Blue Harbor Resort, your business and leisure coast
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Blue Harbor Resort is where business meets pleasure, making your meeting feel like a resort. Here you’ll find more than just conferences; Blue Harbor is a destination that combines leisure travel and business travel. Immerse yourself in Midwestern Malibu and enjoy breathtaking views of Wisconsin's most beautiful coastline. Our 16,800 square feet of meeting space overlooking the lake offers the flexibility to transform your meeting into the business retreat of your dreams. Our space can accommodate a variety of events, from breakout sessions and team building to presentations, followed by banquet dinners and even beach bonfires. Our 179 luxury resort suites range from 500 square feet to over 1,900 square feet, allowing guests to relax and feel right away. Your guests can save energy by taking a leisurely stroll along the beach instead of walking through the lobby to the conference room, and free parking is available adjacent to the…
4 iconic executive resorts
Author: Sarah Kanish Photos: Ostov Resort In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have begun to re-prioritize face-to-face collaboration with leadership teams and conduct high-value executive retreats. In fact, off-site bookings by corporate small leadership groups increased 35% from 2021 to 2023, primarily at non-traditional venues such as boutique resorts and nature lodges, according to American Express Meetings & Events. This momentum is only expected to continue until 2025. Managers and team leaders book executive retreats as a way to relax, recharge and inject new energy into the workplace. The best retreats can restore calm to guests while rejuvenating them with countless activities and amenities. There are a variety of executive retreat options available in Wisconsin. Whether a team wants to do it all or get away from it all, there are venues across the state to suit every need. Check out these four signature options designed to create unique experiences for small groups in Wisconsin’s unique setting central…
5 speakeasies for your next group outing
Author: Photos by Christine Hansen © darkroom The comfortable, intimate settings of bars and lounges—especially those that have a 1920s speakeasy feel but require no special code or code to enter—may be the perfect place for your group to gather. With private rooms or spaces available, these can be used for socializing after a day of meetings, after-get off work socializing, or as incentive outings. If you want to create a memorable outing for your group, here are some tips on how to take advantage of speakeasies and dining options. These places could also develop mocktails to further expand accessibility for groups. Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, Milwaukee This South Side bar traces its roots to 1938, when then-owner Bryant Sharp converted his two-year-old brewpub into a cocktail bar. This is also where the pink squirrel (white cocoa butter, heavy cream and buttercream) was invented. The Velvet Lounge is a private room upstairs, open weekdays, seating 40 people and named for its…
How to maximize your event budget in 2025
Author: Amanda Wegner Although inflation is slowly receding and interest rates are beginning to fall, meeting and event planners are still facing budget pressures with no relief in sight until 2025. “There are several factors currently impacting meeting and event budgets,” said Amie Devine, CMP, director of global events for The Hybrid Group, SITE Chicago Wisconsin ambassador and board member. "These impacts come from a variety of sources, including economic conditions, rising travel costs and changing trends in the way events are planned and executed. The factors currently having the biggest impact are inflation, travel costs, labor shortages and staffing, price increases for essential event supplies, software licensing and integration costs, and attendee expectations for a more immersive event experience.” Whether in full or in part, these impacts make budgeting a constant challenge for planners as they strive to balance increasing costs, client demands and quality, while also achieving event goals and objectives. “The key is to be resourceful, focus…
Sunday draws events to Eau Claire area
Katherine McCoy A new venue in Eau Claire is drawing community attention as it provides the university with a long-awaited multi-purpose facility. Sonnentag, the largest indoor event venue in northwest Wisconsin, has been discussed for the past decade and will become a reality in July 2024. Construction begins in spring 2022 and replaces Zorn Stadium at UW-Eau Claire. Its state-of-the-art, sprawling complex offers the community a robust variety of facilities, programs and activities. It can accommodate more than 3,800 seated guests and 5,000 for standing events. The project was made possible by the generosity of alumni John Sonnentag and Carolyn Sonnentag, whose gifts paved the way for this world-class facility . The Sonnentags and those who have invested so much time and energy into revitalizing the facility are starting to see the results of this vibrant space in Eau Claire and surrounding communities. More than just a sports venue At first glance, Sunday Plaza may look like a college sports…
