SEP
OCT
2020
VOL 42/NUM 5

WE'RE BACK!
2020 AWARDS GALA +EDUCATION DAY
C H A P T E R

A W A R D

| PAGE 8“MPI-WI Chapter is the bridge to knowledge, compelling ideas, andrelationships to create a voice in the meetings and events industry.”

THIS IS REIMAGINEDIN OUR ANTICIPATION OF MEETING WITH YOU AGAIN,
BE ASSURED THAT ALLIANT ENERGY CENTER IS:• Taking this time to retool in order to reopen.
• Collaborating with events based on new protocols.
• Streamlining processes to ensure positive connections.
ALLIANTENERGYCENTER.COM | SHIRLEY KALTENBERG | 608-267-1549
KALTENBERG@ALLIANTENERGYCENTER.COM

2|

September/October 2020

MPI Agenda																	SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

MPI-WISCONSIN
2020-2021
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENTALISON HUTCHINSON
Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
ahutchinson@foxcities.org
PRESIDENT-ELECTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Glacier Canyon Conference Center
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTJOELLEN GRABER
Impact Association Management
joeygraber1@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCEREBECCA STAATS
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
rebecca.l.staats@gmail.com

VOL 42 / NUM 5

Feature Articles

We're Back! MPI WI to Host Live Events in October!

8

September Recap

10

What I Did Last Summer - an MPI-WI Photo Contest		

12

You have your CMP, but what about your CMM?

24

Financial Assistance for Food, Health Care, Child Care, 		Utility Bills, and Job Search

29

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Column

6

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSJASON KAUFFELD, CMP
jasonkauffeld@hotmail.com

Who's in the News				

27

New Members & Anniversaries				

30

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONKYRA POPP
Kahalari Resorts
kpopp@kalahariresorts.com

Calendar

34

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSBETH SCHNABEL
Filene Research Institutebeths@filene.org
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSMELISSA FALENDYSZ, CMP
National Association of Tax Professionals
mfalendysz@naptax.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CARELIZ UNRUH
lizherrmann555@hotmail.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTWANDA GILLES
wanda.gilles@yahoo.com

Experience MPI Wisconsin
Print: Agenda Magazine
6 Different Ways
Web: mpiweb.org/Wisconsin

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYMARIA PEOT
maria.peot@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSSHERRY WOLFF
Kohlersherry.wolff@kohler.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMINGJOSHUA WIMMER
Premier Choice Association Management
jmwimmer@wi.rr.com

2820 Walton Commons, Ste 103

fax: 608.204.9818

Madison, WI 53718

email: admin@mpiwi.org

tel: 608.204.9816

web: www.mpiweb.org/wisconsin

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|

3

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTEREDITOR'S NOTE
Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

We typically focus this issue of our
beloved Agenda on "New Inspiration andUnconventional Meetings." All of our 2020
meetings right now are "unconventional."

CO-EDITORS
Kathy Reading
The Scan Group, Inc.
reading@scangroup.net

Throughout this 2020 challenge, our MPIWI members are continuing to adapt andrise to new challenges. Whether you are
COVID-furloughed, pushed into new roles,
or working miracles with less support,
we're all supporting each other to build forwhatever is next.

Maria Peot, CMP
maria.peot@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Reading
Maria Peot, CMP
Tamara Jesswein, CMPCheryl Oswald, CMP, CMM
Jason Kauffeld, CMP

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

As a supplier member, I have had unfilteredviews of venues and planners. I'm grateful to serve our members adapting
to new needs with safety shields, signage, face shields, and more. It
has been a fast-tempo, high-spirited dance of pivoting, stretching, andstepping up.
Simultaneously, those who have been COVID-released from employment
are kicking it in with volunteering and expert training. Without exception,
I've seen our members rise to this COVID19 challenge. You are all making
it work!
Whatever position you're in, I suggest a daily break from your email andspreadsheets. Step away for a minute or two. Take a deep breath. Think
about what you have done. Give yourself a big-o-pat on the back.
My favorite recent inspiration comes from a well-loved MPI-WI member,Michelle Tyo-Johnson, who suggested that we:

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
November/December 2020
Deadline: September 15, 2020
January/February 2021
Deadline: November 15, 2020

Normalize telling your friends you love them.
Tell them a lot.
Make it weird.
I love MPI, our industry, and each of you. Our group is uniquely prepared
for weird!

