Annual Conference Milwaukee, WI 2025

Super Save Rates
(expires March 31, 2025)

Member: US$800 | CA$1,120
Member Group of 2:  US$1,400 | CA$1,960
Member Group of 3:  US$1,575 | CA$2,205
Member Group of 4:  US$2,000 | CA$2,800

Non-Member:  US$1,100 | CA$1,540
Non-Member Corporate:  US$1,500 | CA$2,100

Young Professional:  US$500 | CA$700

Student:  US$250 | CA$350

Significant Other:  US$400 | CA$560

Earth may be known as the “Blue Planet,” but just under one percent of all water is fit for human consumption. Globally, access to clean water has become one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century as various trends – from skyrocketing demand to local flooding – converge to endanger water supply and water quality.  

With about 20 percent of the world’s surface fresh water, the communities of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin are on the frontlines of responding to this challenge and leading the way in championing sustainable and resilient water management, technology, and innovation. 

Join us in Milwaukee to learn more about the vital role that local governments, industries, and innovators play in collaboratively tackling regional and global water issues. Together, we can create a new paradigm of local leadership that preserves our fresh water and generates economic prosperity for generations to come. 

We will cover three subthemes tackling regional and global water issues. For each of these subthemes, there will be one plenary session and two concurrent breakout sessions. Attendees will attend the breakout sessions of their choice: 

• Supply and Demand: Preserving Our Region’s Abundant Freshwater Resources — While our basin’s freshwater resources may seem limitless, they are vulnerable to depletion if not managed sustainably. Around 40 billion gallons of water are withdrawn from the Great Lakes each day for a range of uses, including for energy and industrial production. The Great Lakes Agreement and Compact puts guard rails on water usage, but demand is expected to rise due to surging populations and increased industrial activity in our basin alongside growing pressure to divert water to other regions. Without a concerted effort to reduce overconsumption of water resources, water utilities may be unable to meet the needs of their developing populations and economies. This plenary session will assess how communities can better manage water consumption to help keep water in the basin for generations to come by implementing innovative and resilient water-efficiency projects, encouraging more sustainable industrial practices, and defending the Great Lakes Agreement and Compact.
• Clean Water Communities: Addressing Legacy Pollution, Emerging Contaminants and Beyond — For decades, basin communities have been leaders in protecting and restoring our precious freshwater resources. Through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the St. Lawrence Action Plan, and related efforts, basin communities have worked collaboratively with federal, state, and provincial partners and key stakeholders to safeguard our supply of clean drinking water, reduce pollution, and promote healthy freshwater ecosystems. Despite these successes, legacy pollutants continue to impact our waterways, and emerging contaminants are identified every year. Water-adjacent industries and outdated sewage systems are still major contributors to toxic point source pollution. Meanwhile, nutrient and chemical pollution are being driven by runoff from farmland and population centers, and a staggering 22 million pounds of plastic enter the basin every year. This plenary session will explore effective community-led approaches and key programs and frameworks to protect and restore our freshwater ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on both environmental and socioeconomic benefits.
• Weather the Storm: Advancing Water Resilience in an Era of Extreme Flooding and Erosion — More frequent, unpredictable, and extreme weather is causing chronic urban flooding and coastal erosion throughout the basin. Communities that experience frequent or severe flooding are left to grapple with a myriad of economic, environmental, and health impacts including damage to public and private property, sewage backups and overflows, poor water quality, destruction of habitats and recreational spaces, and increased risk of exposure to bacteria, parasites, and mold. This plenary session will discuss how basin communities can combat flooding risk and lessen the burden on municipal water infrastructure by advancing green infrastructure projects and integrating climate resilience as a central component of city planning.

The basin is home to one of the largest freshwater systems in the world, and its stewardship is central to the prosperity and health of our communities. As the climate and economic pressures create new challenges for basin cities, we have a unique responsibility and opportunity to lead on managing and protecting our freshwater resources.

This conference will bring together leaders and experts who are innovating and implementing solutions to critical issues, such as water consumption, water protection, and local flooding, while contributing to environmental stewardship, lower costs for municipalities, sustainable economic development, and community health. Gain insights from local success stories, connect with fellow leaders, and discover strategies to strengthen your community’s resilience and showcase the region as a model of responsible freshwater stewardship.

Subject to change

Day One: Wednesday, May 14
• 9:00 AM | Mayors Commissions (reserved for Cities Initiative members)
• 10:30 AM | Member Meeting (reserved for Cities Initiative members)
• 12:00 PM | Free time
• 1:00 PM | Welcome Ceremony
• 2:00 PM | Opening Session
• 3:00 PM | Plenary Session 1 “Supply and Demand: Preserving Our Region’s Abundant Freshwater Resources”
• 4:00 PM | Breakout Sessions 1 & 2
• 5:00 PM | End of Day 1 Sessions
• 7:00 PM | Mayors Opening Reception – Milwaukee County Historical Society

