Connecting you to theglobal meeting + event community

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER“MPI-WI Chapter is the bridge to knowledge, compelling ideas, and relationships tocreate a voice in the meetings and events industry.”

JULY
AUG
VOL 39/NUM 4

2017

COME TOGETHERI N T H E F OX C I T I E SEndless shopping, dining andnightlife options

15+ facilities with unique,affordable meeting space

Fun options for group
activities and team building

Make the Fox Cities your next meeting destination!
Enjoy the big city amenities and small town charm that our
20 communities along the shores of Lake Winnebago and theFox River have to offer:• An exceptional visitor experience for groups of 10 to 2,500• Safe, walkable communities• Flexible, affordable meeting spaces• Free bureau services

We invite your group to COME TOGETHERIN THE FOX CITIES.

WISCONSIN

41

45
94

10

KAUKAUNAFOXCITIES

21
MENASHAAPPLETON
151

10

43
41

NEENAH41
LAKE
WINNEBAGO

Begin your planningat FoxCities.org

2|July/August 2017

GET SOCIAL!

MPI Agenda															

			

July/August 2017
VOL 39/NUM 4

MPI-WISCONSIN
2016 -2017
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENT
CLAUDIA CABRERA
Madison Marriott West Hotel & Conference Center
claudia.cabrera@atriumhospitality.com
PRESIDENT-ELECTTAMARA JESSWEIN, CMPHID Global
tjesswein@hidglobal.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTJEN MELL, CMP
Travel Leaders
jmell@tlcorporate.com
VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE
SARA KERN
Blue Harbor Resort & Spaskern@blueharborresort.com
VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP
JOELLEN GRABER
Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce
adminassist@trollway.com
VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONSMARIA PEOT, CMP
First Business Financial Services
maria.peot@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION
KATIE MCGINNIS
Iron Horse Hotel
kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.com
DIRECTOR-AWARDS ANDSCHOLARSHIPS, & RECRUITMENTALISON HUTCHINSON
Fox Cities Convention & Visitor Bureau
ahutchinson@foxcities.org

Feature Articles
May Event Recap

84 Ways to Maximize the Meeting Planning Experience

12

Volunteer Thank You

13

April Event Recap

14

Join us for the MPI-WI Summer Socials All Summer Long!

16

Announcing the Events Industry Council

17

2017 Strategic Alliances Partners

17

In Every Issue
From the Editor’s Desk

4

President’s Column

6

Board Member Profile: JoEllen Graber		

7

New Members & Anniversaries

18

Planner Profile: Naomi Tucker, CMP, HMCC

20

Supplier Profile: Renata Prellwitz, CMP

22

CalendarBC

DIRECTOR-MEMBER CARE
AMANDA RIDOUT
Harley-Davidson Museum
aridout@levyrestaurants.com
DIRECTOR-SPECIAL EVENTSJANE KINCHELOE
Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
jane@minocqua.org
DIRECTOR- SPECIAL EDUCATION, PROJECTSDANIELLE ZIEGLER, CMP, CVT
Greater Madison Conference and Convention Center
ziegler@visitmadison.com
DIRECTOR-MONTHLY PROGRAMMINGTRACEY BOCKHOP, CMP
Meet Meetings
tracey@meetmeetings.com
DIRECTOR-PUBLICATIONS & COMMUNITY OUTREACHSARAH BANACH
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
sarahbanach@hiltonmilwaukee.com
DIRECTOR-STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, SPONSORSHIPS &FUNDRAISING
LIZ UNRUH
Wisconsin Center District
eunruh@wcd.org
DIRECTOR-WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, & PUBLIC RELATIONSCATHY KREITERVISIT Milwaukee
CKreiter@milwaukee.org

Experience MPI Wisconsin
6 Different Ways
Print: Agenda Magazine
Web: mpiwi.org
Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter																	MPI Agenda July/August 2017 | 3

EDITOR'S NOTEMPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Sunshine and warm weather, lakebreezes and festival fun, trips to the zoo
and fried everything on a stick. These
are just a few of the things we enjoy
about summertime in Wisconsin.

Published bimonthly by

Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter
CO-EDITORSAs we enjoy the many delights ofsummer, we often meet up with friends
and family, travel to various places anddream of gallivanting off to magicaldestinations. The Agenda’s theme forJuly/August – Destinations – couldn’t be
more perfect for this time of year.

