MARAPR
2024
VOL 46/NUM 2

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
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MARCH/APRIL 2024

MPI-WISCONSIN
2023-2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORSVOL 46 / NUM 2

PRESIDENTREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org

Feature Articles

PRESIDENT-ELECTLIZ UNRUH
Positively Pewaukee
liz@positivelypewaukee.com

March Event Preview: Best Practices — Contracts		

8

Spring Education Preview

12

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

Spring Spectacular

15

Community Outreach

17

January Education Event Recap

19

February Education Event Recap

22

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPELIZABETH POH
La Crosse Center
epoh@lacrossecenter.com

In Every Issue

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
SARA BEUTHIEN
WEDC
sara.beuthien@wedc.org
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSKORTNEE CARROLL
Kalahari Resorts
kocarroll@kalahariresorts.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONAMY QUALMANN
Wisconsin Association of School Boards
aqualmann@wasb.org
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROJECTSJACOB ADAMSKI
Stevens Point Area CVB
jacob@stevenspointarea.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSCARRIE BERGER
National Fluid Power Associationcberger@nfpa.com
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSED BUCHNER
Majic Productions
ebuchner@majicpro.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CAREJODY ROOS
Wisconsin Bankers Association
jroos@wisbank.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENT
KATHY READINGThe SCAN Groupreading@scangroup.net
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CHERYL OSWALD
CNH Industrial
cheryl.oswald@cnhind.com

Editor’s Note		4

President’s Message

6

Food for Thought: Chef Shawn McDonald

10

Food for Thought: Chef Michael Shetsky		14

Anniversaries / New Members				27

Board Member Profile: Carrie Berger

28

Planner Profile: Rebecca Rogers, PMED

29

Supplier Profile: Sarah Lemmers

30

Volunteer Spotlight: Naromi Tucker, CMP

31

Save the Date

32

Experience MPI Wisconsin
Print: Agenda Magazine
5 Different Ways
Web: mpiweb.org/Wisconsin
Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSGRETA MCCUEHyatt Regency Milwaukee
greta.mccue@hyatt.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LINDSEY HESS, CMPUW-Madison
lhess@cows.org

March/April 2024

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

Hey y’all – I’m back!
As you may or may not know, thisisn’t my first rodeo (as an MPIWI AGENDA co-editor that is).
For many years, I was involvedin this publication in some way or
another, and after stepping away as
I started my new job with Zywave in
December of 2021, I’ve decided tomake a comeback.

EDITORSMaria Peot, CMP
Zywavemaria.peot@gmail.com
Tyler Priefer
Generac Power Systems
tyler.priefer@generac.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
May/June 2024
Deadline: April 15, 2024
July/August 2024
Deadline: June 15, 2024
September/Octoberl 2024
Deadline: August 15, 2024

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.

As you read this, you may be on or planning or prepping to go on a Spring
Break trip of some sort. My family has made a tradition of going to Arizonafor baseball Spring Training each year, and this year is no exception! Whatmakes this trip so great? Well, first off, the weather. There’s nothing likeescaping Wisconsin at this time of year for some warmth and extra Vitamin D
in the desert. Besides the weather, I enjoy taking this time with my family to
step away from (and not think about!) work and truly relax, letting go of thestresses of our day-to-day.
As event planners and hospitality professionals, we are often put up to thechallenge of pleasing other people and achieving high expectations. Now,
more so than ever, we are expected to please our stakeholders and clientswith less – lower budgets, lack of staff, minimal training, etc. This cantake a toll on us as individuals and event professionals. The importance of
stepping away, taking a mental break, and relaxing, is not stressed enoughin our world.
So, the point of my note today is to remind each and every one of you totake a break. That might mean a family vacation, a solo long weekend,or five minutes outside in the fresh air. Whatever it means to you, try toprioritize this as you enter this new season of Spring – growth and renewal!
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maria Peot, CMP
Naomi Tucker, CMP
Reggie Driscoll, CMPCheryl Oswald, CMP
Tyra Warner, PhD, JD, CMP

Why, you might ask? Well, I reallyenjoyed being a regular and active
volunteer within our organization.
Unfortunately (or fortunately for me!), my job as the Senior Event
Coordinator with Zywave, planning internal and customer events, has me
traveling much more than I previously traveled. The amount of travel makes
it tough for me to attend as many MPI-WI events as I did in the past, so
getting involved with the AGENDA again made perfect sense, since I can dothis work from anywhere!

