MARAPR
2023
VOL 45/NUM 2

C H A P T E R

APRIL 13TH, 2023

MPI SPRING SPECTACULAR +MPI SPRING EDUCATION DAY
Madison Concourse Hotel
1 W. Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53703
Room Rate: $139
Room block Cut-Off: March 30, 2023
Reservations: 800-356-8293“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

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MARCH/APRIL 2023

MPI-WISCONSIN
2022-2023
BOARD OF DIRECTORSVOL 45 / NUM 2

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

10

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

12
14

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com

17
18

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPSARA BEUTHIEN
WEDC
sara.beuthien@wedc.org

4

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
WANDA GILLES
wanda.gilles@yahoo.com

6

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

20

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

24

22
23
26
27

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

28

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

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 DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSJESSICA KAROW
Wisconsin Dells VCB
jessica@wisdells.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LINDSEY HESS, CMP
lindsey_hess@outlook.com

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
Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

EDITORSPam Lohnes
Metropolitan Builders Associationof Greater Milwaukee
pam@mbabuilds.org
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Travel Leaders Corporate
jmell@tlcorporate.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Liz Unruh
Rebecca Staats
Carrie Wunderlich
Kortnee Carroll
Shannon Timmerman, CMP
Mark Dunning
Timothy Smith

PHOTOGRAPHY
Lindsey Hess

Wow, I can’t believe Spring is almost here!
Although, we have been very lucky with ourwarm weather these past few weeks (wellwarm for Wisconsin). Lots of MPI events
coming up so please mark your calendars. We
have Spring Education coming up April 12-13
at the Madison Concourse Hotel & Governors
Club with the Spring Spectacular Drag Queen
Bingo the night before. There are tons ofplaces to eat on State Street. We will also be
doing some summer socials this year so keep on eye out for those posts. Don’t
forget there are still lots of volunteer opportunities. Whatever you like to do ortry, now is the time. We always have openings on a committee or even if you
want to write an article we would love that. This is always a fun way to meet
more people.
When I first joined the board, I was on a team that worked a lot with our budget.
My initial thought was, “yuck the budget I can’t believe I’m on a team that has
to work so closely with it.” Now it is actually one of my favorite parts of being on
the board. Heather does such a great job with it and explains it well. If you haveany questions I would be happy to help answer anything or point you in the right
direction of who can help. Hope to see you all at the next event!
Enjoy the photo of your Communication Team!
Liz Unruh

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

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

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September/October 2023
Deadline: July 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.

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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© 2022 Monona Terrace

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Cue the surround sound.

Madison, WIPresident’s Message

Happy March & April! Although theweather, in my opinion, has been
fairly mild this winter in Eau Claire,
I am getting pretty darn excited totake my warm weather vacation withmy husband to Daytona Beach thismonth! My husband has never been
to Florida and we both enjoy warmer
weather & beaches - so it is going
to be wonderful. Hey Hey, almost on
Vacay…
As I sit here wondering what towrite about for this issue of theAgenda, my mind keeps travelingto my Director of Sales role and thestruggles I face as a hotel supplier.
We all work in meetings & eventsand I am sure many of us are in thesame boat and experiencing similar
struggles, so let me share a newwork challenge for me in 2023 andhow I am dealing with it.
Recently I have had multiple clientsso frantic to reach me that they calland email me repeatedly, over andover. And this actually overwhelms
me, not helps me. And if I am being
honest, it makes me not want to

While it is very exciting and fun
to see things pick back up in ourworld, it can be frustrating andoverwhelming too. Our workload is
growing, but help and staff is not. Our“new normal” is doing more with less.
So, how do we cope?
The first thing I do is remind myself
on a pretty regular basis that I do notsave lives, and that no one is goingto die if I don’t urgently get back tothem. Yes, I am in customer service
and I absolutely love what I do. That
does not mean that someone else’s
priority to get something checked
off their list is greater in importancethan my list of things to do. And sure,there are things that may come upthat do need urgent attention, andthose move to the top of the list. Ourlists are always constantly changing.
We are all juggling a lot and I havefound that it helps to say things like“I have a lot on my plate,” along withgiving a timeframe for my response.
I will simply ask if I can get this tothem in two days, or by the end of theweek. I have learned to buy myself
time when I need it. And I havelearned that there are times I haveto go dark. I tell my staff that I am

