JAN
FEB
2019
VOL 41/NUM 1

C H A P T E R“MPI-WI Chapter is the bridge to knowledge, compelling ideas, andrelationships to create a voice in the meetings and events industry.”A W A R D

2|January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																

		

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

MPI-WISCONSIN
2018-2019
BOARD OF DIRECTORSVOL 41 / NUM 1

PRESIDENTTAMARA JESSWEIN, CMPHID Global
tjesswein@hidglobal.com

Feature Articles
January Meeting Preview

8

PRESIDENT ELECTJOELLEN GRABER
Verona Area Chamber of Commercejoeygraber1@gmail.com

February Meeting Preview: Morning at Monona

10

The Value of Your CMP

11Spring Education at Ingleside

12

Action for the Animals

13

Volunteer Opportunities

13

Fall Fun in Lake Geneva

142018 GLES Recap - A Triple Success!

16

Thank you to our GLES Strategic Partners

19

CMP 101

21

Excitement is Building...for Trivia Night at the Ingleside!

26

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
CLAUDIA CABRERA
Madison Marriott West Hotel & Conference Center
claudia.cabrera@atriumhospitality.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
TRACEY BOCKHOP, CMP
Meet Meetings
tracey@meetmeetings.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP
KATIE MCGINNISThe Iron Horse Hotel
kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSCHERYL OSWALD, CMP
Kohl’s Department Stores
cheryl.oswald@kohls.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONDANIELLE ZIEGLER, CMP, CVT
danielleaziegler@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTCATHY CLUFF
Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
cathy@visitoshkosh.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CARE
AMANDA RIDOUT
Harley-Davidson Museum
aridout@levyrestaurants.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LIZ UNRUH
Wisconsin Center District
eunruh@wcd.org

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Column

6

Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Scheer, CMP		

20

Planner Profile: Jana Lipari

20

New Members & Anniversaries

22

Who's in the News

23

Supplier Profile: Becky Melchi, CMP

24

Board Member Profile: Sherry Wolff		

26

CalendarBC

DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS, ADS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH
KATHY READINGThe Scan Group, Inc.
reading@scangroup.net
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONREBECCA STAATSAAA Wisconsin
rlstaats@aaawisconsin.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSNICOLE ELLICKSON, CMP
AFCC
nellickson@afccnet.org
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC, ALLIANCES, SPONSORSHIPS &FUNDRAISINGMEGAN GOSSENSWPS Health Solutions
megan.gossens@wpsinc.com
DIRECTOR OF WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, & PUBLIC RELATIONSSHERRY WOLFF
Kohler Hospitality
sherry.wolff@kohler.com

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

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|3

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter
CO-EDITORS
Chris Alberti, CMP
Derse
calberti@derse.com
Denise Henson
Hilton Hotels
denise.henson@hilton.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Reading
Rebecca Staats
Liz Unruh
Stacey Lucas
Nicole Ellickson, CMPCheryl Oswald

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

PHOTOGRAPHY
Cheryl Oswald, CMPStephanie Cole Photography

PUBLICATION DEADLINESMarch/April 2019
Deadline: January 15, 2019
May/June 2019
Deadline: March 15, 2019
July/August 2019
Deadline: May 15, 2019

EDITOR'S NOTEH

appy
New Year!

Where did 2018 go? I remember it beginning, then I blinked my eyes
and now I’m wondering where I misplaced it. Should you find my 2018,
I would really appreciate it if you will return it to me.
As the New Year begins, we have the best intentions for the upcoming
year. Perhaps you vocalized some of your goals to your friends or havebeen thinking of a list of things you would like to accomplish in the New
Year. Let’s try something new for 2019 to help move our goals toward
fruition. Research has shown that the act of writing down your goal has
a big influence on whether the goal is accomplished. So, one of the key
goals you need to accomplish is really completing the step of writing
down those goals.
I would venture to guess that you've hear of the science, even if you
haven't followed it. I confess, I have read on this subject, and I believe inthe simplicity and logic of the concept, yet I have rarely taken this step.
The science shows that this action of writing down your goals helps in
two important ways: First, the written goal can be accessed and lookedat whenever you want. Second – and here's the science – writing down
your goals gets them encoded into your brain. This creates a muchhigher probability that your goals are always at the forefront of yourmind as part of your daily thought process as your brain analyzes yourdaily decisions.
So do yourself a favor – join me in writing down one personal and one
professional goal for 2019. I look forward to comparing notes at the endof the year.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful 2019!

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.

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January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																	{Madison, WI}A SPACE THAT ENERGIZES.

A city that entertains.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building to be different.
Its views, its curves, its location. Every feature was chosen with one
purpose: to inspire. It’s a space that encourages team building byday, in a location that fosters team bonding by night.
Visit MononaTerrace.com.