March/April 2021
Deadline: January 15, 2021

PERMISSIONS
Material in this publication may not be
reproduced in any form without permission.
Statements of fact and opinion within Agenda
are the responsibility of the author(s) anddo not imply an opinion of the officers or
members of MPI or MPI-Wisconsin Chapter.

4|

September/October 2020

Kathy Reading

MPI Agenda																	When a team of San Francisco-based
soft ware gurus shared their holiday
wish for a winter wonderland, we
had a vision: welcome part y guests
to a 372,000-cubic-foot, real-lifeindoor snow globe scene, completewith fresh-cut, moonlit pines.
Then add falling snow.

Let us orchestrate your incredible.
Connect with us at MononaTerrace.com
Madison, WI© 2020 Monona Terrace

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|

5

PRESIDENT'S COLUMNALISON HUTCHINSON
2020-2021 President, MPI-WI Chapter

As we roll into thelast quarter of theyear, let’s lookforward to brighter
days ahead. Let’sfind inspiration in
the next normal.
Also, let’s continue
to lift each otherup during thissignificant time.

6

H

istorically, this edition of
the Agenda highlights
unconventional meetings andnew inspirations. Well, for manyof us, the past six months have been nothing but unconventional. Most haveworked from home. Many have been on numerous video calls. All of us have
had to read the Agenda in a digital format.
So, what kind of new inspirations can we share from the past six months?
We have all been a little more vulnerable in our professional lives. Many
shared a view of the new workspaces and co-workers. We have become
more flexible as future plans are a constantly moving target. Some havebecome more authentic and honest as we don’t have all the answers.
Even when the days of uncertainty drone on and on, we can look for the
positive. What have you been doing with the extra time you have at home?
Many of you have shared photos with us. My summer evenings have been
free, so I have been learning to play pickleball. I also have had more time towork on my golf game. My favorite is evening walks with my daughter.
As we roll into the last quarter of the year, let’s look forward to brighter days
ahead. Let’s find inspiration in the next normal. Also, let’s continue to lift
each other up during this significant time.
Make sure to mark your calendars to celebrate at the annual Gala. It will
be held on October 7 at the new Brookfield Conference Center. We willcelebrate the wonderful volunteers of this chapter and make some newmemories. Then, the following day, October 8, will be our long-awaited
Education Day. I can’t wait to see you all in person!

| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, located in the heart of downtown, is home to a teamof dedicated, passionate meeting and hospitality experts. We’re ready to provide insight and guidance on thelatest industry trends and safety guidelines to collaborate on your vision of a safe and productive event. Fromreimagined meeting set options, to safe food display offerings, to virtual meeting capabilities, you can dependon us to use our decades of experience to assist you in planning a smart, engaging, and safe meeting or event.
We’re proud recipients of a 2020 AAA Best of Housekeeping designation and are GBAC-certified, ensuring aconsistently clean space to do business. And as a longtime staple of this community, we know that relationships
are vital, in good times and bad. You can trust us to be flexible with contract terms. Stay, plan, and meet withconfidence and come see why were were named the 2020 Best Conference Center by Wisconsin Meetings.
concoursehotel.com

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|7

We’re Back!
MPI Wisconsin to Host Live Events in October!
MPI Wisconsin leadership is excited to announce our live Gala and Education Events coming on
October 7th and 8th at the Brookfield Conference Center. We feel it is our responsibility to lead during
this time and show how to safely hold a hybrid and in person event. We will approach this program very
openly and share our learnings so we have tools to safely execute events moving forward. We will follow
state, county and local government mandates. Currently, they are allowing events of our size in thisarea. The event will be held in an oversized space with additional attendee care and conduct policies.