Jacob Adamski is on the rise
Katie Scrivano Wisconsin State Conference (WM) recently spoke with Jacob Adamski, director of special education programs at MPI Wisconsin and director of sales and event experience for the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (SPACVB). Adamski was named a "Rising Star" by the Wisconsin Chapter of MPI for his efforts in 2024. WM: How did you get into the event management industry? and: After graduating from UW-Stevens Point in 2022 with a marketing degree, I’m not ready to leave the area just yet. The Stevens Point Area CVB opened up sales and events positions and I took a leap of faith. Now, two years and two months into this role, I wear many hats and handle all groups attending conferences, conferences, sporting events, weddings, and more. I'm still new to this industry and learning something new every day. WM: You jumped at the opportunity to lead MPI Wisconsin – what was the most rewarding part? and: Our CVB has…
Destination Madison | Wisconsin Conference
Author: Nikki Kallio Photos: © Sharon Varorny, Terrace Home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison has become a vibrant college town with an abundance of nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events. What planners may not know is that Madison and its surrounding communities are located within one of Wisconsin's most beautiful natural areas, between two popular and scenic lakes, providing visitors with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Jamie Patrick, executive vice president of sales and sports strategy for Madison Tourism, said the city has direct flights to and from major cities, and the airport recently completed major upgrades to its terminal system to allow for larger Planes take off and land. “Madison is a very accessible place and once you’re here, it’s easy to walk to other destinations from hotels like bars and restaurants,” Patrick said. “We’re finding more and more planners are also very keen on sustainability, so walking always plays a big part in that.” Madison, Wisconsin's capital, is…
Enter at your own risk: How to cover your event and minimize your risks
Cameron Smith and Mark Smith Meeting and event planners have reason to be optimistic about their business prospects in 2025: Overall attendance has reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, according to one leading index. Even better, 81% will have an in-person component and 63% will be fully in-person. But even so, planners shouldn't get too comfortable. The business of hosting meetings or events is still a risky business. It’s not just acts of God—like weather instability and natural disasters—that can wreak havoc on the best laid plans. Violence — think active shooter incidents — can expose event sponsors and venue owners to costly injury and wrongful death claims. Risks remain and need to be adequately measured by insurance policies, which should temper the industry's enthusiasm for the post-pandemic climate. Special event and entertainment venue insurance may be helpful. Understanding the ins and outs is crucial. The event cannot continue without special coverage Special event policies can be thought of as peace…
7 factors to consider for digital and hybrid events
Amanda Wegner While live events remain an important and valuable way to connect, educate and inspire, digital and hybrid events remain an integral option, and in some cases even a requirement, for meeting and event planners. However, conference and event attendees are no longer first-timers, so gone are the days of justifying low-fidelity and low-quality options for digital and hybrid events. Attendees demand the same virtual experience as a physical, in-person event. “Whether it’s a live event, a digital event or a hybrid event, the key to success is creating an unforgettable experience,” said Jake Potter, Senior Event Advisor, ENTENTE Network of Companies. “When you organize high-quality events, attendees are more likely to come back in the future. The best hybrid and digital technologies allow you to engage with attendees in new ways and keep them interested in future events.” “We’ve been living in this world of virtual events for some time now, so digital events are no longer new…
Spice up your holiday parties
Author: Christine Hansen Photo © Blue Plate Catering Another year, another holiday party. Do you really want to serve the same menu as usual? Holiday parties are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the stakes are high. Guests, on the other hand, may be surprised and may even be pushed out of their comfort zones. Since many offices are now remote or hybrid, this year may be the most anticipated holiday party of the year. But it’s also a dilemma event planners face. "When people are working remotely, they need something that gets them excited to get out of the house," said Liv Boyd, a sales consultant with Blue Plate Catering in Chicago. "A lot of planners are trying to look at activation opportunities rather than 'Here's a place to eat, drink and socialize.'" That's why she recommends setting up food stations, especially if they're interactive, plated meals. Now you can have entertainment and grab-and-go options all in one.…