Nicole Slemin
Senior Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
nicole.slemin@hyatt.com
Cheryl Oswald, CMP
Events Project Manager
Kohls
cheryl.oswald@kohls.com

The word destination can mean different things to people at various
times in their life. The most popular meaning: A place to which a person
travels, is sent or wants to go. Another take: The purpose for whichsomething is destined. Ambition, intention, target, objective, design.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sam LeberJulie Kronlage
Maria Peot, CMP
Rebecca Staats

As planners and suppliers, we are all professionals with ambition,a purpose, an objective as well as our own version of the perfectdestination. Wisconsin has so many wonderful cities, parks, attractions,
resorts, hotels and restaurants perfect for exploring or even that next
hard to book event. So many, in fact, that numerous articles and blogs
have been written about places throughout our state that are a must to
visit/experience.

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs, ajsdesigns.net
PHOTOGRAPHYDavid LaHay Photography,

MPI events are the perfect location to network with fellow members andshare your vision. Join your fellow MPI’ers for summer fun and networking
at the upcoming summer socials. This year’s summer social events will behosted July 19th in Madison, August 3rd in Milwaukee and August 16th in
the Fox Cities. Additional details regarding location can be found on MPI’s
Event Calendar.

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
September/October 2017
Deadline: July 15, 2017

As we approach the midway point of summer and half-way point of 2017 Get out there, have fun planning, and exploring all of what Wisconsin has
to offer during our short lived summer months. Just don’t forget to stop,breath, enjoy the moment and every single destination.

November/December 2017
Deadline: September 15, 2017
January/February 2018
Deadline: November 15, 2017

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

4|

July/August 2017

NicoleMPI Agenda																

		n feel the spark oacufYo just waiting toty hythms blend with a dow takeilibi natural r captivating and ntown be hosspoMadison, energy thiast’ist felt more organidcoawllynright conat t, creatinld.

{MADISON, WI}

In

ag
than
an
g
ere
her ious
owh xperience Monona Terrace.
n
.
e.
E
d
An

blog.mononaterrace.com©2017 Monona Terrace

16068 Spark_MPI-7.5x9.5.indd 1

4/28/17 3:54 PM

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|5

President's Column
Are you ready to take on a challenge?
I am! And I’m also beyond excited and honored to be the new President of the MPI
Wisconsin Chapter and to share this special moment with all of you.
I remember hearing about MPI for the first time at my Fundamentals of Meeting
Management Class, where my then instructor and now friend and mentor Janet
Sperstad told the class about this amazing organization. Who knew that a few months
later, my career with MPI-WI would soon start to blossom.
When I attended my first MPI event back in 2012, I made so many meaningfulconnections, learned so much about the organization and to this day I remember
telling myself: “One day I will be the President of this Chapter.” And here I am, five
years later, ready to step in and take on this new challenge as your new leader.
And for those who don’t know me, I love to challenge myself, why? Because I learn
that life is about taking risks and learning more about yourself as you discover new
strengths that you thought you didn’t have.
As hard as I have worked to get here, I couldn’t take all the credit because it has
truly been a team effort. I’m humble and thankful to have such an amazing groupof individuals that are already investing a lot of time and effort to provide ourmembers high quality education through professional speaker series and networking
opportunities that will enhance your professional and personal life.
Thank you to the Vice Presidents and Directors for stepping up into this newchallenge. Your hard work, time, dedication and contributions to the success of MPI
WI is greatly appreciated. We are going to accomplish great things this year, but mostof all, we are going to have fun while doing it!

Claudia Cabrera
President, MPI-WI Chapter

Make sure to mark your calendar
with our three upcoming Summer
Socials events, where you can socialize with fellow MPI-WI members in a more casual environment.
These events are completely free
and friends and family are always
welcome!:July 19th
August 3rd
August 16th

MadisonMilwaukee
Fox Cities

To our members, as you know, you only get out of membership in any organization
what you put into it. We hope you will regularly participate in our member activities.
In addition, we have a number of volunteer opportunities available, and I am always
happy to help you find something that meets your interests and serves your personal
growth needs. If you want to become more involved, come join us at our next
chapter meeting!
Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your President for the 20172018 year.
If you have any questions about our chapter, please do not hesitate to talk to me atany of our events or contact me directly via e-mail or phone.
So who is with me and ready to make our Chapter the best one yet!