Schedule
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Brookfield Conference Center, Brookfield, WI
1:00 - 3:00

Board of Directors Meeting

5:00 		

Registration

5:00 - 6:00

Past President's Reception

6:00 - 7:00

Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction

7:00 - 9:00

Dinner & Awards Gala

9:00 - Midnight

Afterglow, Whirly Ball

Location & Lodging
GALA LOCATION
Brookfield Conference Center
325 South Moorland Rd
Brookfield, WI 53005

HOST HOTEL
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee
Brookfield Conference Center
265 South Moorland Rd
Brookfield, WI 53005

8

ANNUAL AWARDS GALAOCTOBER 7TH
The MPI-WI Awards Gala is always a special time for ourmembers to come together and not only celebrate theaccomplishments of a few, but also the accomplishmentsof our industry. Now more than ever, during thesecompelling times we look forward to seeing our industry
partners, to celebrate and to start the process of bringing
our industry back.
This year's gala will be held on Wednesday, October 7
at the brand new state-of-the-art Brookfield ConferenceCenter. A building designed by Kahler Slater and built
by the City of Brookfield and is the centerpiece forholding your next big event in an amazing city with somuch to offer.
This year's theme is the Kentucky Derby, so ladies put
on your best hat and gentlemen put on your bow-ties as
we celebrate and raise funds in support of our amazing
chapter!

| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																										REMEMBER

Schedule

FREE Registration
for Planners!

Thursday, October 8, 2020
Brookfield Conference Center, Brookfield, WI
8:00
9:00
9:00 - 10:00

Strategic Partner & Sponsor Set Up
Registration
Breakfast & Bloody Mary Bar(Post Gala Wakeup)
10:00 - 11:15 Morning Keynote & Announcements
Successful Contract Negotiations in an 		
Unchartered Landscape - Terri Woodin (1 CE)
11:15 - 11:45 Break and Networking with Partners
11:45 - 1:00 Lunch and Board Installation
1:00 - 2:30

Chapter Member Panel - Industry Leadersfrom our own membership share theirexperiences on what has been learned in the 		last six months and their outlook for the future!
Panelists include:• Nancy Justman, Visit Brookfield• Kathryn Gleesing, CMP, MBA, DMCP 		DM Connection & Events• Alison Huber, CMP, Fox World Travel• Marin Medema, CMP, The Osthoff Resort• Ed Buchner, Majic Productions• Tamara Jesswein, CMP, HID Global• Patrick Cavanaugh, Green Bay Packers

2:30 - 2:45

Break and Networking with Partners
Afternoon Keynote

2:45 - 3:45

Meeting Budgets & Cost Saving Strategies in 		
Unprecedented Times - Terri Woodin (1 CE)

3:45 - 5:00

Community Outreach

Location & Lodging
Brookfield Conference Center

EDUCATION DAY 2020
OCTOBER 8TH   
Get your education, fun and networking all in one
place! Join us for the new date of October 8th at
the new Brookfield Conference Center! We are
excited to announce we will again be offering
complimentary planner member registration for
the third year in a row! Thanks to the supportof our chapter’s Strategic Partner program, our
Education Day will be more accessible to ourplanner members.
Thursday will feature a full day of education withspeakers on event design, negotiation, leadershipand tools for a positive outlook to tackle thedecade ahead. We promise a day of educationthat is full of vision and inspiration.

325 South Moorland Rd
Brookfield, WI 53005

HOST HOTEL
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee
Brookfield Conference Center

WISCONSIN PLANNER AND SUPPLIER PANEL
Industry Leaders from our own membership share
their experiences on what has been learned in thelast six months and their outlook for the future!

