The Best of the Midwest Media Fest Banquet and Show!

Join us in celebrating the best in Public, Education, and Government Access programming in a nine-state area of the Midwest.

The Best of the Midwest Media Fest will take place, April 30 & May 1, 2026 at the Stoney Creek in Onalaska.

NEW THIS YEAR! A BIG CHANGE!

This year there will be screenings of the winners.

Tell me more!

The Exhibitors Reception begins at 5 pm. The event begins at 5 pm with the Exhibitors Reception, where you can mingle with other producers, educators, and media center staff and talk with video production equipment dealers. There is a cash bar and free appetizers. Merit Award winning shows will be recognized through a PowerPoint played during the Reception.

The Banquet and Award show is being rethought. The Conference Committee is working on coming up with a new way to celebrate the winners. We will still recognize the 2026 Hall of Fame Award recipient, Significant Community Program Award, and Friend of Access Award recipients. Then the Fest Awards will be announced. 

Awards

How will I know if I won an award?

You’ll receive an email on the notification day listed on FilmFreeway. Usually this day falls in the last half of March. If producers provide their own email on the Film Freeway submission form, the Media Fest result will be emailed to the producer. If you do not receive an email, it probably was sent to your media center or your entry was entered under a different producer’s name.

I won an award. How do I order a plaque, statuette, or extra certificate?

What do I wear?

Dress for a special night out with friends.