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unavailable and won’t be picking up
the phone or taking new requests sothat I can concentrate on completing
my existing to do list. I shut the phoneringer off and close the email. It takessome getting used to, but let me tell
you - working uninterrupted works!
Outside of work and in an effort to try
to keep stress levels low, I also loveto stay busy. And I try to stay activeby playing volleyball two nights aweek. On nights at home, I cozy up
with my husband and our two bulldogs
on the couch and watch some junky
television. Fridays we usually go to
Bingo. And, obviously, I also volunteer
my time with MPI Wisconsin! What an
amazing platform we have to share ourexperiences, network and connect withothers in our industry, (okay, maybe tovent too!)
Keep chugging along, doing what
you’re doing and do what makes you
happy! And if you haven’t done so,put our next awesome event on yourcalendar and make it a priority toattend! You won’t want to miss the PreEvent Spring Spectacular networking
evening featuring Drag Queen Bingo
and Spring Education Day! We
have some phenomenal industry
speakers lined up and will be again befeaturing free planner registration for
MPI Wisconsin Members, so please
make sure you join us at the Madison
Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club
April 12-13, 2023.
I’d also like to say Thank You to allof our Strategic Alliance Partners,
Sponsors, Leaders and Volunteers.
Without your support, our Chapter
would not be a Chapter of Excellence.
Your dedication to, and love for our
Chapter is what I am most proud of.

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MPI-WI Chapter President
Rebecca Staats

work with them if they are going to
be impatient before we have evenstarted the sales process. Is anyone
else experiencing a new level ofimpatience in 2023? I actually
had a client whom I had worked
with before, call me & leave me avoicemail, email me, and then callme again – all in under 30 minutes.
Out of sheer frustration, I actually
awkwardly laughed at her when
I picked up the phone on her 3rd
attempt to reach me. She wanted
meeting space the following week, so
certainly her request needed a same
day response, but was demanding ananswer in under 30 minutes realistic?

A NATURAL CHOICE YEAR-ROUND FOR WISCONSIN MEETINGSLODGING | SPA | GOLF | DINING

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EVERYTHINGLAKESIDE

32,000 Square Feet of Unique Meeting Spaces
Onsite Business Center
271 Spacious Guest Rooms
Signature Dining Options
76’ Cruise Boat for Private Charters
Custom Teambuilding ProgramsAward-Winning Full Service Calladora Spa
Premier Championship Golf at Majestic Oaks
Lake Tours, Boat Rentals, Watersports & more

LAKELAWNRESORT.COM | 800-338-5253

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WEC Registration is OPEN!
Sign up today to take advantage of the winter pricing!
NON MEMBER RATES

Planner$1,050$ 950

Planner$1,250$1,150

Supplier$1,325$1,150

Supplier$1,625$1,425

Faculty$ 800

Faculty$ 950

Student$ 375

Student$ 405*All WEC registrations include (1) ticket to Rendezvous and (1) roundtrip airport transfer.
*Non member bundles include (1) year of MPI Membership at a discounted Preferred Member.
*Winter pricing expires 5/13/2023.

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MPI MEMBER RATESSERVICE & SPACECOME TOGETHER AT THE WILDERNESSWhen our five-star meeting spaces match our unparalleled service, your meetingis sure to be a success. From finding you the perfect accommodations to making
sure your event runs smoothly and giving your team a chance to unwind whenthings wrap up, we’ll make sure it all comes together at the Wilderness.

FIVE-STAR SPACES
With facilities to accommodate groups of 12 to 1,200, we have the spaces youneed for groups large and small. And if you need technology, AV equipment,catering, or special accommodations for your event, our staff can help arrange
the right room and set up for your needs.

ACCOMMODATIONSThe Wilderness Territory consists of 1,155 rooms spread over 600 wooded acresin Wisconsin Dells. So there’s room for everyone – and their families – to rest theirheads after a successful meeting. Attendees can enjoy lodging options from twobedroom villas, luxurious lake view condos, and three- to five- bedroom cabinsin addition to comfortable hotel rooms surrounding the resort’s eight waterparks.