That’s all for now…

Maria Peot, CMP

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L E T’S C R E A T E
YO U R V I S I O N
We know just the place. Our world-class meeting and event centerin the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, is home to 250,000 square feet ofFrank Lloyd Wright-designed space – and every inch of it is customizable
right down to the last detail. From award-winning catering to custom AV
and staging setups, walkable restaurants and nightlife to breathtaking views,

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if you can imagine it, we can help orchestrate your incredible.

March/April 2024

Madison, WI|MPI Agenda|

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Connect with us at MononaTerrace.com© 2024 Monona Terrace

President’s Message
around. Others will be attending,and carpooling or taking a bus may
be possible. MPI-WEC was held in
Austin, Toronto, San Francisco, andmost recently Riviera Maya, Mexico.
We are lucky to have it so close to us
for the next two years. San Francisco
had over 1,600 in-person attendees,
and over 1,400 in Mexico. This isan amazing Congress to attend withindustry professionals from all over
the world.

For current chapter members, thisis where you come in. Please take alook at our upcoming calendar. You
can see where our events will bethrough the end of the calendar year.
If there is an upcoming event in yourarea or one you would be interestedin, please contact Lindsey Hess, ourDirector of Monthly Programming.
She will be able to explain the tasks
and goals of the event and see where
your talents can best be put to work.
There are some fun and exciting
opportunities this fall. Let’s see where
we can help each other out.

Hello to all MPI-WI members,
We are heading into Spring witha close eye on Summer coming
soon. We’re ready for the warmer
temperatures and the extended
daylight. The additional hour helps alot. With a renewed focus on longer,brighter days, let’s also keep MPI in
our thoughts.
The board is coming close to thehalfway mark of our term. This could
be when we let things slide or getburned out. There are many ways
we can keep ourselves motivatedas both board members and chapter
members. As board members, weknow we can’t do everything alone.
Our education events, fundraising,and special events take a team effort.
We need to reach out and share theexcitement of assisting with an eventwith non-board members who may nothave had the opportunity to volunteer
before. Some folks would love a moresignificant role and help but don’tknow the first step.

We will enjoy our Spring Spectacularand Spring Education Day on April
24th - 25th at the Kalahari Resort
in the Wisconsin Dells! The Spring
Spectacular will be Kalahari’s Pub
Olympics. There will be competitions
like shuffleboard, axe throwing, darts,
duckpin bowling, and more. Feel free
to dress as your favorite athlete or insports attire. The awards ceremony
will be held in Redd’s Piano Bar. You
don’t want to miss this! I’ve heard
there may be elephants involved.

Check out the event calendar on
the back page for our upcoming
education events. The April Spring
Extravaganza and Education Day will
be at the Kalahari Resort in the Dells.
We hope to see everyone at the MPIWorld Education Congress 2024 inLouisville May 20-22. Then we finish
out the calendar year with August in
Milwaukee, September at the Heidel
House, and October at The Abbey
Resort. Be sure to get these all on
your calendars.

We have a “Back to the Future”
theme for Spring Education Day.
Our featured speakers are Michael
Dominguez and Jim Spellos. Checkout the column on this event in thisissue. They are both excellent andwill deliver quality content in theirprograms. Remember, thanks to ourStrategic Partners, the Education Day
is free to planners who are members.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!!

This year, the MPI World Education
Congress will be held May 20 to 22
in Louisville, KY. This event will be a
Monday through Wednesday event
this year rather than their regular
Tuesday through Thursday program.
If you are interested, please ask

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MPI-WI Chapter President
Reggie Driscoll, CMPThe Great Lakes Education Summit
will not be held this year in November.
We hope that with the WEC being in
the Midwest for the next two years,
our members will make an extra effort
to attend this event. The Michigan
Chapter will host a GLES Reception
on Tuesday night of the Congress atthe Hilton Garden Inn Rooftop on May
21 at 5:15 pm. See you there!

6Plan to Meet in Janesville

The 1917 at Batterman©Full Spectrum Photography

The Ideal Meeting Destination•  Wide variety of pre and post meeting activities•  Easily accessible - right off I-39/90•  Free JACVB assistance every step of the way

janesvillecvb.com · (800) 487-2757 ·   March/April 2024|

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Back to table of contents•  Variety of meeting locations•  Fraction of the cost of larger cities

March Event Preview
Best Practices: Contracts
Contracts are important to meetings in that they ensure that both parties understand the terms of theagreement and have apportioned risk in an acceptable way between them. Following are the “top 10”
contract tips you can implement into contract negotiations and execution.

