Midwest Travel Network Conference 2026

Join Us in McHenry County, IL!

June 11-13, 2026

We’re excited to announce that in 2026 the Midwest Travel Network Conference will be hosted by Naturally McHenry County!

McHenry County perfectly captures the spirit of the Midwest. From charming small towns and historic gems to lively downtowns full of locally owned shops, restaurants, and craft beverage spots, there’s something for everyone. Agritourism also shines here, with farms, orchards, and markets offering hands-on, immersive experiences. It’s a storyteller’s dream destination — authentic, inspiring, and full of content opportunities.

We look forward to connecting and getting “Naturally Inspired” with you in McHenry County!

Become a Sponsor

Apply to Be a Speaker

Join us for the 2026 Midwest Travel Network Conference — the premier event for travel writers, bloggers, content creators, and tourism professionals. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, collaborate with like-minded creators, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Midwest. Enhance your skills, expand your network, and uncover new opportunities. Don’t miss out — secure your spot today!

What to Expect

• 3 Days of Educational Sessions

• Speed Networking Appointments

• Pre- & Post-FAM Trips

• 2026 Midwest Travel Network Awards

WILL WE SEE YOU THERE?

Purchase your attendee ticket today to join us for the 2026 Midwest Travel Network Conference in McHenry County, IL.

Getting There

Located just 60 miles northwest of Chicago, our conference venue is only 40 minutes from downtown and conveniently accessible from both Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR?

Are you a brand or destination that would like to participate in the 2026 Midwest Travel Network Conference?

JOIN US

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT #MWTRAVELCON

Theresa Goodrich

The Local Tourist

Ever since I first heard about Midwest Travel Network by eavesdropping on some fellow travel writers, I have been consistently impressed by the professionalism and support of Lisa, Sara, and the members of the group. The concept of bringing together communities with people who can passionately tell their stories is brilliant, and it’s opened doors and created new audiences for both. Midwest Travel Network truly celebrates all-things Midwest, and, more importantly, celebrates the people who make the Midwest the warm, exciting destinations that we love to call home and share with the world.

Rachel Thompson

Visit Greater St. Cloud

Emily Bertram who attended the 2018 conference in Iowa came back raving about this event. We have seen such a great ROI from this conference and travel bloggers interested in visiting St. Cloud.

Shel Zelkowich

Canadian Freelance Writer

I loved the intimate setting. A smaller conference makes it easy to connect with people; I never felt lost in the crowd. The quality of the speakers was excellent and took home plenty of inspiration. It was my first time at the conference and I will be back.

Stacy Brooks

Tangled Up in Food

Attending the 2018 Midwest Travel Network Conference was one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my career as a travel blogger. I really appreciated the chance to connect with fellow travel bloggers — some of whom I’ve been following online for years online and chatting with via the Facebook group. In addition, conference organizers Sara Broers and Lisa Trudell did an excellent job of working with the local CVB to highlight the conference destination of Clear Lake, IA including catering delicious local food and coordinating a fascinating tour of the historic conference venue (the Surf Ballroom).

Leah Hall

Gastronomblog

It was a great way to network and to hear ideas to grow travel in the midwest.

Michelle Marine

Simplify, Live, Love

I thought it was a great conference – full of good people for networking and informative sessions.

Veronica Bareman

Hip Grandma Life

The best conference for networking and learning the business. Also all combined with fun!

Robin O'Neal Smith

I enjoyed it all. The evening experiences were excellent as well as the activities and conference sessions. It will be hard to top this year’s event. If I had to pick one thing that I enjoyed, I would say the networking opportunities throughout the event.

Suzy Beehler

Sisters of the Spoon

I loved the networking and seeing others I have met at previous conferences. I really enjoyed the inspiring speaker at the start and loved the fun disco night at the end.

Carol Hoffman

Southernmost Illinois Tourism

Every bit of it! Great keynote, educational breakouts, vendor ‘bingo’, amazing tours and super networking, with wonderful people.

Maila Yang

Visit Kansas City, KS

I loved how both DMO’s and bloggers get to participate in the entire conference. Appreciate the sessions for both DMO’s and bloggers – any time I can learn from a conference I am more likely able to attend.