Admission Counselors

MIDWest Conference 2026 | "Cheese Curds & Conversations"

Register | Registration is open for the 2026 MIDWest Conference in Madison, WI on May 17-19th. We know the saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm” but who wants a slimy worm when tasty cheese curds, saving some money (if you register by April 16th), and hanging out with friends and colleagues in scenic Madison, Wisconsin is the alternative.

Details | Just like Wisconsin’s famous cheese curds—fresh, distinctive, and best enjoyed together—this event will bring professionals from across the admissions field to connect, collaborate, and spark fresh ideas. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us for meaningful dialogue, valuable connections, and, of course, some delicious cheese!

Come join us at the 2026 MIDWest Conference where you can connect with and learn from college and admission counseling professionals from across the Midwest. When you’re not in informative and rewarding sessions, you can take in the beauty and sights of Madison, one of only two major U.S. cities surrounded by lakes!

What to expect | Engaging speakers and sessions led by both peers and experts in the field; Networking opportunities that help you build real, lasting connections; Connect with vendors offering solutions to your office’s biggest challenges; Participate in a raffle to win fabulous prizes (proceeds go toward the IDEAS Scholarship – see more below); A welcoming atmosphere filled with MIDWest flavor—inspired by our weekend theme!

Where | Madison, Wisconsin; Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club: 1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703 | 800.356.8293

When | Sunday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Who | YOU!

Accommodations | Book your accommodations at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club. MIDWest block held through Friday, April 17. OR give the hotel a call at 1-800-356-8293 (make sure you let them know you’re with the MIDWest Conference).

Keynote Speaker | We are excited to announce our keynote speaker, Dr. Christine Whelan, known as the “Purpose Professor”. Please watch this video to get a taste of what she’ll be sharing with us during her keynote address.

Dr. Whelan holds a doctorate from Oxford University and currently serves on the faculty at Emory University and University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. Whelan has authored five books, a bestselling Audible Original, and has been a contributor to The Wall Street Journal, the TODAY Show and NPR’s Marketplace, where she brings immediate credibility and fresh insights. You can read more about Dr. Whelan here.

A “taste” of things to come | The MIDWest Conference Committee is hard at work finalizing conference sessions, social activities, and other aspects of the conference. More to come on conference sessions in our upcoming comms.

For now, two quick things to chew on:

1. Prepare to get your raffle on! Our popular raffle makes its return for conference attendees. Proceeds this year will be donated to The IDEAS Scholarship to support first-generation high school students attend college.
2. Get ready for cheesy goodness! As my tease at the beginning suggested and our conference theme alludes to, there will indeed be some Wisconsin cheese curds to enjoy. The social committee announced that Monday night’s social will have a cheese curd bar.

Finally, we’re not going to “badger” you to join us in Madison, but we do think you’ll have a great time. So, get registered today, secure your lodging, and meet us in Madison in May. Registration closes on May 1st!