ALL CONTRACTS:

2. Force Majeure. When acontract cannot be fully performed
due to a factor beyond the control
of a party, a force majeure causes
the contract to, in effect, selfdestruct. While “acts of God” arenarrowly defined under most state
laws, the force majeure clause
explains what the parties willallow as a reason to terminate thecontract without liability, as well as
notice requirements.

3. Indemnification. Each party

should protect itself from harmfrom a third-party claim beyond its
control. Sometimes called a “holdharmless” clause, this clausespells out the responsibility of
one party (Party A) to protect theother party (Party B) from liability
from a third-party (Party C) claim
for which Party A is responsible.
For example, if a conference
speaker uses copyrighted material
in his presentation and the true
owner of the copyrighted worksues the conference organizer,
an indemnification clause in the

4. Assignment. Know whether

the contract you signed can be
assigned to someone else. The
assignment clause is an important
one to look for in a contract,
because it specifies whether theparty that signed the contract
can transfer their interest in thecontract to another party. So canthe event planner who signed thecontract sub the job out to anotherevent planner? Can the hotel thatsigned it assign the contract to a
new owner? In some cases, theother party may want it assigned,in others, not. Regardless, youwant to be aware if there is going
to be a potential change in theparty you are doing business with
before the change is made.

5. Waiver and Severability.

Sometimes mistakes are madein the execution of contracts. The
waiver and severability clause isoften overlooked with glazed eyes
as “standard legalese.” And it is…
until you need it. The importanceof this contract language is thatit specifies that if one part of thecontract is missing, defective, or
unenforceable, it does not render
the rest of the contract null andvoid. This can be quite a relief
when you find (or have made) an
error in a contract.

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Tyra Warner, PhD, JD, CMP

the end in mind, every contract
should have a cancellation clausethat spells out the terms that
apply if either party opts to cancel
the contract before it’s intended
termination. A cancellation
clause may include acceptablereasons for cancellation and how
cancellation damages are to be
calculated.

contract between the speaker andthe conference organizer would
require the speaker to indemnify
the conference organizer.

6. Choice of Law and Venue.

In the unlikely event that acontract dispute goes to court,
lawyers can spend a long timearguing about jurisdiction—which
court the lawsuit should be heard
in and which state’s (or country’s)
law should apply. Having a clausethat specifies this can save a lotof time…and money. As a ruleof thumb, the law and venue areoften agreed to be where thecontract was to be performed.
For meetings, this is where themeeting was going to be held.
In international situations, thiscan create an inconvenienceand a neutral third country may
be chosen. This is also a goodtime to consider whether yourorganization wants to have apolicy on alternative dispute
resolution (arbitration) or not.
continued on page 9

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1. Cancellation. Starting withcontinued from page 8

VENDOR/THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTS
7. Scope of work. For consultant
or third-party contracts, a clear
scope of work is an essential
part of the contract. This partof the contract should specify
what is expected to be done, for
how much and key deliverable
dates. Also essential to this partof the contract is what happens
if the scope of work expands orcontracts—how is compensation
adjusted, for example.

8. Work Made for Hire. If a

consultant or third-party is hired
to create a copyrightable work
(graphic design, written work,etc.), the copyright for that work
remains with the consultant or
third-party unless the contractcontains language to the contrary.
This is most often accomplishedwith “work made for hire”
language which specifies that theconsultant is being hired to create

a “work made for hire,” meaning
the copyright for the final productremains with the hiring entity.
There are few magic words in thelaw, but these are some.

HOTEL/FACILITY CONTRACTS
the attrition clause is perhaps
the most contentious clause andwith good reason. Take the time
to carefully read and negotiate
this clause. Ensure that you
understand the commitmentthat you’ve made and that you
understand what all is tied
to rooms or food & beverage
performance—meeting room
rental, concessions, etc.

10. Damages. Be sure that you

understand how damages arecalculated for both parties—hotel
and group—for attrition andcancellation. They will likely becalculated differently because thetwo parties would not experience
the same losses if the otherparty underperformed or failed
to perform. It is not uncommon
for the group to pay liquidated
damages for cancellation, forexample, and for the hotel to pay
actual damages.

