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.”JAN
FEB
VOL 39/NUM 1

2017

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Jan/Feb 2017

MPI Agenda															

			

MPI-WISCONSIN
2016 -2017
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

January/February 2017
VOL 39/NUM 1

President
Jen Mell, CMP
Travel Leaders
jmell@tlcorporate.com

Feature Articles

President-ElectClaudia Cabrera
Madison Marriott West Hotel & Conference Center
claudia.cabrera@atriumhospitality.com

October Community Outreach

8

Engagement in a Box

10

Tired of the Talking Head?			

12

Immediate Past President
Tom Graybill
Tri-Marq Communications
tom@trimarq.com

Put Yourself Out There!

14

3 Annual GLES Recap

18

Vice President FinanceBrandon Smith
Levy Restaurants at Wisconsin Center District
bsmith@wcd.org

Recap: Chapter Social Media Survey		

21

Vice President Membership
JoEllen GraberSpecial Olympics of Wisconsin
jgraber@specialolympicswisconsin.org

rdInsert2017 MPI-WI Chapter Supplier Showcase

Vice President Communications
Maria Peot
Milwaukee Area Technical College
maria.peot@gmail.com

In Every Issue

Vice President Education
Katie McGinnis
Iron Horse Hotel
kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.com

From the Editor’s Desk

4

President’s Column

6

Supplier Profile: Crystal Holtz			

7

Director-Awards and Scholarships, & Recruitment
Alison Hutchinson
Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
ahutchinson@foxcities.org

Food for Thought		

16

New Members & Anniversaries

19

Director-Member Care
Sara Kern
Blue Harbor Resort & Spaskern@blueharborresort.com#whosbeingsocial

20

Supplier Profile: Amanda Ridout

22

Planner Profile: John Vermeern			

23

CalendarBC

Director-Special Events
Tracey Bockhop, CMP
Meet Meetings
tracey@meetmeetings.com
Director-Monthly Programming
Tamara Jesswein, CMPHID Global
tjesswein@hidglobal.com
Director-Publications & Community OutreachSarah Banach
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
sarahbanach@marcushotels.com
Director-Special Education
Trisha Raymaker
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
traymaker@expotelhospitality.com
Director-Strategic Alliances, Sponsorships & Fundraising
Elizabeth Unruh
Wisconsin Center District
eunruh@wcd.org
Director-Website, Social Media, & Public Relations
Cathy Kreiter
Visit Milwaukee
cathykreiter@gmail.com

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

Jan/Feb 2017|3

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

EDITOR'S NOTE
Happy 2017 MPI Wisconsin!
With 2016 behind us, it is time to embrace abrand new year full of new opportunity. While itis a common theme this time of year to discuss
setting goals, and I agree that a new year is theperfect time to do so, I also want to suggestthat you think about opportunity. Setting goals
is the easy part, seeking out the opportunities
to help you actually achieve those goals is
more of a challenge. It is easy to wait aroundfor opportunity to present itself to you, butremember the old saying that “nothing goodcomes easy.”

CO-EDITORS
Calley Van Kirk
Group Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
calley@himilwaukee.com
Joe Millenbach
Global Account Executive
Conference Direct
joe.millenbach@conferencedirect.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tara Liaschenko, CMM
Tom Graybill
Naomi Tucker, CMP
Trish Raymakers, CMP
Cathy Kreiter
Susan Patton
Maria Peot
GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs, ajsdesigns.net

As this New Year begins, I encourage you to seek out opportunity instead of waiting
for it. Create a roadmap of possible opportunities and use it to guide you closer toyour goal. That MPI volunteer position is an opportunity to enhance your skills, aswell as feel personally rewarded. That upcoming networking event is an opportunity
to find and talk to the people you need to know to reach your career goal. Do you
want to change something in your life? Search for opportunities to promote thatchange. Most importantly, don’t give up! Your roadmap may need to be reworked
at some points but don’t get discouraged. There is more than one way to get where
you are going! Even the little steps you take along the path matter.
Wishing good luck and success to all of you in the New Year!

PHOTOGRAPHYDavid LaHaye, lahayephotography.com
PUBLICATION DEADLINESMarch/April 2017
Deadline: January 15, 2017
May/June 2017
Deadline: March 15, 2017
July/August 2017
Deadline: May 15, 2017

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

4|

Jan/Feb 2017		MPI Agenda															{MADISON, WI}

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MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|5

President's Column
Happy New Year MPI-Wisconsin!