Optimistic plans for growth, technology and sustainability
As 2024 draws to a close, there is strong sentiment within the global business travel industry that the year exceeded expectations, paving the way for increased budgets, strategic investments and growth initiatives in 2025. That’s according to a new research survey from Global Business 86% of global business travel buyers and travel suppliers say business travel will perform better than they expected in 2024, according to the Travel and Tourism Association (GBTA) survey Equal or better. Additionally, 67% of professionals said they were optimistic about the overall future of the industry, with results indicating a strong desire for business travel to expand by 2025. This highlights how resilient and adaptable the industry has been over the past few years and highlights an increased focus on budget, technology and sustainability going forward, even as companies deal with rising travel costs and changing traveler preferences. sex. “GBTA’s findings demonstrate that the industry is at a critical juncture. Business travel is not only…
Optimistic plans for growth, technology and sustainability
As 2024 draws to a close, there is strong sentiment within the global business travel industry that the year exceeded expectations, paving the way for increased budgets, strategic investments and growth initiatives in 2025. That’s according to a new research survey from Global Business 86% of global business travel buyers and travel suppliers say business travel will perform better than they expected in 2024, according to the Travel and Tourism Association (GBTA) survey Equal or better. Additionally, 67% of professionals said they were optimistic about the overall future of the industry, with results indicating a strong desire for business travel to expand by 2025. This highlights how resilient and adaptable the industry has been over the past few years and highlights an increased focus on budget, technology and sustainability going forward, even as companies deal with rising travel costs and changing traveler preferences. sex. “GBTA’s findings demonstrate that the industry is at a critical juncture. Business travel is not only…
Experience fun group activities in Waukesha Pewaukee
Waukesha and Pewaukee are welcoming communities at the intersection of cities, and you should be too! Waukesha Pewaukee is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Madison (off I-94) in southeastern Wisconsin's Lake Country, with a historic downtown and the meandering Fox River , the beautiful Pewaukee lakefront and rivers and a delightful array of historic and eclectic experiences. have Various options for meetings For up to 500 people, there are more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and more than 1,300 guest rooms in 11 hotels. In addition, the area offers more than 30 group entertainment activities. Whether your group prefers outdoor activities or smaller events, consider these fun ideas: Chef Pam's Kitchen Offering personalized cooking classes, participants can explore a variety of cuisines. For groups, they also offer competitive cooking experiences, perfect for team building. K1 track Hourly adrenaline-pumping electric indoor kart racing and gaming. Pewaukee Paddle Boarding Perfect for summer or early fall fun, suitable for all…
Cheryl Oswald is reprising her role
Author: Katie Scrivano Photo (right) ©CNH Wisconsin Conference (WM) Recently reconnected with Cheryl Oswald, CMP, corporate events manager for CNH in Hartland, Wis., where she serves as the leader of internal and external corporate meeting experiences and events for the company's North American brands. WM: Since we connected a few years ago, you made a pivotal career change in late 2022 as a retail event planner at Kohl's. Please tell us about a new role in a very different industry. Carbon monoxide: The transition from retail to agriculture/construction is a challenging one. This industry has challenged me in many ways, which has been good for my career – and it’s been hugely rewarding. In this role, I support the activities of our two agricultural brands, New Holland and Case IH. We hold approximately 60 events each year, including trade shows. Everything we do is designed to drive business with our customers, bringing dealers and customers together. WM: How do planners…
The Lodge at Leathem Smith combines history with modern facilities