6|

July/August 2017

MPI Agenda																

		

Please join me in welcoming our
2017-2018 Board of Directors:
President						Claudia Cabrera

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE

JoEllen GraberPresident-Elect 					Tamara Jesswein, CMP
Immediate Past President				Jennifer Mell, CMP
Vice President of Membership 			
JoEllen GraberVice President of Education
Katie McGinnis			Vice President of Communications
		Maria Peot, CMP		
Vice President of Finance				Sara Kern

Place of employment: Mount Horeb Chamber ofCommerce
Where do you currently live? Verona
How long in the meeting/event industry? 15 years

Director of Member Care				Amanda Ridout

Tell us 2-3 things you are responsible for on theboard: Recruiting Members, Awards, and Scholarships,
Making sure members are happy with their membership

Director of Awards & Scholarships			
Alison Hutchinson

What is the best part of being on the board? Seeing ourchapter grow and knowing I had a part in that

Director of Monthly Programs 			
Tracey Bockhop
Director of Special Education Projects 		
Danielle Ziegler, CMP, CVT
Director of Website, Social Media & PR 		
Cathy Kreiter
Director of Publications & Community OutreachSara Banach

What have you learned most from being on the board? Allthat goes into making our chapter successful and how
amazing our chapter is when going to global events. I don’t
think our membership always realizes how far ahead ofother chapters we are!
What is the best advice you can give to someone who
is thinking about getting more involved in MPI? Do it,
you won’t regret it. Not only do you make great industry
connections, but also lifelong friends.
Favorite hobbies or pastimes? Boating, going to concerts,
tailgating (notice I did not say going to sporting events).
Favorite musical artist or band? Right now I would say,
Chris Stapleton or Lady Gaga

MPI MPI
AgendaAgendaJuly/August
July/August
20172017 || 7

May Event Recap
By: Rebecca Staats, Corporate Sales Manager at Metropolis Resort & Conference Center
The 2017 MPI Wisconsin Spring Education Event kicked
off on Wednesday, May 17, at the Green Lake ConferenceCenter located in Green Lake, WI where attendees wereinvited to unwind in the rustic setting and make valuable
connections with one another. The Green Lake ConferenceCenter is a large Christian conference center located on
the picturesque shores of the deepest lake in Wisconsin:
Green Lake. The conference began with board meetings, apre-event session for CMP 101 and pre-reception activitiesof 18 holes of golf, bicycle rental and walking tours of thelakeside campus.

Chairman's Challenge
The reception was followed by the Chairman’s Challenge Latin Dancing Lessons with MPI-WI President-Elect Claudia
Cabrera and dance instructor Dante Viscarra. Participantslearned the basic steps of the samba and cha-cha-cha. The
evening concluded with cocktails at Langford’s Pub on the
Golf Courses of Lawsonia, just up the hill from the main
conference center.

Instruction in Latin dancing

Thursday Morning Keynotes
Thursday morning, May 18, began with a buffet breakfast
which featured scones, cheese omelets, hashbrowns,
fresh fruit and hot coffee in the beautiful & sunny Kraft
Dining Hall followed by the President’s Welcome andAnnouncements in the newly remodeled Staughton Hall.
The first Morning Keynote began with witty & high energy
speaker Scott Christopher from Salt Lake City, UT, an
American film and television actor, comedian, best-selling
author who presented “People People: Learning to PuteGreen Lake Conference Center located in Green Lake, WI

Official Start with Reception
The official start of the conference was the Welcome
Reception which featured delicious local wine from Vines
and Rushes Winery and local beer from Knuth’s Brewing
Company and enticing food offerings such as Jumbo
Shrimp, Artichoke Dip, Brie En Croute, Stuffed Mushrooms
and more!
8|

July/August 2017

Morning Keynote, Scott Christopher

MPI Agenda																

		‘People First’ and Why You Should Even Care.” Scott kept thegroup laughing & engaged while discussing ‘real’ people skills
and the Whys, Whats and Hows of the soft side of customer
service coupled with how it pays to have fun at work.
The second Morning Keynote was with Sarah J. Gibsonfrom Stoughton, WI, who is an expert on generationalchange, leadership and workplace communication who
presented “Managing Up and Down the Generational
Chain of Command.” Sarah kept the group engaged andasking questions by defining the generations, identifying a
representative ‘item’ from each generation and by defining
a celebrity from each generation - everyone in the room
had a strong connection with this topic! A compellingspeaker, Sarah shared insights as to why each generation
behaves the way they do and provided tips on how to more
effectively communicate together.

