By Vinnie Campagna, PTMP
I hope everyone traveling to the 2026 IPMI Conference & Expo in Milwaukee takes the opportunity to fly through Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a frequent traveler through MKE, you’re in for a welcoming and uniquely Milwaukee experience.
Upon arrival, both Concourses C and D offer plenty of options to recharge before heading into beautiful downtown Milwaukee. Grab a quick cup of coffee from Starbucks or Dunkin’, or sample a local favorite at Concordia Market on Concourse C, which proudly serves coffee from Milwaukee-based Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
As you exit the concourses, you’ll discover something that sets MKE apart from many airports: an impressive collection of pre-security dining and shopping options. Need to pick up a few essentials before checking into your hotel? Stop by Summerfest Marketplace, which features travel necessities, local products, and Milwaukee-themed gifts. Planning to participate in the Parking & Mobility Classic Golf Outing? Visit the PGA Tour Shop for authentic apparel and golf accessories. Book lovers won’t want to miss Renaissance Books, a one-of-a-kind bookstore offering a constantly changing selection of used, rare, and hard-to-find titles. For those who appreciate fine spirits, Spirits of Wisconsin showcases locally crafted bottled spirits and Wisconsin-made goodies that capture the flavor of the state. Lastly, before leaving the airport, take a walk through the Mitchell Gallery of Flight Museum and experience Milwaukee’s rich aviation history.
From local coffee and unique shopping to aviation exhibits and Wisconsin-inspired products, MKE offers far more than a typical airport experience – you may find that your Milwaukee adventure begins the moment you land.
Vinnie Campagna, PTMP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vinnie can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.