MILWAUKEE — 2020 will be a major year for Milwaukee, not just because of the Democratic National Convention, but the city will host several new, large conferences.
The Milwaukee Jewish Community Center just announced that next year it will host the biennial conference for all JCCs, bringing in nearly 1,000 leaders from across the country.
“Milwaukee is on the map. It’s not getting on the map, it’s already on the map as a destination for people to come for business, for thought, leadership and now for philanthropy also,” said Mark Shapiro, president of the Harry and Rose Samson JCC.
These days, Shapiro is especially proud to live in the Brew City because gone are the days when Milwaukee was considered a little old city. It’s an attraction.
The following are some of the new events on the calendar for 2020.
Along with the JCC's JSummit in early May, the International Moose Convention arrives in town a few weeks later, the Bead and Button Show returns, and, of course, the main event, the Democratic National Convention.
However, that's not all. The USA Triathlon National Championships runs, bikes and swims through town in August, and the Ryder Cup swings through in September.
Kristin Settle of Visit Milwaukee said everyone is going to feel the impact of these events, from job creation to an economic boost for local businesses.
“2020 is going to be very bustling for the city of Milwaukee," Settle said. “It really does mean dollars going into the community and dollars going into people’s pockets.”
“Milwaukee has, I think, been put at the top of many people’s lists as a potential host city.” — Kristin Settle of Visit Milwaukee
Settle said Milwaukee is coming into its own as a host city for national events.
“I can say that over the past couple of years our volume has increased, certainly people seeking out Milwaukee or saying that they never thought about Milwaukee before,” Settle said.
With improvements in the Deer District and the convention center, and now being the home of the 2020 DNC, she expects even more attention in the years to come.
“Milwaukee has, I think, been put at the top of many people’s lists as a potential host city,” Settle said.
“There’s no question that every time that Milwaukee gets selected it keeps that ball rolling on down the hill,” Shapiro added. "It’s an exciting time. It’ll be more industry. It’ll be more dollars, more hotel nights, all the things that really create a great city.”