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9. Attrition. In hotel contracts,

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R T
A
M EN WEV EVIE
PR

FOOD for thought:
executive CHEF
shawn mcdonald
Farmer’s Market Quiche
16 ounces of whipped eggs
8 ounces of heavy cream
2 ounces of roasted diced tomato
3 ounces of roasted diced zucchini
1 ounce shredded parmesan
1 (9in) pie shell
Toast the pie shell in the oven at 325
degrees until golden brown. Remove fromthe oven and let it rest to room temperature.
Mix eggs, cream, and season with salt andpepper. Add egg mixture to the pie shell.
Add roasted tomato, roasted zucchini, andparmesan cheese.
Bake at 325 degrees until the egg mixture isset and golden brown. Cut the quiche into six
pieces and serve hot.

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Shawn’s love for the culinary arts began in 2001. He has beenpart of the success of nationally accredited restaurants, consulted
for high profile menus, and he has owned his own high-end
restaurant. Chef Shawn enjoys creating contemporary menus
with fresh ingredients. His experience, knowledge of the industry
and commitment to every event is unparalleled.

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WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

UNPARALLELED MEETINGS WITHUNIQUE OPTIONS FOR ALL
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.

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

March/April 2024|

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SPRING EDUCATION PREVIEWJoin us for a Back to the Future-Themed
Spring Education Day!
When: April 25th____________________________

Great Scott! We have an outstanding lineup of speakers ready to share their expertise:
MORNING KEYNOTE• Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence... But Were Afraid to Ask —Jim Spellos

Registration: Click here____________________________

BREAKOUT 1• Leadership Today: Are You Playing Checkers or Chess — Michael Dominguez• Ease the Burn! Unpacking the Common Stressors of Meeting and Event Planning —Naomi Tucker, CMP

Book your room now: Click here____________________________

BREAKOUT 2• Working with Non-Profits and Associations — Geoffrey Sandler• Your Essential Digital Toolbox: Making the Most of Tech Tools to Enhance Your
Productivity — Jim Spellos

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Where: Kalahari Resorts &Conventions____________________________

CLOSING KEYNOTE• Disruption and Transformation: What Else Should We Expect? — Michael Dominguez
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and propel your knowledge forward.
Join us for a day filled with inspiration and innovation.

Check out our speakers

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SPRING EDUCATION PREVIEW

BREAKOUT 2: JIM SPELLOSYour Essential Digital Toolbox:
Making the Most of Tech Tools to
Enhance Your Productivity• Identify 30+ AI tools that can support
your work.
• Review and discuss with yourpeers the impact of AI and othertechnologies on the future of theprofession.
• Understand the latest AI trends andtools available to our industry.

CLOSING KEYNOTE:MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ
Disruption and Transformation:
What Else Should We Expect?
• Understand the need to get past
Confirmation Bias and Narratives.
• Look at the impact of global politicaland economic forecasts.
• Review industry forecast for the US
and Global sectors.
• Understand changes in wealth shifts
in our consumer.
• Understand behavior changes andneeds around new businesses
created.
BREAKOUT 1: MICHAEL DOMINQUEZ
Leadership Today: Are You Playing
Checkers or Chess• Learn what teams look like today.
• Learn the primary difference
between Management andLeadership.
• Review a case study of asustainable, successful culture.
• Learn why you must start with theright talent and fit if you are to havea successful team.
• Understand the importance ofStrength Management and its
importance to the team.
• Learn to focus on the behaviors of
the team versus the demographic.
• Understand the importance of
perseverance in team dynamics.

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BREAKOUT 1: NAOMI TUCKER
Ease the Burn! Unpacking theCommon Stressors of Meeting &Event Planning• Learn how to realign your priorities
that support your overall businessgoals and objectives.
• Learn effective strategies to set
boundaries in your business andcareer.
• Create a tangible action plan toeliminate the things in your life thatdrain your energy.

BREAKOUT 2: GEOFFREY SANDLER
Working with Non-Profits andAssociations• Know what to say when answering
calls from a Non-Profit• Provide Value to Non-profit events.
• Start charging full price for
fundraising events.

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MORNING KEYNOTE: JIM SPELLOS
Everything You Need to Know About
Artificial Intelligence... But Were
Afraid to Ask• Identify over 40 low-cost AI tools
designed for efficiency and ease ofuse for business applications.
• Understand the importance andnuance of prompting in various AI
applications.
• Enable attendees to identify andimplement at least three AI tools thatwill contribute to their business’s
effectiveness and bottom line.