I don’t know about you but when the calendar starts toturn from December to January, I tend to naturally focus
on the year ahead…making plans, putting things on mycalendar, deciding what I want to focus on for the next 12months and setting new goals (“goals” always sounds betterto me than “resolutions”!) From a MPI perspective, here’s
some things to keep in mind as you start 2017.
Try new things. Last spring, I somewhat jokingly told our
incoming Board of Directors that my goal was to not try
anything new, just to focus our efforts on refining what wealready do in this chapter. I feel like there’s this internalpressure to always come up with something “new.” Well,guess what? We’re still doing some new things in 2017! Thisamazing group of leaders has found a way to make subtle
changes to some existing programs that I’m excited to sharewith you.

At January’s education event, our Community
Outreach team is partnering with a nationalorganization that’s headquartered in
Milwaukee. The donations received the day of
our event will still benefit organizations right in
the local area though. Look further inside thisissue of the Agenda for more details.

And as I shared in my last column, one of the BIG newthings we’re doing in 2017 is holding a Wisconsin chapter
event outside of Wisconsin! In case you missed it, we’ll
be meeting at the Hotel Julien in Dubuque, Iowa on April
13th. I’m so excited and curious to see how this event goes.
I can assure you that Hotel Julien, the Dubuque Area CVB

6|

Jan/Feb 2017and our Education team have amazing plans in place tomake this trip worth your while. Stay tuned to the chapter
website and your weekly emails for more information on
this event.
Learn something new. The Education team is hard atwork lining up speakers for our 2017 events. One of myfavorite sessions is right around the corner. January’s event
will be “The Solution Circle” with Tara Liaschenko. Tarapresented this topic to our chapter a few years ago and it
was a huge success. For those of you planning to attend, start
thinking of an incredible challenge you’re facing with one ofyour events, a client or even something in your personal life.
This session will use the people-power of those around you
to brainstorm solutions in a fun, fast paced setting.
Other topics for Spring 2017 are What’s your Competitive
Edge?, 8 Ways to an Effective Team, AV – 101 and Beyond,
Rev Up the Supplier/Planner Relationship and more!
Alternately, there’s no better time than 2017 to earn
your CMP! We’re starting up our CMP 101 series again in
January. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the
CMP exam, extra study tips for the vast reading material tocover and the perfect place to discover a study buddy. Bestof all, the CMP 101 series doesn’t cost anything additional,
just register to attend the monthly event and indicate thatyou plan to attend CMP 101!
Become involved. I’ve shared before that I didn’t feellike I got much out of my MPI membership my first year, andthat was a direct result of not being INVOLVED in the chapter.
Once you join a team, or sell raffle tickets at an event, or
reach out to other members to check on their experience,
you start to feel like MPI isn’t just something you (or yourcompany) writes a check to or an event that takes valuable
time away from your desk; you start to view MPI as “yours.”
It’s YOUR project, YOUR team, YOUR contacts (who usuallyturn in to friends), YOUR goal, YOUR chapter.

MPI Agenda															

			If you haven’t been involved (or you’ve been underinvolved) in the past, let 2017 be your year to make MPI apriority in your volunteerism. There is a volunteer position
for everyone. If you’re not sure where you’d fit best, be sure
to look at the chapter website (the “Get Involved” page). If
you’re still not sure after that, please feel free to reach out
to myself or Sara Kern, our Director of Member Care.
Balance personal and professional time. If you’reanything like me, this is the most difficult piece to handle.
Between my day-job, volunteering for MPI and my personal
life, the balance can feel off quite a bit of the time. Whenthat happens, I remind myself it’s all about PLANNING. So,
I’d like each of you to take a few minutes (AFTER reading
the rest of the Agenda, of course!) to block off the following
dates on your calendar for MPI events in 2017.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

January 19 – Education event, Brookfield
February 9 – Education event, Manitowoc
March 16 – Fundraiser/Education event, West Allis
April 13 – Education event, Dubuque, IA
May 17-18 – Spring Education Day, Green Lake
June 28-29 – Summer Spectacular, Oshkosh
September 21 – Awards Gala, Middleton
October 19 – Education event, Fond du Lac

I know all of you won’t be able to make it to every event
but just having the placeholder on your calendar will help
you plan around it whenever you can.
Here’s to a great 2017 MPI-Wisconsin!

SUPPLIER PROFILE
Crystal Holtz
Sales Manager
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay

How long in the meetings industry? 3+ years
Tell a bit about your company and/or current position:
Market segment is Association and Tribal. Responsible
to achieve sales and profitability goals for the hotel bybooking business in this market segment. Ensure thatclients receive service in accordance with the standardsof the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay.
Tell us about your family: Two daughters (McKenzie &Mattie) and 1 grandaughter (Alaya)
Where were you born? Chicago, IL
Where do you currently live? Green Bay, WI
Favorite Pastimes: Enjoy football and listening to allkinds of music.
Dream Vacation: Anything near a beach.

