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Roadshow logo

Appleton

WRA Home | Restaurant Resource & Products Roadshow Home
Get Ready - The Roadshow is Rolling In!
Sample. Learn. Connect.
​All in one quick day.

Running a restaurant leaves little time to travel to large conferences. The Roadshow brings the resources, products, and education you need directly to your area.
 
 Join us for a free, one-day event designed for busy restaurant professionals. Here’s what you can expect: 

  • See, taste, and experience products firsthand
  • Get answers directly from the experts
  • Discover new ideas and innovations
  • Build valuable industry relationships
  • Find solutions to real business challenges

October 27

Pullmans at Trolley Square
619 S Olde Oneida St  |  Appleton, WI 54915
Workshops: 9 - 11:30am | Exhibits 11:30am - 2pm
FREE for Restaurant Operators
Register Today

2026 Partner Hotel

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
333 W College Avenue
Appleton, WI 54911
920-733-8000
Rate: $129/night
Reservation Link

Get Updates
​Questions? Email or call Jenny Caiozzo at 608.216.2809.

2026 Schedule

Appleton
​October 27

8:30 am
Doors Open 
​
Check in and join us for hot coffee and a morning bite!

9:00 - 9:45 am
Profitability in Practice: What Successful Wisconsin Operators Are Doing Right Now
Session Details
Every restaurant is navigating rising costs, staffing challenges and changing guest expectations—but some operators are finding new ways to adapt, improve margins and build stronger businesses.

Join a panel of respected restaurant leaders from your region for an honest conversation about the decisions they're making today to stay profitable. From menu strategy and labor management to technology, purchasing, marketing and operational efficiencies, this discussion will explore what's driving results, what's proving challenging and where operators are finding new opportunities.

Whether you operate a single location or multiple restaurants, you'll leave with practical ideas, fresh perspectives and actionable strategies from leaders who understand the realities of running a restaurant in Wisconsin.
​
Why Attend
  • Hear what's working from successful operators in your region. 
  • Gain practical ideas to strengthen profitability and operational performance. 
  • Learn how others are navigating today's toughest business challenges. 
  • Ask questions and participate in an open, candid conversation.
​Bio
TBA

9:50 - 10:35 am
TBD

10:45 - 11:30 am​
What Every Wisconsin Restaurant Should Know Right Now
Presented by: Susan Quam, CAE, IOM, Executive Vice President​​​
Session Details
The restaurant business doesn't stand still — and neither do the laws, regulations and issues that shape it.
​
Join WRA President & CEO Kristine Hillmer for an update on the developments coming out of Madison and Washington that are impacting Wisconsin hospitality. From labor topics and no tax on tips to credit card fees, THC, alcohol delivery and other emerging issues, you'll hear what restaurant operators need to know, what's on the horizon, and what it could mean for your business. Bring your questions, share your perspective and leave with greater clarity and confidence as you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Why Attend
  • Stay ahead of changes that could impact your business.
  • Get clear, practical updates without having to follow the headlines.
  • Share your perspective on the issues affecting Wisconsin businesses.
​Bio
Susan Quam
Susan Quam, CAE, IOM
Executive Vice President, Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Susan Quam, Executive Vice President, joined the Wisconsin Restaurant Association in January of 1997. She served as Executive Director of the WRA Education Foundation for her first 15 years. As Executive Director, she worked to promote career opportunities and scholarships within the foodservice industry and provide continuing education programs for restaurateurs. In 2012 she moved to the Executive Vice President position, where she works closely with the WRA’s President and CEO to enact the vision of the WRA board of directors. She is also one of WRA’s two registered lobbyists.
​
In addition to WRA general advocacy responsibilities, her areas of emphasis include employment law, alcohol law, food safety regulations, food defense, nutrition issues, and state/national relations.

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
​Exhibit Marketplace 

2:00 pm
Show Close 

2026 Exhibitors

Below is a sampling of what you can expect.
AirMaintenance
Brakebush
Captain Ken's Foods
Picture
Cornerstone Processing Solutions Inc
New Glarus Brewing
North Country
Sanimax
Society Insurance
SpotOn
Sysco
WRA
Big Fork
J's BBQ
Open Water
Sara's Artisan Gelato
Superior Fresh
Tortilleria Zepeda
Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative
Roadshow Exhibitor

Interested in Being an Exhibitor in 2026?

More Info
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Wisconsin Dells
Appleton
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2801 Fish Hatchery Rd  |  Madison, WI 53713
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Picture
  • Membership
    • Join
    • Smart Savings Network >
      • Business Insurance
      • Training
      • Marketing
      • Revenue & Margin Optimization
      • Health Solutions
      • Entertainment
      • Rebate/Group Purchasing
      • Financial
      • Technology
    • Restaurants
    • Suppliers >
      • Members Only Login
      • Supplier Member Benefits
      • Interested in Joining
      • Live Events
      • Sponsorships
      • Advertise
      • Donate
      • Get Involved
      • Partner Discovery Form >
        • Credit Card Discovery Form
    • Easy Renew
    • Referral Program
  • Resources
    • Business Support >
      • AskWRA
      • Supplier's Directory
      • National Restaurant Association
      • Laws & Regulations
      • Cost Analysis
      • Publications
      • Materials to Purchase
      • Popular Topics
    • Dining Guide
    • Opening a Restaurant
    • Solutions on Staffing
    • Careers in Hospitality
    • Industry Insights >
      • The Pulse
      • Front Burner
    • Tariff Refund Help
    • Tax Credits
    • News & Alerts
  • Advocacy
  • Events & Training
    • Calendar
    • Events >
      • Caucus Dinner
      • Women in Hospitality Conference
      • WRA Northern Shootout
      • Restaurant Resource & Products Roadshow
      • Cheers to Hospitality
      • Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo
      • ProStart Culinary Skills Challenge
      • Dine for ProStart
    • ServSafe
  • ServSafe
  • Foundation
    • ProStart
    • Scholarships
    • Get Involved >
      • Volunteer
    • Endowment Fund
    • Board of Directors
    • Donate
  • About
    • Our Team >
      • Staff
      • Board of Directors
      • Careers
    • Our Mission
    • Contact Us & Hours
    • Local Connections
    • Awards >
      • WIHC Winners 2026
    • Press Releases