Tips for Attending NACE Experience 2025

NACE Experience 2025 is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, it’s one of your favorite conferences of the year. There’s nothing quite like the energy, inspiration, and community that comes with NACE, and this year’s Experience in Milwaukee is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this guide will help you get prepped and ready to make the most of your time. Let’s dive into everything you need to know before the conference kicks off!

Pack Smart: Essentials + Extras

Before you head to Milwaukee, take a moment to think through your packing list. With fun-themed events like the Opening Reception and the NACE ONE Awards Celebration, you’ll want to bring a few show-stopping outfits alongside your business casual staples.

Comfortable shoes are a must (trust us, there’s always more walking than you think), and don't forget weather-appropriate layers. Milwaukee summers are beautiful, but that lake breeze can catch you off guard.

Beyond fashion, make sure your conference toolkit is locked and loaded: a notebook or digital note-taking app, extra pens, portable chargers, snacks, and a reusable water bottle will go a long way. Being prepared will let you focus on networking and enjoying the experience without scrambling to borrow a phone charger or track down a pen.

Build Your Game Plan Before You Arrive

NACE Experience is filled with opportunities, but the magic is in the planning. Before you arrive in Milwaukee, take a look at the conference agenda and select the education sessions that align with your goals.

And don’t stop there: reach out to fellow attendees, speakers, or vendors you’d love to connect with and schedule intentional time to meet on-site. The best conversations often happen over coffee or a quick hallway catch-up, but a little advance planning can ensure they happen at all.

This is especially true for NACE leaders. Your peers from around the country will be there, and it’s one of the rare chances to talk shop in person. These face-to-face moments are where the Experience comes to life!

Soak Up the Inspiration

One of the best parts about NACE Experience is how recharged and inspired you feel after it. The education sessions and hands-on experiences are designed to spark ideas you can take home and implement.

If you're a NACE leader, you already know how powerful this event can be, not just for your own development, but for what you bring back to your chapter and local community. Take note of ideas worth sharing, programs that could work at home, and strategies that help raise the bar for everyone around you.

Plan for the Follow-Up

The conference may end on July 29, but the work continues when you get home. Set aside dedicated time in your calendar for follow-ups, whether that’s sending thank-you notes, connecting on LinkedIn, or setting meetings to discuss collaborations. A quick email or message can help turn a conference contact into a real relationship.

And don’t let your notes and takeaways gather dust! Review what you learned and translate it into action items for your business or chapter. Highlight key points and make a plan to implement those ideas. Your ROI on this event doesn’t stop at the closing session but builds in the weeks and months that follow.

Kick Things Off With Fresh Vibes MKE

Kick off NACE Experience 2025 with a true taste of Milwaukee at Fresh Vibes MKE, the official opening reception on Sunday, July 27, from 6:00–9:00 PM at the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum. This high-energy event features MKE-inspired cocktails, local bites, interactive activations, and bold design that brings the city’s creative spirit to life.

It also marks 40 years of the Foundation of NACE, celebrating decades of impact and support for our industry. This event is the perfect way to reconnect, make new friends, and set the tone for an unforgettable week!

Step Into the Spotlight at The ONE & Only Speakeasy

Close out NACE Experience 2025 in style at The ONE & Only Speakeasy on Tuesday, July 29. Held at the stunning Pritzlaff Building, this glamorous, prohibition-inspired evening features luxe lounges and immersive entertainment. The night kicks off with a welcome cocktail and the awards ceremony at 6:30 PM, honoring standout professionals across the catering and events industry. Then, the party kicks into high gear with delicious bites, craft cocktails, and plenty of dancing and mingling. Dress to impress and get ready to celebrate the best in the biz!

Can’t-Miss Bonus Events

While the main conference is packed with education and inspiration, NACE Experience 2025 also brings a lineup of extra events that take networking to the next level.

First up, start your Sunday evening with “Rooted in Purpose: Dine, Connect, & Discover with NSBWEP,” hosted by the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals. Held at The Avenue Bar & Grill from 5:00–7:00 PM, this powerful pre-conference gathering is all about building community and discovering how NSBWEP is creating meaningful impact in our industry.

Then on Monday night, it’s time to set sail at “NACE is Getting Nauti,” a lakefront boat cruise and summer celebration from 7:00–10:00 PM. Hosted by the NACE Milwaukee Board, this fun-filled evening promises city views, local pride, and that signature Midwest hospitality. It’s the perfect way to soak up summer and make even more connections.

And for those arriving early, you’re in for a treat: NACE member Secily Clason is hosting not one but two nights of Vegas-style fun at The Chef’s Table (Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26). With gaming tables, outdoor lounges, and small plates inspired by vintage Vegas, these immersive parties will help you kick off an epic week.

See You in Milwaukee

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that preparation is everything when it comes to making the most of NACE Experience. This conference is what you make it, so go in with a game plan and soak in every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.

I’m so excited to be heading to Milwaukee myself and to cheer on all the incredible finalists at this year’s NACE ONE Awards, including my amazing team at Fantasy Sound Event Services. And don’t forget to join me on Tuesday at 1:45 PM as I moderate a panel on the current state of the wedding industry. We’ll dive into the trends shaping 2025/2026, the evolving needs of today’s couples, and the real stories behind the data. It’s going to be an open, honest conversation that I promise you won’t want to miss.

Wishing everyone safe travels and an unforgettable week in Milwaukee. See you there!