MAY
JUNE
2023
VOL 45/NUM 3

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

TWO PROPERTIES,ENDLESS POSSIBILITIESBook your meeting at The Madison Concourse Hotel or The Ingleside Hotel!

You can do a lot with 27,000 square feet of meeting space.
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club is the largest
convention hotel in Madison. The modern, flexible space is perfectfor everything from large conventions to small strategic planningsessions, and it’s located in the heart of downtown Madison, steps
from dozens of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

1 W Dayton St, Madison WI • 800 356 8293 • concoursehotel.com

With over 40,000 square feet of meeting space, 20 private event
venues, and 40 breezy outdoor acres, The Ingleside Hotel offers arefreshing change of pace from conventional destinations.
Come experience Lake Country hospitality at its natural, vibrant best.
Plan your next event in the flexible, unique space and enjoy
an inspirational setting unlike any other in the Milwaukee area.

2810 Golf Rd, Pewaukee WI • 800 247 6640 • theinglesidehotel.com

May/June 2023

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MAY/JUNE 2023

MPI-WISCONSIN
2022-2023
BOARD OF DIRECTORSVOL 45 / NUM 3

PRESIDENTREBECCA STAATS
Residence Inn & Fairfield by Marriott Eau Claire
rebecca.l.staats@gmail.com

Feature Articles
2023-2024 Officers & Directors

6

PRESIDENT-ELECTREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org

President’s Report: State of Chapter

10

A Special Thank You to our Immediate President

12

Acknowledging the Good14

MPI-Wisconsin March Recap 			

16

MPI-Wisconsin Spring Education Recap

18

May Event Preview

20

Gala Event Preview

22

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPSARA BEUTHIEN
WEDC
sara.beuthien@wedc.org
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
WANDA GILLES
Baker Tilly US
wanda.gilles@yahoo.com

In Every Issue

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSLIZ UNRUH
Positively Pewaukee
liz@positivelypewaukee.com

Editor’s Note

4

President’s Message

8

Food for Thought: May Event

21

Food for Thought: Gala Event

23

Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Mell, CMP		

24

Board Member Profile: Sherry Wolff		

26

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROJECTSELIZABETH POH
La Crosse Center
epoh@lacrossecenter.com

Anniversaries / New Members

27

Supplier Profile: Katie Pfankuch

28

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSED BUCHNER
Majic Productions
ebuchner@majicpro.com

Who’s in the News

29

Save the Date: 2023 Chapter Events

30

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONBETH SCHNABEL, CMPFilene Research Institutebeths@filene.org

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSSHERRY WOLFF
American Club Resort Hotelsherry.wolff@kohler.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CAREJODY ROOS
Wisconsin Bankers Association
jroos@wisbank.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTFARRAH SLINGER
Event Essentials
farrah@eventessentials.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
KORTNEE CARROLL
Kalahari Resorts
kocarroll@kalahariresorts.com
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSJESSICA KAROW
Wisconsin Dells VCB
jessica@wisdells.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LINDSEY HESS, CMPUW-Madisonlindsey_hess@outlook.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 																	

4075 Vilas Road

fax: 608.204.9818

Cottage Grove, WI 53527

email: admin@mpiwi.org

tel: 608.204.9816

web: www.mpiweb.org/wisconsin

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Editor’s Note
HOWDY FROM NASHVILLE!
Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

EDITORS
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Travel Leaders Corporate
jmell@tlcorporate.com
Pam Lohnes
Metropolitan Builders Associationof Greater Milwaukee

pam@mbabuilds.org

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Rebecca Staats
Kortnee Carroll
Jacob Adamski
Laura MacIsaac, CMP

I’ve just had a great day here in Music
City and thought this was a perfect time
to write my last Editor’s note for the
Agenda magazine. Let me explain…
Today (and my entire week) reminded
me of the power of MPI. I’ve been onsite with a corporate client where myteam (who are also MPI members)
used at least one hotel that has a MPI
member, an event venue that has a
MPI member, the florist for the Gala event we coordinated is a MPI member
and the transportation vendor we used was a recommendation from a MPI
member. On top of that…I found out fellow MPI-WI member, Alison Huber,
CMP, was going to be in town for work herself so we made time today to get
together and go tour 		the LOVELY Embassy Suites
		by Hilton Nashville Downtown
where former MPI-WI member
Lisa Selinsky, CMP now
works!
Catching up with Lisa Selinsky,
CMP while touring the hotel

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

September/October 2023
Deadline: July 15, 2023
November/December 2023
Deadline: September 15, 2023

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

It’s moments like this that makeme so happy to be a part of
Meeting Professionals Internationaland remind me how important all
the relationships are that we build
together when we gather at
MPI events.