FOOD for thought:

CHEF michael shetsky
Meet the culinary wizard, Michael Shetsky, whoreigns supreme as the Executive Chef at Kalahari
Resorts in the foodie haven of Wisconsin Dells.
But hold on to your spatulas, because Chef Mike’s
journey to culinary greatness is as sizzling as aperfectly seared steak!
For the past three years, Chef Mike has been
climbing the flavorful ladder within Kalahari Resorts,
turning the kitchen into his own personal playground.
With over 12 years of culinary magic under his apron,
he’s not just a chef; he’s a culinary sorcerer!
Before donning the chef’s hat at Kalahari, our culinary
maestro took a detour through the musical city of
Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland.
Starting from the humble world of line cooking, heseasoned his skills to become the ultimate Lead Cookand then emerged as the Sous Chef extraordinaire.
It’s like a culinary version of a country song with aspicy twist!
But Chef Mike’s appetite for adventure didn’t stop
there. He spread his gastronomic wings in Texas with
Hilton Hotels, where he ran a modern Steakhousethat could make even the Lone Star State proud.
Yeehaw!

(This is my mother-in-laws recipe)
1# Unsalted butter
1 ¼ C Sugar
1 C Flour¾ C Milk
2 C Fresh peaches sliced (or 1 can peach cobbler mix)
Preheat oven to 400*F.
Mix together your sugar, flour & milk.
In a baking dish melt your butter.
Add half of your sugar, flour & milk mixture.
Pour your peaches on top.
Spoon the remaining mixture on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes uncovered or until crust is fully cooked.

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Now, at Kalahari Resorts, Chef Mike is the culinary
ringmaster, orchestrating a symphony of flavorsthat will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From sizzling steaks to tantalizing Tex-Mex, he’s
the mastermind behind the culinary delights thattransform each meal into a gourmet adventure.
So, the next time you savor a delicious dish at
Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, tip your hat (ormaybe your fork) to the culinary maestro, Michael
Shetsky, whose journey from line cook to Executive
Chef is as savory as it gets!

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MiMi’s Southern Peach Cobbler

Next on the menu was a stint in the picturesque stateof Colorado, where Chef Mike opened the Gaylord
Rockies Hotel. There, he ruled over not one, not two,
but FOUR culinary kingdoms – the Steakhouse, Sushi
Joint, Poolside Paradise, and a Taste of Italy! Talk
about a chef with a diverse palette!

Come as you are or dressed in your favorite athletic or sports attire!

Get ready to dive into a medley of entertaining challenges that will test
your skills and teamwork. From the precision of axe throwing to thefinesse of the golf simulator, and the unpredictable twists of bowling,each game promises excitement, and unforgettable moments.
The festivities kick off at 6pm with a fusion of delectable drinks andmouth-watering food that will fuel your competitive spirit. Imagine thecheers, the banter, and the shared triumphs as you aim for the top
spot on the leaderboard!
But the fun doesn’t end there! After the games, join us at Redd’s Piano
Bar for the grand finale. We’ll be awarding medals to the victorious
teams, and the celebration will continue with the enchanting tunesof Jeremy Ray Borders. With years of experience playing on cruise
ships, Jeremy knows how to keep the party alive, ensuring an evening
filled with music, laughter, and memories.

JEREMY RAY BORDERS
Jeremy Ray Borders toured with Carnival
Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean CruiseLine for a decade, performing his own solo
piano man/singing show and receiving top
reviews from crowds and management. He
continues playing all venues to connect withas many people as possible while spreading
love through music. Jeremy loves people
and wants everyone to know their purpose
through music -- whether at a piano bar, on a
cruise, in a church, or at a youth event.

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tep into
the worldof Kalahari’s
Pub Olympics,
where the thrill of competition meets the joy of camaraderie!
On April 24th, the Volcano Lounge in Kalahari will transform into an
arena of laughter and friendly rivalry.

Don’t miss out on the Kalahari’s Pub Olympics – an evening of spiritedcompetition, delicious indulgence, and a whole lot of fun! See you
there, ready to play and celebrate!
Rooms are limited so book yours now: Click here

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HOST YOUR NEXT MEETINGAT LAKE LAWN RESORT

Where business meets natural beauty
Featuring over 32,000 square feet of adaptable andflexible meeting space across multiple indoor andoutdoor event locations, Lake Lawn Resort
is your home to both memorable andimpactful group collaborations from 10
up to 1,000. No matter which space you
choose to use, our lakefront will provide
the perfect backdrop for productivity andrelaxation.
Treat your attendees to an evening on thelake aboard the Lake Lawn Queen and take inthe natural beauty of vibrant foliage that surrounds
the resort.