©2019 Monona Terrace

18872_Entertains_MPI-7.5x9.5.indd 1

12/10/18 4:45 PM

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|5

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN"W

OW!” – what a superb Great Lakes Education Summit!
Thank you to everyone that participated, the sponsors
and of course the amazing team that lead us to this experience!
Tamara Jesswein, CMP
President, MPI-WI Chapter“The emotional brain is 24
times more powerful than
the rational brain.”— Erasmus of Rotterdam

If you were unable to attend, I want to share my favorite takeaway (...aside from David
Helgeson, CMP performing on stage!) At the Aspiring Leadership workshop on Sunday
evening, Jason Kauffeld, CPP stated, “If volunteering is beneath you, then leadership isbeyond you.” The next morning, I shared this inspiration during my welcome at the generalsession. I heard an overwhelming “WOW!” from the crowd. Thank you, Jason; I knowthat will stick with me – and many attendees – for a lifetime. When I attend our Wisconsin
chapter meetings, I am always grateful to view a sea of volunteers. For that I applaud you
all, aspiring leaders!
Now on to my motivation for the coming year: a new perspective to developing Emotional
Intelligence (EQ). It is a lot like learning to drive on the “wrong” side of the road! It requires
an intense and deliberate effort to turn the ‘wrong’ direction, to get into the opposite
side of the car, to turn your head in the correct direction to back up, etc. Becoming
more emotionally intelligent, something every one of us can work at, will follow this sameprocess. Cultivating our awareness and management of emotions in oneself and others will
help each of us in our personal and professional development.
I recently came across a quote from the Power of Positivity, “Remember, most of your stresscomes from the way you respond, not the way your life is. Adjust your attitude, and all thatextra stress is gone.” I find that very powerful and have been practicing that deliberate
effort to react to the facts being stated and not the tone that I hear.
Our new year brings endless opportunities for EQ growth. It may require months ofdeliberate strategy before you reach a new normal in your emotional awareness. Starting
each week with your development goals in your calendar can help you to make focusedand deliberate decisions. Perhaps end your day by asking: “What was my focus today andhow did it go? What will I continue tomorrow and what will I change?” It’s a new year, time
for a new perspective. I challenge you all to up your EQ in 2019!

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January/February 2019 MPI Agenda																		STARTPLANNING

The Fox Cities offer
convenience, versatility
and venues for every typeof meeting. An array of
exceptional dining options,3,500+ room choices andgroup activities, along with our
walkable downtown areas willcomplete your experience.
©ADAM SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY; TOWN COUNCIL, NEENAH, WI

NOW BOOKING —Fox Cities Exhibition Center

Plus Wisconsin’s
Best Shopping!
Contact Amy Karasakaras@foxcities.org
or 920.734.3358

FOX CITIESFoxCities.org/meeting

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|7

January Meeting Preview:
Great Education at Great Wolf Lodge
By: Liz UnruhCome and join us at our January monthly programming
event on Thursday, January 10 at the Great Wolf
Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells.

The event will include lunch prior to
Lisa Meller, CMP, CIS, CEM speaking
on Strategic Meeting Management(SMM). SMM sounds great in theory,
but from the pitch to implementation
there seems to be a disconnect andmisconceptions. Lisa will show us how
simple steps can make a major impact
on the organization. In this engaging,workshop-style session, Lisa will help
Lisa Meller, CMP
you break down the concepts into
actionable ideas that you can implement
to improve performance and cost-savings. Industry suppliers
and planners alike will benefit from this strategic session bylearning how to have apositive impact on yourorganization and clients’
events. You will learn new
strategies to:and is a past president for MPI Orange County. Formerly
Director of Worldview Events North America, she is now
Managing Director for Meller Performance Events Group. She
was awarded MPIOC’s 2104 Meeting Planner of the Year, 2016
Worldview Travel Chairman’s Award, and is a 2018 Successful
Women in Meetings award recipient for Industry Leadership.
She holds professional credentials as a Certified Meeting
Planner, Certified Incentive Specialist, and Certified Exhibition
Manager. She also earned her Green Belt certification in Lean
Six Sigma for Meetings in 2018 and in Event Design. On a
personal note, she is the current US Masters Diving reigning
champion for Springboard & Platform diving. Her passion for
excellence and her enthusiasm for life is shared with those
she touches.
If you are working towards earning your CMP, make sure toattend our 90-minute pre-event CMP 101 session at 10:15 amin the White Wolf room tolearn about the following
five domains:• Strategic Planning• Financial Management• Identify whatstakeholders want
and how to approachthem.
• Develop a simple setof steps to increase
efficiency anddecrease the cost at
your organization• Build an effective
case for success from
communications to
adoption• Site Management• Marketing• Stakeholder
Management
This session will include
presentations on theabove topics, as well as
handouts and sample test
questions only available tosession attendees.

Lisa is an award-winning corporate and association
event strategist with leadership skills and experiencein strategic event design, policy, project management,
sourcing, execution and analysis. Engaging, energetic,
and enthusiastic about our industry, she advocates for bestpractices in event management for rewarding experiences.
She has been a third-party full-service event management
entrepreneur and business leader in the industry since 2003

Are you new to MPI or would like to learn more about MPI andhow to get involved? MPI 101 is the right place for you to be!
New and veteran members welcome! Join us before lunch at
10:45am in the Cub 2 room for this informative session!
We also encourage you to invite your family and extend
your stay for a little winter getaway. The Great Wolf Lodge isknown for their awesome water parks which the whole family
can enjoy.

For more information on the event, visit www.mpiwi.org/events.

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January/February 2019 MPI Agenda																		L A K E COU N T RY ’ S
GAT H E R I NG PL AC E
Our complete property renovations provide a
simple yet beautifully designed space for businessand leisure travelers. Featuring over 40,000 sq.
ft. of flexible banquet and meeting space, we
invite you to experience contemporary Lake
Country hospitality at its natural, vibrant best.

