Friendly. Welcoming. Safe. We often hear meeting planners use these three words to describe Madison. As the home of the State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we’re a leader in progressive culture and diversity of thought. Madison, WI, is not only vibrant and forward-thinking but also an inclusive and safe destination where meeting attendees will feel welcome and respected.
Progressive Pride Points
Early 20th century: Workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and Social Security were created in Madison.
1960s: Madison was at the center of the Vietnam anti-war movement and student protests.
Today: Destination Madison's vision is to make Madison a safe, welcoming place for all. By continuously seeking ways to amplify our city’s diverse range of voices and visions, we’ve become a desirable destination for event planners and attendees who value our inclusive culture and amenities.
Why You’ll Feel Welcome
Our vibrant city celebrates passionate partners working to create a culture where inclusivity is imbued in everything we do.
In 2024, Destination Madison launched an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, a group of passionate residents and business owners who are working with hospitality partners to build a more inclusive Madison.
We cherish the multicultural makeup of our city through cultural fairs and fests and we recognize and honor the important history and contributions of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
We advocate for the development of spaces that serve and uplift communities of color, including the Black Business Hub and Centro Hispano.
We champion local hospitality leaders like Delta Beer Lab, where gender-neutral restrooms remove boundaries and respect every identity, and Jessica Jones, a triumphant trans woman who is leaving an indelible mark on Madison’s microbrew scene as co-owner of Giant Jones Brewing.
Our Event Services team is happy to provide itinerary ideas that support LGBTQ+ owned businesses, from bookstores and breweries to coffee shops and clubs.