Spectacular view of Nashville from theEmbassy Suites Nashville Downtown

As I mentioned, this is my last Editor’s note for the Agenda. It’s been very
rewarding to volunteer in this capacity, especially after several years ofserving on the Board and other teams. Being the co-editor for this magazine
was not something I had EVER thought about doing. I’m not a writer! But
someone asked if I would consider trying it and I agreed. It was as simple
as that! I would highly encourage everyone to find a volunteer role slightly
outside their comfort zone and just give it a shot. You never know, you may
find you enjoy it…or at the very least you may develop some new skills!

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PUBLICATION DEADLINES
July/August 2023
Deadline: June 15, 2023

Relationship building with Mary Altemus, CMM (MPI-Houston) and Alison Huber, CMP (MPI-WI)In closing, as the start of a new MPI year
approaches, take a few moments to think about
where YOU can help out in the next 12 months(or even just one event) and while you’re at it,
remember to connect with the MPI world all
around you as you do the work of connecting
people and creating great experiences!

May/June 2023

The view from my registration desk this week!

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For me, it’s time to go back to where I started
volunteering in MPI…Education. I’ll be working
on the Speaker team this next year! PLEASE
feel free to contact me with recommendations
for great presenters you’ve seen before or
topics you’re interested in learning more about.
Researching, contracting, and coordinating
all of the Speakers for our chapter events is acomplicated web of calendars, budgets, needs
and wants so I can’t make any promises, but I
DO know the team can’t bring you the education
you’d like to see if we don’t know what that is.
So, bring it on MPI-WI, let me know what you
want to learn and who you’d like to learn it from!

The MPI Wisconsin Chapter Nominating Committee has selected the following individuals, whom we believe to havethe skills, dedication and integrity to provide outstanding leadership to our chapter during their term of office. Please beaware that as a member in good standing you have the right to review and challenge the slate of directors as indicatedin the chapter bylaws. If positions remain uncontested, the slate of officers will be considered approved by a unanimous
vote after 30 days. Please congratulate and thank these members for their service.

OFFICERS
The following slate of officers is elected by the Chapter Board of Directors. They are identified in this communication somembers can view the full board proposed for the upcoming term.

POSITIONNAME & COMPANY

TERMPresident

Reggie Driscoll, CMP, State Bar of Wisconsin

7/1/23-6/30/24

Immediate Past President

Rebecca Staats, Residence Inn & Fairfield Inn Eau Claire/Chippewa 7/1/23-6/30/24
Falls

President-Elect

Liz Unruh, Positively Pewaukee

7/1/23-6/30/24

VP Communications

Jessica Karow, Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau

7/1/23-6/30/24

VP Education

OPEN

7/1/23-6/30/24

VP FinanceSara Beuthien, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

7/1/23-6/30/24

VP Membership

Beth Schnabel, CMP, Filene Research Institute

7/1/23-6/30/24

DIRECTORS (BOARD MEMBERS)
The following slate of Board members is elected by the membership of the Chapter. This slate will be deemed elected byunanimous vote unless the slate is challenged as outlined in the chapter bylaws.

NAME & COMPANY

TERM

Director Awards, Scholarships &Recruitment

Kathy Reading, The SCAN Group, Inc.

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Member Care

Jody Roos, Wisconsin Bankers Association

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Monthly Programming

Lindsey Hess, CMP, Wisconsin Primary Health Care
Association

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Publications & Social
Responsibility

Kortnee Carroll, Kalahari Resorts

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Special Education

Elizabeth Poh, La Crosse Center

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Special Events

Ed Buchner, Majic Productions

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Strategic Partners &Sponsorships

Katie Ragan, Wisconsin Center District

7/1/23-6/30/24

Director Digital Communications

Greta McCue, Aloft Milwaukee Downtown

7/1/23-6/30/24

Please direct any questions to: Shannon Timmerman, CMP, Nominations Committee Chair at stimmerman@
wildernessresort.com.
A copy of the Chapter bylaws can be viewed here.

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POSITION

The annual business dinner was billed
as “The Next Big Thing.” And the organizer
wanted us to make it a can’t miss experience.
Inspired by our panoramic views of the lakeand state capitol, our AV team createdan all-new 180° of amazing.

Let us orchestrate your incredible.
Connect with us at MononaTerrace.com© 2023 Monona Terrace

May/June 2023

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Cue the surround sound.

Madison, WIPresident’s Message

Where do I begin?
I cannot believe my term as yourPresident is already coming toclose! The year has just flown by.
It has been a really fun & exciting
year full of, yep, I am going to say
it, a little too much on my plate.
But anyone who knows me knowsthat is just how I roll – I like to staybusy! The reason I wanted to be
your President of MPI Wisconsin
is because in my job as Director of
Sales of two limited service Hotelproperties, I am a department ofjust one person. I don’t hire, fire or
have any employees who report tome. And this very important role ofyour President has allowed me todevelop and determine who I am
as a leader and I wouldn’t trade
this experience for anything. Our
Chapter excels at everything wedo and is demonstrating what itmeans to recover to Chapters allover the globe.