Formerly Country Springs Hotel2 6 2 . 5 4 7. 0 2 0 12810 Golf Road
Pewaukee, WI 53072
theinglesidehotel.com

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|9February Meeting Preview:

Morning at Monona
By: Liz Unruh

Join us at the beautiful Monona Terrace Community andConvention Center in Madison for our first ever Friday
morning breakfast education session on Friday, February 8.

After the event and a short break for lunch, we invite all
those interested in earning their CMP, to attend our last
90-minute CMP 101 session.

Make sure to arrive early to enjoy a delicious breakfast by
Monona Catering followed by an awesome speaker, Lisa
Demmi, presenting the topic of "Small Magic for Social
Media or How to be a Bad A$$ on Social Media."This session, presented by Jodi Goldbeck, will include
presentations on the remaining domains below, as wellas handouts and sample test questions only available
to session attendees.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center has
graciously offered to host a reception immediately following
our session, along with tours of the convention center for
those who are new to Monona Terrace.

• Meeting Design• Project Management• Risk Management• Human Resources

We look forward to seeing you all in February!

ABOUT THE
SPEAKERFor more information on the event, visit www.mpiwi.org/events.

10

LISA L. DEMMI
Lisa L. Demmi is a speaker, coach, trainer, and master egg
poacher. She loves social media and she shows people how
not only to embrace it, but also how to put it in a headlock
and execute a figure eight on it. Lisa helps companies andorganizations leverage social media to create relationshipsthat turn into prospects and ultimately, clients. She also
helps others see the power of social media from increasingawareness to understanding the best platform for your specificneeds and strengths.
She still fondly remembers her first “tweet” and how it changed
her journey forever. She’s looking forward to helping youchange yours.
|

January/February 2019

Lisa DemmiMPI Agenda																	Small Magic™ for Social
Media or How to Be A Bad
A$$ on Social MediaThe Value ofYour CMP
By: Cheryl Oswald

Business has changed. People have changed and the way
they choose services and products has changed. So it
follows that the way companies try to attract clients also has
to change. Enter the Small Magic™ for Social Media.
In today’s world, customers are more discerning. They
don’t want to be sold to. Instead, they’re looking for aconnection and a deeper reason to do business with you.
They want to get to know you because — let’s face it —people want to do business with people they know, like,and trust. Social Media gives you the best opportunity
to create relationships AND if we sprinkle a little Small
Magic™ on it, all the better.
Have you ever moved from one bank to another? Sure.
Now, why did you move? Because another bank offered
you better services? Their checks looked better? NO.
You moved because your banker did and you created a
relationship with that banker. You aren’t doing business withthe bank. Instead, you’re doing business with the person.
You moved to the new bank because your banker moved.
Using social media, we can start to create much the same
relationship!
The first mistake people make when using social media
for their business, they sell. Why would anyone want to be
sold to via social media? The Small Magic is the way you
represent yourself digitally. Are you comfortable letting
your audience get to know you? If you let your prospective
clients in a little bit, then you can transform a cold call intoa warm lead.
Let me throw some tasty numbers at you. Consumers whocreate “relationships” through social media translate into
approximately 40% more sales and approximately 35%
more retention of current customers. Now, who doesn’twant those kinds of increases? Small Magic™ for Social
Media shows you how to access your authentic self so thatyou can make long-lasting relationships with your current,
past, and prospective clients.

It’s a new year and a time for new resolutions. Maybe thisyear your resolutions include taking the CMP exam. Perhaps
you’ve considered it and wonder if it’s worth it. You’ve heard
all the stories about the application process and study
commitment. And then there is the exam itself. Next time you
ask yourself if the CMP designation is worth the effort, theanswer is...YES!
I made the decision to obtain my CMP about three years
ago and it was a completely personal decision. I knew that I
wanted to elevate myself professionally and having CMP after
my name would be the next step in my career as an event
professional.
Once obtaining my CMP, I did start to see the value in all that
hard work. I started to see my employer value my opinion as
an event professional a little bit more. Different opportunities
within the meeting industry came my way. Hoteliers and othervendors started to value my opinion as an event professional
during the planning process.
With more than 11,000 meeting professionals in 55 countries
around the globe holding the cmp designation, it represents
the standard of excellence in today's meetings, conventions
and exhibitions industry. It carries credibility, respect anddemonstrates a higher level of commitment and professional
knowledge.
Is it going to be easy? No, it’s going to take some work to
study and prepare. Is it going to be rewarding in the end?
Absolutely! I see the value in my CMP every day, both
personally and professionally.
Don’t forget about the CMP 101 series offered Octoberthrough May in partnership with Madison College.

For more details, checkout https://www.mpiweb.org/
chapters/wisconsin/education-events/cmp-prep

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|11

Spring Education at
Ingleside
By: Rebecca Staats

T

MPI-Wisconsin
Annual Spring
Education Day

he MPI-Wisconsin Annual Spring Education Day moves to April in 2019 – beginningon Wednesday evening, April 10 and running all day Thursday, April 11. Please note
this is a month earlier than in previous years! We’ll also be celebrating Global
Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at our Spring Education Day at the newly renovatedIngleside Hotel, Conference Center & Indoor Water Park in Pewaukee, WI.

April 10-11
Ingleside Hotel,
Conference Center& Indoor Water Park
Pewaukee, WI

The upcoming event will kick off with an exciting new Trivia Event and Welcome Reception
on Wednesday evening, April 10. The trivia will include a broad range of topics; everyone will
have their opportunity to shine!
Then, beginning early on Thursday, we will enjoy a full day of education. The 2019 Spring
Education Day will include speakers in the topics of Technology, Event/Meeting Design and
Personal Branding/Motivation. Don’t forget that alongside the fun, you will also earn continuing
education credits. Watch your email and the next Agenda issue for more information!

