Joshua Albrecht

Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Milwaukee

Speaker

I'm passionate about building destination brands that people don't just visit, but ones they believe in.

As Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Milwaukee, I lead the organization's marketing, communications and strategic partnerships, helping position Milwaukee as one of America's most dynamic destinations. For more than 20 years, I've worked at the intersection of tourism, media, storytelling and brand strategy, creating campaigns and partnerships that drive visitation, economic impact and community pride.

I've been fortunate to help lead many of Milwaukee's most significant tourism initiatives, including securing Bravo's Top Chef and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, helping market and host the 2024 Republican National Convention, and launching the Emmy-nominated Good Things Brewing and Milwaukee Made television series.

Most recently, I helped lead Milwaukee's partnership with the MICHELIN Guide, introducing our culinary community to a global audience, and spearheaded the groundbreaking adidas × Shake James × Summerfest × Visit Milwaukee collaboration, creating the first destination-inspired custom sneaker partnership of its kind. Together, these projects demonstrate how culture, creativity and strategic partnerships can transform the way people experience a city.

I've also had the privilege of collaborating with organizations and individuals including Dwyane Wade, Bobby Portis Jr., Christian Yelich, Jenni Yolo, adidas, Summerfest and countless local businesses, creators and community partners to tell Milwaukee's story in authentic and measurable ways.

Earlier in my career, I helped plan and execute Mumford & Sons' Gentlemen of the Road Stopover festivals, experiences that reinforced my passion for creating unforgettable moments that connect people with place.

Before destination marketing, I spent nearly a decade in the newspaper industry, learning every facet of storytelling, from writing and photography to design, advertising and circulation.

I believe great destination marketing does more than attract visitors. It strengthens communities, creates economic opportunity and inspires people to see a place in a new way.