Developing a professional network is as critical as honing your résumé or polishing your portfolio—especially in a tight-knit market like greater Milwaukee, where relationships often open doors. Below is a deep dive into the best places, both in‑person and online, to connect with marketing, advertising, and communications professionals across the region.

1. Join Professional Associations

American Marketing Association (AMA) – Milwaukee Chapter

The AMA Milwaukee Chapter hosts monthly workshops, speaker series, and “Marketing Mixers” that bring together brand managers, agency talent, and freelance strategists. Events often feature a deep‑dive case study, followed by a networking reception—an ideal setting to introduce yourself and swap insights over small‑group roundtables.

PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter

The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America convenes monthly gatherings and an annual PRSA Midwest District Conference. This year’s “Waves of Influence” conference runs June 25–27 in Milwaukee, offering breakout sessions on crisis communications, media relations, and digital storytelling—plus evening receptions designed specifically for networking.

2. Attend Regional Marketing & Advertising Conferences

Greater Milwaukee hosts a roster of conferences that cater to a variety of specialties:

• Milwaukee Interactive Marketing Conference – Focuses on user experience, content strategy, and integrated campaigns, ideal for UX designers and digital creatives.
• Social Media Day Milwaukee – A one‑day event dedicated to social media trends, platform updates, and creator tools, featuring case studies from local brands.
• AMAwaukee Annual Conference – The signature event of the AMA Milwaukee Chapter, offering hands‑on workshops and plenty of “speed networking” sessions to meet new contacts quickly.
• Midwest eCommerce Summit (Milwaukee Track) – A forum for marketers working in retail, e‑commerce, and customer experience, with a local track spotlighting Wisconsin brands.
• Milwaukee Startup Week (Marketing & Growth Track) – Startup Week’s dedicated marketing strand features panels on growth hacking, brand storytelling, and lean testing—great for agency professionals seeking an entrepreneurial edge.
• Adworkers Annual Gathering – Hosted by the Milwaukee Advertising Club, this conference spotlights award‑winning regional campaigns and includes a portfolio‑review lounge for junior talent.
• Marquette/UWM Marketing Speaker Series – A rotating lecture series on campus at Marquette University and UW‑Milwaukee, capped by a networking reception with students, faculty, and local pros.
• Brew City Marketing Expo – An expo floor of agencies, tech vendors, and brand teams showcasing the latest tools and strategies—an efficient way to meet multiple decision‑makers in one place.

3. Plug Into Monthly Meetups and Peer Groups

MKE Digital Marketing Club

Featured regularly on Big Shoes Network’s events page, this group convenes local marketers for case‑study presentations and roundtable discussions—followed by open networking over refreshments

HashtagMKE

A community for social media specialists and content creators, HashtagMKE hosts monthly meetups to critique campaigns, share new tools, and build collaborations across brands and agencies.

1 Million Cups

Although national in scope, Milwaukee chapters of 1 Million Cups meet weekly over coffee to hear entrepreneurs pitch their ventures—an informal venue to meet marketing consultants, PR advisers, and digital strategists building startups.

4. Leverage Online Forums & LinkedIn Groups

• LinkedIn Groups – Join local groups like Milwaukee Marketing Professionals, Wisconsin Advertising & PR, or MKE Brand Builders to engage in conversations, ask for advice, and then suggest a coffee chat. And of course, you need join the 15,000+ members of Big Shoes Network on LinkedIn.
• Slack & Facebook Communities – Look for private Slack workspaces for Wisconsin marketers or Facebook groups like “Milwaukee Social Media Strategists” where job leads and event info are often shared first.

5. Tap University & Alumni Networks

• Marquette University Alumni Association – Marketing alumni chapters host regional mixers and career panels year‑round—attending as a guest can open doors to in‑house roles at Fortune 500 firms.
• UW‑Milwaukee Lubar College of Business Career Events – The marketing department regularly invites CMOs and agency leaders for fireside chats, followed by alumni receptions that mix current students with seasoned professionals.

6. Work from Co‑Working & Innovation Hubs

Shared office spaces are more than desks—they’re built‑in networking platforms:

• Ward 4 (Milwaukee) – Offers community events, pitch nights, and member‑only workshops where local agencies and freelancers congregate.
• The Guild and Industrious – Host industry‑themed breakfasts and panel discussions—ideal for striking up conversations with neighboring desks.

7. Volunteer & Serve on Committees

Getting involved behind the scenes is one of the most under‑utilized networking strategies:

• Event Committees – Volunteer for AMA Milwaukee, PRSA Southeastern WI or local conferences like Digital Summit. Committee roles put you in direct contact with speakers, sponsors, and organizers.
• Pro Bono Projects – Offer your skills to nonprofits or startups seeking marketing help; delivering results can translate volunteers into clients or employers.

8. Five Tips for Impactful Networking

1. Prepare Your Value Pitch
2. Have a concise 30‑second summary of who you are, what you do, and the types of connections you’re seeking.
3. Follow Up Strategically
4. Within 24 hours, send personalized LinkedIn invitations referencing your conversation.
5. Be a Connector
6. Introduce two people who share a mutual interest—this generosity often leads others to reciprocate.
7. Show Your Work
8. Share recent case studies or campaign highlights on LinkedIn; peers will reach out to discuss.
9. Maintain a Regular Cadence
10. Schedule at least one new networking event per month and one follow‑up coffee meeting every two weeks.

By weaving together professional associations, targeted conferences, peer‑driven meetups, online forums, university networks, and strategic volunteering, you’ll build a network that not only uncovers hidden job opportunities but also positions you as an engaged and forward‑thinking marketer or communicator in greater Milwaukee. Ready to take the next step? Browse job openings on Big Shoes Network and reach out to your new connections today.