GMID
S PEA KER TOPI C S
Tec hnol ogy
Event/M eeti ng D es ign
Persona l Bra nding/
M oti v i a ti on

T RI V IA E VEN T

12|January/February 2019 MPI Agenda																		Action for the
Animals

Volunteer
Opportunities

By: Kathy Reading
When you volunteer, everyone wins! If you’d like to finda volunteer role that’s just right for you, contact Katie
McGinnis, kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.com, 414-8314619 to hear how you can help.

The Wisconsin Humane Society’s mission is to build acommunity where people value animals and treat themwith respect and kindness. As we begin 2019, pleaseconsider supporting our Community Outreach Partner’s
mission with hands-on action:•

Volunteer at Your Local Shelter – Contact your local
animal shelter for opportunities to help. With training,
there are roles for greeters, shelter helpers, wildlife
rehab, veterinary prep, dog walkers, and more.

•

Get the Kids involved – Wisconsin Humane Society
offers many programs for kids, including classes andcamps, community story time, Service Saturdays, Party
with the Pets and more. [bit.ly/2R7N8Hm]•

Get Crafty – Animal shelters can often use more
blankets, toys and dog coats. The web is full of ideas ofhand sewn, knit, crocheted or easily crafted pet items.

•

Promote the Wisconsin Humane Society – Follow
and share important posts from Wisconsin Humane
Society: [bit.ly/2BquipM]

Current Exciting Volunteer Opportunities include:• Instagram Coordinator• Community Outreach Coordinator (Help the puppies!)• January & February Education Day photographers• Team members for April Education Day (Ingleside)

THIS IS ENGAGING

THIS IS WHY“Our guests love the comfort, accessibility,and quality of the venue, and come back year
after year for what they know will be an
exceptional experience.”—Lisa Peyton-Caire
Founder & President, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
ALLIANTENERGYCENTER.COM
SHIRLEY KALTENBERG
608-267-1549
KALTENBERG@ALLIANTENERGYCENTER.COM

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|13

FALL FUN IN LAKE GENEVA
Julia Spangler

T

By: Stacey Lucashank you again to all who
attended! I hope everyone
had a great time andenjoyed experiencing the
newly renovated Ridge Hotel in Lake Geneva. Thank you also
for your generous donations to our new Community OutreachPartner, the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Once finished, we moved into
the Aspen Ballroom where
Julia Spangler, our speakerpromoted zero waste events
during her session. She
was very informative and created real-life situations. She
helped attendees understand the difference between azero waste event and a zero waste planning process. We
all gained a better understanding of the six steps of zerowaste event planning process, including how to calculate
the waste diversion rate of an event. Julia also helped teachus to practice applying waste reduction, diversion andmeasurement techniques. These techniques allowed us tounderstand the steps needed to embrace this important
challenge for future events.
After our education, some of the guests headed homeand others headed out onto Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva
Cruise Lines donated one of their boats so our guests could
explore the area, enjoy cocktails & appetizers and continue
networking. All in all, it was a great afternoon of educationand networking!

We started the day off with lunch consisting of salad,pasta and delicious mini desserts (this way you could try
several and not waste any) and announcements before theeducation series in the Fireside Ballroom.

Photography provided by Cheryl Oswald, CMP. Please see mpiwi.org for more photos of this event.

14|

January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																	Meetings meet Convenience

Complimentary services

Unique lakeside dining

Team & social activities

Conveniently located directly off I-94, between Milwaukee and Madison, weoffer complimentary personalized services to help make your meeting a success.
Additionally, our area offers:
 More than 100,000 square feet of affordable, flexible meeting space 1,100 guestrooms with complimentary parking
 Plenty of after-hours dining and entertainment options for your attendees

Learn more at visitwaukesha.org/meetings

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|15

2018 GLES RECAP A TRIPLE SUCCESS!
By: Rebecca Staats

The fifth annual Great
Lakes Education Summit(GLES) in Madison,
Wisconsin was asmashing success withoutstanding educationand networking forover 200 attendees.
This one-of-a-kind
event was planned andcoordinated by the three
dedicated MPI chaptersof Indiana, Michigan, andWisconsin. The November 4-6, 2018 GLES was hosted at
the spectacular Monona Terrace Community & Convention
Center and the host hotel was the Hilton Madison Monona
Terrace Hotel.
Attendees joined us to CONNECT with new and current
colleagues, ENGAGE new ideas, and INSPIRE fellow MPI
members.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4

16|

January/February 2019

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5
MONDAY MORNING KEYNOTE & BREAKOUTS
Monday morning, November 5, began with a delicious plated
huevos rancheros breakfast with all the accompaniments.
We enjoyed a short welcome from Monona Terrace, the
GMCVB and our emcee, Lila Lazurus. At her core, Lisa
Lazurus believes that every day should be a new adventure,that creating adventures can leave you
fully engaged and present. Lila is anaward–winning news anchor who leads
by example and believes that we all havethe ability to infuse our lives with passion
and excitement.
Following the welcome from Lila, our
opening keynote speaker, Kelly McDonald
discussed How to Work and Lead
People Not Like You. Kelly McDonald isconsidered one of the nation’s top experts
in marketing, customer service andconsumer trends.