HOPE YOU’RE HUNGRY
You’ll find seven on-site dining options to choose from ranging from upscale
four-star dining to casual sports bars and everything in between.
56,000 Sq. Ft.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

1,155 Lodging Units

Looking to take your meeting out of the boardroom, or maybe you’re planninga team bonding retreat? Bring your group to Wild Rock Golf Club, the resort’s
championship golf course designed by the same course architects as the site of
the 2017 U.S. Open. And if you’re looking at clearing your heads, you can unwind
at the secluded Sundara Inn & Spa – one of America’s Top 10 destination spas.

Free Parking
Grand Ballrooms
Break Out Rooms
On-Site Catering
Golf Course

GET MORE INFORMATION OR
START PLANNING YOUR MEETING.

World-Class Spa
8 Waterparks

511 E. Adams
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
sales@wildernessresort.com

WildernessResort.com
800-867-9453 (WILD)

WildernessResort.com

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Part of Wilderness Resort…
America’s Largest Waterpark Resort!

(608) 253-9729

JANUARY
RECAP

By: Carrie Wunderlich
Photos by: Lindsey Hess

The Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells was thehost of our January MPI event. They started the day witha Mexican inspired buffet lunch to get everyone excited for
WEC in Mexico this June.
We began the meeting with remarks from MPI President,
Rebecca Staats. It was announced that we received
the Chapter of Excellence MPI Global award. Shannon
Timmerman, Immediate Past-President, accepted theaward that was presented by Mark Bice. There was a brief
introduction of our 2023 Strategic Partners and reminder of
our April Spring Education Day.

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Patty Hendrickson was introduced after the announcements.
She gave an exciting seminar on “Getting Beyond theBusy.” We learned the Basics Leadership Starter Kit, whichwere to “Be Your Best, not The Best,” “Be Interested, Not
Interesting,” and “Practice a Host Attitude.”

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people are at risk of leaving. Those factors included: “Is theirjob fulfilling?,” “Can they be their true self at work?,” “Arethey financially rewarded?,” “Does their team care about
them?,” and, “Does their manager listen to them?” We met insmall groups to extend our discussion and gain insight fromeach other.

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We ended the day with a reception provided by The Chula
Vista Resort.

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Event
Rescheduled

MARCH 23RD AT 4:00 PM

Event has been moved to March 23rd!

A taste of Italy? Why not!
Our afternoon will begin witha delicious Italian lunch andactivities to follow the event.
After we enjoy our meals, we ask
you to consider this question:“What could happen if we moved past the typical
networking small talk?”

NAOMI TUCKER

Gina will share a presentation called Focus on the 5th
Question™. It will help guide our conversations to allow
real relationships to develop and it will increase our
networking confidence. Gina is a professional speaker andcareer coach who speaks about communication, networking,and career change. She will demonstrate how she uses the
5th Question to connect business professionals to new skills
that allow them to network effectively, speak confidently andachieve their personal best.

As part of the March Education event, there will be a social
event after. Starting at 4:00 PM we will gather together for
networking, comradery, and a fundraiser Wine Pull!
The Wine Pull team is collecting bottles of wine to giveback to everyone who donates to the MPI Wisconsin
Chapter. At $15 a donation, you will be guaranteed to get abottle of wine! Everyone wins!
If you want to help, we are looking for bottles of wine, six
packs of craft beers, spirits, or fancy bottled sodas. One
bottle is great. Multiple bottles are awesome! The value ofbottles of wine should be above $15, but really we will takeanything. If you have something sitting in the basement,
we will take that too!
To collect the wine you can:•••Collect it yourself and bring it to the meeting in
February.
Collect it yourself and a team member will come to get
it from you.
Ship it to Ed’s office.

We will also take donations of money to sponsor a bottle ofwine. That way they don't have to transport anything andwe will buy the wine ourselves to save on transport.

We have one course prior to the keynote
speaker:

Each bottle will have the donator's name/business name on
the tag. A great way to promote them as a sponsor of MPI!