I’d like to thank all of the Presidents
who came before me, especially
Alison Hutchinson and Shannon
Timmerman, CMP for leadingwith grace during such unusual
circumstances. I have to thank myhusband for allowing me to spend
so much time with all of you. I must
thank the entire Board of Directors
and all of our Chapter Volunteers.
Volunteering is no joke! The definitionof a volunteer is someone who does
something, especially helping otherpeople, willingly and without being
forced or paid to do it. Let’s say thatagain, a volunteer is someone whodoes something, especially helping
other people, willingly and without
being forced or paid to do it. Every
single MPI Wisconsin volunteer has
family, a personal life and a fulltime job, and in addition to that, still

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8chooses to volunteer selflessly. I
cheer for & applaud each of you.
And I also have to thank our Chapter
Administrators, Christopher &Heather Dyer with MDS. Your
dedication and willingness to help
move MPI Wisconsin forward &upwards is appreciated.
I have enjoyed leading the chapter
towards growth and am excited tospend the next year as Immediate
Past President mentoring yourfuture leaders and recruiting moremembers & volunteers to help carry
this wonderful chapter forward.
I hope I have made you proud,
because I am damn proud of myself.
Being a part of MPI Wisconsin
made us all friends and volunteeringon the Board of Directors for MPI
Wisconsin made us all family. I love
our Chapter and all of our members.
And I promise to continue to serveand volunteer for our chapter for as
long as I possibly can.

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MPI-WI Chapter President
Rebecca Staats

I have to admit when Past Presidents
told me that next year, as Immediate
Past President, would be the bestyear of my board service, I did notthink I would ever agree with them.
And now I must admit that alas, I do.
While it has been the best experienceof my life, it has also been one of themost challenging. There are so manythings going on behind the scenesof our wonderful association, and attimes it was challenging to try to stay
on top of them all. And sometimes it
was hard to motivate our volunteers.
And hard to dedicate my own
personal time to all of the tasks there
were to complete as President. And
the hardest of all in my opinion is totry to make a measurable positive
impact on MPI Wisconsin in such ashort time. Challenging ourselves ishard, but the rewards are worth it. I
have gotten to know so many moreof our members in this role and madeeven more friends. And I think the
Chapter is in better place than when I
started, and that is all I could ask for.

Shop Local
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Event Essentials for
All Types of Events

pcnametag.com • 800.369.8622
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9President’s Report:
State of Chapter

I

By: Rebecca Staats
am so pleased to share with everyone that my goal as President this year was growth - and we are seeing it come to life!
Currently our MPI Wisconsin membership roster is 211 Members. Compare this to June 2022 where our membershiproster was 188 and that represents a 12% growth in our membership.

In addition to seeing our membership grow, our February 23rd event, which was postponed to March 23rd due to a severe
winter weather, was the highest in person attended event the Chapter had seen since before the pandemic in 2019 withapproximately 90 registered attendees. And just three short weeks later, our April Spring Education Day event on April 13threached the same approximate 90 registered attendees.
And last, but certainly not least, in the financial realm, we are also seeing things make great improvements. After threeconsecutive years of experiencing financial losses, this may be the first year we are in the black! According to our financials
as of April 1, we had a net income of approximately $5,500. This compares to our financial projections to be -$13,669. With
just one MPI Wisconsin event left in the fiscal year, I hope everyone will try to make it a high priority to join us and help the
MPI Wisconsin Chapter end the year with a really big financial win! Our event will take place Thursday, May 11 at Hotel
Retlaw in Fond du Lac!

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For the MPI Wisconsin 2022 year we received a Chapter Award for Overall Excellence and our future is looking brightand I believe we are on track again to achieve this designation in 2023. It is members like you that make this such a great
association to be a part of and my heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you. I am beyond proud of the strides
we have made this year and look forward to seeing this growth continue in the coming years.

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WO R L D
2023

MILWAUKEE
Building More in 2024 for the perfect
day of networking and refreshing.

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Meet in Milwaukee where our expanded
convention center will offer 1.3 million
gross square feet of space to help
make your experience best in class.
Plan now at visitmilwaukee.org/meet.

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A SPECIALTO OUR IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
One of my favorite
memories of Shannon is
Spring Education Day
in La Crosse, when shewore a light up capeto the event. The room
instantly lit up just likeher. She has always andwill always be a brightspot with MPI!

Shannon has been an
amazing role model andso supportive of mygoals. She pushed me tojoin the board knowing
I would do well. She isalways available to help
when I just don’t knowwhat I am doing. She isamazing at her job andtruly a wonderful friend!