Kelly McDonald

WELCOME RECEPTION
Following this session, the Greater Madison Convention& Visitors Bureau and local Madison hotels sponsored afantastic supper club-themed welcome reception at theMonona Terrace Community & Convention Center. As guests
arrived for their first night, they were greeted with stunninglake views in the Grand Terrace accompanied by Wisconsin’s
signature cocktail: the brandy Old-Fashioned. Throughout
the night, attendees visited with exhibitors, networked withmembers from the MPI Indiana and Michigan chapters,
and sampled Wisconsin staples including cheese curds,
local smoked meats, cheeses, a mac-n-cheese bar, and a
sprawling array of desserts – complete with local UW-Madison
Babcock ice cream and toppings! We also enjoyed the jumbo

The summit continued
through Monday andTuesday, with content
that included Wisconsininspired meals, anevening reception
off-site sponsored by
Travel Wisconsin andOverture Center for theArts, Exhibits, a silent auction to support the new Student
Scholarship program, keynote and breakout sessions.

Lila Lazurus

The event kicked off on Sunday, November 4 with an Aspiring
Leaders network session featuring current and future leadersparticipating in hands-on activities and inspired discussions.

Jenga, giant Connect
4, and a photo kiosk
provided by Celebrations
Entertainment.

During our morning break, we enjoyeddelicious house-made granola bars
and chocolate salted almond bars,

MPI Agenda																	MONDAY EVENING RECEPTION
Monday’s evening reception took place at the Overture
Center for the Arts, a performing arts center and art gallery
just a short walk from the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
Hotel. Travel Wisconsin and the Overture Center for the Arts
sponsored the Wisconsin-centric menu, which included
cheese curds and bratwursts. Linens by Event Essentials,
entertainment by Silent Disco and a photo kiosk by Celebrations Entertainment all contributed to a terrific reception.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Morning Breakout Options Included: Meetings
3.0: The Evolution of Successful Events by Shawna
Suckow or Stop Walking on Egg Shells: Address
Issues, Reduce Conflict, Protect Relationships by
Dr. Sherene McHenry.

Sherene McHenryMONDAY LUNCH, AFTERNOONKEYNOTE & AFTERNOONBREAKOUTS
Lunch featured a delightful plated
chicken orchard salad with warm
croissants and Dr. Sherene McHenry’s
powerful keynote presentation: Navigate
for Meeting Professionals: Understanding
the Five Types of People. Dr. Sherene
McHenry, The People IQ Expert™, offers tools to intentionally
increases purpose, productivity and profitability. Sherene is
an international speaker who empowers, equips and inspires
individuals and organizations to immediately begin to act
and think differently.
Afternoon Breakout Options Included: Slaying theDemanding Dragons: How to Wow, Woo, and Win
Over the Hard-to-Please Client, Boss, Committee,
and Attendees by Mimi Brown or Up the Energy:
Finding Your Frequency in the Frenetic World ofMeetings by Lila Lazarus.
MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|17

Shawna Suckow

Mimi Brown

networking and exhibits. Our morning
breakout options were: Crafting
the Customer Experience by Kelly
McDonald and Ten Ways Meeting
Pros Can Entertain and Dazzle an
Audience by Mimi Brown. Motivational
Keynote Speaker Mimi Brown works
with individuals and organizations to
add more power, pizzazz, and punch totheir lives and businesses. Mimi engages groups from themoment she steps in front of them and leaves them withempowering tools and focused mindsets that they will use
long after the lights have gone out on the event.

TUESDAY MORNING KEYNOTE &BREAKOUTS
Tuesday morning, November 6 was
Election Day and many attendees
proudly wore their “I Voted” stickers.
Politics weren’t the only hot topic thatday. Attendees were treated to a classic
scrambled egg, bacon (and more) plated
breakfast and by a dazzling Breakfast
Keynote: Don’t Become Extinct! Keep Yourself, Your Events,
and Your Company Relevant in Any Economy by Shawna
Suckow. Shawna Suckow is a speaker and emcee with deep
knowledge of consumer behavior. She presented relevent,serious facts in a relatable, insightful and authentic style.

Ben Whiting

TUESDAY CLOSING LUNCH & KEYNOTEThe event concluded with a buffet lunch of salad, sandwiches, vegetables, relishes and chips and a “magical”
closing keynote Connect Like a Mind
Reader: How Meeting Professionals Can
Make More Meaningful Connections
with Clients and Colleagues by Ben
Whiting. As a speaker and entertainer,
Ben Whiting performs at numerous
conferences, award banquets, andprivate events across the country. He
left us entertained and inspired.
After two days of amazing education, the event concluded
with three raffle winners from our Famous Pairs networking
activity each receiving a state basket from either Indiana,
Michigan, or Wisconsin. Thank you to everyone who
attended! And thank you to all of our exhibitors, sponsors,
speakers, emcee, volunteers and our host hotel and hostvenue. We are very excited for the 6th Annual Great Lakes
Education Summit which will take place November 3-5,
2019 in Traverse City, Michigan.

Continuing Education: Sessions were approved forCE, so if you attended every keynote and a breakout
session, you are eligible to claim up to 9 CEs.