10:30 – 11:30 am
CMP 101 – Naomi Tucker

We of course are looking for sponsors for the event. We
could have them tagged on the website, in emails, and on
signage.

The evening reception will consist of a winepull and cork auction! This time will be great
to practice your new networking skills and truly make thoseconnections count.

March/April 2023

If you want to help out, please contact Ed Buchner at
ebuchner@majicpro.com.

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GINA GLOVER

Join us on March 23rd at
Embassy Suites Brookfield as welearn a new strategy called the
5th Question™ for more effective
networking with our speaker
Gina Glover!

Meet in Janesville•

Celtic House

•
•
•
•

Variety of meeting locations
Fraction of the cost of larger cities
Wide variety of pre and post meeting activities
Easily accessible - right off I-39/90
Free JACVB assistance every step of the way

Celtic House

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janesvillecvb.com · (800) 487-2757 ·   

Lark

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Celtic HouseMPI SPRING SPECTACULAR + EDUCATION DAY•

APRIL 12-13, 2023

Join us the night before Spring Education Day for our newest fundraising
event: Drag Bingo! “Madison’s Brunch and Bingo Empress,” Cynthia
Mooseknuckle, will be calling bingo, handing out amazing prizes forwinners, and performing a number or two. All this, plus a silent auction
with all proceeds from the evening going directly to the chapter and ourprogramming. Don’t miss out on the fun, prizes, opportunities to win andsupport our chapter while in Madison for Spring Education Day!
Your $30 admission includes a bingo card, bingo dauber, and a night of
fun and celebration with our host Cynthia Mooseknuckle! You can registerfor the Spring Spectacular and additional bingo cards within your event
registration or separately on the Spring Spectacular Registration page.
Bingo card, table, and other sponsorship opportunities available!

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Spring Spectacular Title Sponsor:

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MPI SPRING SPECTACULAR + EDUCATION DAY•

APRIL 12-13, 2023

The MPI Wisconsin Chapter is looking for your help to be asponsor of our Spring Spectacular featuring the first-ever Drag
Queen Bingo! We are looking for items for a silent auction and
we are also looking for naming sponsors for some of the event
elements.
You can donate items to promote your business (hotel stays, giftcards, discount coupons, etc.) or you could donate a basket ofitems that are fun, crafty, delicious, or any combination of theabove!
Funds raised will go to providing much-needed education services to chapter members and provide money forthe philanthropic efforts our chapter serves.
Please fill out the following information:
Donating Company:___________________________________________

Donating Company’s Contact Person:___________________________________________

Contact Person’s Email Address:___________________________________________

Contact Person’s Phone Number:___________________________________________

Description of Item or Items to be donated: ___________________________________________
Value of Item(s) being donated:________________________________________☐ Title Sponsor $2000 (1 opportunity) SOLD•
Listed on the website, MPI social network sites, and all invitation information as the event sponsor.
Verbal recognition at the February event.
•
You get to introduce your company and announce the QUEEN for the night!
•
Your business name & logo will be featured on the bingo cards•
Your logo on the Bingo Daubers provided to all attendees•
Receive a reserved, premium location table decorated with your company’s logo, and any otherinformation you would like to share. You can provide logo items at your table for people to pick up or
do whatever it is you want to promote your company.
•(3) free admission to the Education Day event!
•(3) free admission to the Spring Spectacular Bingo Night

D
L

O
S

March/April 2023

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESMPI SPRING SPECTACULAR + EDUCATION DAY•