MPI Agenda
MPI Agenda
Jan/Feb
Sept/Oct
2017 2016| |7October Community Outreach
By: Susan Patton

We had the pleasure to host Mari Maldonado and Sarah
Smith from La Causa, Inc. at our October meeting at theHarley-Davidson Museum, and help support their Early
Education and Care Center. The mission of La Causa, Inc.
is to provide children, youth and families with quality,
comprehensive services to nurture healthy family life andenhance community stability.
Thank you to everyone who donated books, play-doh, cash, andlots and lots of school supplies to the organization’s “Littles!”If you would like more information on La Causa, Inc., or would
like another opportunity to donate please visit their website http://www.lacausa.org

8|

Jan/Feb 2017

MPI Agenda																					

RS V P

www . alliantenergycenter . com
MADISON, WISCONSIN • 608-267-1549

MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|9

Engagement in a Box
By: Tom Graybill

product, and winning both the audience and judges’ best
technology award at the recent WEC in Atlantic City.
There are two different versions of the Catchbox, one witha microphone already built in (best for smaller meeting
spaces), and another that uses a wireless lapel microphonetransmitter from your A/V provider. Simply twist off the
top of the Catchbox (it’s held on with a strong magnet) andinsert the transmitter. And make sure to turn it on!

One of the most unpredictable segments of any event arethose sometimes dreaded two initials: Q & A.
Whether you handle your Q & A with fixed microphones on
stands in the aisles, or with microphone runners rushing awireless handheld microphone under the nose of an attendee
with a question, the results can be wildly mixed, with
unfortunately many Q &A sessions resulting in only silence.
Many people can be intimidated by speaking into a
microphone, and thus avoid participating. Others may notwant to get up in front of their peers, worried that they will
look foolish.
And depending on the question, some in the audience may“tune out” during Q & A, and go back to the biggest nemesisof the modern-day meeting – the smart phone.
So how do you make Q & A more engaging for youraudience?
One tool that definitely invites participation on several levels
is the Catchbox.
As described on its website, the Catchbox is the “world’s
first wireless microphone built for audiences. With its
soft exterior and auto mute technology, the device can besafely passed around without getting damaged or causing
unwanted noises.”
Originally developed in Finland, the Catchbox has caught onhere in the U.S., winning awards for the best new meeting

10|

Jan/Feb 2017

The Catchbox also requires one AA battery, which powers
an “automute” function that senses when the Catchbox isthrown and turns off the microphone until it is caught.
Did I mention that’s how the Catchbox is used – you throw
it! Think of the delight in the audience when Q & A is started
and a Catchbox is tossed into the audience for the firstquestion. The participant simply speaks into the top of theCatchbox (marked with an “X”) to be heard.
And when they are done, they toss it to the next person witha question.
Now your whole audience is engaged. Asking a question
is easy and kinda fun. Those not using the Catchbox are
now wondering if it can be tossed cleanly to the next
person – and if they will catch it cleanly. Trust me, manyin the audience are hoping for a fumble (or maybe aninterception!).
The Catchbox is soft and durable, with a Teflon-coatedexterior to repel dirt, liquid and stains.
The cover can also be customized to add your company’slogo or theme graphic from your event.
Truly a marriage of fun and purpose, the Catchbox is
engagement in a box.

Tom Graybill is Vice President, Salesof Tri-Marq Communications, Inc. and
Immediate Past President of MPIWisconsin

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MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|11

Tired of the
Talking Head?
By Tara Liaschenko, CMM

You can’t argue with facts.
Experiential programs enhance the learning experienceby integrating and enriching knowledge, comprehension,development, and retention.

nature, depending on the goal of the session (personal,
job-specific, departmental, industry-related). And while thechallenges are individual, several participants in these small
groups face the same issue. So they walk away from theexperience with more than one solution.

Movement/Physical Activity. According to Dr. John Ratey(Harvard Medical School professor and one of the world’s
foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection),“Exercise is really for the brain; not the body.” And Jennifer
Cohen (executive and entrepreneur wellness coach andForbes contributor) says there are 6 ways movement makes
us smarter: Increases energy, sharpens focus, enhancesmood, helps impulse control, improves memory, andincreases productivity.

If you’re tired of the talking head and you want an
opportunity to:

Crowdsourcing/Collaborative Co-Creation. We’ve all heard
the phrase “two heads are better than one.” And in today’s
world that statement has definitely become truth. According
to CrowdSource.com,“… by the beginning of 2014, hundredsof the world’s largest enterprises had adopted crowdsourcing
practices.” Why? Because it works. Using the power of morethan one brain in problem-solving provides better -- andsometimes more -- solutions.