Outreach and Lunch events. They included: Twilah DeBoer,
Caroline Briese, and Angie Baneck and were accompanied by
Brenda Schuseter, the facility’s social director.
Buffet Lunch & Afternoon Keynotes
The group returned to the Kraft Dining Hall for a buffet
Lunch which featured a Salad Bar, Cuban sandwiches,
Coconut Chicken, Handmade Waffle Potato Chips and an
Ice Cream Bar. Then attendees chose one of three breakout
sessions to attend, the options were: “Be a connector –creating value at every turn!” with Jay Gubrud, “BusinessWriting Tips and Tools,” with Sarah J. Gibson and “Event
Design,” with Laura Jolcover from CORT Event Furnishings.
The Education event concluded with Keynote speaker
Jay Gubrud from Roseville, MN, who is a trainer, author
and consultant who has taken his passion for driving anddeveloped entertaining and education programs thatuse cars and driving as a theme. He presented, “Rev Up
the Planner Supplier Relationship.” This very relative andcollaborative session highlighted for attendees what planners
and suppliers like from each other, what some of the big
roadblocks are, and challenged us to assume the best andreminded our group of the power of positive thinking.

Second Morning Keynote, Sarah J Gibson

Board Installation & Community Outreach
The morning keynotes were followed by the MPI-WI Board
Installation, the Community Outreach event where attendees
were invited to make cards for residents at KindredHeartsof Green Lake and Prairie Place Assisting Living in Ripon,
and also featured Strategic Alliance Partners Exhibits. Guest
attendees joined us from KindredHearts for the Community

Afternoon Keynote, Jay Gubrud

Community Outreach participants

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|

9

WHERE PEOPLE ANDTECHNOLOGY MEET
www . alliantenergycenter . com
MADISON, WISCONSIN • 608-267-1549

10|

July/August 2017

MPI Agenda																

		

Shoot & Share Photo Contest
During the event, we offered a “Shoot & Share Photo Contest.” The participation level was fantastic, and we were able tocapture some memorable and entertaining photos during the event. Our winners include:“Best Reception Photo” – Kathy Reading, Marketing &Account Manager at The Scan Group“Best Keynote Photo” – Claudia Caberera, Corporate
Sales Manager at Madison Marriott West Hotel andConference Center“Best Exhibitor Photo” – Marin Medema, CMP, Sr. SalesManager at The Osthoff Resort“Best Lake Photo” – Sherry Wolff, Sr. Sales Manager at
Kohler Co.

Thank you to all who participated and voted on the best images of the MPI-WI Spring Education Day!

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|11

Ways to MAXIMIZE the
Meeting Planning Experience
By: Sam Leber, Blue Harbor Resort

If you plan a lot of meetings or receptions for the samegroup, sometimes it can feel like you’re in a rut. While it
may be easy to simply copy and paste, your clients will
surely thank you for trying something different. Utilize
your resources, and find out what your conference
services manager can do to maximize the meeting
planning experience!
Take a Tour
When possible, always take the time to tour your chosen
venue with the conference services manager in advance.
Pictures can only convey so much. Consider if the locationis conducive to a productive event. Does the meetingroom have natural lighting or a great view? Is the venue
easy to navigate? Can the lighting be adjusted according
to your needs?
Even if you’ve used the same venue many times, a tour
can give you a fresh perspective especially if you usuallyplan remotely. A tour also gives you the opportunity tomake a personal connection with your conference services
manager and create a good relationship as you work
together on planning a great event!
Get Interactive with Diagrams
Remember there is more than one way to set a room!
Many venues have diagram programs that can show you
how specific floor plans will look in your meeting space.
Ask your conference services manager to show you options
that you may not have considered. Instead of classroom
tables, rounds could create more and better use of spacein the room. For tradeshows or job fairs, you can see how
different set ups would allow for more exhibits.
Some diagram programs, such as the popular Social Tableinterface, enable you to interact with a live version of thefloor plan. While discussing with your meeting planner
on a conference call, you might actively rearrange the12|July/August 2017