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Lake Lawn Resort is nestled along overtwo miles of shoreline and over 250
wooded acres on beautiful Delavan
Lake. Founded in 1878, the awardwinning Lake Lawn Resort has beenrecognized as one of the mostpopular lakeside destinations forboth leisure and business travelers
throughout the United States. The resort
provides a virtually endless array of fun andexciting activities where memories
are made, and stories are relived.

800.338.5253 | LakeLawnResort.com
2400 East Geneva Street
Delavan, Wisconsin 53115

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16Community Outreach
How to Dive In:
1. Donate: Just $1 can create ripples of change!
2. Spread the Word: Share the love and make waves!
3. Watercolor Project: Join our interactive watercolor

activity – turning art into action for a brighter future!

Let’s paint a masterpiece of kindness together!
Website:  The Water Colors Life Project — Nelson FamilyLife Foundation Inc.

Splash into Action:
April’s CSR Watercolor ProjectVideo: Water Colors Life

Get ready for a splash of color and compassion! This April,
MPI-Wisconsin is teaming up with Kalahari & Charity Water
to bring clean water to ONE MILLION lives in Africa.

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Donate link: Join Kalahari Resorts & Conventions(charitywater.org)

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ANYTHING
BUT BUSINESSAS USUAL
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Recognized as a hidden gem in Lake Country, the Delafield Hotel effortlessly
combines cool, contemporary sophistication with the tools to get the job done.
If you’re in pursuit of a venue that seamlessly integrates modern amenities witha storied history, your perfect destination is none other than Red Circle Inn.

RED CIRCLE INN N44W33013 WATERTOWN PLANK RD, NASHOTAH • REDCIRCLEINN.COM
DELAFIELD HOTEL 415 GENESEE ST, DELAFIELD • DELAFIELDHOTEL.COM

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JANUARY EDUCATION EVENT RECAP

Not Just a Talking Head!
By: Maria Peot, CMP

The January Education event was such a treat, with the return of a favorite
speaker, Tara Liaschenko, CMM.
After enjoying a lunch prepared by the Osthoff Resort culinary staff,
complete with a rich and decadent chocolate dessert (my personal fav!), thegroup moved from one ballroom space
to another for Tara’s interactive session”Solution Circle – Tired of the Talking
The Solution Circle
Head?” After introducing herself andis an engaging andproviding us with some of her impressive
energetic experiencebackground, Tara organized us at tables
for all. Each personand explained how the Solution Circle
works. Tara has presented at MPI-WI
gets to present a
events in the past, so many of us were
problem to their tablefamiliar with the program, and gladly
and receive direct
participated again!

feedback and solutions
for their specific issue.

The Solution Circle is an engaging andenergetic experience for all. Each person
gets to present a problem to their table
and receive direct feedback and solutions for their specific issue. Before
beginning the exercise, Tara had the entire group stand up along one of

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the ballroom walls, creating a human spectrogram of how
confident we felt in solving our issues. After completing theexercise, she had us repeat this and compare where we
stood with our issue after receiving feedback and solutions
from our tablemates. It was eye opening to see what did(and did not!) change for the group.
One of the reasons this program is a repeat for our chapter
is because it is so engaging and interactive. Everyone
gets to provide their input, using their knowledge andexperiences to help others in their group. Tara does asuperb job of facilitating and shares her expertise in how
to implement this program within our own teams andorganizations. Nothing about this session feels like thetraditional “talking head,” and I think everyone appreciates
an interactive session like this!

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Following Tara’s session, happy hour with Dream City
Jazz and our traditional raffle concluded the day. Thankyou to Tara, the Osthoff, Cream City Jazz, the planningcommittee, and most importantly, all of our sponsors formaking this event a great way to kick off 2024!

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2/26/2024 1:17:20 PM

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WMPI full-pg ad_ March 2024.indd 1

FEBRUARY EDUCATION EVENT RECAP

February Cozy Vibes andEmbracing the Awkward Quirksof Connection
By: Naomi Tucker, CMPT

he February event flaunted cozy vibes, and it
met expectations of just that. From the wintercovering of snow that met us all on the morning
drive, to an evening under a clear winter sky.
Everyone that attended this event found enjoyment all
around them, whether it was indulging in Valentine candies
on the tables to roasting smores over the open fire.

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Our speaker for this month, Hilary Blair with ARTiculate,
had everyone on the edge of their seats. Her presentation
had all the feels, and left MPI members and guests
evaluating how they can enhance the connections they
make with others. Hilary challenged us to make peacewith the awkward moments that we have when networking
and connecting with others. She also helped us tounderstand that the little things that we perceive aboutothers, and ourselves, are a big deal.