Sue Swaim What do you get when you combine history, tradition and modern amenities? Well, if you're looking for the perfect place to visit, host an event, or plan a meeting in Wisconsin, the Leathem Smith Inn in Sturgeon Bay is perfect for you. It all started in 1928 when diesel boat builder Leathem Smith purchased a 100-acre farm and built Door County's first country club and golf course. The property was later converted into Leathem Smith Lodge, one of the first resorts in Door County. Current owner Paul Meleen purchased the inn in 2011, and general manager Milan Stosic said since then the focus has been on combining the charm of the past with the modern amenities event planners and guests have come to expect. “We wanted to honor the historical significance by displaying old photos and preserve the original style that people remember,” Stosic said. And they did. "Everyone tells us this place has a soul," he said.…
Return to study at MPI Academy
Ronnie Winter Behind every successful planner is a foundation of continuing professional development, says Tim Luepke, president of the Institute of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). The role of planners is changing, like a race car racing around a track. Technological updates, advanced data analytics, neurodivergent conferencing and artificial intelligence are entering the field, keeping planners on their toes. Lupke said keeping up with the changes is almost a full-time job in itself. The MPI Academy exists to assist planners on their professional development journey. He explained that the primary purpose of MPI is to serve the continuing education needs of community members. “Our certificate program leverages the insights we gain from strategic partners to educate industry and help planners do their jobs better,” he said. “But things are changing so fast that we have to update content every time we deliver it, especially AI,” he said. “The fast pace of change in the industry requires us to quickly adapt and…
RNC meets in Milwaukee for victory
Amanda Wegner In July, Milwaukee burst onto the world stage as the host city for the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC). In 2020, the city made its first attempt at a party convention when the Democratic National Convention was canceled due to the pandemic, but local leaders, convention professionals and organizations were excited to be in the spotlight. “It shows that we are a city on the rise,” said Leslie Johnson, vice president of sales and event experience for VISIT Milwaukee. “It shows that we are a city that is a great destination for meetings, events and conferences.” After three years of preparation, the Republican National Committee attracted more than 50,000 people to Milwaukee, including celebrities, political leaders, delegates and party loyalists. With heightened security measures, increased risks from protests, media and more, hosting an event of this scale presents a unique set of challenges for industry professionals. Set realistic expectations for business improvement From the moment the RFP goes…
5 outdoor spaces perfect for fall meetings
Author: Shelby Deering Photos: Green Bay Botanical Garden © Lindy J Gilson While Wisconsin certainly has its fair share of exquisite indoor meeting spaces, there's also something to be said for holding meetings outdoors and breathing in the fresh air for new inspiration. While you may immediately think of hosting your event in the summer, we want to give you reasons to host your meeting among the fall foliage. Fall Sessions allow you to take advantage of everything Wisconsin has to offer during the season, including wonderful outdoor and indoor venues filled with fall flavor and opportunities to observe colorful foliage and participate in fall activities. Check out these five meeting and venue spaces in Wisconsin that offer great opportunities to enjoy fall foliage and plenty of seasonal amenities. Benefits of outdoor meetings Noely Gomand, corporate and social events coordinator for the Green Bay Arboretum, said holding the meeting outdoors was ideal because of the unique, non-traditional setting. “This is…
Raise a glass: Wisconsin breweries offer unique gatherings
Author: Christine Hansen Photos © 3 Sheeps Brewing Company If you're looking to spice up a meeting, find an offbeat spot to get business done, or host a casual social event, why not raise a glass at a Wisconsin bar? Many craft breweries plan special experiences for groups. These spaces – like a patio or beer garden – aren’t just available during the summer. They're also ideal for cozy nights in the cooler months. 3 Sheboygan Sheep Brewing Company When preparing to open the taproom eight years ago, “one of the things we prioritized as a brewery was making it a space for people to gather and hang out,” says Grant Pauly, head brewer and founder of 3 Sheeps Brewing Company. Three group spaces include: loft (30-90 people), lounge (20-50 people) or the entire 10,000 square foot taproom. Both The Loft and The Lounge are equipped with AV capabilities, including microphone setup, which is beneficial for presentations or seminars. “When…
Plan a hilarious holiday party