265 South Moorland Rd
Brookfield, WI 53005

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|9

September Recap
September Program Focus:
Speaking With ConfidenceOn Thursday, September 10, 53 chapter
members gathered via Zoom to hear fromApproachable Badass Melanie Spring as
we learned to Rock Your Talk! The programemphasized the importance of storytelling to convey
your message and confidently share your ideas withstakeholders. Melanie spoke to the importance ofpracticing your speech overall. In particular, shesuggested committing the first 10 words to memory
to get you thru any initial stage fright. She also told
attendees about her tool, the D.I.S.H. approach topurposeful speaking; Data, Impact, Story, Humans.

10

Our event was made a success by Team Leader Judy
Keller with Wisconsin Cheese Makers Associationand our Tech Avenger team of Tom Graybill, TriMarq Communications, Michelle Tyo-Johnson with
NorthCoast Productions, Ed Buchner with Majic
Productions and Tim Cooksy with Studio Gear.
Our chapter is fortunate to have the Tech Avengers
ready and able to answer the call with help on virtual
events!

| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		Meet More Than You’d Expect
in Waukesha Pewaukee!

During these uncertain times, we are committed to working closely with you to find the best
options based on your needs, while offering the following area benefits: Conveniently located directly off I-94
 Affordable, flexible space with accommodating staff
 Ample complimentary parking at all venues
 25+ post-meeting activities
 Complimentary services for meetings with overnight sleeping rooms

visitwaukesha.org/meetmore

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|11

What I Did Last Summer –an MPI-WI Photo Contest
Created and curated by Tamara Jesswein, CMP
Judging by Ron Jesswein, BS, MA, 30+ year elementary student teaching
Article by Tamara JessweinIremember a grade school
tradition fondly. On our firstday back to school, ourteacher would ask us towrite/draw about what we
did last summer. It was agreat way to get us working
immediately, engage ourbrains, share,

During this trying time, we thought thatbringing back this exercise as a PHOTO
CONTEST would be a great way to help
us do what we do best at MPI-WI, sharing
ourselves and having fun. Our membershipdid not disappoint!
My husband, Ron agreed to judge thiscompetition. As a 30+ year teacher, and a big
fan of MPI-WI, he was perfect for this role.
As usual, our membership did notdisappoint. We’re sharing and applauding
all entrants. Stepping up is a core quality of
MPI-Wisconsin members. Thank you!
To the winners: KUDOS! In place of a gold
star next to your name, a small gift card will
be sent your way.
Thanks to all. Keep enjoying your adventuresand inspiring others!

Photo contest judge & curator:
Ron & Tamara Jesswein
adventuring at Adams canyon
Waterfall in Utah

12

| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		COVID Safety Winner

Beth Schnabel, CED, CUDEThis summer we added a new addition to our family thatwas three parts; getaway, family time, and project! We’re
excited for all the adventures in our new camper, while
also having a safe space to escape and explore ourbeautiful state. It’s been a great break from work/homelife and I’ve been having a lot of fun spending WAY toomuch money on cute camping decorations.
We follow the rules! Well, almost everyone…

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|13

Best View Winner

DANA ECKER

What a view!!

14| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		Best Contest Rule Follower

DEANA HEINISCHThe Heinisch family welcomed a new member to our little family, his is the furry four-legged kind.
His name is Vinny.

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|

15

The Happiest Big Brother Ever!! Winner

SARAH BANACH
We had a baby!
Del Robert Banach
Born Aug 5th
Bennett and baby Del
are all doing well!

He doesn’t look TOO excited, does he?

16|

September/October 2020

MPI Agenda																	Most Interesting Summer Discover Winner

SHAUNA BARANSZYKI was camping with some friends at Makoshika State Parkin Glendive, MT and we decided to go to the Yellowstone
river to look for ammonites or cool looking rocks. We
barely walked 30 feet along the riverbank when I noticed
what I thought maybe looked like a piece of driftwood,
but there was something about the shape of it that mademe think it looked more like a bone. A GIANT bone. I
picked it up and the first thing I noticed how heavy it wasand that the ends of it were porous. I showed my friends
the find and we all agreed that it must be a bone but wecouldn’t agree what kind of bone or how old it was.