layout to show what works best for you, or even see a 3-D
representation of the room, rather than go back and forth
via email before settling on a certain detail.
Explore Extra Activities
Ask your conference services manager for suggestions
about what the venue or local area can offer forsomething fun to do! All-day meetings can be exhausting- take a break in the middle of the day or finish with ateambuilding activity.
Discover a local brewery or arts center. Enjoy the outdoors
with a Segway tour. If you don’t want to travel offproperty, have painting class set up on-site and discover
your colleagues’ talents over dessert and a glass of wine(or hot chocolate!).
Find out what your venue has to offer as well. If yourmeeting is in a resort conference center, they may haveequipment to rent for mini-golf or bocce ball. Perhaps add
a lakeside bonfire with s’mores to an evening reception, or
see if their chef can conduct a cooking class or tasting.
Consider Creative Menus
Sandwich platters, vegetable crudité, and dozens of cookies
are all well and good, but it’s worthwhile to mix it up someor all of time! Whether it’s a new venue or one you’ve beenworking with regularly, take a closer look at the catering
menu for something fresh.
Perhaps enjoy a fun popcorn or ice cream station withdifferent mixes and toppings. Invent a signature cocktailthat fits the theme of your fundraiser or reception. Manytimes, chefs are able and willing to customize meals to
fit specific dietary needs or cultural specialties. Use yourconference service manager’s expertise to find out apopular favorite or custom items that have been created forother groups they’ve worked with.

MPI Agenda																

		On behalf of the MPI Wisconsin Chapter Board of Directors, “THANK YOU”
to everyone who has helped achieve our chapter volunteer goal!
Alison Hutchison
Amanda Ridout
Anna Anderson
Bonnie Nolan
Brandon Smith
Brooke Miller, CMP
Calley VanKirk
Cara Wallner
Carmen Smalley, CMP
Carrie Jensen, CMP
Casey Neverman
Cathe Gorski
Cathy Cluff
Cathy Kreiter
Cheryl Oswald, CMP
Chris Alberti
Cinda Vingers, CMP
Cindy Foley, CMP
Claudia Cabrera

Colette Kukla
Danielle Ziegler, CMPDavid Helgeson, CMP
Dawn Utech
Deana HeinischDenise Humphrey
Dick Bradley
Donna Larsen
Donna Smith
Elizabeth Schroeder
Erin Longley
Frost Williams
Heather Larson
Jane Kincheloe
Jason Ring
Jason Kauffeld
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Jennifer Zalewski
Jennifer Lanzel

Jess Kurtz
Jesscia Rieflin
Jessica Faust
Jodi Goldbeck, CMP
Jody Roos
Joe Millenbach
JoEllen Graber
Judy Keller
Julie Kronlage
Julie Peterman
Kathryn Henning
Kathy Reading
Katie McGiness
Krista Emmons, CMP
Kristen Salewski, CMP
Kyra Popp
Laura McIsaac, CMP
Leigha Schatzman, CMP
Liz Unruh

Liz Baker
Maggie Houts
Margaret Stauffacher
Maria Peot, CMP
Marin Medema, CMP
Mary Greene
Megan Gossens
Melissa Kadlec
Michelle Tyo-Johnson
Michelle Eggert, CMP
Naomi Tucker, CMP
Nicole Ellickson, CMP
Nicole Slemin
Nicole Ellickson, CMP
Rebecca Brandt
Rebecca Staats
Reggie Driscoll, CMP
Sara Kern
Sarah Banach

Sarah Scheer, CMP
Scott Dettman
Shannon Timmerman, CMP
Sherry Wolf
Stacey Lukas
Stacy Button
Steve Lorenz, CMP
Susan Kainz
Susan Ihland
Susan Patton
Susan Arts, CMP
Susan Smolarek
Tamara Jesswin, CMP
Tami Gilbertson, CMP
Tara Wurtz
Tom Graybill
Tom Coleman
Tracey Bockhop, CMP
Trisha Raymaker, CMP
Wade Derby

MPI-Wisconsin Chapter Gala

Evening in Paris
Thursday, September 21, 2017at the Madison Marriott West Hotel

CALL THE MADISON MARRIOTT WEST HOTEL TO MAKE YOUR GUESTROOM RESERVATION TODAY!
608.831.2000 • marriott.com/
Experience this year’s spectacular “Evening in Paris” theme
At 6 PM, stroll through the reception and silent auction, in a design reminiscent of a walk along the Seine.
At 7 PM, participate in a live auction, enjoy dazzling Parisian-styled entertainment and sample traditional French Cuisine.
Following dinner, celebrate our colleagues’ accomplishments this past year during the “Awards Commencement Ceremony.”
Commemorate our Chapter’s 40th Birthday, during the “Disco Themed Afterglow.”
A portion of this year’s proceeds, for the Auctions, will be donated to Gilda’s Club of Madison. We invite all of our members to share photos of themselves in the beautiful city of Paris. Please email your photo to Jodi Goldbeck: jgoldbeck@madisoncollege.edu