Author: Mary Beth Mazek Photos: Sakura Events © Lily Shea To make your holiday party a must-attend event, party planners say changing up the theme, activities and timing is a great way to start. Ensuring attendees enjoy the event will create buzz so that more people will want to attend next year – that’s every event planner’s goal. “The best thing businesses can do is postpone holiday gatherings until January,” says Joey Reader of A-mazing Events. "There's so much going on in December that parties become just another to-do list and it's easy to give up. In January, there's not as much going on, so attending events becomes more attractive." Breanne Chase, sales manager at Monona Terrace in Madison, also noticed some businesses were postponing gatherings until January. She says it offers greater availability and flexibility in securing the ideal room and date for your event. Sarah Sarbacker, owner and creative director of Cherry Blossom Events in Madison, said the…
Destination Greater Northwoods | Wisconsin Conference
Maura Keller | Author: Maura Keller Photos © Saint-Germain With an eclectic collection of state-of-the-art venues, Northwoods, Wisconsin is the ideal location for today's meetings and events. Comfortable without being commercial, these locations in the Northwoods area offer unique small-town charm and experiences for groups looking to work and play. Hayward The Hayward area is an excellent choice for meeting planners, not only because of the many meeting locations to choose from, but also because of the overall beauty of the area. Hayward has a small town feel but still offers everything planners and attendees need. “There are many options to fill your time outside of meetings, and the scenery is unparalleled,” said Brianna McKenzie, associate director of the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce. With venues in Hayward ranging from small meeting spaces for 30 people to large meeting spaces for over 300 people, meeting planners and attendees can enjoy exquisite amenities that reflect the style of the Northwoods of…
Host your next meeting in Janesville, WI
Janesville is a conference destination where rich history blends with modern amenities. You'll also find unique and historic venues, unlimited access to nature and outdoor exercise (which can be seamlessly included in programming), an ideal central location, exceptional hospitality and affordable prices. These features combine to provide attendees with a sense of inspiration, enrichment and escape. The Woodman Sports and Conference Center is now available for reservations and will open in fall 2025 and will offer 50,000 square feet of space that can be configured to fit your needs, including 25,800 square feet of meeting space and an adjacent 23,000 square feet of conference space. Multifunctional foot area. The new center is an adaptive reuse of an existing shopping center complex with direct links to shopping and entertainment venues. Glen Erin's Celtic House is one of the larger event facilities in south-central Wisconsin, with nearly 12,000 square feet and stunning views of the Glen Erin Golf Club. It can host…
Improve your meeting experience at SentryWorld
Experience unparalleled convenience and luxury at SentryWorld - your premier resort for meetings, golf and recreation in central Wisconsin. Enjoy scenic views, luxurious hotel accommodations, upscale amenities, championship golf courses and exciting team-building activities. It’s the ideal venue for executive retreats, brainstorming sessions and conferences. First-class event space and exceptional service SentryWorld’s experienced team will work with you to create the unique and meaningful event you envision. Their team has over 70,000 square feet of meeting/event space to accommodate groups of any size. When you choose SentryWorld, your team will enjoy upscale meeting amenities such as chef's menus tailored to your preferences for an unforgettable dining experience, and professional staff that seamlessly integrates each personalized meeting experience planners. Their exceptional service will make your attendees want to come back year after year. championship golf Be sure to play a round of golf at Wisconsin's first destination course and home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open. SentryWorld offers a comprehensive golf…
Exhibition and Convention Alliance launches ECA vote
The Exhibition & Convention Alliance (ECA), the voice of the business events industry, recently announced the launch of the ECA Poll to celebrate National Voter Registration Day, September 17th. This one-stop voter registration and education resource is designed to give everyone in the industry a voice on Election Day. The ECA Votes platform offers a suite of free resources to ensure everyone in the industry is fully prepared for the 2024 election, including: Voter registration. The ECA voting website, powered by vote.org, allows anyone across the country to register to vote in just minutes. Policy information. ECA Votes has non-partisan information on key industry priorities, including tax reform, international travel, our future workforce and sustainability. Election Webinar Series. This fall, ECA will host a free three-part webinar series that will look beyond the headlines to discuss how the election results will impact the future of the industry. “What happens at the ballot box this November will help shape the direction…