The initial, incredible find!
Me at the Mokashika museum near adisplay about Bison antiquus

The visitor center at Makoshika just happened to havea student studying paleontology at the building that day
and he was able to identify it as the humerus bone froma bison antiquus that lived during the Pleistocene epoch
which has been extinct for at least 10,000 years. Because
the bone did not completely fossilize and because I
found it at the river, I was able to keep it.

Michael at Mokashika holding up another Bison
antiquus humerus from their archive.

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|17

Thank you for ALL of your supportive entrants!

ALISON HUBER, CMP
Golf... Lots of it!

Hiking at Devil's Lake18

Bayfield/Apostle Islands getaway| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		Thank you for ALL of your supportive entrants!

ALISON HUTCHINSON

Waiting to drive in the Road America
Sunset Cruise

Whose idea was it to have the 16-year-old drive?

Check out the new Corvette pace car!

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|19

Thank you for ALL of your supportive entrants!

BROOKE MILLER, BS, CMP

Tartortot’s first time boating on Lake Wisconsin!

Tartortot’s first time swimming!

20| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		Thank you for ALL of your supportive entrants!

CHARLENE MARSALLIDoor County,
Sisters Bay, Al
Johnson’s goatson the roof

Door County,
Sisters Bay sunset

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|21

Thank you for ALL of your supportive entrants!

SHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP

On the lake with my three grandsons!
Meeting my newest grandson, Grayson Arthur.

Our fur-baby, Sampson, loved the boat,
but wasn’t so thrilled with the swim!

22| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		TOP 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE

Delta Hotels by
Marriott Green Bay
For your next meeting, conference or
corporate event.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Green Bay is a great choice for a wide variety of events. Newly renovated andtransformed to the Delta Hotels brand, we’re ready to work with you to plan your perfect event!

1 A great location
2 Modern meeting space
3 21st century technology
4 Award-winning service
5 Mouth-watering catering- We’re situated in one ofGreen Bay’s busiest retail and business districts.
- We recently finished atotal-property renovation with numerous upgrades.

- Enjoy high-speed wifi
throughout the hotel & modern meeting tech.
- We embody
Wisconsin’s spirit of welcoming hospitality.
- Choose from anextensive menu and customizable options.

6 Planning expertise
7 Upscale accommodations
8 Special room rates
9 Top-notch dining
10 Plenty of perks- Our Event Specialists
will work with you to make every detail perfect.

- We offer premium
guest rooms and suites for your out-of-town guests.
- Enjoy special group rates onblocks of rooms to accommodate your guests.

- Grab a post-event bite at our
on-site restaurant - Urban 80 Kitchen + Bar.
- Our hotel features a large
fitness center, Starbucks, water park, and more.

Contact us to get started planning: 920.499.0631 or jmandich@nhshotels.com

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|23

You Have Your
CMP, but What
About Your CMM?
By: Cheryl Oswald, CMP, CMM

You have your CMP, but have you given any thought toyour CMM? You might be thinking a few things:

1.
2.
3.

I have my CMP, I don’t need my CMM.
No way! The CMP was hard enough, I am not getting
my CMM.
I just don’t have the time, money, etc.

The CMM has always been on my goal list and I had a lotof the same thoughts prior and kept pushing that goal tothe bottom of the list. After hearing more about the CMM
program at WEC in Toronto, I began exploring it and finallysaid 2020 is the year I am going to complete it!
SO, WHAT IS THE CMM ALL ABOUT?
In total it takes about 10-15 weeks (with breaks built-in) tocomplete and it’s a combination of in-class instruction andindividual instruction.
Here’s the process:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Week-long in-class instruction at the Kelley School ofBusiness at Indiana University with your cohort group.
Four weeks of self-instruction. Each week an instructor
will have a course for you to learn from on your own,
without your cohort.
Complete your persuasive presentation.
Four weeks to complete the capstone project.
CMM!

