Milwaukee Public Market invites professionals, students and community members to the debut of a free leadership series beginning May 14. Milwaukee Mornings, presented in partnership with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, brings influential Milwaukee leaders to the stage for live conversations moderated by Jeff Sherman, civic leader and host of The Upswing.

The series will feature candid conversations with leaders from across industries, sharing their experiences and perspectives on Milwaukee.  

The 2026 Milwaukee Mornings lineup includes:

• May 14: Dan Jacobs, head chef and co-owner of Esterev and DanDan (tickets available now)

• June 11: Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee  

• July 9: Chris Socha, architect and partner at TKWA, and Scott Schwebel, partner and chief brand and strategy officer at Eastbound Holdings

• August 13: Nadiyah Johnson, CEO and founder of Milky Way Tech Hub

• September 10: Ray Hill, executive director of Historic King Drive BID No. 8

• October 8: JoAnne Anton, president and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies

What to expect:
• Coffee and light bites at 7:30 a.m.
• Program begins at 8 a.m.
• Thoughtful conversation and community connection

Details:
• Free to attend
• Limited to 100 guests
• Requires pre-registration

"Milwaukee Public Market and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport are both longstanding community assets that help define the Milwaukee experience,” Airport Director Brian Dranzik said. “As Milwaukee’s hometown airport for nearly 100 years, we’re proud to be part of the local community. This partnership is an opportunity to highlight the role MKE Airport plays in connecting people and to build the same sense of hometown pride and loyalty that the Milwaukee Public Market inspires.”

“Milwaukee Mornings is designed to create an experience around honest conversations with people who are shaping Milwaukee's future. It offers an inside look at local leaders in a live setting where people can connect, listen and be inspired,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District #2. “The Market has always been a place where people come together to experience what’s best about our city, and Milwaukee Mornings is a new way we’re bringing that mission to life.”

➡️ May 14 tickets for Dan Jacobs are available now on a first-come, first-served basis. Future event tickets will be released one month prior to each event.

Follow Milwaukee Public Market on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn or X to stay up to date.