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|13

April Event Recap
By: Julie Kronlage
April 12-13, 2017 the MPI-Wisconsin Chapter made its way
to Dubuque, where Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois all cometogether. The Dubuque CVB picked up 32 members at theSheraton Madison for a memorable motor coach trip tothe community. Upon arrival, the group was able to tour
Eagle Point Park to see breathtaking views of the mighty
Mississippi River and also Lock and Dam #11.

tour the beautiful Grand River Center, the Five Flags Centerand the historic Five Flags Theater.

That evening an additional 35 MPI Wisconsin members
made their way into the community to join the group at
the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium fora dinner and were welcomed by Dubuque’s Mayor Roy
Buol, Dubuque CVB President & CEO Keith Rahe and NateBreitsprecker with the National Mississippi River Museum& Aquarium.

The education program for the day was all about AV andlearning how to work with it, what we need to know,
AV 101 and even a snapshot of what we can look for in
the near future. Brandt Krueger did a wonderful job ofeducating the group on the ins and outs of AV and gavesome great useful tips of knowing how to work with AV
companies or in-house AV.

Thursday morning the group boarded a motor coach to takea city tour of Dubuque. They learned about the community’s
rich history, its business and industry climate, and also toured
revitalized areas that will make great locations for meetingsand events, including the Historic Millwork District, Schmitt
Island and the Port of Dubuque. The group was also able toThis meeting was the first meeting that the group hastaken outside of the state borders for its regular monthly
meeting. It was a success! The event was made possible
through a partnership with the Dubuque Area Convention& Visitors Bureau and Hotel Julien Dubuque.

14|

July/August 2017

The Community Outreach for this event was Opening Doors.
This Dubuque organization houses mothers and children inneed of a place to live, get a fresh start and to grow. Thankyou to everyone who donated items and supplies.

MPI Agenda																

		

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|15

Join us for the MPI-WI Summer Socials
All Summer Long!
By: Maria Peot, CMP

Although our educational activities quiet down over the next few months, MPI-WI wants
to stay in touch and keep our members connected over the summer. In order to accomplish
this, we've organized three summer social events:
JULY 19TH IN MADISONAUGUST 3RD IN MILWAUKEE

AUGUST 16TH IN THE FOX CITIES

5:00pmMeet at the GMCVB Office(615 E. Washington Ave.)
Complimentary parking access via
E. Main St.

5:30pmMeet at Blu in The Pfister(424 E. Wisconsin Ave.)
Complimentary parking andappetizers for guests; cash bar

5:00pmMeet at the Radisson Paper Valley
Hotel ballroom foyer (333 W. College
Ave.) - Complimentary appetizers anddrink tickets for guests

5:15pm
Depart from GMCVB and walk to
MPI-WI Summer Social meeting spot
(corner of E. Washington & Pinckney St.)

6:30pmWalk over to Jazz in the Park

5:30pmConcert in the courtyard of Radisson
Paper Valley Hotel featuring a Mile ofMusic artist

Hosted by the Greater Madison
Convention and Visitors Bureau

Hosted by Marcus Hotels & Resorts
and Visit Milwaukee

Hosted by the Radisson Paper Valley
Hotel and the Fox Cities CVB

5:30pmSocial Hour
7:00pm - Concerts on the Square begins

These events are casual and after business hours, so we encourage you to bring friends and othercolleagues as guests. Enjoy warm weather, live music, beverages and the company of your MPI-WI family!
Keep your eyes peeled for more information about the summer socials via email and on our social media
accounts!
Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter

16|

July/August 2017

MPI Agenda																

		Did you know?
Announcing the
Events Industry Council:

2017 Strategic
Alliances Partners
To all 2017 Strategic Alliance Partners “Thank You” for yourcontinued support of the MPI-WI Chapter. Your partnershipwith the chapter is vital to the success of our programs andthe great education we offer to our members. We hope you
have seen it is great exposure for your companies and welook forward to partnering again in 2018.

PLATINUM

The Convention Industry Council Board and our Brand
Task Force recognized a need to refresh and refine ourorganization’s brand to ensure that our focus and work
provided true value to our members, all Certified Meeting
Professionals (CMPs) and the industry we all serve.

