Bringing Destinations & Creators Together to Connect
For the seventh year, the Midwest Travel Network is proud to present a conference that brings together both sides of the Midwest tourism industry. The Midwest Travel Network Conference offers acclaimed speakers and learning opportunities for both Midwest bloggers and destinations alike. In addition, this is a valuable networking conference for all involved in promoting tourism to the Midwest.
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.
Past Conferences
Starting in 2018, the Midwest Travel Network has hosted five conferences in five different Midwestern states. Each year, the Midwest Travel Network Awards are also given out on the final day of the conference.
2018: Clear Lake, Iowa
2019: Medora, North Dakota
2022: St. Cloud, Minnesota
2023: Kansas City, Kansas
2024: Shipshewana, Indiana
2025: Grand Island, Nebraska
2026 Midwest Travel Network Conference
We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner McHenry County, IL for our seventh annual conference June 11-13, 2026. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
The annual Midwest Travel Network Conference is typically held in mid-June.
The 2026 conference will be held June 11-13 in McHenry County, Illinois.
We are currently accepting proposals for the 2027 Midwest Travel Network Conference. Review the RFP to learn more and submit your proposal.
What Attendees Say
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.
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.
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).
It was a great way to network and to hear ideas to grow travel in the midwest.
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.