– Elizabeth Poh

I loved being on theboard with Shannon andall her positive energy.
She has been a great
leader and encouraged
me to be the President
Elect. No matter thesituation you can always
find Shannon with asmile and a calming
attitude. She is always
making everyone feelincluded and always goesthe extra mile to get all
things accomplished.

Shannon has the typeof laugh and smile thatlights up a room! I have
loved serving on the
MPI-WI board with you,and I am thankful for
guidance during my firstyear on the board!

Shannon has been themodel of a volunteer
leader. She has aservant’s heart and acontagious spirit whichmoves our chapter
forward and encourages
others to join ourjourney. Whether it’s the
dedication of time andenergy or the unscripted
moments in a car ride orafterglow, Shannon has
been at the heart of itall. Thank you, Shannon!

– Liz Unruh– Kortnee Carroll– Christopher Dyer

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Back to table of contents– Lindsey Hess, CMP

On the MPI Global
website, their firstheadline says “MPI is theassociation for people whobring people together” andends with “Because whenpeople meet, they canchange the world”.

I want to express mysincere gratitude foryour service. You havetruly shown compassion,
dedication, and grace asa board member and pastpresident. Thank you forbeing the person you are.
I will miss working withyou on the board and lookforward to continuing ourfriendship and MPI time
together.

My favorite memory is
the Spring Educationin LaCrosse last year,
Shannon and I took thestage at a college bar androcked Bon Jovi, and ina light up cape!!
– Farrah Slinger, CERP

Shannon is the embodimentof this message. Shannon
is one of those people
who you not only meetbut become instant friends
with. She has the ability
to make you feel right at
home and like a friend thatyou have known forever.
She has always been
available and helpful to
not just any member of theboard, but any member ofour chapter. Someone we
can all look up to and learn
from.
“Because when you meet
Shannon, she will change
your world!”– Sara Beuthien

Back to table of contents– Reggie Driscoll, CMP

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“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life
is the foundation for all abundance.”– Eckhart Tolle

Article submitted anonymously

Earlier this week, I found myself getting anxious at the thought of the tasks in front of me. The narrative looping in myhead sounded something like this: “I have to wake up at 4am on Monday to practice yoga. I have to attend 6 hours ofmeetings on Monday commencing at 8am. I have to stay at home and take care of our two dogs. I have to go to thegrocery store to get food. I have to fill my Jeep up with gas. I have to attend therapy on Friday.”It’s easy to see a day’s task as either a burden or a boring chore, even if it is really an opportunity, we are happy to have.
It makes it nearly impossible to live in a state of gratitude when we don’t recognize and give thanks for the privileges andopportunities we are blessed with.
As I continued to give energy to this negative phraseology, I came to a profound realization… I don’t have to do any ofthese things. I get to do these things. “I get to wake up at 4am on Monday to practice yoga. I get to attend meetings whileworking from home. I get to take care of these precious pups. I get to go to the grocery store and fill my gas tank up. I get
to attend therapy on Friday.”Think about all of the things you “have” to do today. Now imagine that your doctor just told you that you have 1 week
to live. Suddenly, most of those things on the “have” to list seem like outright blessings. Anytime you are feelingoverwhelmed by your work or family, or stressed out by your absurdly long to-do list, take a moment to step back from it
all, zoom out and appreciate this impermanent, delicate, beautifully complex existence.

Enjoy what comes of today.

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Whenever you catch yourself starting to complain, replace “I have to” with “I get to.” As gratitude ensues, we are
instantaneously able to change our approach and our attitude. This simple change reminds us to be thankful andappreciate the things we normally take for granted.

Fond du Lac, Waupun, and Beyond.
Where Wisconsin nice becomes
Wisconsin nicer.

WIMeetings.indd 1

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Darcie L. Holte
Director of Sales(Proud Mom of the Dogs in Photo)

We know in-person gatherings need to be moremeaningful, my community-wide partnerships allow me tohelp you make the planning process simple. I will
customize incentives to ﬁt your group’s needs. Big or
small events, I am your “meeting tailor” here to create theperfect meeting with hand-crafted hometown experiences.
As we say in Fond du Lac, “C’mon in”!

3/2/2023 8:41:53 AM

MPI-WISCONSIN MARCH RECAP

MPI-WISCONSIN MARCH RECAP
By: Laura MacIsaac, CMP
The best MPI chapter in the world (ours!!) was treated to another outstanding education event on Thursday, March 23rd at
the beautiful Embassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield. Not sure where to start as there were so many great things toshare, so I’ll just start chronologically with the day so as to highlight all of the wonderful things that took place in that beautiful
setting with all of the beautiful people who attended.