Go beyond your expectations and enjoy the excitement of Monona Terrace
Planning a memorable conference can undoubtedly be challenging, but choosing a venue with quality service and experience you can trust can make it a lot easier! Monona Terrace is a one-of-a-kind conference center located on the shores of azure Lake Monona, just two blocks from the State Capitol and a short walk from Madison's hotels, restaurants, museums and lively streets filled with shops. There are many reasons why Monona Terrace is a premier venue for meetings and conventions in Madison and throughout the Midwest. Location, natural beauty and historic facilities are all important factors that attract conference and meeting planners, but success in the competitive meetings industry also requires commitment and expertise. The ability to host events of nearly any size and meet a variety of technical needs is essential. With professionals dedicated to our clients' audio and video needs and an unparalleled technical infrastructure, Monona Terrace can seamlessly help you realize your vision. Best-in-class personnel work together to ensure…
Comprehensive Risk and Crisis Management Toolkit
Meeting and event planners are no strangers to risk management. To ease the burden, the American Association of Association Executives recently released a comprehensive toolkit, The Association Risk and Crisis Management Guide, to help meeting and event planners and association leaders navigate the complexities of risk and crisis management. The toolkit was developed in partnership with the Risk and Insurance Management Association and the American Association for Industrial Security International, a leading association in the security field. Their tools, frameworks and models were instrumental in the development of the toolkit and will help raise the bar for risk and crisis management in the association industry. Meeting security has become the biggest risk facing associations, so the toolkit takes a deeper look at meeting security through case studies provided by the Risk & Insurance Management Association, survey insights from the American Society of Association Executives, and further collaboration with international destination organizations to analyze risk and crisis management at events from…
Upgrade Your Holiday Party | Wisconsin Conference
Organizing a holiday party for a large group of people can be overwhelming. By planning your holiday party around a theme, you can reduce the uncertainty in the decision and turn your annual event into a fond memory that your employees will talk about for years to come. Holiday Party Themes one Ugly sweater Holiday parties can be a lighthearted and fun way to celebrate another successful year. Encourage coworkers to compete for the ugliest sweater and have a trophy that the winner can covet all year long. plan Breakfast with Santa Plan Santa workshop activities for your employees' families, such as making ornaments or building gingerbread houses. Invite guests to bring toys to donate to Toys for Tots and arrange for Santa to interact with your guests. Encourage your guests to dress formally Black and White Holiday BallCreate signature cocktails exclusive to your event and serve hearty appetizers while your guests mingle. Invite a full band and encourage your…
5 Facts About Fox Cities Events
From riverfront meetings during the day to Broadway shows at night, the Fox Cities is the perfect place to host an original event experience. Our 19 community regions are built on innovation and entrepreneurship and have been helping to drive the "next big idea" since the early 1800s. Want to learn more? Here are five must-know facts about holding a meeting in the Fox Cities. There is no one-size-fits-all venue in the Fox Cities. From a 10-person meeting room at our Museum of Glass to 38,000 square feet at the Fox Cities Expo Center, groups of nearly any size can find the perfect space to meet their needs. The Glass Art Museum isn’t the only unique venue in the Fox Cities. Other potential locations include Ogilvie Room at the Citadel Historical Museum, the Fox Club at Fox Cities Stadium, and waterfront venues like Poplar Hall or the Watch Campus Center. We know that 5 to 5 is just as important…
Most business travelers believe that travel is not provided
SAP Concur analyzes the pressing challenges facing business travelers and their organizations in its fifth annual Global Business Travel Survey, including remote work, equal travel opportunities, and responsibility and care for the LGBTQ+ traveler experience. Key findings from the global survey of 3,850 business travelers in 25 markets include: Nearly two-thirds of business travelers worldwide feel they do not have equal business travel opportunities compared to their colleagues – primarily due to their age, accent or gender. More than three in 10 remote workers recognize that business travel is essential for building meaningful connections with coworkers (38%) and stronger relationships with managers (37%), and say business travel is important for workplace relationships. However, more remote workers feel they do not have equal opportunities to travel for business due to where they live or how often they commute. Global business travelers still consider health and safety to be the biggest threat to business travel (44%) — That topped international or local…