None of this happens without a great team.
Thank you to all of our
GLES Committee Members:
Danielle Ziegler, CMP, CVT
Linda Anderson-Drogsvold
Alison Huber, CMP
Alison Hutchinson
Tamara Jesswein, CMP
Kelly Kaepplinger
Stacey Lucas
Sarah Lemmers
Cheryl Oswald, CMP
Sarah Scheer, CMP
Rebecca Staats
Elizabeth Unruh
Photo Credit: Stephanie Cole Photography

18|

January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																	to our GLES Strategic Partners.
This event would not be
successful without you!

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|19

VOLUNTEER

PLANNERSPOTLIGHT

Sarah Scheer, CMP

Jana Lipari
Place of Employment: Forte
Job Title: Conference Manager
Tell us about your company and/or position: Forte provides
software and services in the critical areas of clinical trial
management, clinical data management and researchadministration for cancer centers, AMCs and health systems.
With a strong belief in community, collaboration and standardsbased development, Forte also facilitates the Onsemble
Community, a customer-exclusive group for peer networking,best practices and support. Twice a year at the Onsemble
Conference, clinical research professionals meet in person anddiscuss the latest challenges and solutions in clinical research.
How long in the meetings industry? 18 Years

SARAH SCHEER, CMP with American Family Insurance,
knows how to pitch in! Sarah was an integral part ofthe planning team as she helped draft the entire GLES
program. Her CMP skills were put to great use as she
had many different people to work with to make sure theproper information was captured. Sarah also jumped induring the event, helping out with on-site assistance forour community outreach organization (WAGS).
Thank you, Sarah!

If you’d like to find a volunteer role that’s just right for you,contact Katie McGinnis, kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.
com, 414-831-4619 to hear how you can help.
You can also look for this board at our education eventsand add your name to our winning team of volunteers.

What drew you to become a planner? My family and I
traveled often with my father’s company as a child. My dad wasconsidered a VIP so we always had meeting planners aroundtaking care of him & us. I thought they were so fun and had thecoolest job. I’ve been doing this for 18 years and absolutely love
being in this industry.
What drew you to become a member with MPI and/or what
do you like most about being a member of MPI? Networking& Resources! MPI provides resources that are not as available tome now that I work in-house vs. a third-party planning company.
Teams or projects that you have worked on for MPI or would
like to be involved with: Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance
yet to be on a committee, but I hope to do so in the near future.
Tell us whatever you like about your family and home town:
Racine, WI - America’s Kringle Capital. Kringle is an oval-shaped
treat that has been a tradition since Danish immigrants brought
it to Wisconsin in the mid-19th century. It’s buttery, flaky andthoroughly delicious!
Favorite pastimes: Running, softball & tennis.
Favorite music/band/artist/movie or book: I love hip hop andR&B music with Bruno Mars being my favorite artist. I’ve neverbeen into country but it’s growing on me since my boyfriend isa huge fan.
Person you admire and why: I admire someone who can justbe straight up in any situation. I’m not a fan of “beating aroundthe bush.” So, when someone can just say, “Hey listen...” I reallyappreciate it. Typically, when someone is honest with me, I feel
comfortable with them, making for awesome relationships.
Still on my bucket list: I qualified for and ran the Boston
Marathon so next on my list is to run the Venice, Italy Marathon.
Words to live by: Be so good they can’t ignore you. — Steve Martin

20|

January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																	CMP 101

Thinking about your CMP certification but don’t know where to start?
Join MPI-WI for our new and improved CMP 101 info sessions,occurring the same day as each monthly education event.

CMP 101

CMP 101

CMP 101

DOMAIN REVIEWDOMAIN REVIEWPROCESSSUMMARY OF& CONTENTJANUARY 10, 201910:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
(90 minutes)

FEBRUARY 8, 201912:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(90 minutes)

MAY 16, 201910:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(45 minutes)

Meeting Design
Project Management
Risk Management
Human Resources• Review application process• Take sample test
• Receive clarification on test
materials and concepts• Get advice on “day of” exam
preparation

•
•
•
•
•

Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Site Management
MarketingStakeholder Management

This session will include
presentations on the above
domain topics, as well as handouts
and sample test questions only
available to session attendees.

•
•
•
•

This session will include
presentations on the above
domain topics, as well as handouts
and sample test questions only
available to session attendees.

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|21

MPI WISCONSIN
New Members
SHANNA DOMBROWSKI
Student
Madison College

DONALD KLUKAS
Owner
Event Head Productions LLCTABITHA SCHROCK
Sales Account Executive
Marcus Hotels & Resorts

KIM DUSSAULT
Student
Ashworth College

KRISTIE MCKNIGHT
Account Executive
Quality Resource Group, Inc.

FARRAH LYNN SLINGER
Event Division Manager
A to Z Event Essentials

AMY BROWN
Director of Education and
Conferencing
Trade Press Media GroupJODI FISHER
CEOImpact Services

BARBARA MOUBRY
Program Planner
State Bar of Wisconsin

JULIE STOVER
Events Coordinator
Zendesk

KIM CASEY
Sales Manager
Visit Brookfield

FELICIA GLASPER
Student
Madison College

JEFF OVERGAARD
Sales Executive
Lodge Kohler

DAN UNDERBERG, MSM
Program Director & Chair
Concordia University

LINDSEY CONKLIN
Student
Madison College

STEVE GORALSKI
Sales Manager
PSAV

RYAN PACKARD
Director of Sales
Hospitality Democracy

AMANDA WONDRASH
Student
Madison College

MARY DENIS
Sales
Destination Lake Winnebago
RegionJEFF KESTNER
Regional Director of Sales
Flix Brewhouse