APRIL 12-13, 2023

Continued from page 15☐ Event Sponsor $500 (unlimited)● Listed on the website, MPI social network sites, and all invitation information as the event sponsor.
Verbal recognition at the February event.
● (1) free admission to the Education Day event!
● (1) free admission to the event*● Promotional materials can be distributed at the registration table or the bingo tables.
☐ Bingo Game Sponsor $200 (5 opportunities)● Your company will be spotlighted during the round that you sponsor!
● You may also provide the prize for the round if you would like.
● (1) free admission to the event*● Listed on the website and all invitation information as a Bingo Round Sponsor using the logo that you
provide.
☐ Premium Bingo Table Sponsor $200 (9 remaining opportunities)● Have your reserved, premium location table decorated with your company’s logo, and any otherinformation you would like to share.
● You can provide logo items at your table for people to pick up or do whatever it is you want to promote
your company.
● (1) free admission to the event*● (6) additional cards to Bingo for your invited guests!
● Listed on the website and all invitation information as a table sponsor using the logo that you provide.
☐ General Bingo Table Sponsor $100 (10 opportunities)● Have your table decorated with your company’s logo and any other information you would like to share.
● You can provide logo items at your table for people to pick up or do whatever it is you want to promote
your company.
● (1) free admission to the event*● Listed on the website and all invitation information as a table sponsor using the logo that you provide.

*Names must be assigned to free admissions a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the event.
Please send this form back to Ed Buchner at ebuchner@majicpro.com and copy admin@mpiwi.org.

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Thank you for your donation!

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MPI SPRING SPECTACULAR + EDUCATION DAY•

APRIL 12-13, 2023

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We have partnered with Outreach Madison for our
Community Outreach for Spring Education.

Their Mission and Vision
Our mission is a commitment to equity and quality of life for all
LGBTQ+ people through community building, health and humanservices, and economic, social, and racial justice advocacy.
​
Our vision is to create a community where the presence andcontributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender people arewelcomed and celebrated; where intolerance is challenged anddefeated; where justice prevails; and where civil rights of all people
are valued and respected.

Bring an item to donate!
Non-perishable, easy to prepare foods such as tuna, cannedchicken, ramen or instant noodles, protein or nutrition bars, orprotein or nutrition shakes.
Personal essentials/personal care items for example menstrual
products like tampons or pads, shampoo and conditioner, lotion,soap, socks, or hand and foot warmers.
Gift cards for gas stations or grocery stores.
A lot of the folks who use our community pantry may not haveaccess to a place where they can cook a meal, so food items thatare either ready to eat or very quick and easy to prepare are useful.

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We also work with folks who are living in their cars or very low-income
and gas and grocery costs have gone up so much this year that it’s
one of our most commonly requested and quickly given out items.

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MPI SPRING SPECTACULAR + EDUCATION DAY•

APRIL 12-13, 2023

Madison Concourse Hotel

Room Rate: $139

1 W. Dayton Street

Room block Cut-Off: March 30, 2023

Madison, WI 53703

Reservations: 800-356-8293

Free registration for MPI-WI Member Planners!
Thursday will feature a full day of in-person education with speakers
on event design, negotiation, leadership and tools to rethink andreimagine our roles in the. We promise a day of education that is full ofvision and inspiration.  
We are excited to announce we will again be offering complimentary
planner member Education Day registration for the fifth year in a row
thanks to the support of our chapter’s Strategic Partners!
Speakers for the day include:•

DR. LALIA RACH•••

Founding Dean of the Hospitality Program at New York
University (NYU)
HSMAI “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing”
Travel Weekly “33 Most Influential People in the Travel
Industry”
Forbes Life Executive Women “25 Most Influential Women in
Travel”

Keynote: Looking Into the Crystal Ball for Meetings & Events
Breakout - Supplier Focus: The Art and Science of Sales: Trends
in loyalty, leadership and buyer behavior

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DR. LALIA RACHMPI SPRING SPECTACULAR + EDUCATION DAY•

APRIL 12-13, 2023

ATTORNEY LISA SOMMER DEVLIN•••

Meeting News “Legal Voice for the Industry”
Events Industry Council Legal Advisory Council
President, Academy of Hospitality Industry
Attorneys
Meeting and Convention Magazine “Top 25
Women in the Meeting Industry”

DR. LALIA RACH

Keynote: ReDESIGNing Partnerships
Breakout - Planner Focus: Trends in Hospitality
Contracts: What Planners Need to Know

JASON KOTECKI•••

Has proven that penguins can fly
Likes to wear shirts with Muppets on them
On a Mission to Annihilate Adultitis

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DR. LALIA RACH

Keynote: The Art of Tinkering: Tiny Ways toTransform Everything

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Sales & Event Experience Manager
Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc
Stevens Point, WI

Jacob Adamski has been a great addition since joining MPI! He has dived
headfirst into helping in any way possible. Coming to GLES, being a partof the Spring Education Meeting, and he can’t wait to host the October
Meeting in Steven’s Point.

