Member Login |  Supplier's Directory
Busy schedule? We hear you.
That’s why we’re bringing you a Roadshow that gives you a full day’s worth of value in just five hours: sample products, learn from experts, and connect with people who get it.​
Get Ready - The Roadshow is Rolling In!
Sample. Learn. Connect.
​All in one quick day.
October 13
Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
October 27
Pullmans at Trolley Square, Appleton
December 1
​Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau
Check back soon for 2026 Schedule updates.

2026 Schedule

Wisconsin Dells
​October 13

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: Kristine Hillmer, CAE, WRA President and CEO ​
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
Kristine Hillmer
President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Kristine Hillmer is the President & CEO Wisconsin Restaurant Association and Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation, representing 1,500 restaurants with more than 7,000 locations across the state. Kristine has an MBA, has held the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential for 26 years, and has more than 30 years of experience working with associations, including both trade and professional societies. Kristine currently serves as a Trustee on the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Council of State Restaurant Association Board of Directors. And was named a Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence in 2022.
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
​Exhibit Marketplace 
2:00 pm
Show Close 

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 Executive Vice President Susan Quam 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, 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 

Wausau
​December 1

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: Kristine Hillmer, CAE, WRA President and CEO ​​
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
Kristine Hillmer
President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Kristine Hillmer is the President & CEO Wisconsin Restaurant Association and Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation, representing 1,500 restaurants with more than 7,000 locations across the state. Kristine has an MBA, has held the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential for 26 years, and has more than 30 years of experience working with associations, including both trade and professional societies. Kristine currently serves as a Trustee on the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Council of State Restaurant Association Board of Directors. And was named a Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence in 2022.
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
​Exhibit Marketplace
2:00 pm
Show Close 
©Copyright Wisconsin Restaurant Association.  All Rights Reserved.
2801 Fish Hatchery Rd  |  Madison, WI 53713
Tel: 608.270.9950 | [email protected] | sitemap | terms | privacy