Project for Public Spaces announced today that Milwaukee, has been selected as the host city for the 12th International Public Markets Conference, June 12-14.
Milwaukee Public Market, will be co-host. As the largest global conference for public market professionals, it will bring together over 400 public market leaders from all over the world, including a broad mix of market operators and managers, local food and placemaking advocates, civil society groups, policymakers, consultants, academic researchers, and more, to delve into the forefront of market practices and recognize the transformative influence of public markets in shaping vibrant and inclusive urban spaces.
Brian Johnson, president & CEO, On Broadway, Inc./Green Bay Public Market said having the international conference in Milwaukee offers a unique opportunity for that state and the soon to be opened Green Bay Public Market.
“Green Bay Public Market couldn’t be more excited for our friends at the Milwaukee Public Market to co-host this prestigious conference here in Wisconsin,” Johnson said. “Our support for their application was rooted in our own experiences attending this international three-day event that brings public market experts together from across the globe. We’re looking forward to participating in the festivities and sharing the collective excitement within our network to help welcome a global market audience to the state of Wisconsin.”
Milwaukee boasts over 30 public markets.
“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. “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.”
Over three days, attendees will engage in an opening plenary, interactive panels and discussions, networking and social events, guided tours, and offsite workshops that showcase Milwaukee’s diverse markets, highlighting innovative practices and exemplary models in action. The conference will highlight the city’s wide array of public markets, including Milwaukee Public Market, West Allis Farmers Market, Fondy Farmers Market, Milwaukee Night Market, and Zocalo Food Truck Park. It will also introduce two exciting new additions to Wisconsin’s public market scene: the Green Bay Public Market and the Madison Public Market, both slated to open in spring 2025.
The event will also explore many other public spaces that have flourished thanks to placemaking led by neighborhood associations, business improvement districts, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how Milwaukee’s inclusive placemaking practices have created vibrant, community-oriented spaces that uplift and fortify diverse neighborhoods.
The conference’s theme, Public Markets for Every City, serves as a call to action for market leaders, placemakers, and policymakers worldwide.
Project for Public Spaces and Milwaukee Public Market welcome all public market professionals to stay tuned for more details on the upcoming Call for Proposals opening Oct. 13, registration in the new year, schedule lineup, and tips on how to prepare for a three-day adventure exploring the best of public markets in Milwaukee.
The best way to keep informed is to visit the conference website, publicmarkets.pps.org.