GOLD

To be truly representative of ourindustry, it became apparent a namechange was needed to better reflect
the direction of the industry and theorganizations we represent. ‘Events’consistently came to the forefront as
the most universal, progressive, andpreferred descriptor.

SILVER

Beginning today, we are the Events Industry Council.
Your credential remains the same — Certified Meeting
Professional — but your credential is taking on a fresh
new look. We hope you are proud of the new look foryour credential. You are a CMP — powered by the Events
Industry Council.
MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|17

MPI WISCONSIN MEMBERSHIP
New Members

25 YEARSCHRIS ALBERTI
Producer, Derse
cja@uwalumni.com

DEBBIE RICE
Jefferson Street Inn

JILL ENGL
Events Director, Milwaukee Public Museum
engl@mpm.edu
KELLY GIESE
Director of Sales, Hotel Mead & Conference Centerk.giese@hotelmead.com
ELEANORE HENDERSONN
Student
ehenderson253@gmail.com

MELISSA LOTHCPE Program & Event Coordinator,
Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants
melissa@wicpa.org
KATHY RAAB
Executive Director, NARI of Madison, Inc.
kathy@narimadison.org
BETH SCHNABEL
Event Manager, Filene Research Institutebeths@filene.org
BARBARA WIENHOLTZ
Executive Assistant/Event Planner
Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Carewienholtz@perinatalweb.org
JOYA ZAMORA
Sales Manager, Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
jzamora@crowneplazamke.com|

July/August 2017

15 YEARSCARMEN SMALLEY, CMP
Milwaukee Area Technical College

10 YEARSREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin

5 YEARSAMY HEPPE
Event Manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company
amy.heppe@harley-davidson.com

18

Anniversaries

KATHY READINGThe Scan Group, Inc
JOELLEN GRABER
Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce

1 YEARKAREN VLACH
Culver Franchising System, Inc
DAVID KATZ
Madison College
TARA WURTZ
Hampton Inn and Suites, Milwaukee
MARIO ORTIZ
Executive Director, Inc.
LAURIE HUGHES
Gruenhagen Conference Center, UW Oshkosh
JILL SCHMITZGreater Madison CVB
JESSICA FAUSTMonona Terrace

MPI Agenda																

		

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|

19

PLANNER PROFILE

Naomi Tucker, CMP, HMCC
for 2017, and very excited to be working alongside somedynamic team members on that team.
Tell us about your family: My husband and I are raising
three girls at all ranges of the age spectrum. They are 16, 8,
and 3, and keep us both on our toes!
Where were you born? Dothan, AL
Where do you currently live? Appleton, WI
Favorite Pastimes: I love to write and blog about event
planning and leadership at Planitonapostit.com. I also love
to read and attend book clubs monthly. When I have time on
my hands I love to sing or brush off my flute and perform at a
wedding or social event.
Favorite Musical Group: Shanghai Restoration Project

Place of Employment: Meetings & Incentives Worldwide
Job Title: Senior Strategic Account Manager
How long in the meetings industry? 21+ years
How long in MPI? Almost 10 years?
Tell us about your company and/or position: I work at
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide as a Senior Strategic
Account Manager. In my position, I am responsible formy successful management and client satisfaction with
their strategic meetings management program. I also haveindirect management responsibility for all of the planners,
coordinators, and web designers that help manage over
200 programs per year for this Fortune 100 organization.
Teams or projects that you have worked on for MPI or
would like to be involved with: I love working on projects
for MPI so much that I was Chapter President in 2012-2013.
In the past, I’ve worked on various projects and on manydifferent teams. Currently, I’m helping with the Awards Gala

20|

July/August 2017

Person you admire most and why: I have a lot of people
that I look up to for work, personal, spiritual, however
I must say that my dad takes the cake. As I grew up heshowed us so much love, trust, and faith that it has been an
example for me now as I live and raise my kids.
Dream Vacation: Tahiti & Bora Bora, French Polynesia (overthe water bungalows – hello?!)
If I won the lottery I would: Get my girls through college,
donate to prevent sex trafficking cases, save some, andshop a little!
Words to live by: “Be the change you want to see.”Special personal accomplishments: I really think thatstaying sane while raising three girls is an awesome
accomplishment! Kidding aside, it can be a struggle to bea full-time mom, and work full-time. Although it’s easy to
see things eventually come together, not everyone knows
the struggles it takes to get there. I like to think that thisis my special personal accomplishment over everythingthat I may have accomplished in my professional life.
Being able to somewhat balance what I love to do at workand also spend much quality time with my kids, is such atremendous blessing.