DANIELLE PARKER
Student
Madison College

MAUREEN BRAATZMALLORY BRIGMANManager, Private Event Sales
Milwaukee Bucks

Anniversaries
1 YEAR
MARJI MONAGHAN
Director of Sales andMarketingHotel Mead & ConferenceCenter
AMY MURPHY
Marketing Event Associate
Independent Pharmacy
Cooperative

5 YEARSREBECCA ROGERS
Event Manager
Culver Franchising System, LLC
GRETA SPENCER
Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

ANN M KULIKOWSKI
Employee Services
Coordinator
Mercy Health System
ELIZABETH M UNRUH
Sales Manager
Wisconsin Center District|

SHERRY COLLINS
Education Coordinator
Wisconsin Hospital Association
ALISON HUBER
Program Manager
Fox World Travel

20 YEARSDAN OTOOLE
Owner
Lake Shore Transportation

22

15 YEARS

KAREN L. RYAN
Sr Spec Events Coordinator
WE Energies

January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																	

MPI-WISCONSIN has been recognized as a Top Achieving
chapter by MPI Global. We earned this designation bymeeting or exceeding our goals in membership, volunteer
involvement, financial strength and education. Way to go,
Wisconsin chapter!

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL in downtown Milwaukee
is rebranding as an independent arts hotel. Scheduled
to open in Spring 2019, the SAINT KATE will be named
after the patron saint of artists. Kate will be a living art
experience highlighting performance as well as visual arts.
Owned and operated by Marcus Corporation, Saint Kate willfeature 219-rooms,13,000 square feet of meeting spaces
and will highlight performance and visual arts. Blessed be
the Saint Kate!

THE PABLO CENTER
at the EAU CLAIRE’S
CONFLUENCE, opened
in September after sevenyears and $60 million.
Initial reviews of the threestory, 142,000-square-footstructure are all positive.
The lobby features dangling
lights and three-story
glass windows overlooking
the Chippewa River. The
center offers theater and event spaces for 100-1200. This is
beautiful addition to Eau Claire!

MORGAN DATA SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATIONMANAGEMENT (MDS) is celebrating its 15th yearof service to MPI-Wisconsin. Heather Dyer, CAE andChristopher Dyer have been valuable partners for ourchapter. Christopher states: “We are humbled and honored
to serve so many great meeting professionals that give somuch back to their profession. We are motivated by their
dedication and energy.” Thank you for your support andguidance, Heather & Christopher!

TRICIA SMITH CMP,
CNHP, joined Waukesha
County Technical College
as a full-time Hotel &Restaurant Management
Instructor. Tricia focuseson the Restaurant
Operations class which
provides front-of-house
education in The Classic
Room restaurant on
campus at WCTC. Thanks for helping to build our next
generation of hospitality heroes, Tricia!

CARMEN SMALLEY, CMP, CHE
has been inducted as president of
the Wisconsin chapter of HISMA.
Having experienced Carmen’s
leadership as MPI-Wisconsinpresident from 2014-15, we knowthat the HISMA is in good hands.
All the best to you, Carmen!

Please let us know of any MPI member news for
future Agenda issues: reading@scangroup.net.

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|23

SUPPLIER

Becky Melchi, CMP
Place of Employment: Wingspread
Retreat & Executive Conference Center

Favorite Musical Group: The Beatles, of course!

Job Title: Director of Sales andMarketing
How long in the meetings industry?
The clients I serve at Wingspread
Retreat & Executive Conference Centerknow me as being an energetic,
knowledgeable resource with 28 years of meeting and eventsplanning experience.
Tell a bit about your company and/or current position:
After many years of convening for private Johnson Foundation
sponsored groups, Wisconsin’s iconic Wingspread
Retreat & Executive Conference Center is now available
to organizations committed to collaborative meetings withpurposeful outcomes. The historic property, noted for its
unique Frank Lloyd Wright architectural design, is locatednear Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin, just 35 minutes
from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago. Wingspread
Retreat & Executive Conference Center is part of theprestigious Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand portfolio.
For nearly six decades, Wingspread Retreat & Executive
Conference Center has operated with a singular mission: tocreate intimate, inspiring conference experiences that foster
collaboration and innovative problem solving. Wingspread is
now available to a broader, select array of meeting groups.
These organizations will now be able to take advantage
of Wingspread’s history, bucolic setting, skilled staff andconvening expertise - all geared to creating impactful
meetings.
Tell us about your family: I have two very successful sons, afabulous daughter in-law and two wonderful grandchildren –they are the light of my life!
I live near my grandchildren and I am involved in their schooland extracurricular activities. My oldest son lives and works
as an accomplished artist in Los Angeles which gives me
the prefect get-a-way to the culture, beach and sunshine that
California provides.
Where were you born? Fort Wayne, Indiana

Person you admire and why: Mother Teresa, Mother Teresa
was an inspiration to countless millions for her lifelong
devotion to the neediest and most vulnerable of the world. The
selflessness and sacrifice with which she lived her own life
made her an international symbol of charitable work, and thelove and compassion she showed the destitute of all faiths won
her a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, which she donated entirely tothe poor.
Dream Vacation: I would love to visit the English countrysideand explore historic castles, big and small. I think it would bea wonderful experience to just slow down, take in the culture,and explore the history and lore of the country.
If I won the lottery I would: If I won the lottery, I would set up
a Foundation to provide camp sites and outdoor adventures tochildren who need financial assistance and guidance.
Words to live by:
Stay focused and above all, always practice patience.
Some tips on staying focused and positive which work for me:• We are in charge of what enters our mind andthoughts, so block out and move beyond any
animosity you may encounter and be selective about
what you allow in. Negativity can take on a life of its
own, but only if you let it.
• Grab everything good and hold on to it to keep
negativity at bay. There is so much to grateful for andpositive about, so be sure to count your blessings
every day!
• Smile when you talk; it adds a positive tone to yourvoice.
• Have faith in yourself and what you know, andaddress issues at hand when you feel it isappropriate to do so.
• Be firm in your beliefs and principles and don’t
agree with someone if you don’t. It’s ok to agree todisagree! Learn to smile, nod and cordially move on.