Day Two: Thursday, May 15
• 9:00 AM | Opening Remarks
• 10:00 AM | Plenary Session 2 “Clean Water Communities: Addressing Legacy Pollution, Emerging Contaminants and Beyond”
• 11:00 AM | Breakout Sessions 3 & 4
• 12:00 PM | Luncheon and Special Session
• 2:00 PM | Plenary Session 3 “Weather the Storm: Advancing Water Resilience in an Era of Extreme Flooding and Erosion”
• 3:00 PM | Breakout Sessions 5 & 6
• 4:00 PM | Closing Ceremony
• 5:00 PM | End of Day 2 Sessions
• 6:00 PM | Exhibitors Reception
• 8:00 PM | Awards Dinner

Day Three: Friday, May 16
• 9:00 AM | Educational Tours
• 1:00 PM | Tours end / End of 2025 Annual Conference

This event is designed for city leaders, water and environment professionals, sustainable industry representatives, and anyone committed to advancing sustainable solutions for freshwater management. Whether you’re engaged in water policy, infrastructure, community planning, or water innovation, this conference offers a platform to connect, share insights, and drive progress.

Reserve your place at The Future of Fresh Water: Leading the Way in an Era of Scarcity and be part of the solution to strengthen water sustainability for future generations.

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI | 414-488-0540
Check-in:  3pm | Check-out:  12pm

Book your room online or by calling 414-488-0540
Room rate: $209/night excluding taxes

Hotel Website

Join the Movement for Lasting Change
Become a catalyst for change by partnering with us to protect and sustain the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. This isn’t just about support; it’s about getting involved, putting forward your solutions, and making a tangible impact. Together, we can transform our region’s challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and innovation. Let’s make waves for a better tomorrow— join us as a partner and be part of the solution!

Be Part of Something Bigger
We’ve designed levels for your organization to partner with us that go beyond visibility—they’re about engagement, influence, and impact. Each level is an invitation to actively participate in shaping the conversations and actions that matter most. With benefits that offer engagement with local decisionmakers, speaking opportunities, and brand alignment with a cause that resonates deeply, our packages ensure that you’re not just seen—you’re heard, valued, and involved. Learn more about Partnership Opportunities. 

For more information please contact:
Phil Murphy-Rhéaume Chief Development Officer
phillipe.murphy-rheaume@glslcities.org

Photo credit: VISIT Milwaukee

Cradled along the western shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a city where natural beauty meets a rich tapestry of maritime history and diverse cultural heritage. For centuries, this area has been a gathering place for the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk Nations, whose ancestral ties to the land are honored through local sites and events. Today, Milwaukee is known for its stunning lakefront, which has recently been transformed with vibrant developments like the revitalized Harbor District and the dynamic Deer District, an energetic hub of entertainment surrounding the Fiserv Forum.

Milwaukee’s cityscape offers a seamless blend of scenic beauty and modern innovation, making it an ideal venue for exploring sustainability and progressive ideas. With miles of waterfront trails, lush parks, and iconic cultural landmarks like the Milwaukee Art Museum, the city invites you to unwind, explore, and be inspired. From its historic neighborhoods to its state-of-the-art attractions, Milwaukee provides endless opportunities to experience the best of both worlds—rooted in history yet constantly evolving for the future.

Beyond its beautiful surroundings, Milwaukee is a city with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the friendliness of its people. Locals take pride in their city’s unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and diverse, cosmopolitan energy. Whether you’re exploring the city’s thriving brewery scene, dining at innovative farm- to-table restaurants, or catching a festival along the waterfront, you’ll find that Milwaukee has a relaxed yet vibrant pace, perfect for making lasting connections.

As a growing hub for green innovation and sustainable development, Milwaukee is not just a destination—it’s a place where progressive ideas come to life on the shores of one of the world’s most magnificent lakes.

Photo credit: VISIT Milwaukee

ATTIRE
Attire for the majority of the conference is business casual. Like most large conference centers, a light sweater is recommended to have available during the day as meeting room temperatures can get chilly. If you are participating in the tours on Friday morning, please make sure to wear closed toe flat-sole shoes and casual attire.

CONFERENCE HOTEL
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel – 139 E. Kilbourn Avenue | Milwaukee, WI
Book your room online or by calling 414-488-0540
Room rate: $209/night excluding taxes
Reservations must be received on or before April 21, 2025.
Hotel Website

PARKING
Saint Kate offers a safe, reliable underground paid parking structure for our hotel guests. Self-parking is available at $31/night (includes in & out access). Valet is also available for $25 for day parking and $43 for overnight parking.

Off-Site Parking

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO/FROM CONFERENCE HOTEL
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
5300 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 |  414.747.5300

• Saint Kate Hotel is near Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and does not have a shuttle service, however, taxis are available 24 hours outside the lobby and airport connection shuttle service stops at the hotel.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666 | 800.832.6352

EDUCATIONAL TOURS
Further details on tour options will be provided shortly.

CANCELLATIONS
We are able to offer a refund up to 30 days prior to conference. If you cannot attend, we encourage you to transfer your registration.  Please call 312.201.4518 to transfer your registration.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN MILWAUKEE

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QUESTIONS?
Please do not hesitate to contact the Cities Initiative at any time.

Kyle Hills
Executive Office Manager
T: 312.201.4518
admin@glslcities.org