Check In to Your Future. Level Up Your Career.
Student Conference Opportunity
November 1–3, 2026 | Kalahari Resort Convention Center | Wisconsin Dells, WI
A Premier Experience at $0 Cost
WHLA and its industry partners are fully funding student participation to connect emerging talent directly with Wisconsin’s lodging leaders. Approved student attendees receive:
To qualify for a sponsored pass, student applicants must meet one of two eligibility pathways:
WHLA and its industry partners are fully funding student participation to connect emerging talent directly with Wisconsin’s lodging leaders. Approved student attendees receive:
- 100% Waived Student Membership: Annual student membership fees are completely waived for all 2026 applicants.
- Complimentary Access Pass: $0 cost for full access to keynotes, breakout sessions, trade show floor activities, and networking meals at the 2026 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show.
- Optional Shared Lodging: Hosted resort accommodations at the Kalahari Resort (Sunday and/or Monday nights) for out-of-town students.
- Direct Industry Backing: Sponsored by WHLA's $8,000 scholarship fund with additional funds contributed by hotel owners, General Managers, and vendors.
To qualify for a sponsored pass, student applicants must meet one of two eligibility pathways:
- Pathway 1 (Institutional Enrollment): Currently enrolled in a hospitality, tourism, or related program at a WHLA member institution.
- Pathway 2 (Industry Connection): Currently employed at a WHLA member lodging property and enrolled as a student at any accredited college or university (any major).
Student Meeting + Tour
Exclusive welcome meeting and behind-the-scenes operational tour of the Kalahari Resort with industry sponsors. |
Career Connection Tables
Reserved small-group networking over breakfast with General Managers and Resort Directors. |
Hospitality Career Panel
Explore unconventional career pathways in lodging during this panel designed for student attendees. |
Trade Show
Connect with 80+ industry exhibitors and participate in interactive floor challenges |
Important Program Dates
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Application Deadline
October 1, 2026 |
Acceptance Notification
October 9, 2026 |
Event Dates
November 1–3, 2026 |
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Submit your application today or download the full guide to review professional expectations, lodging options, and schedule details.
2026 Student Conference Sponsors
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Student Membership
Prepare for your career in hospitality and complement classroom learning with direct access to Wisconsin’s hotel and lodging industry and its leaders.
WHLA Student Membership is available to those actively enrolled, part-time or full-time, in an accredited two-year or four-year program with lodging components.
WHLA Student Membership is available to those actively enrolled, part-time or full-time, in an accredited two-year or four-year program with lodging components.
Industry Information
Stay informed with complimentary subscriptions to our weekly Wisconsin Lodging Insider email newsletter, member email alerts, quarterly InnTouch magazine, and more.
Networking
Build your professional network by tapping into WHLA’s member base of lodging industry leaders through member events and committee involvement.
Education
Learn along with professional hoteliers at the Wisconsin Lodging Conference, and attend WHLA educational webinars.
Student Scholarships
Up to $4,000 of scholarship funds are awarded to deserving hospitality students each year through the WHLA Scholarship Program