Where do you currently live? Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Favorite Pastimes: I enjoy outdoor activities, cooking andbaking with my grandchildren, traveling and volunteering with
the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.

24|

January/February 2019

MPI Agenda																	MILWAUKEE, WI

CHAINS ARE
FOR BIKESLOCAL ISN’T A BUZZWORD IN MILWAUKEE, IT’S JUST HOW WE LIVE. LOCALRESTAURANTS, LOCAL COFFEE, LOCAL RADIO – YOUR ATTENDEES CAN ENJOY A
TRULY AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE THE MOMENT THEY STEP INTO OUR CITY.
300,000 SQ. FT. CONVENTION CENTER | 16,000 HOTEL ROOMS | 150 LOCALLY-OWNED DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTSMEET IN MILWAUKEE

VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG/MEETMPI Agenda

January/February 2019|25

Excitement is
Building...for

BOARD MEMBER

Sherry Wolff

TRIVIA NIGHT
atthe INGLESIDE!

Position on the MPI WI Board: Director Website, Social Media & Public Relations
Place of employment & location:
The American Club Resort, Kohler WI

By: Nicole Ellickson, CMPWhat is your role with your employer? Sr. Sales Executive
How long in the meeting/event industry? 7 years
Tell us 2-3 things you are responsible for on the board:
My primary responsibility is keeping all things Social Media
up to date, so our membership is aware of new event
and industry trends, to help them stay engaged in our
Chapter activities. I also am responsible for working with
our Administrators to review the website to be sure links areworking properly and navigation is as intuitive as possible.
What drew you to join the board? Since joining MPI I havefelt welcome and included, so I wanted to engage further
and learn more of the inner workings of our Chapter as wellas MPI Global.
What do you like about being on the board? Getting toknow and working with my fellow board members is myfavorite part. I enjoy the problem-solving discussions that
we have during meetings as well. It’s amazing what can beaccomplished when we work together.
What have you learned most from being on the board?
Honestly, I just think it’s amazing what can be accomplishedwhen we work together and support each other. When you
are surrounded by a good team, you never feel like you are
in it alone.
What is the best advice you can give to someone who
is thinking about getting more involved in MPI? DO IT!
It has helped me grow my network of professional contacts,
but best of all the skills learned from simply attending
monthly meetings has been priceless!

We are excited to be holding our first annual Trivia Night!
Plan to join us on Wednesday evening, April 10 at therenovated and reimagined Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee,
prior to our Spring Education Day. This is a great
opportunity to connect, meet other MPI-WI members andenjoy a fun-filled kick-off evening prior to our outstanding
Spring Education Day.
Trivia Night’s competition will feature a broad range of
topics with something for everyone (including fun tie-ins
from fond memories of our golf outings). We know that MPI
members are brilliant. Here is your opportunity to shine!
We’ll also enjoy an MPI-WI reception, cocktails, silent
auction, prizes, and more.

Want to take advantage of being a sponsor on
this inaugural night? Contact Nicole Ellickson
at nellickson@afccnet.org for opportunities.

Where do you currently live? Sheboygan, WI
Favorite hobbies or pastimes? Shopping, trying newwines, Bold Cycle, traveling.
Favorite musical artist, band, movie or book? My favorite
book is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

26|

January/February 2019

SAVE
THE DATE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
INGLESIDE HOTELPEWAUKEE, WI

MPI Agenda																	15324_Kalahari_2018 Group Sales_MPI Wisconsin_February 2018_v2
Trim: 7.5" W x 9.5" H • Bleed: .125" • Live: .125"› OPENING SEPTEMBER 2019
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EXPANDING THE IDEALMEETING & EVENT EXPERIENCE
In September 2019, Kalahari Resorts& Conventions is expanding the venue
that consistently delivers personalized
meetings of all sizes. More space, moreamenities and more first-class service
means that your convention will be evenmore incredible.
WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

KalahariMeetings.com

Call 855-411-4605
to learn more©2018 Kalahari Development LLC

MPI Agenda

January/February 2019|27

2820 Walton Commons, Ste 103
Madison, WI 53718
tel: 608.204.9816
fax: 608.204.9818
email: admin@mpiwi.org
web: www.mpiwi.org

DATEBOOK: C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
JAN
FEB

8

February Education Day
Monona Terrace Convention Center
Madison, WI

APRIL

10-11

Spring Education Day
Ingleside Hotel
Pewaukee, WI

16

May Education Day
Crowne Plaza
Milwaukee, WI8

MPI Wisconsin Awards Gala
Hotel Retlaw
Fond du Lac, WI

AUGUST

10

January Education Day
Great Wolf Lodge
Wisconsin Dells, WI

MAY

2019