8 of the Hottest Rooftop Venues in Wisconsin for Your Next Event
By Kristine Hansen | Photos © Monona Terrace Every September, Kennedy Turner, owner of Blueprint Events in Madison, organizes an event on behalf of a financial services client at a venue that offers some of the best views of the capital. “When you’re from Wisconsin, being outside is so important when the weather is nice,” said Jill Bishop, director of catering and event management at the Kimpton Journeyman, which features The Outsider restaurant on the ninth-floor rooftop. “You don’t have to worry about creating a certain atmosphere for your event. Your only focus is serving great food and drinks and making sure everyone has a good time.” The two rooftop spaces at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Conference Center in downtown Madison offer bird’s-eye views of Lake Monona below and the skyline and Capitol Building a few blocks to the north. “They like to have privacy, so they rent the whole rooftop,” Turner said of the annual…
Destination Oshkosh | Wisconsin Conference
By Maura Keller | Photo © Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center When you think of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, what comes to mind? Small-town charm? Sure. Innovative, state-of-the-art venues? Sure. Idyllic natural surroundings that allow attendees to get away from it all? Sure. Located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh is renowned among event planning professionals for its ability to accommodate groups of all sizes. With the tagline "Wisconsin's Event City," Oshkosh is home to one of the state's largest events, the EAA Air Festival, said Amy Albright, executive director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau. Every July, the city welcomes more than 600,000 aviation enthusiasts to this town of about 70,000 people. “EAA AirVenture and everything else we have here has earned us the reputation of ‘Event City.’ We can really accommodate events of all sizes, from the largest to the smallest and everything in between,” Albright said. In fact, the surrounding lakes, rivers, and trails offer…
Take them to the baseball field
By Katie Scrivano | Photo © American Family Field Summer is in full swing, which means now's a great time to move your next event from the office to the ballpark. From suites to lofts to the Brew Room at J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard, American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, offers several unique meeting and team gathering spaces for groups of all sizes. New this year, the X-Golf Suite features a state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator cabin and expansive views of the course. This private luxury suite can accommodate up to 20 guests. Located in left field on the PNC Club Level, the 11,000-square-foot X-Golf facility is open year-round, during tournaments and on non-tournament days. The space features seven indoor simulator cabins, two full bars, gourmet food and unique seating areas with great views of the tournament. If you are looking for pre-game meeting space, the Wintrust Executive Suite can accommodate up to 40 people and provides 5 hours…
Integrating Wellness into Conferences | Wisconsin Conference
By Shelby Deering The idea of “wellness” — people taking care of their brains and bodies through mental health management and self-care — has entered the workplace, and with it, has become a big part of meeting agendas. Whether your meeting is big or small, there are many ways to promote wellness and incorporate these elements throughout your event. Think: yoga, meditation, outdoor activities, healthy eating, and more. In fact, meeting participants can experience a variety of benefits from wellness-related activities, such as improved morale, calmer mindsets, renewed focus, increased energy, reduced stress, and improved mood. To learn how to incorporate wellness into your next meeting, read on for tips and tricks gleaned from top wellness destinations across Wisconsin. Why wellness is good for employees and employers Tracie Toth, director of sales at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, believes employers have changed their priorities over the past few years, in part because The need for employees to find balance…
Venue Spotlight: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