9-11am1-4pm Program-“Focus on the 5th Question”

Prior to the education meeting our Board met to discuss
all things MPI-WI and how our chapter is so awesome andways to make it even more awesome. Thanks, Board, forall of your hard work!

10:30-11am
Folks interested in obtaining their CMP designation met tolearn more about that and get an idea for what to expect
when they do finally sit for the test. Naomi Tucker, CMP
was on hand to answer questions and let prospective
CMP’s get a feel for the types of test questions that will be
asked, the nuts and bolts of the application process, andshare personal stories and strategies on how to pass theexam with flying colors.

After lunch we retreated to the beautiful Grand Ballroom tolisten to Gina Glover educate us on how to increase our
networking confidence by providing the skills to connect
effectively, represent ourselves and our clients confidently
and how to achieve our personal best. So many takeaways
that could be used in our day-to-day. I was engaged theentire time and after a huge lunch like that, normally thatmight not be the case, but Gina was such an excellent
speaker and kept the group motivated to keep learningand remember the art of the 5th question which can help
overcome boring small talk when networking…….so many
great opportunities to network in the room and at the tables.
The session ended with a song and a hand-folded origami
heart. Everyone left knowing that networking doesn’t always
have to be about business, but can include love, care andcompassion. Great job, Gina!

12-1pm Lunchtime and Networking

May/June 2023

Back to table of contents“Grazie Mille” (many thanks) to the Embassy Suites
culinary team for the amazing lunch they prepared for
us. We were treated to an amazing array of Italian food.
The chef station for the pasta and the salad bar were ahuge hit—everybody could get what they wanted! Loved
the Chef’s custom tapenade placed at each table at theend of the day. Yum! The linens donated by Windy City
Linen and the olive oil used to prepare our meals donatedby local Brookfield retailers From Olives to Oil and ORO
di Oliva made the meals extra flavorful and special. Of
course the Atrium where we dined and congregated was
perfect to spend time with friends and meet new ones. I
don’t know about you, but I always remember the food aspart of the overall experience and the way this property
spoiled us made such a positive impression and was agreat start, middle and end to the day.

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MPI-WISCONSIN MARCH RECAP

4-4:40 pm Reception, Raffle & Wine Pull
You had me at Wine Pull. Actually, I could have been had by the words: Reception and Raffle. So many things to talkabout here. First, thank you to all of the raffle donors. Our partners continue to be so generous and the funds raised by
the raffle go to our education and it’s always fun to see the winners. Well, everyone who purchased tickets for the Wine
Pull was a winner by leaving with wine—basically drinking for charity. Again, all of the wine was donated by individuals
and our employers and outside donations and WOW, what a selection there was! There were even items available fornon-drinkers. A lot of work, but a LOT of fun………..Thanks to all who participated. Congrats to all of the winners!!

Grazie e arrivederci amici miei!!

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All in all, the rescheduled-to-March MPI Education Planning team lead by Carrie Berger and assisted by Lindsey Hess,
CMP, Heather Harmeyer, Claudia Surees, Ed Buchner, Rebecca Staats, Reggie Driscoll, CMP, Sherry Wolf, Ann
Marie Hess, CMP, Lisa Koenecke, Tyler Priefer, Traci Gaydos, Laura MacIsaac, CMP and Beth Schnabel, CMP,
CED, CUDE with the ever present MDS team, planned a really wonderful day filled with food, fun and great education.

MPI SPRING EDUCATION RECAP

Spring Education RecapN

By: Jacob Adamski

ow that Spring has finally arrived, what betterway to kick it off than with MPI’s Spring
Spectacular and Education Day! This event
was nothing short of SPECTACULAR. Great
food, drinks, networking, speakers, and breakouts. To
start off, the team at the Madison Concourse Hotel andGovernor’s Club sure know how to put an event together.
Thank you to Michael Ferguson and his team for all thework you put into this event to make it one to remember.
On Wednesday night we started off with our Spring
Spectacular, which featured a pre reception withdelicious appetizers and drinks and the main event, Drag
Queen Bingo. Our host Cynthia Mooseknuckle did a
fantastic job of engaging with the group and making thegroup laugh. The group played five games of Bingo withsome SPECTACULAR prizes for the winners. To top off
the night Cynthia Mooseknuckle performed two numbers
for the group. Safe to say everyone in the room had agreat time enjoying the art of drag and some friendly
competition.
Thursday started off with a great spread of food forbreakfast to fuel the group for a day of learning.
Throughout the day we learned valuable information on
how to (re)design meetings and events. Dr. Lalia Rachkicked of the morning with a very insightful keynote about
Looking into the Crystal Ball for Meetings and Events.
Dr. Lalia Rach took the group through the crystal balland discussed projected trends for the meeting industry
in the coming years and moving forward. After a break,the group came back to listen to the second keynote

Following Lisa, we welcomed Steve Starkey, theExecutive Director for Outreach Madison, to discuss themission and the successes the organization has had
advocating for and helping the LGTBQ+ Community
in the Madison area. MPI chapter members wereencouraged to bring non-perishable food items, personalcar items, and gift cards for groceries and gas. The
donations directly impact the LGTBQ+ community being

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speaker Lisa Sommer Devlin discuss reDESIGNing
Partnerships. She shared a lot of great insight on how to
get your contracts back to what they were pre covid andhow to continue to move forward with partnerships sothat the contract benefits the suppliers and planners.