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Here are some other takeaways from this education event:• Lead your connection with others by honoring others
while being kind.

• Having presence with others is alive and active.
• To be seen and understood, you have to take the risk
and truly see others.

• Always seek to connect with others over being perfectin your approach.

All of these tips are part of a core framework of Hilary’s
called BASA.
BreatheEmbrace the awkward
See & Be Seen
Stay present and available
Hilary invited members to share their situations and stories
with her through role play and improv, which made space
for the opportunity for members to connect in others thatwas very impactful.

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23continued from page 23

This ice staking facility, The Plaza, is rated among the
10 most charming ice skating rinks in the Nation by
BestLife.com, and its coffee shop had all the wintery
bliss vibes. Many members laced up their ice stakes
and took to the ice, while others opted for enjoying
the fire pits with a smore in hand. It was a lovely
educational event and evening! A big shout to the
February team, our speaker, the board, and sponsors
for their support of month’s event.

After the education, the event concluded with two
receptions! The Bridgewood Resort and Fox Cities
Convention and Visitors Bureau didn’t leave any stone
unturned in rolling out the red carpet for our members.
After a short reception at the hotel, a good amount ofmembers headed over to The Plaza at Gateway Park incute, trendy downtown Neenah.

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Naomi Tucker, CMP
Founder, Strategic Events
Consultant & Coach
Planners on Purpose

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A Meets Your Every Need World
When five-star meeting spaces, unparalleled service, and accommodations come together
in one location, everything you need for a successful meeting is all in one place

56,000 Sq. Ft. | 1,155 Lodging Units | Free Parking
Grand Ballrooms | Break Out Rooms | On-Site Catering
Golf Course | World-Class Spa | 8 Waterparks
Part of Wilderness Resort… America’s Largest Waterpark Resort!
WildernessResort.com | 800-867-9453 (WILD)
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Our facilities host groups from 12 to 1,200 and come with all of the AV equipment,catering and accommodations you may need. And when they’re done meeting,your group, and their families too, can enjoy Wilderness Territory’s
1,155 guest rooms, eight waterparks, seven on-site dining options,a championship golf course, world-class spa, and so much more.
Start planning your meeting.

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But hurry! These prices end on April 15!

MPI WISCONSINNEW MEMBERS

ANNIVERSARIESCongratulations to those members celebrating
a milestone anniversary in March/April!

Congratulations!

GEOFFREY SANDLER, BAS
Celebrations Entertainment
VICKI GALITZ
Wisconsin Dells VCB

15 YEARS
KAREN LOWERR, CMP, PMP
JOEY READERCARLY UHLRICH
EDI-SITC

10 YEARSRONNY HILLDANIELLE ZIEGLEREMILY KAISERSargento Foods

5 YEARS

STEPHANIE KHUMALO
Greater Milwaukee Foundation

KRISTI KLEMENSSAMANTHA HOLTZJENNIFER BRUHN

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NICKIE ROULEAU
Wisconsin Center District

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Director of Special Events
National Fluid Power Association

What do you like most about being a member of MPI?
I love the tight knit community and passion that everyone has for the industry.
Person you admire and why:
I really don’t know if I have a person that I admire most. I admire so many, it’s hardto pin an answer down for that.
Words to live by:
Always take risks and chances. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. It is
the only way to grow and improve. Joining the Board is majorly out of my comfort
zone. I am a quieter individual that has never held a leadership role before. Thatbeing said, I am super excited for the opportunity!

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CARRIE BERGER

Board Member Profile:

Carrie Berger

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Rebecca
Rogers, PMED_____________________________________