By Sue Sveum If you're looking for the perfect event and meeting venue in Wisconsin, look no further than the new DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown. Ideally located adjacent to Capitol Square and just steps from Lake Monona and Monona Terrace, the hotel is in the heart of Madison and Dane County. As the fastest growing city and county in Wisconsin, there's no shortage of things to see, do and experience. Of course, once you see the hotel's amenities—from the open-air atrium to the 262 all-suite rooms, beautiful modern meeting space, free daily breakfast and 24/7 fitness center—you might not want to go anywhere else. Did we mention it's even pet-friendly? The hotel, which falls under Hilton's "upscale" brand and is set to open in June 2024, was recently acquired by Apple Hospitality REIT. General Manager Michael Luehrs noted the building's unique and striking curved exterior, saying, "The design provides a beautiful framework for a dynamic environment and flexible event…
7 tips for planning eye-catching event decorations
Kathryn McCoy While decorations are an important part of event planning, recent economic changes have created new challenges for event planners. Delivery fees, rental fees, labor and mileage charges, damage waivers, and taxes have increased significantly over the past few years, and event planners are struggling to determine the best way to outsource rentals and decorations. Of these factors, decor is often one of the first places clients consider cutting back. As Josh Wimmer of Bartolotta's Catering & Events explains, "Prices are going up, while budgets are staying the same or going down. Decor is affected first because it's the easiest way to save money." Despite these challenges, event bookings remain high and décor remains an important factor in making an event a success. As event planners strive to maintain the overall vibe their audience wants, consider these seven ways to cleverly plan event décor to create the mood while staying within your overall budget. 1. Clarify the purpose and…
Danniel Kaczoroski: How to keep your annual meeting fresh
Katie Scrivano Wisconsin Meetings (WM) recently spoke with Whitewater planner Danniel Kaczoroski, CMP and events director for Generac Power Systems and part of the team that plans and runs nearly 100 annual meetings and events. WM: Please tell us more about your role at Generac and the types of events you plan to host. DK: I have been with Generac for about six years and was promoted to this position about two years ago. I am responsible for planning internal and external company events, including the annual summer company event.The picnic (which drew 6,000 people and was held at the upcoming Wisconsin State Fair in Wisconsin, among other places) and the company's annual meeting (Usually held at a destination, most recently in Denver). WM: How do you plan a large corporate event at a destination venue in Wisconsin? DK: We always spend a few days ahead of time doing site visits—meeting with catering and venue staff, deciding on transportation and…
Exceed your expectations at Monona Terrace
Planning a memorable conference can undoubtedly be challenging, but choosing a venue with quality service and experience you can trust can make it a lot easier! Monona Terrace is a one-of-a-kind conference center located on the shores of azure Lake Monona, just two blocks from the State Capitol and a short walk from Madison's hotels, restaurants, museums and lively streets filled with shops. There are many reasons why Monona Terrace is a premier venue for meetings and conventions in Madison and throughout the Midwest. Location, natural beauty and historic facilities are all important factors that attract conference and meeting planners, but success in the competitive meetings industry also requires commitment and expertise. The ability to host events of nearly any size and meet a variety of technical needs is essential. With professionals dedicated to our clients' audio and video needs and an unparalleled technical infrastructure, Monona Terrace can seamlessly help you realize your vision. Best-in-class personnel work together to ensure…
Exceed your expectations at Monona Terrace
Planning a memorable conference can undoubtedly be challenging, but choosing a venue with quality service and experience you can trust can make it a lot easier! Monona Terrace is a one-of-a-kind conference center located on the shores of azure Lake Monona, just two blocks from the State Capitol and a short walk from Madison's hotels, restaurants, museums and lively streets filled with shops. There are many reasons why Monona Terrace is a premier venue for meetings and conventions in Madison and throughout the Midwest. Location, natural beauty and historic facilities are all important factors that attract conference and meeting planners, but success in the competitive meetings industry also requires commitment and expertise. The ability to host events of nearly any size and meet a variety of technical needs is essential. With professionals dedicated to our clients' audio and video needs and an unparalleled technical infrastructure, Monona Terrace can seamlessly help you realize your vision. Best-in-class personnel work together to ensure…
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