Be sure to attend MPI Wisconsin chapter’s program on
January 19, 2017!

I’d like you to meet: Solution Circle
Solution Circle is a customizable program for any meeting or
conference that embraces and leverages the above facts. It’san experiential program that incorporates movement andcollaborative co-creation in small groups to solve individual
challenges. Those challenges can be broad or specific in
12|

Jan/Feb 2017

1. Solve a challenge
2. Benefit from the brains of others
3. Experience a program that automatically makes you
smarter through movement
4. Learn a program you can use in your office or at yournext meeting or conference

About Tara: Tara is Creative Executive
Officer of The Link Event Professionals,
Inc., where her capable and professionalteam takes meetings and events fromconception to completion. The Link
has a long-standing track record ofsuccessfully organizing all kinds ofevents—from intimate gatherings tolarge comprehensive tradeshows—andeverything in between. Tara and her team work with eachclient to bring a vision to life, always striving for the best
result; never compromising quality or innovation.

MPI Agenda															

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experience.
The spirit of Africa is brought to life in
expansive, flexible meeting spaces andample breakout rooms that canaccommodate parties of every size.
Complemented by premium catering,state-of-the-art technology, diverse resort
offerings and a dedicated team with over
400 years of combined experience, yourbeyond-expectations convention will belike nothing else out there.

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

KalahariMeetings.com
Call 855-411-4605 to learn more©2016 Kalahari Development

LLC

MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|13

Put Yourself Out There!
6 Ways to Engage with your MPI Chapter
By Naomi Tucker, CMPCountless guests and new members filein to MPI Wisconsin Chapter events
each month. Although the chapter isvery welcoming with many ways toconnect, there can still be obstacles
that confront guests. Many times, theobstacles are ourselves. I’ve been
there, looking around, to see how I
could possibly fit in. The truth is, youneed to just put yourself out there.
How? Well, here are six ways that
I’ve come up with that might help.
GET SOCIAL
Follow MPI Wisconsin Chapter on all social media outlets or theone of your choice, and then engage there. The chapter's mostpopular social media outlets are Facebook and LinkedIn. Try
to make it a point to engage before, during and after an eventthat you attend. By putting yourself out there on social media,
most members may remember you and connect then. On theother hand, you might end up meeting someone that you had aconversation with on Facebook. Social media can be a great way
to connect and put yourself out there.
MAKE CONNECTIONS
Set a goal to make new connections at each meeting thatyou attend. For me, my number is five. If I can make five newconnections, then I consider that valuable. A connection cancome in many forms. Not all of them end in a business cardexchange, but will definitely leave you feeling like you connectedwith someone else that you haven’t connected with before.
When you get back into the office, perhaps use LinkedIn to stay
in touch professionally with those you just met.
STAY FOR THE RECEPTION
The meetings are awesome at MPI, but the receptions can beeven more so. Instead of running out to your next engagement,
stay a while and socialize with the MPI family.

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Jan/Feb 2017

COME TO THE NEXT MEETING
Consistency can be very rewarding in
the long run. Many of the chapter's
members attend every chapter
meeting. When you commit tocoming to the MPI meetings on amonthly basis, you naturally growrelationships, and it is quite
awesome to experience.
PROFILE YOURSELF
Did you know our Agenda magazine has
a section for member profiles? If you area brave soul, consider getting in touch with thecommunications team to be featured in an upcoming
magazine. Tell the chapter a little about yourself, and,like social media, you will find many other members willrecognize you and engage a bit more.
VOLUNTEER
The biggest way to get plugged in and enhance yournetwork with the MPI Wisconsin Chapter is to volunteer
in some capacity. The great thing is that there are many
areas to volunteer. You can plan events, write articles,
manage social media, or even participate on the board.
The volunteering experience at the chapter has changed
so many lives. Jump in and see where it takes you. Get
in touch with a board member to see where you cancontribute.
You can see from the examples above, that it is easy to put
yourself out there! I urge you to try and see where thattakes you.

Naomi Tucker, CMP is a PastPresident of MPI Wisconsin, andworks as a Senior Strategic AccountManager at Meetings & Incentives
Worldwide. She also blogs at www.
planitonapostit.com.

