Project for Public Spaces is thrilled to partner with our co-host and Market Cities Network Member, the Milwaukee Public Market, to bring the 12th International Public Markets Conference to Milwaukee, WI, USA, on June 12-14, 2025! Milwaukee is known for its dynamic public markets scene that is reflective of the city’s unique heritage and community spirit that have helped it earn its title as the Culinary Capital of the Midwest.
Over three days, this global gathering will allow you to delve into the forefront of market practices. Gathering in a range of venues around Milwaukee’s Third Ward, conference attendees will engage in an opening plenary, interactive panels and discussions, networking and social events, guided tours, and offsite workshops. In addition to the Milwaukee Public Market, attendees will also wander to locations around the region that showcase the diverse markets, historic districts, farms, parks, trails, and more, highlighting innovative practices and exemplary models in action.
The International Public Markets Conference is the largest global conference for public market professionals. For over 35 years, the biennial conference has united a diverse group of over 400 public market leaders and advocates, including market operators and managers, local food advocates, civil society groups, policymakers, consultants, academic researchers, and more.
For an idea of what to expect, take a look at the report for our last conference!
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For the 12th International Public Markets Conference, our core venues will be spread out around the Third Ward and Downtown Milwaukee areas.
Our core venues include The Pritzlaff for our opening plenary, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) for our breakout sessions, the Milwaukee Public Market for our opening party, and Zocalo Food Truck Park for our closing party!
Mobile Workshops and Tours will take place all around Milwaukee, as well as in locations like Madison and Green Bay—take a look at the full list here!
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, is known for its dynamic public markets scene with a diverse array of markets reflective of the city’s unique heritage and community spirit that have helped it earn its reputation.
An integral part of this scene is our local co-host, the Milwaukee Public Market, recognized in 2024 by USA Today as the No. 1 Best Public Market in the United States. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, Milwaukee Public Market is a shining example of a beloved community hub, featuring 19 vendors offering an eclectic mix of local produce, artisanal goods, and culinary delights.
The theme for our 2025 conference, Public Markets for Every City, serves as a call to action to recognize the transformative influence of public markets in shaping active and inclusive urban spaces. In Milwaukee, we will explore this by highlighting 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, as well as many other public spaces that have flourished thanks to placemaking led by neighborhood associations, business improvement districts, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Read our latest blog article to see why we’re excited to head to Milwaukee!
We are delighted to have the International Public Markets Conference come to the great city of Milwaukee. We look forward to welcoming an international crowd and showcasing our outstanding placemaking initiatives, including our city's public markets, which have been key to driving our city's economic and community growth, making Milwaukee a flourishing place to live, work, and play.
— Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
In 2019, lessons from the International Public Markets Conference inspired the launch of the Market Cities Program at Project for Public Spaces. The Program aims to strengthen the regional systems behind the market stalls by connecting and supporting a diverse set of stakeholders through research, specialized training, and a network of peers.
During the 11th International Public Markets Conference in Toronto, Project for Public Spaces announced the launch of the Market Cities Network, the first international forum for markets of all kinds and the people committed to their success. Among many benefits, Market Cities Network members enjoy a $50 discount on conference registration.
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—Mayor , City of Toronto
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