24

|

September/October 2020

WHAT WAS MY EXPERIENCE LIKE?
I was really nervous about starting it as I have heard its
daunting, especially the capstone project, but kept an
open mind. Then COVID-19 hit just as we were supposedto head to IN for the start of the program. Fortunately, MPI
and the Kelley school came together quickly and offered
all CMM students the option to defer our program to
December or take the program virtually (for the first time!).
I was committed to my goal and opted in to take theprogram virtually. While the first week was LOOONNGGG,(8 am-4 pm in front of my computer, listening to
instructors), I learned a lot, had a great cohort group andsince the pandemic had just hit and states were closing
down, it was great to be able to hear from fellow planners
on the state of our industry and what the future would hold.
Turns out I was nervous for nothing, the whole programfrom start to finish was AMAZING! What I thought would
be a daunting capstone project, it was actually a great
experience and I now have a project to pitch to my
employer.
If you are thinking about it, I HIGHLY recommend applying
to the MPI Foundation for a scholarship. In some cases,
you can have a portion or your full CMM program coveredby the Foundation!

MPI Agenda																	WHY THE“FOOT OF THE LAKE”
SHOULD NOW BE AT THE
TOP OF YOUR LIST.

Hotel Retlaw Lobby | thehotelretlaw.com

Dedicated to meeting excellence andexceeding expectations.
DOWNTOWN DISTRICTNow open! The elegant and welcoming Hotel Retlaw—one of theMidwest's finest urban boutique properties in Downtown Fond du Lac.
This historic hotel features 121 well-appointed guest rooms including
11 Specialty Suites. Flexible meeting space and upscale boardrooms
coupled with modern technology, provides an exceptional setting forcorporate meetings, conferences, and social events.

CONFERENCE DISTRICTWith over 24,000 square feet of total event space featuring a 14,000
square foot conference center with flexible and dedicated space, multiple
concurrent break-out rooms, pre-function area, and a 10,000 square footreception venue and 440 lodging rooms in the immediate vicinity (orwalking distance).

Thinking (and meeting) outside the box.
Beyond the traditional, Fond du Lac and the Lake Winnebago
Region offers meeting planners a variety of creative (and memorable)
event venues.
Most prominent among these venues is the world-class Thelma Sadoff
Center for the Arts (just one block from the new Hotel Retlaw).
Check out our website for more unexpected venues! If you dreamit, Fond du Lac can make it happen.

And that thing about all work and no play?
Fond du Lac and theLake Winnebago Region
Featuring
Legendary Wisconsin
Hospitality!
The fact is, there’s no more convenient
meeting location in Wisconsin than
Fond du Lac — within an hour of 70% of
the state’s major population centers. Thatmeans less time on the road, and moretime for work and play (or is it play
and work?).

That concept doesn’t exist in Fond du Lac and the Lake Winnebago
Region. We know that the success of business events is often just as
much a function of the fun attendees have after hours — fun they takehome with them, and share with their peers.
Fond du Lac doesn’t disappoint with one of the largest fresh water lakes
in America for fishing, boating, sailing and other water sports.
There’s also the natural beauty of Kettle Moraine State Forest andHoricon Marsh.
Spectacular golfing, scenic biking and hiking trails, boutique shopping,adventurous dining.
A downtown that lights it up with arts, entertainment and nightlife.

Enjoy a FAM tour of the Region, take a tour of our new luxury hotel,
hear about the $5 million in new construction and remodeling in our
Conference District and enjoy all that’ll put Fond du Lac and theLake Winnebago Region at the top of your meeting destination list.

