Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce Events Newswire

Business After Hours with BBB + Plum Media 9/9/2026 4:00 PM - 9/9/2026 7:00 PM

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:41:39 GMT

Join BBB and Plum Media for Business After Hours, a free co-hosted networking event designed to bring local professionals together for connection, conversation, and community.

September 9th, 2026 | 4:00-7:00pm | Plum Media - 1418 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

The evening will begin with an optional speed networking session from 4:00–5:00 PM, giving attendees a structured way to meet new contacts and start conversations. Guests may opt in to this portion below.

From 5:00–7:00 PM, attendees are invited to enjoy casual networking in a relaxed setting at Plum Media. Beverages and food will be available.

Registration is required, but there is no cost to attend

Register at https://www.cognitoforms.com/BBBForms/BusinessAfterHoursWithBBBPlumMedia

Schedule

4:00–5:00 PM | Speed Networking
Optional; opt in during registration.

5:00–7:00 PM | Casual Networking
Open networking, beverages, and light refreshments.

Business After Hours @ Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel 9/10/2026 5:00 PM - 9/10/2026 7:00 PM

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:37:38 GMT

You're Invited: Business After Hours at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Join us at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel, a one-of-a-kind venue in Milwaukee's Theater District where art, music and hospitality come together.

More than a hotel, Saint Kate is a vibrant cultural hub featuring rotating gallery exhibitions, live music and creatively designed spaces that make every corner feel like its own experience.

For this Business After Hours, we'll gather in the Arc Theater and MOWA Art Galleries, offering a unique backdrop for connection and conversation. Enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar as you mix, mingle and network surrounded by art, good energy and just enough creative flair to make your usual after-hours feel a little more inspired.

MKE History Trivia @ Explorium Distilled 9/16/2026 7:00 PM - 9/16/2026 9:00 PM

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:25:57 GMT

Join us for another round of MKE History Trivia!

Explorium Distilled is hosting this month. They deliver elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and a standout selection of craft beer.

Bring your friends or join a team – It’s free to play!

Purely Social @ The Milwaukee Night Market 9/16/2026 5:00 PM - 9/16/2026 8:30 PM

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:30:39 GMT

FUEL MILWAUKEE PURELY SOCIAL: MILWAUKEE NIGHT MARKET EDITION

Meet. Connect. Explore Milwaukee.

Join FUEL Milwaukee for a night at the Milwaukee Night Market, where networking meets the best of Milwaukee's local food, businesses, music, and culture.

When: September 16th 2026

Time: 5:00p.m - 8:30p.m

Location : City Fountain ( located inside the 3rd St. Market Hall next to the Beer Fountain)

We're creating a space for you to enjoy the Night Market with the FUEL Milwaukee community, with a few added perks to make the evening even better.

What To Expect:

PRIVATE BAR
Enjoy easy, convenient drink purchases at our private cash bar without having to withstand the lines.

YOUR OWN SPACE
We've reserved sectioned-off seating so you have a comfortable home base to relax, connect, and take in the Night Market.

BITES ON US
Enjoy complimentary bites featuring some of the favorites from 3rd Street Market Hall while you network and explore.

NIGHT MARKET
Take in everything the Milwaukee Night Market has to offer at your fingertips, from local vendors and food to music and the energy of downtown.

Whether you're making new connections, catching up with familiar faces, or simply looking for a fun night out, Purely Social is a chance to connect outside of the office and experience Milwaukee together.

Aligned After Hours: a networking event 9/17/2026 6:30 PM - 9/17/2026 8:00 PM

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:41:13 GMT

Overview

Connect with Milwaukee's Third Ward & Walkers Point community. Meet local professionals, creatives, and neighbors over drinks & conversation

Aligned After Hours is where Milwaukee connections happen naturally.

We're changing the narrative around networking. No cliques, no awkward standing around wondering who to talk to first. We know how intimidating it can be to walk into a room full of strangers, especially if you're not a fan of cold introductions.