MPI SPRING EDUCATION RECAP

of Sale: Trends in Loyalty, Leadership, and Buyer
Behavior. Lisa Sommer Devlin lead the planner focused
breakout discussing the Trends in Hospitality Contracts:
What Planners Need to Know.

served at Outreach Madison. The group then participatedin table discussions in which we were able to ask
deeper questions and have a more intimate networking
experience.

Closing out the day the group had Jason Kotecki as theclosing keynote. Jason covered the Art of Tinkering:
Tiny Ways to Transform Everything. Jason sharedideas and insight on how to overcome large fears withtiny steps and how tinkering can uncover a plethora ofopportunities. A great way to close out a SPECTACULAR
and reDESIGNed event hosted at The Madison
Concourse and Governor’s Club.

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Following lunch, the group was able to participate in a
breakout session in which one was directed to suppliers
and the other to planners. Our great keynote speakers
from the morning Dr. Lalia Rach and Lisa Sommer Delvinlead the afternoon breakouts. Dr. Lalia Rach led the
supplier focused session discussing The Art and Science

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Y T
A
M EN WEV EVIE
PR

Don’t worry, you won’t be expected to perform your own
improv on May 11th! Instead, Pat will focus on Chaotic
Goodness: Your Untapped Capacity for Embracing,
Owning and Celebrating the Unknown. He will teachyou how to embrace chaos in real time, use it to youradvantage and make active choices that harness the
goodness hidden inside. You, as a planner or supplier,
will be able to design events that adapt more efficiently
to rapid change in the moment and redefine potential
hindrances as opportunities.

May/June 2023

MPI-WISCONSIN MAY EVENTTHURSDAY, MAY 11TH
HOTEL RETLAW, FOND DU LAC

For over 20 years Pat Dwyer has inspired and entertained
hundreds of audiences around the world. Pat joins theseexperiences with the entrepreneurial and corporate growthmindset he earned during his tenure as a leader within
the Chicago tech startup community. You can now find
Pat bringing his energetic, hilarious, seasoned and people
driven approach to Innovation and Change.
Come see Pat Dwyer on Thursday, May 11th at Hotel
Retlaw in Fond du Lac! Network with your fellow
members, sit down, relax, and get ready to be inspired!

MPI Agenda|

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Back to table of contentsW

hat does our May speaker, Pat Dwyer,
have in common with: Steve Carell, Tina
Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, and Chris
Farley? Aside from all being hilarious,
these people have all worked on their craft at theinfamous The Second City Comedy Club in Chicago, IL.

FOOD for thought: may event
About Chef Ken Wolfe:

Husband, father and Head Chef, Ken has been with Hotel Retlaw,
Fond du Lac, WI since the rebirth of this one-of-a-kind, historic
downtown hotel, in 2019.
Ken started his career in 1986 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los
Angeles, CA. with his apprenticeship. Since then, he has cooked
various types of cuisine around the country and world, from Jackson Hole to Paris!
Ken resides in a small farming community outside of Fond du Lac
and takes great pride in getting to know his neighbors and using
their local products in as many of his menu items as he can. As
you will see with LaClare Creamery goat cheeses, to name one.
Along with his wife, they are raising 2 teenage girls. When Ken
has free time from cooking and kids, he loves spending time ﬁshing and foraging wild mushrooms; simply being outside in nature.
His favorite food is duck and wild mushrooms.
Ken gains inspiration from other Chef’s like Daniel Bonanno,
owner of Pig in a Fur Coat, and Tory Miller, owner of Graze and
L’Etoile, both from Madison. He also enjoys Red Light Ramen,
owner Justin Carlisle, in Milwaukee and Driftless Café in Viroqua,
where host of Wisconsin Foody, Luke Zahm, is the owner. He
admires what each of these owners/chefs do in their restaurants
and for their communities.
Chef Ken welcomes you to Hotel Retlaw and hopes you enjoy.
Bon Appetit.