Thank you for all you are doing Jacob!

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

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Volunteer Spotlight:
Jacob Adamski

JACOB ADAMSKI

Meetings That
Make a Splash!

VenuesThat Impress
Wisconsin Dells is home to a numberof world-class venues, giving you
plenty of options to choose fromfor your event.
Sundara Inn & Spa: Set in serene
wilderness, Sundara is an adult-only,
award-winning inn and spa ideal forsmall group retreats, end-of-the-yearplanning, and off-site brainstorming
sessions. Your group can relax, convene,dine, and partake in activities including
yoga, guided hikes, and kitchen demoswith an in-house chef.
Trappers Turn Golf Club: This course
offers 27 holes of championship golf by
renowned-designer Roger Packard, elegant
year-round dining, and a beautiful event
space. An award-winning staff is around toserve your group and make it an experience
to remember.
Cold Water Canyon Pavilion: Nestledamongst beautiful sandstone bluffs,
you’ll find Cold Water Canyon Pavilion’s
700-square foot facility, complete with a bar,
fireplace, and large seating area.
Riverfront Terrace: Host your outdoor eventwith a view of the Wisconsin River at Riverfront
Terrace’s private space. The area fits 100
people and is complete with a bar, awning,
and the option to set up a tent.

Why Meet in Wisconsin Dells?
If you want your meeting to make a splash, bring everyone together
in “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” We have what you need, like
500,000 square feet of meeting space and 8,000 guest rooms. Plus, we havewhat you and your attendees want, like award-winning spas, championship golf,nightlife, over 90 attractions, and more than 100 restaurants.

Vennebu Hill Conference Facility: Locatedjust minutes from Wisconsin Dells, Vennebu
Hill is a secluded, year-round event facility
that offers two main indoor event spaces thatseat up to 335 people.
The Swan Barn Door: Perfect for meetings,
team-building activities, luncheons and more,this charming venue is easily customizable tomeet your needs.

How to Get HereWith nearby airports in Madison and Milwaukee and an Amtrak station locateddowntown, it’s easy for your attendees to travel to Wisconsin Dells.

Ready to Jump In?
There is an entire team dedicatedto helping you plan your meetingor convention. Get in touchat (888) 339-3822.

Palace Theater: The Palace Theater’sseven-tiered auditorium, large main floor, andelegant lobby are available for speaker andpresentation events and offer audio/visualequipment, specialized lighting and more.

MeetInTheDells.com

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Wizard Quest: A great team-building activity,
Wizard Quest helps exercise your group’s
teambuilding ability while having a blast in thefacility’s 30,000 square foot, fantasy-themed
labyrinth.