That's why the evening begins with guided, structured networking designed to help break the ice and make meeting new people feel effortless. Once you've made a few connections, the event transitions into open mingling where conversations can continue organically.

Whether you're a small business owner, creative, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or simply looking to meet the people shaping the Third Ward and Walker's Point, this event is for you.

Grab a drink, exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and get to know your neighbors beyond the storefronts and social media. You never know where your next collaboration, client, or friendship might come from.

Come as you are, stay for the conversations, and leave feeling a little more connected to Milwaukee.

Light NA refreshments provided.

GOODY BAGS PROVIDED FOR THE FIRST 10 ATTENDEES.

Connecting Community Voices: Latine Experience in MKE Co. 9/17/2026 5:30 PM - 9/17/2026 6:30 PM

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:41:04 GMT

Join us at the “Connecting Community Voices: Discussion Panel, The Latine Experience in Milwaukee Co.” The discussion topics will cover the community’s local history and contemporary subjects such as the impact of immigration policy, education, belonging, and societal expectations.

The goal of the discussion panel series is to explore stories of Milwaukee’s diverse communities through our history, discuss change overtime within the community, and create a dialog between folks who call Milwaukee home. This program series is funded by the Wisconsin Humanities Converse and Connect Grant.

Moderated by Margarita Sandoval Skare.

Participating Panelists…

Eloisa Gómez, Adamali De La Cruz, and Juan Miguel Martinez

FREE Program, Open to the Public!

Bernie Cup 9/21/2026 11:00 AM - 9/21/2026 7:00 PM

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:23:51 GMT

Join Bernie’s Book Bank for a casual day of golf and fellowship to learn more about Bernie’s Book Bank in Greater Milwaukee.

2-Person Teams, Handicapped

Play your own ball

Schedule:

11:00 a.m. - Check-In & Lunch

12:30 p.m. - Shotgun Start

4:30 p.m. - Post-Golf Reception

An Employer-Led Conversation on the Future of Talent: Co-Creating Future Talent Through Work-Based Learning 9/23/2026 3:30 PM - 9/23/2026 6:30 PM

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:58:41 GMT

Join GPS Education Partners and senior industry leaders on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for an interactive event focused on these pressing questions: What will it take to build the next generation of talent, and why does it matter?

Through practical discussion and real-world examples, this conversation will explore how work-based learning can strengthen talent pipelines, drive business outcomes, and create economic opportunity in our communities.

Event Details

Date:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Agenda:
3:30–4:00 PM Registration + Networking
Connect with peer executives, partners, and regional leaders before the program begins.

4:00–5:00 PM Interactive Panel + Discussion
Hear from industry leaders and join a practical conversation about the future of talent, workforce strategy, and work-based learning.

5:00–6:30 PM Reception + Book Signing
Continue the conversation during the reception and receive a signed copy of Make School Work™.

Why attend:

Engage directly with peer executives across industries
Shape the regional workforce development conversation
Gain strategies, practical advice, and solutions from experts

What will it take to build the next generation of talent?

Employers across industries are facing workforce challenges that cannot be solved by hiring alone. This event brings together senior industry leaders for a practical conversation about how to align work-based learning with real-world workforce needs and build stronger talent strategies for the future.

Rather than a one-way presentation, this event is designed as an employer-led dialogue. Attendees will hear real examples, contribute ideas, and explore how education, industry, and community partners can work together to create stronger pathways to opportunity.

36th Annual Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C 9/23/2026 5:30 PM - 9/23/2026 7:30 PM

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:02:00 GMT

Hosted by:

MMAC President Dale Kooyenga, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
& Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley

This event highlights the contributions of the Milwaukee Region to the economic strength and vitality of the nation. Milwaukee Night also provides an opportunity to thank the legislators, staff members and administrators who help us achieve our goal of making the Milwaukee Region a world-class location.