Chef Ken wants to share a “fan favorite” recipe for you toenjoy at home:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yield: 4 Qt
1.5# rolled oats
3.5 cups orange juice
3 cups heavy cream
1# vanilla yogurt½# honey
4 oz pecans
4 oz pumpkin seeds
2 pears seeded, cored and diced with skin left on
1 Granny Smith apple peeled, seeded, cored and diced

Mix everything together and let sit overnight, stored inrefrigerator, covered.
Serve topped with your favorite berries.

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BIRCHER MUESLIDon’t miss MPI-WI’s Capital Soirée!
Join fellow MPIers for “A Capital
Soirée” to celebrate our membership,
chapter accomplishments, and more!
Gala Event
Thursday, August 10th
Best Western Premier Park Hotel,
MadisonThe evening will begin with a delicious
meal from Chef Edi (see more in the
Chef Profile!) in the elegant Hall of
Wisconsin. Crystal chandeliers andstylish wall sconces will elevate themood for this special evening where wehonor our fellow members.
Following the awards ceremony, we
will move to the Top of the Park for ourchapter tradition - the Afterglow Party!
This striking event space is situatedon the 8th floor of the hotel withwindows displaying a 180-degreeview of downtown Madison including
both lakes Monona and Mendota andthe beautiful Capitol building - a great
photo opp!
This is your opportunity to dress up andget fancy (if that’s your style!) and wow
your fellow members! Stay tuned formore details, award nominations, andregistration coming soon!

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AT
L
GA VEN EW
E EVIPRMay/June 2023

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22

FOOD for thought: GALA event
Chef Edi
FloresSanchez

Edi’s Spinach Artichoke Dip
Recipe
INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:•

8 oz. cream cheese, softened•

1/4 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spraya small (1 quart) baking dish with
non-stick cooking spray.

•

1/4 cup mayonnaise•

1 garlic clove, minced (1 tsp)•

2/3 cup (76g) finely shredded
parmesan cheese•

1/2 cup (56g) finely shreddedmozzarella cheese•

Pepper, to taste•

1 (14 oz) can quartered
artichoke hearts, can liquiddrained, squeeze artichokes todrain excess liquid, chopped•

8 oz. frozen spinach, thawed,
squeezed to drain excess liquid

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In a mixing bowl stir together cream
cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise,garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, andpepper.
Stir in artichokes and spinach.
Spread the mixture evenly into
the prepared baking dish. Bake inpreheated oven until heated throughand melty, about 20 minutes.
Served with warm tortilla chips,
crackers, and toasted baguetteslicesBack to table of contents

Chef Edi was born in Tlaxcala,
Mexico where he spent hischildhood until moving to Madison,
WI with his family in 2007 at the ageof 14 years old. After graduatinghigh school, Edi completed the
Culinary Arts program at MATC
Madison in 2012 and began his
career at Best Western PremierPark Hotel as a Prep Cook. From2016 – September 2022, Edi worked
as one of the chefs at Graft Madison
before making his return back to theBest Western Premier Park Hotelas Head Chef. In his free time, Edi
enjoys cooking and entertaining
his family and friends along withspending time outdoors. Some of
Edi’s favorite dishes to prepare arespinach artichoke dip, a variety of
meatballs, and ribeye steak.  

Thank you for everything, Jen!

If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to us. admin@mpiwi.org

May/June 2023

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Volunteer Spotlight:
Jennifer Mell, CMP

There are not enough words that I can say to show my gratitude towards you foryour guidance this past year. Jen has been an editor for the Agenda and when I
took over a year ago, there is no way I would’ve gotten a hang for it without her.
Jen is always thorough and positive, and I really look up to her.

Trim: 7.5" W x 9.5" H • Bleed: None • Live: .125"

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17748_Kalahari_WI_Corporate_MPIWI_7.5x9.5.indd 1

6/2/22 10:47 AM

May/June 2023

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Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the perfect place to hold yourmeeting. Big or small, we’ll make sure your attendees are taken careof. Our talented culinary team is ready to create a tailored dining
experience to delight. With a full-service spa, a new piano bar andworld-class dining options, Kalahari has everything you need toensure your event is successful.

National Accounts
Sales Executive
Kohler Hospitality

Why I Love MPI WI… Let me count the ways:
When I joined the chapter, I expected a few awkward meetings before I found my footing,but I to my delight, felt welcome immediately. When talking to other members theysuggested to get involved by volunteering so, I joined the Social Media Committee andbefore long I was nominated to be on the board of directors, and what a fantastic journey
it has been! Fast forward almost 10 years and one pandemic later, I no longer think of myfellow members, as clients, vendors, contacts, or suppliers. They have become mentors,
trusted advisors, friends, FAMILY.
This July, I will be stepping down from the board, and stepping back from the Chapter,as my new sales territory is focused outside of WI. However, this will not be the last you
see of me. MPI-WI will always be Family. We laugh together, we cry together, and mostimportantly, we CELEBRATE together!