Shannon Timmerman, CMP

Tell us about the company you work for:
The Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort is America’s
Largest Waterpark Resort! Located on 600
acres in Wisconsin Dells, the Wilderness has
four indoor and four outdoor waterparks, over adozen attractions, three mega arcades, an 18hole championship golf course, spa, plenty of
onsite dining, and of course hundreds of different
lodging options from various styles of hotel
rooms, villas, condominiums, and even luxurious
five bedroom cabins. And yes, waterparks areincluded with your stay! The Wilderness is also
home to Sundara Spa, Field’s at the Wilderness
and Sarento’s at the Wilderness, and is thesister property of Wilderness at the Smokies, inSevierville, Tennessee.
How long have you been in the meetings industry? I have been with the Wilderness Resort
for 23 years.
Tell us a few things about your role on our Chapter Board: I am in the last few months of
my term in the Office of the President. As Immediate Past President, I served as Chair of theNominations Committee, setting up the succession of our Board for the 2023-2024 Board term,and provide support to the Office of the President.
What drew you to serve on our Chapter Board? My love for MPI, and my MPI family! I began
my Board service in 2010, for several years, and then again in 2019 when I started my journey
to President. The leadership skills and relationships I have created throughout my service, arepriceless.
What are your hobbies and interests? I love traveling, spending time with my friends either
boating, going on UTV trips, or simply just hanging out, and cooking with boyfriend, Steve. And
live music!
Tell us about your family: I live with my boyfriend, Steve, in a home we recently purchased,with our three dogs, Sampson, Noka and Pokey. I have a step-daughter from a previous
marriage with three grandsons, Carson, Mason and Grayson. Steve has four kids that I love as
my own, and one grandson, Miles, from his daughter. And we recently found out we have anothergrandbaby due in July!!
Person you admire, and why: My Mom, Sandi. She is my rock! She survived two husbands,
and two children, and stayed strong for the rest of our family when we needed her. She continued
to run my parents resort after my father passed, by herself for 10 years. She finally retired
recently, at the age of 80, and is as feisty as ever!
What is something that is still on your bucket list? Renting an overwater bungalow
somewhere exotic.
Tell us your words to live by, or share a favorite quote: “Learn as if you will live forever, live
like you will die tomorrow.” — Mahatma Gandhi
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Board Member Profile:
Shannon Timmerman, CMP

Immediate Past President
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
Director of SalesMPI WISCONSIN
ANNIVERSARIESNEW MEMBERS

Congratulations to those members celebrating
a milestone anniversary in March & April!

Congratulations!

25 YEAR

15 YEARSUSAN GRISBYKRISTY CARLSON

20 YEAR

5 YEARTRACIE TOTHDANIEL MCCLUSKEYJENNY SEFFROOD

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
LYNN GEITZ SWATEKHeidel House Hotel & conference Center
TINA HUSEMOLLER, MBA
Fox World Travel – Meetings & Incentives

Learn more about the history of GMID and its roots in Canada before expanding to the global
digital broadcast that it is today:
http://ow.ly/vCLS50MOuf5
Register for the broadcast: http://ow.ly/IZKz50MOuzh

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Global Meetings Industry Day 2023 is coming up on March 30th!

MARK DUNNING

Favorite thing about being an MPI-WI Member: Networking, being with fun people,
and contributing to memorable gatherings!
Favorite thing about your employer: NorthCoast is full of talented weirdos whocare deeply for our clients and their goals. I feel right at home.
Tell us about your family: My wife Joy has put up with me for 13 years of marriage
and we have three kids: Bethany (9 years old, 4th grade), Ben (6 years old, 1stgrade), and Brooke (11 months old, not productive yet). We live in Green Bay.
Who do you admire most, and why: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: a pacifist German
husband, father, pastor and author who felt compelled to join a group of Germany’s
military leaders in a plot to kill Hitler and end the Nazi reign of terror. He was
executed in 1945 at 39 years old.
Favorite quote or words to live by: “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like abanana.” - Groucho Marx

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Mark Dunning

Supplier Profile:

NorthCoast Media Group

March/April 2023

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17748_Kalahari_2021 Group Sales_WI_Corporate_MPI WI
Trim: 7.5" W x 9.5" H • Bleed: None • Live: .125"

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

UNPARALLELED MEETINGS WITHUNIQUE OPTIONS FOR ALL› 212,000 square feet of flexible event space› Two hours or less from major cities› Diverse team-building options available on-site› Eight food & beverage options› 794 guest rooms & suites

KalahariMeetings.com | Call 855-411-4605 to learn more | Follow Us:| ©2022 Kalahari Management Co. LLC

17748_Kalahari_WI_Corporate_MPIWI_7.5x9.5.indd 1

6/2/22 10:47 AM

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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.