FDLmeetings.com| 800.937.9123
x104
MPI Agenda
September/October 2020 |

25

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|

September/October 2020

MPI Agenda																	Compiled by Kathy Reading

ANGELA JELLUM is the new Event Operations
Lead at AriensCo Hospitality in Brillion, WI. Angela will
be managing events and leading daily operations forRound Lake Farms, Stone Prairie, AriensCo Museum
and other AriensCo affiliated properties.
Enjoy your new role, Angela!

REBECCA ROGERS has joined theSentry Marketing leadership team as
Director of Meetings and Events. She
is responsible for planning, staffing,
directing and overseeing all activities
for corporate events, business meetings, special events and incentive trips.
Kudos on your exciting new role, Rebecca!

REBECCA STAATS has
accepted a new role as Sales& Marketing Manager at Eau
Clarie’s Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Guests will gain Becca’s
experience with meetings,
events, travel planning, andhotel sales.
Becca knows Eau Claire and more!

SARAH AND GREG
BANACH, along withson (BabyBennyBoo)
welcomed the newest
family member:(#deerdell). This family
is complete…..ly
adorable!
Welcome #DeerDel!

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|

27

W I D E O P E N S PAC E S
INDOOR & OUTDOOR OPTIONSWE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE CONTEMPORARY LAKE
COUNTRY HOSPITALITY AT ITS NATURAL BEST.

• Recently renovated property• 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space• 40 acres of outdoor space available for all types of events• Convienently located off I-94 between Milwaukee and Madison2810 Golf Road | Pewaukee, WI | 262.547.0201 | theinglesidehotel.com

28|

September/October 2020

MPI Agenda																	Financial Assistance for
Food, Health Care, Child Care,
Utility Bills, and Job Search
By: Jason Kauffeld, CMP

E

arlier this year, the pandemic came between myemployer and me, and I was furloughed. My familyof four lost healthcare coverage and the majorityof our income. After several days of phone calls
and login attempts, it was clear that the unemployment
insurance (UI) and the pandemic unemployment
assistance (PUA) programs were overwhelmed. It mighttake months to receive aid from UI or PUA (it took 14
weeks for our first PUA payment). In researching options
for more timely assistance, I landed on ACCESS (access.
wisconsin.gov/access/), Wisconsin’s one-stop-shop forfood, health care, child care, and job search assistance.

This page is also a jumping off point for dozens of otherprograms, which I encourage you to explore.
For instance, the WI Home Energy Assistance Program(WHEAP) is listed under ‘Other Programs’. This programprovided over $1,000 of assistance with my utility bills,
brought a crew of weatherization specialists to my home tosuper-insulate our house and replace my electric hot water
heater with a new gas unit. Both homeowners and renters
are eligible for this program.

The application process is comprehensive, yet the welldesigned website leads you through the simple steps.
Filling out this one application will determine eligibility
for multiple programs. For preparation, you’ll need
your income, housing, utility, and other monthly budget
categories figured out and ready.
Within 24 hours of hitting ‘submit’ on my own application,
I received a phone call from an ACCESS customer
advocate, and just like that, I began receiving $646
a month (the maximum amount for a family of four) in
FoodShare benefits and was enrolled in health careinsurance for my family and me. All of my subsequentphone calls to ACCESS were answered on my first attempt.
Once I applied, a personalized dashboard provides asnapshot of my household’s eligibility and benefits for
multiple programs.

Log-on Screen

Personalized Dashboard Screen
Please understand you are notalone. Your MPI colleagues are here
for you; so don’t be timid about
reaching out. Feel free to contact
me at jasonkauffeld@hotmail.com,
either just to visit or to work throughsome applications. Also, if you areaware of other programs you would
like to share with MPI members,
let us know. Looking forward to thenext time we are all together.