May/June 2023

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Back to table of contents

Board Member Profile:
Sherry Wolff

Sherry Wolff

MPI WISCONSIN
ANNIVERSARIESCongratulations to those members celebrating
a milestone anniversary in March & April!

Congratulations!

25 YEAR

15 YEARSUSAN ARTS, CMPKRISTY CARLSON, CMP

About WEC | WEC23 (mpi.org)

5 YEAR

Join us at WEC June 13th – 15th
in the Mexican Caribbean!

5 YEARS – DANIEL MCCLUSKEY
5 YEARS – JENNY SEFFROOD

Pricing | WEC23 (mpi.org)

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
MPI MEMBER

MACKENZIE GLENN

Planner Member: $1,050 $950
Supplier Member: $1,325 $1,125

KYLIE HELGESTADHYATT PLACE MILWAUKEE DOWNTOWN

Faculty Member: $800
Student Member: $375

AUBREY LOCKWOOD
MANDY NORBI - ASQEXCELLENCE
KATIE PFANKUCHNON MEMBER BUNDLES
Planner Membership Bundle: $1,250

MELISSA SCALISSI$1,150HEIDI SKAAR

Faculty Membership Bundle: $950

TIM WHITEWAUSAU/CENTRAL WISCONSIN CONVENTION
AND VISITORS BUREAU

Student Membership Bundle: $405

STEPHANIE ZIMMER – DUNAJ AGENCY

May/June 2023

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Supplier Membership Bundle: $1,625 $1,425

KATIE PFANKUCH

How many years have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 10-12 years now.
What is your favorite thing about being an MPI-WI
member?
I really enjoy the opportunities to connect with my peers in a
local capacity and stay in the loop on industry trends.
What is your favorite team or project you’ve worked on as
an MPI-WI member?
I am a new member of MPI-WI and just attended Drag Bingo
and Spring Education Day for my first events, I look forward toworking on projects with the team in the future!
Tell us about your family:
I am lucky to have both of my parents and two siblings wholive in South Carolina and Colorado- great vacation spots!
I currently live in Wauwatosa with my fiancé.
3-7 Things Unique to Your Company:
1. Visit Milwaukee just finished producing season one of “Good Things Brewing,” a local
TV show hosted by David Caruso that highlights the many things that make Milwaukee
unique.

2. Our Sales Team attends more than 30 trade shows annually to bring business to
Milwaukee and promote our city.

3. Visit Milwaukee is lucky enough to work with over 100 regular volunteers, many ofwhich have been a part of our team for decades!

4. Our Event Experience Team welcomes more than 30 cruise ships a year that visit
Milwaukee by way of Lake Michigan.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I have a wide variety of interests- I enjoy baking, watching movies, skiing, learning how tosnowboard and attempting to keep my plants alive.
Tell us about who you admire most and why:She’s not famous, but I will always admire my mother. She is an amazing example of a great
mother, teacher, friend, organizer, therapist and so much more- she does it all!
Favorite song/band/artist/movie/book:
Favorite song: Too many to count! Favorite Band: The Beatles/Paul McCartney, Favorite
movie: Oceans 11, Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby, I love the 1920’s.
What is something that is still on your bucket list?
I would absolutely love to visit Australia, that is high on my list!
Tell us your words to live by or a favorite quote:“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” Helen Hayes

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Katie Pfankuch

Supplier Profile:

Sales Account Executive
Visit Milwaukee

Compiled by Kortnee Carroll

1

Congratulations to
Wanda Gilles for startingat Baker Tilly US in the
Madison Office. Wanda
will be an assistant in thereal estate advisory areaof the company.

Congratulations to
Lindsey Hess, CMP forstarting at UW Madison– Center on Wisconsin
Strategy as the Event andAdministrative Associate.

2

Congratulations, Lindsey!

Congratulations, Wanda!

5

Romy Snyder was honored with the prestigious
Legacy Award at the 2023 Wisconsin Governor’s
Conference on Tourism.
Congratulations, Romy!

4

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is expandingby adding 237 guest rooms. They are planning on
opening in summer 2024.

Check out Darcie Holte!
She was featured in the March issue of 		
Small Market Meetings magazine! Click here>

NOTE: if you have any news to share in this column, please contact Kortnee Carroll, Director Publications & Community Outreach, kocarroll@kalahariresorts.com.

May/June 2023

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Back to table of contents3Enhance your meeting planning career with the

MPI ACADEMYWith 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 andin-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

SAVE THE DATE
2023 CHAPTER EVENTS

MAY 11
Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac
AUGUST 10
GALA — Best Western Premier Park Hotel, Madison
SEPTEMBER 14
Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel, Oshkosh

Back to table of contents

OCTOBER 19
Sentry World, Stevens Point

May/June 2023

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