TIMOTHY SMITH
Owner/Operator
TimMouthy Announcing

Tell us about your company and/or position:
TimMouthy Announcing has taken me all over
the Midwest announcing and planning sporting
events. For the past seven years, I have been
assisting others as well as directing my own
arm-wrestling tournaments. Now, most people
usually raise an eyebrow here, and it is well
warranted. I assure you; competitive arm
wrestling is a real thing and much bigger thanmost would expect. Most of the events that I have led or been a part of average a few hundred
participants, whether competing or cheering on friends and family. In most cases, I manage theevent start to finish, including planning, overseeing the event day, emceeing, concluding theevent, and everything in between. In fact, if any of you are in the area, one of my events will bein La Crosse at Driftless Axe and Arcade on March 11th. It is the Great River Spring Classic on
Facebook.
As for 272 Movers, they are a brand-new company to the Coulee Region. I have enjoyed working
hard my whole life, and few jobs offer the flexibly to choose how one’s day plays out other thanmoving... if you can handle the workload. Supporting my wife’s schooling and throughout my own,
moving has been my go-to. You see and interact with different clients every day, there is a new
puzzle almost every day, and most importantly, it is work that keeps you engaged. As for my roleas Marketing Director, I have been participating in social media marketing, voice over ad work,and pushing events for quite a while. Coupled with my education in Lakeland University’s businessprogram, it seems like a perfect spot to begin putting my experiences to more practical use. I
appreciate the platform to begin working my art while I pursue my passion for event planning.
What drew you to become a planner?: Meetings and events are something that I have beenaround for most of my life. My humble beginnings were at a local hotel and convention center inTomah, the Cranberry Country Lodge, where I was overseeing the back end of events personallyturning over the room for the next day. My time there helped shape my work ethic and I had theopportunity to see aspects of the planning world early on. After all, that was my first experience
with MPI if any of you went there for the meetings back in the early 2000’s. Growing up in thisatmosphere got me hooked. Few things are as satisfying as working together to see a large
project come together. Overcoming all challenges while putting on a good show is what has
driven me to this profession.
What do you like most about being a member of MPI? I was a student member once upon atime, but I am pretty new to having a resource like this, so mostly it is the anticipation of what I
am yet to learn.
Tell us about your family: It is too easy to say that I just have a wife and boy. In reality, I am
one lucky human being, I know that, and I am trying to do everything in my power to make surethat they feel that way too. My wife and I have been partners for 16 years and married for 9. Our
4-year-old, Jensen, has just enough of my sense of adventure, and thankfully, my wife’s heart
and common sense.

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Planner Profile:
Timothy Smith

Marketing Director/Mover
272 Movers

Compiled by Kortnee Carroll

1

BETH SCHNABEL, CMP, CED,
CUDE accepted a new role as
the Strategic Event Director forCommunity Financial Credit Union
based in Plymouth, MI! … Don’t
panic though, Beth will be remote,so she is not leaving us.

3

Congratulations, Beth!

2

KATHRYN GLEESING wasfeatured in Wisconsin Meetings
where she talked about
the Pulse of Meetings and
Milwaukee. Kathryn Gleesing
on the Pulse of Meetings and
Milwaukee | Wisconsin Meetings

GRETA MCCUE did an interview
with WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee talking
about prep for the 2024 Republican
National Convention in Milwaukee.
Prep continues for 2024 Republican
National Convention in Milwaukee(tmj4.com)

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

PLANNER PROFILE: TIMOTHY SMITH (CONT.)
What are your hobbies and interests? List Time! Family Time, Arm Wrestling, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing,
Watching Football, and occasionally, urban archeology. (Ask me about it sometime)

Tell us about the person you admire most and why: For the most part, I admire those who accomplish whatever it is thatthey set out to do without compromising who they are along the way.
What is something that is still on your bucket list? That would be seeing the Incan and Mayan ruins up close, for sure.
Tell us the words you live by or share a favorite quote: The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read
and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. -Alvin Toffler

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Favorite song//band/artist/movie/book:
I Feel Home // O.A.R.; Artist: Alex Grey; Movie: Rocky 1-4; Book: In search of one to get me reading again

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 EVENTSMARCH 23 (Rescheduled from February)
Embassy Suites Brookfield
APRIL 12 – 13
Spring Spectacular & Spring Education Day — Madison Concourse, Madison
MAY 11
Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac
AUGUST 10
GALA — Best Western Premier Park Hotel, Madison
SEPTEMBER 14
Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel, Oshkosh

March/April 2023

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OCTOBER 19
Sentry World, Stevens Point

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