Raise a glass: Wisconsin breweries offer unique gatherings
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…

Destination Greater Northwoods | Wisconsin Conference
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…

Upgrade Your Holiday Party | Wisconsin Conference
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…

8 of the Hottest Rooftop Venues in Wisconsin for Your Next Event
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
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…

Integrating Wellness into Conferences | Wisconsin Conference
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…