GATHER & GROW. The Chippewa Valley has grown in its ability to host a variety of events, from conferences and festivals to reunions and company gatherings. Visit Eau Claire Director of Sales, Dana Crosson, offers a snapshot of conferences coming up in the Valley this year – along with resources for organizers looking to bring their events to town. (Inaugural Trails Gala from 2023, pictured)

“In Eau Claire, small-town lifestyle meets big-city capability, creating the perfect backdrop for conferences, conventions, and large-scale gatherings of all kinds,” Visit Eau Claire shared in one of its latest outreach campaigns.

The Chippewa Valley has grown in its ability to host a variety of events, from conferences and festivals to reunions and company gatherings. Downtown Eau Claire’s atmosphere in particular – home to unique and contemporary places to gather – continues to see growth in both its annual visits and population, year-by-year.

Dana Crosson, Visit Eau Claire’s director of sales, believes this is due to Eau Claire’s strong network of local event venues, hotels, and eateries – coupled with a vibrant downtown collective who works together to support events at any scale.

“Convention planners are not just looking for four walls to have a meeting. They want what (all) else is available for their attendees to experience while they're here,” Crosson said. “We have everything to offer (with) not only the meeting space, but also these added experiences that make it a good (well-rounded) conference.”

Crosson cited the Chippewa Valley’s arts and entertainment groups, natural beauty in its landscapes and waterways, walking, hiking, and biking trails, among other notable offerings which Visit Eau Claire promotes to visitors and prospective event planners.

Here’s a snapshot of 2026 conferences choosing our city, Eau Claire, to gather:

Booked Eau Claire

Sept. 18-19, 2026 | The Lismore Hotel (333 Better Wy., Eau Claire)

A two-day literary celebration hosted at The Lismore Hotel that brings readers, authors, and creators together for signings, panels, workshops, and community-building experiences.

Midwest Travel Journalists Association Fall Conference

Sept. 15-20, 2026 | Downtown Eau Claire

A multi-day professional conference bringing together travel writers, editors, content creators, and destination leaders from across the Midwest, this event combines educational sessions, networking opportunities, and immersive local experiences. This conference will call many location across downtown Eau Claire “home,” throughout its duration – from the Pablo Center at the Confluence to smaller businesses focused on food and drink, or outdoor recreation. 

Wisconsin Economic Summit

Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2026 | Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire)

A two-day statewide conference that convenes economic development professionals, business and community leaders, and policymakers to explore strategies for growth, investment, workforce development, and long-term prosperity.

Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference

Nov. 12-13, 2026 | The Lismore Hotel (333 Better Wy., Eau Claire)

The annual gathering of Wisconsin’s destination marketing organizations and tourism professionals brings industry leaders together for education, networking, and collaboration.

The Pablo Center at the Confluence, pictured above.

Regionally, Crosson said Visit Eau Claire will continue to target statewide happenings, regional association conferences, and other events which would fit within the 500 and under capacity ranges which Eau Claire has been known to welcome.

Yet, as the city continues to grow, event capacity can always be expanded to adapt to new needs.

Looking ahead, Visit Eau Claire, according to Crosson, will maintain its regional focus by pursuing Midwest-based events, regional conferences and other gathering types yet to be discovered.

Staff through the tourism organization are equipped to help gather resources, identify the best properties and arrange other accommodation options for their visit; less hassle in the organizing stage for companies small and large, she added.

“I always say, bring your meetings home,” Crosson said. “I want people to be out there thinking of how they can bring (their groups) here to Eau Claire and be confident in what we have.”

Visit Eau Claire offers a comprehensive “Wisconsin Meeting Planner Guide” for prospective organizations looking to host a gathering or special event in the Chippewa Valley. Learn more about Visit Eau Claire and its resources online through visiteauclaire.com or contact Dana Crosson at dana@visiteauclaire.com.