come together, they can better address challenges in the community.
State and city leaders said they’re excited to host the conference.
“We are delighted to have the International Public Markets Conference come to the great city of Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson in a release.
“Wisconsin is excited to welcome public market leaders, private developers, placemaking advocates, and innovators from around the world to experience all our state has to offer, including our innovative urban development, diverse agriculture, and rich cultural heritage,” said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers in a release. “Milwaukee and communities across Wisconsin are home to diverse markets, highlighting everything from fresh produce grown by local farmers to an assortment of award-winning cheeses to artisan goods crafted by local makers, and this conference offers a unique opportunity to showcase Milwaukee and our state.”
The conference comes amid a year of Wisconsin playing host to some big events, including the 2024 Republican National Convention, the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the 21st season of “Top Chef,” among other things.