Please note: The time of the event is 5:30 PM - 7:30PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

A Special Thank You to Our
2026 Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C. Sponsors

FUEL Milwaukee Leadership Luncheon w/ Colleston Morgan, Jr. 9/24/2026 12:00 Noon - 9/24/2026 1:00 PM

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:40:34 GMT

Leadership Luncheon W/

Colleston Morgan, Jr.
Executive Director, City Forward Collective

If you want to understand Milwaukee’s future, start with its children. Nearly 109,000 Milwaukee students receive a publicly funded education. Today, only about one in four are proficient in English language arts and about one in five in math—less than half the proficiency rates seen across the rest of Wisconsin. And by City Forward Collective’s measure, 61% of Milwaukee students attend schools performing below expectations. That’s not a school-system problem. It’s a Milwaukee problem.

For Colleston Morgan, Jr., those numbers are personal. A Milwaukee native, former teacher and now Executive Director of City Forward Collective, Colleston has built his career around improving what comes next for Milwaukee kids. His work brings together data, policy, parents, educators and community leaders to push beyond the politics of which kind of school a child attends and focus on something more fundamental: whether that child is getting a great education. And he’s seen what organized action can accomplish. In 2023, City Forward Collective worked alongside hundreds of Milwaukee parents in an advocacy effort that helped secure an additional $140 million in state funding for Milwaukee students. Big issue, real stakes—and real movement.

You don’t have to work in education to have a stake in what happens next. Join us over lunch as Colleston takes us beyond the headlines and politics to understand what’s really happening in Milwaukee’s schools, what’s working, where we’re falling short and what it will take to move the needle. Whether you’ve called Milwaukee home your entire life or are building your life and career here now, this is one of those issues worth understanding—and a conversation worth having a seat at.

More About the Speaker:
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Colleston Morgan, Jr. was appointed President & Executive Director of City Forward Collective in 2023 after previously serving as the organization’s Vice President of Strategy and Policy. He began his career as a social studies teacher at G.W. Carver High School, where he was named Teacher of the Year.

Colleston later worked at the Louisiana Department of Education and New Orleans Public Schools, ultimately serving in a Cabinet-level role as Chief Strategy Officer. There, he played a key role in developing and implementing the plan that returned New Orleans’ public charter school system to local governance after more than a decade of state control. He has also been recognized nationally for his work in charter school authorizing and school accountability.

Colleston earned an A.B. in Government from Harvard University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. He is an alum of the Pahara Institute, Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship and New Leaders Council.

About the Leadership Luncheon Series

The Leadership Luncheon Series connects early- to mid-career professionals with the influential leaders shaping Milwaukee’s future. These fast-moving, 60-minute conversations are designed to deliver practical leadership lessons, local insight, and meaningful connection before sending you back into your workday energized and ready to lead.

Closing the Deal: Sales Boot Camp 9/25/2026 8:30 AM - 9/25/2026 2:30 PM

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:39:26 GMT

Ready to take your sales game to the next level? ??

Join sales expert Lisa Proeber for a dynamic, hands-on sales training designed to help small business owners and sales professionals sharpen their skills, master the art of selling, and close more deals. From understanding sales psychology to perfecting in-person and digital selling techniques, our comprehensive workshop is tailored to give you real-world strategies that work.

What you’ll gain:

Comprehensive Sales Boot Camp led by Lisa Proeber
Tailored training modules + interactive workbook to apply concepts immediately
Networking opportunities with other ambitious professionals
Private Facebook group for continued discussion, insights, and accountability

Plus, a light breakfast, lunch, and free on-site parking are included.

Join us in Milwaukee and discover how to turn every lead into a loyal customer: https://themiddlesix.com/events/sales-training-in-milwaukee/

Business BEFORE Hours @ Beyond Vision 9/30/2026 8:00 AM - 9/30/2026 10:00 AM

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:39:14 GMT

You're Invited: Business BEFORE Hours Networking Event
at Beyond Vision!