MPI Agenda

September/October 2020|

29

MPI WISCONSINNEW MEMBER

ANNIVERSARIES
1 YEARJUSTINE ALEXANDER
Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Madison at the American
CenterED BUCHNER
Senior Account Manager
Majic Productions

HANNAH RICE
Senior Meetings Manager
HOPA

CHANTAL BONCHER
Director of Sales & Marketing
Concord Hotels

KATIE KOCMOND
Talent Manager
Ki Mobility

SARAH SCHNELL
Marketing Analyst
Navitus Health Solutions

ANN BURKARDTDirector of Sales
Delta Hotels by Marriott Green Bay

LYNDSEY MALEK

ANNIE SPECKETER
Meeting Event Planner
SentryMEGAN JANSSEN
Senior Meeting & Events Specialist
CUNA Mutual

Refer a friend to MPI.

JON PELTONEN
Student
jonpeltonen@icloud.com

When a new member joins, tell them to use the MyFriendMPI
promo code, and to list you on the application as the referring
member. The new member will receive $50 off their membershipand you’ll receive a $25 credit to apply toward your next renewal.

NO TIME TO HIBERNATE
Well-being in the morning. Meetings by day.
Winter Wonderland at night. This is how
business gets done at Destination Kohler.

TheAmericanClubSalesDepartment@kohler.com | 920 -453-2891 | Kohler, Wisconsin
Promotional prices available November 1–April 30. Book by December 31, 2020, and receive a complimentary one-hour welcome reception.

30|

September/October 2020

MPI Agenda																	There are some things even the best planners just can’t plan for.
So in the meantime, take care of yourselves while we plan for better days ahead.
When you’re ready to get back to business, we’ll be ready for you.
5,600 meetings a year | 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
8,000 guest rooms | Golf | Waterparks | Restaurants | And More
MeetInTheDells.com | sales@wisdells.com | (888) 339-3822
MPI Agenda

September/October 2020

|

31

s
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1 We have space big enough to accomodate physical distancing#

in this post-COVID era. 200,00 square feet of Convention Center
space to be exact.

2 We’ve got availability through the remainder of 2020 for your#last minute event changes. We’re here and ready to help.

3 We are far enough away from the highly-populated, high-risk#

COVID areas. Yet, close enough that we are still just a quick driveaway for your attendees.

4 We are an industry leader in adjusting to and safely#

accommodating the post-COVID meeting era. For all the
specifics visit KalahariMeetings.com

5 We are working with the industry’s best minds modeling#meeting room sets and best practices for ingress and egress while
managing appropriate personal distancing.

We’re here to help & available when you’re ready32| September/October 2020 MPI Agenda																		To all our friends and clients:
Thank you for all the opportunities you’ve
given us to host your meetings and events
over the years – we’re looking forward
to welcoming you again soon!
VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG/MEETMPI Agenda

September/October 2020|33

Enhance your meeting planningcareer with the MPI Academy
With hundreds of hours of free education for MPI members, the MPI Academy is your one-stop
shop for meeting planning and event industry skills training, CE credits and certificate courses.
Featuring online and in-person classes and webinars, it's the perfect resource for the job you
have - or the job you want.
CERTIFICATE COURSES: https://www.mpi.org/education

DATEBOOK: C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
BY POPULAR DEMAND

2020
OCTOBER

Friday Whine & Cheese
Zoom gatherings return!

Join your MPI Wisconsin friends and bring the week to a happy
close with some wine and whine. The struggle is real and its
always good to see friendly faces that understand.

Schedule - Every other Friday at 4:00pm
OCTOBERNOVEMBER
Fri, Oct 16, 4:00 pm Fri, Nov 6, 4:00 pm
Fri, Nov 20, 4:00 pm

DECEMBER
Fri, Dec 4, 4:00 pm
Fri, Dec 18, 4:00 pm

Find the full listing with links on our chapter website or bit.ly/
whineandcheese.
(Your member email will give you access). Zoom link will be
provided in your confirmation.

07

Awards Gala
Brookfield Conference Center
Brookfield, WI

08

Education Day
Brookfield Conference Center
Brookfield, WI