MPI Agenda																

		

MILWAUKEE, WI

WHETHER IT'S TAKING A BIG BITE OF AN ICONIC LOCAL TREAT
OR LETTING LOOSE TO A POLKA BAND, YOUR ATTENDEES WILL GET A TASTEOF MILWAUKEE'S UNIQUE BRAND OF FUN.
300,000 Sq. Ft. Convention Center | 16,000 hotel rooms | 40+ Summer Festivals

GET TO KNOW MILWAUKEE

VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG/MEETMPI Agenda

July/August 2017|21

SUPPLIER PROFILE

Renata Prellwitz, CMP
Place of Employment: Chula Vista Resort
Job Title: Director of Sales
How long in the meetings industry? 25 years
Tell a bit about your company and/or current position:
I started at Chula Vista fresh out of college. I had justgraduated from Hotel Management and completed aninternship at Disney World.
One would ask how can you stay at the same place for25 years? With the resort always expanding and changing
along with the great drive of ownership, the ever changing
aspirations have always created excitement and newchallenges.
Tell us about your family: One finds it easy to talk about
their kids when they are the highlight of your life. Our
daughter Lauren is 15 and competes in horse shows
throughout the state. I have branched out of my comfort
zone this past year and began driving a horse trailer!
My husband, Gary, is the super hero who always comes tomy rescue and has a passion of farming and also loyalty ofworking for Allen Steele Company based out of Wisconsin
Dells for 18 years.
Where were you born? Frankfurt, Germany while my father
was serving in the military. Wish I could’ve stayed a big
longer and learned an additional language but came back to
the United States at 3 months old.
Where do you currently live? When I graduated fromcollege I swore to my family I was moving out of this small
farming community of 3 churches and 4 bars to the big city.
Ironically I now live on a farm on a dead end road in a townwith 3 churches and 4 bars. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Favorite Pastimes: My guilty pleasure is watching the “Young& the Restless.” It’s my escape and I find it really comical.
With running to horse shows in my free time, I
really enjoy staying home!

22|

July/August 2017

Favorite Musical Group: Love many types and I’m always
the girl that wants to be up in front at concerts!
Person you admire and why: While there are a handful ofpeople I admire I’ve found a new appreciation of admiring
companies that have lived by their brand surpassing any
negative social media and create great customer experiences. Although there are quite a few unique local businesses,a few nationwide include Starbucks & Walt Disney World
that have maintained a great reputation.
Dream Vacation: I can’t say I lay in bed of night dreamingof the perfect vacation however I just took our daughter forher 16th birthday to Kentucky in April to watch the Rolex
which is a three day horse event competition with competitors from all over the world.
If I won the lottery I would: Honestly in a world of always
wanting more and bigger better expectations. I wouldn’tchange a whole lot.
Words to live by: How could you pick just a few words
to live by? However, no lie…During my first years in thebusiness I attended a MPI meeting and the speaker told us“Don’t live 2/7ths of your life.” Meaning don’t live for the
weekends- Love what you do! I still have that sign taped on
my desk!

MPI Agenda																

		

Janesville
PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING IN

Ask
about
a $200rebate!

WISCONSIN’S PARK PLACE

Conference centers& meeting venues

Outdoor sites &Botanical Garden

Unique& historic spaces

Our expert staff will make planning
your next meeting a walk in the park.
Call us today!
800.48.PARKS (7-2757)  janesvillecvb.com  

MPI Agenda

July/August 2017|23

WISCONSIN
CHAPTER

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

2017

Datebook:

JULY

3

SEP

16
21

OCT

Connecting you to theglobal meeting + event community

19

AUG

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

19

Summer Social - Madison
Location - Concert on the Square 		(Meet at GMVCB)

Summer Social - Milwaukee
Location - Jazz in the Park 		
(Meet at Blu in The Pfister)Summer Social - Fox Cities
Location - Concert in the Courtyard at theRadisson Paper Valley(Meet at the Radisson Paper Valley
ballroom foyer)Awards Gala
Marriott Madison West
Middleton, WI

Education Event
Holiday Inn Fond du Lac & Lake Winnebago
Conference Center
Fond du Lac, WI