A Vision for Impact: Connecting at Beyond Vision

Start your morning with purpose-driven networking at Beyond Vision, a West Allis-based nonprofit social enterprise creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Operating like a business, Beyond Vision delivers high-quality manufacturing, assembly, packaging and customer care services while advancing its mission to enrich lives through the dignity of work.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at an organization where innovation, inclusion and business excellence come together in a powerful way. Connect with fellow MMAC members and local professionals, learn how Beyond Vision blends business services with community impact and experience a workplace designed to empower employees of all abilities.

M7 State of the Region 10/20/2026 8:00 AM - 10/20/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:36:37 GMT

Join us for a morning that will shape how our region thinks about growth. This inaugural event will bring together M7 investors, economic development stakeholders, development partners and board members from across southeastern Wisconsin. We'll open with a first look at brand new data on the M7 region's economic competitiveness and growth trajectory, then turn to a conversation with Derek Thompson, bestselling author of Abundance, founder and host of the Plain English podcast, and one of the nation's sharpest minds on economic growth, technology and the future of work.

Agenda

8:00AM Registration, Networking, and Breakfast
8:30AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
M7 Chairperson's Update
8:45AM The State of the M7 Region: Trends, Strengths, and Opportunities
Insights from the Regional Competitive Analysis
9:15AM Keynote Speaker
Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson is a writer, author, and podcast host who explores the forces shaping the modern economy, technology, work, and culture. He is the co-author, with Ezra Klein, of Abundance, a #1 New York Times bestseller examining American politics, liberalism, and the challenges of building for the future. After 17 years as a staff writer at The Atlantic, Derek launched his own Substack in 2025 and continues to contribute to the magazine.

He is the founder and host of Plain English, one of the country's leading podcasts on current events, economics, technology, and society. Derek is also the author of Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction, a national bestseller on the psychology of popularity and culture, and Derek Thompson on Work, a collection of essays exploring the changing nature of labor, innovation, and economic opportunity.

Known for translating complex economic and social trends into clear, engaging insights, Derek is a sought-after speaker on the future of work, growth, technology, and the ideas shaping America’s next chapter.

Bernie's Book Bank Grand Opening Celebration 10/22/2026 4:30 PM - 10/22/2026 7:30 PM

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:23:41 GMT

Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of Bernie's Book Bank Greater Milwaukee's new Book Processing Facility and Volunteer Center!

Open house and guided building tours
Unveiling of the engraved brick patio border
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres available
Special remarks from project leaders

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548ACA82EA0FAC43-64383678-grand#/

BizTimes Madwaukee2050 10/22/2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:55:00 GMT

This signature event focuses on the unique opportunities and challenges facing the counties in the corridor between Milwaukee and Madison (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane). We’ll explore avenues for growth throughout the MadWaukee corridor, focusing on economic development, accessibility, training, transportation, and the transformative potential of emerging industries and new technologies.

More information to follow

Business After Hours @ Landmark Credit Union Live 10/27/2026 5:00 PM - 10/27/2026 7:00 PM

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:40:24 GMT

Experience The Vinyl Room at Landmark Credit Union Live

Join us for an evening of networking in The Vinyl Room, an exclusive listening lounge inside Landmark Credit Union Live in Milwaukee's Deer District.

Inspired by classic vinyl listening bars, this unique space blends the warmth of analog music culture with a modern, elevated atmosphere designed for conversation and connection.

Mingle with fellow MMAC members and guests while enjoying refreshments and experiencing a side of Landmark Credit Union Live that not everyone gets to see. With curated records, hi-fi sound, and a distinctive setting that celebrates the art of listening, The Vinyl Room offers a memorable backdrop for building new relationships and strengthening existing ones.

Whether you're looking to expand your network, reconnect with colleagues, or simply enjoy a great evening in a unique space, this Business After Hours is sure to strike the right note.