Tell us about your company and/or position: I work for
Sentry Insurance, one of the largest and most financiallysecure mutual insurance groups in the U.S. We’reheadquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, employing
more than 4,000 associates across 41 states. We’re acompany built on relationships, many of which are forgedduring meetings, at golf events, or through special events
organized by my team.
My role leads the planning and execution of over 100 internaland external events for Sentry Insurance. Our group also
manages our sponsorship of and hospitality program for the
Sentry Tournament of Champions in Maui each January. Asa corporate partner of the USGA, we participate in the U.S.
Open each year as well. We are excited that our golf course,
SentryWorld, will host the U.S. Senior Open in 2023.
How long have you been in the meetings industry? 27 years
What drew you to become a planner? I interned for the Celebrity Golf Association in high school
and knew from that experience that I wanted to work at the intersection of sports and events.
Later in college I had the opportunity to live at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
for a summer as an intern, helping to prepare for the 1998 games in Nagano. The connections I
made during this internship helped propel my career in this space and solidified my desire to workin the events industry.
What do you like most about being a member of MPI? Many of the people I have met through
MPI have become lifelong friends. Events such as WEC, IMEX and the Experiential Series,
specifically the 2019 CMA’s, gave me the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented andpassionate people in our industry.
What was your favorite team or project you have worked on for MPI, or what area of the
Chapter do you hope to become involved with? I would love to become more involved in
educational initiatives. The pandemic has changed the way we plan and execute events and weneed to make sure we have the knowledge and skills to navigate in this new world, keeping thehealth and safety of our guests at the forefront. I recently got my Pandemic Meeting and Event
Design certification and have a few more related trainings I look forward to taking.
Also, we have a new boutique hotel, The Inn at SentryWorld, opening soon. I would love to hosta chapter meeting at our event space at SentryWorld, and at The Inn.
What are your hobbies and interests? Traveling is my passion. I feel it is the best way tolearn about other cultures, yourself, life and helps to put things in perspective. Travel is the only
thing you buy that makes you richer. I also enjoy mentoring and supporting others in their career
journey. I feel it is important to develop and nurture young talent to ensure our industry thrives
for years to come.
Favorite artist: I am a huge fan of Pink, She is an incredible performer and if I had a second
dream job, it would be to perform as one of her backup dancers!

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Planner Profile:

REBECCA ROGERS, PMED

Sentry InsuranceSarahLemmers_____________________________________
Senior Convention Sales Manager
Destination Madison

How long in the meetings industry? 6 Years
Tell a bit about your company and/or current
position: Destination Madison drives economic
impact through tourism. Our mission is to inspire alove for Madison, and our vision is that Madison is aplace for all. We attract leisure visitors, conventions
and sporting events to the area, and partner withlocal businesses to position Madison as one of theworld’s most vibrant and innovative places to live,
work and visit.

Tell us about your family: I come from a very tightknit family, despite the distance. My parents
live in Neenah, and my older brother lives in South Lake Tahoe and my younger brother lives in
Dallas. My pup Siena and I live in Fitchburg.
Where were you born? Neenah, WI – home of the manhole covers!
Where do you currently live? Fitchburg, WI
What are your hobbies? Traveling, boating, hiking, going to sporting events/concerts, andspending time with family and friends.
Favorite musical group/book/movie: I love all types of music, but I would have to say O.A.R or
Nelly.
Person you admire and why: I always have and will admire my parents. They are supportive,
hard-working, patient, a blast to be with, and most of all there for me when I need them. They
worked hard to give my brothers and I a great life and I will forever be grateful for them.
Dream vacation: It has always been my dream to go on an African Safari.
If I won the lottery I would: I would buy a yacht and cruise around the world for the next year…
or two.
Words to live by: “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” – Lewis Carroll“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” –Paulo Coelho

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Supplier Profile:
Sarah Lemmers

As a Senior Convention Sales Manager, I promoteand sell Madison as a destination for conventions,conferences, and meetings by building/maintaining
relationships with new and existing groups.

Naomi Tucker, CMP, is a Past President of our chapter and continues to be an
inspirational leader and volunteer for us and the event industry. Naomi founded
Planners on Purpose and is an event career coach, educator, speaker, blogger andpodcaster. She very recently was the team lead for our February 2024 event and did
an outstanding job. Naomi also leads our CMP 101 sessions, which take place at ourmonthly education programs and are very valuable. MPI Wisconsin also partners with
Naomi Tucker, CMP and Planners on Purpose to provide CMP study group and review
sessions. Thank you for all you do for our industry and chapter!

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Volunteer Spotlight:
NAOMI TUCKER, CMP

Naomi Tucker, CMP

If you’re interested
in volunteering,reach out to us atadmin@mpiwi.org
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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
2024 CHAPTER EVENTSMARCH 7, 2024
MARCH EDUCATION
Monona Terrace, Madison
APRIL 24-25, 2024
SPRING SPECTACULAR & SPRING EDUCATION
Kalahari Resorts, WI Dells
AUGUST 15, 2024
AUGUST EDUCATION
Bars & Rec
The Best Place at Historic Pabst Brewery &Brewhouse Inn & Suites, Milwaukee
SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
MPI AWARDS GALA
Heidel House, Green Lake

March/April 2024|

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OCTOBER 14, 2024
OCTOBER EDUCATIONThe Abbey Resort, Fontana|

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