Business After Hours @ The Grain Exchange 11/12/2026 5:00 PM - 11/12/2026 7:00 PM

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:38:42 GMT

You're Invited: Business After Hours at The Grain Exchange

Join us for an evening of networking at one of Milwaukee's most iconic venues, The Grain Exchange.

Located in the historic Mackie Building in downtown, The Grain Exchange offers a truly unforgettable setting with soaring ceilings, stunning frescoes and elegant architecture that reflects the city's rich history. The grand three-story ballroom combines timeless character with modern hospitality, creating the perfect atmosphere to connect with fellow business leaders and professionals.

Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar provided by the The Bartolotta Restaurants while engaging in meaningful conversation in one of Milwaukee's architectural gems. Whether you're looking to make new connections or strengthen existing relationships, this Business After Hours is one you won't want to miss.

For the Love of Sales - The Gift of Critical Feedback 11/12/2026 3:00 PM - 11/12/2026 5:00 PM

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:33:18 GMT

The Gift of Critical Feedback

Do you see critical feedback as a "gift"? Giving and receiving feedback is an essential capability for people - leaders and team members alike, and it plays a key role not only in team effectiveness, but also in strengthening client relationships and supporting business growth. It's also one of the most challenging interpersonal skills to develop. In this "train-the-trainer-style" workshop, participants will explore practical tactics for effectively giving "the gift" of critical feedback as well as how to receive feedback from others with gratitude, empathy and confidence.

Learning Objectives:
-Identify common misconceptions and flaws related to giving and receiving a "critique"
-Explore tactics for addressing defensive reactions and other factors that deter honest, authentic feedback
-Learn to coach proven methods for giving and receiving critical feedback
-Recognize how effective feedback can strengthen client relationships, uncover opportunities and support long-term business development

AGENDA:
3:00-3:30PM | Registration & Networking
3:30-4:45PM | Program
4:45-5:00PM | Questions & Wrap-Up

YOUR SPEAKER:

AJ Kruse
Co-Founder & Concept Illustrator at humanworks8

Speaker Bio:
AJ needs to make things make sense, not only for himself, but for you too. This quality, along with his knack for joining backstage design and front stage presentation paved the way for a dynamic professional career that began in elementary education. After making the leap to corporate education, AJ led learning & development at two Milwaukee organizations before co-launching humanworks8 in 2019. Now, he guides strategic planning and leadership development for clients throughout the U.S.

About humanworks8
At humanworks8, we help organizations reach their next level of success through building sustainable and effective people practices. Our solutions are grounded in "The 8" universal truths about people, and each truth translates to a core people touchpoint that exists in every organization. When these touchpoints are strengthened, they enliven workplace culture and drive meaningful business results. humanworks8 partners with owners, executives, and HR leaders across industries, operating as an extension of their team. Our engagements include one-on-one coaching, backstage program development and frontstage facilitation. We're ready to show you how human works.

BizTimes Commercial Real Estate & Development Conference 11/18/2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:55:59 GMT

The annual Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference, presented by BizTimes Milwaukee, the Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership at Marquette University and the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin (CARW), is southeastern Wisconsin’s premier networking and information event for the industry. This conference examines the latest trends in commercial real estate and development and explores the possibilities for the year ahead.

More details to follow

MMAC Member Orientation 11/19/2026 8:00 AM - 11/19/2026 9:30 AM

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:15:56 GMT

Take a customized journey through the MMAC and learn how to maximize your membership.

This briefing shows you what tools are available to help your business grow and provides opportunities to become involved. Whether you are a new member, ‘seasoned’ member or prospective member, come learn about what the MMAC does for you.

AGENDA
8:00AM - 8:30:AM - Registration and Networking
8:30AM - 9:30 AM - Program
9:30AM - 10:00AM - (Optional) Speak with members of our staff
**Team members will be available after the program to answer any additional questions or provide more specific information.