MPI Agenda															

						Big things
ARE BREWINGIN MILWAUKEEMILWAUKEE LAKEFRONT GATEWAY | MILWAUKEE BUCKS ARENA | MILWAUKEE STREETCAR

What do billions in development in the next five years mean for Milwaukee?
A $500 million new home for the Milwaukee Bucks, the launch of a streetcar
system linking the convention center with downtown hotels and attractions, and amulti-million dollar lakefront gateway project integrating park areas with major
attractions. Along with new hotels and a total face-lift of the Milwaukee Intermodal
Station, even our brewing scene is ramping up with multiple new micro-breweries
opening in town. Bring your meeting here - there’s always something brewing
in Milwaukee!

s visitmilwaukee.org/meetings

MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|15

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Executive Chef
JEROME THOMAS-MOORE
Embassy Suites
Brookfield, WI

Jerome moved down to Milwaukee to go to Milwaukee Area
Technical College after he decided to make culinary his career.
While in school, he was working as a kitchen manager at awood-fired pizza and Italian restaurant. It was here that he met
his wife, Jackie. Next, Jerome got hired at a private country
club as the Sous Chef where he got a chance to start working
with interns from other technical colleges as well as build on
his knowledge of catering functions. He eventually took overas Executive Chef and got to lead a very talented team forseveral years. Jerome got to expand his horizons and work withmore exotic fare when he went to Milford Hills Hunt Club inJohnson Creek. There he learned all things pheasant and had
opportunities to work with various other wild game.

Jerome Thomas Moore

Born in rural Iowa and raised outside of Sheboygan, Wisconsin,
Chef Jerome Thomas-Moore has been making food his whole
life. His mother is a self-admitted bad cook who allowed Jerome
to make himself dinner as long as it incorporated vegetables,
meat and starch. He didn’t always have exotic ingredients but
never complained about his dinner.
Jerome’s career in food service started while he was in highschool with a job flipping burgers at McDonalds. Around thatsame time, Whistling Straits Golf Course opened up a few miles
from Jerome’s parents' place. He got a job there washing dishes
and helping prep cook. From there he became the in housebutcher, which is still one of his favorite jobs.

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Jan/Feb 2017

Jerome then came to Embassy Suites (at the time, Brookfield
Suites) looking to expand his experiences by working in a
200+ suites hotel that was just about to go through majorrenovations. Here, he works on providing food that evokes the
comfort of Wisconsin.
In his free time, Jerome enjoys checking out new local
restaurants, playing with his two rescue dogs, and cooking
dinner for his wife.

MPI Agenda															

						Sugo Di Salsicce

INGREDIENTSDIRECTIONS

3 med onions, julienned

1 gal heavy cream

Brown Italian sausage in thick bottomed pan. Remove browned sausage and drain
excess grease. Cook onions and garlic in pan used for sausage. Add red pepper
flakes, brandy, and wine and reduce by ¾. Add cream and tomatoes and cook until
cream coats the back of a spoon. Add sugar if needed to cut acid from tomatoes.
Add salt if necessary.

10 lbs Italian sausage

Serve with your favorite pasta and broccoli.

1 #10 can diced tomatoes½ bottle brandy¼ bottle white wine
2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp minced rosemary
1 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp sugar

MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|17

3rd Annual GLES Recap
By: Trish Raymakers, CMP

Monday morning kicked off with a lively keynote, “Reach foryour Wall to Connect, Engage and Inspire,” from Deborah
Gardner, CMP. This session had attendees reflecting on thebumps in the road to success and how to achieve greatness
despite these challenges. Deborah also challenged us to slow
down in order to move forward successfully, and we dove into
a series of challenges to grasp new, innovative, powerful andconstructive ideas. Breakout sessions followed and included
Jeff Korhan who demonstrated the customer experience ofmarketing and how to tell the story through social media; Lynne
Wellish who asked the question, “Could we do just one morething?,” and taught us how to energize our volunteers to build
a successful team; and Brian Monahan who tickled attendees’
hearts by helping us rediscover the art of event design.
Meeting and event security and safety were brought to awhole new level with an eye-opening lunch keynote from
Kevin Coffey, retired Los Angeles police officer. As a traveland meeting security expert, Kevin was able to educate us
on how to be proactive, and what we could do in advance of
events, before we’re in a negative situation and it is too late to
do something about it. Colleen Richenbaucher added to our
education by teaching us how to negotiate effectively acrossdifferent cultures and sharing great tips on business etiquette.
In between all these astonishing speakers and breakout
sessions, plenty of time was built in to the day to connect withthe exhibitors and bid on some amazing silent auction items.
After education wrapped for the day, Meetings Michigan took
it to the field with a group tailgate dinner, complete with
games that make for a great tailgate. From corn hole to giant
Jenga, our group was put to the test of competing against withfellow industry partners. The games didn’t end there! DiscoverKalamazoo introduced us to the Bells Brewery, where we got
18|

Jan/Feb 2017

to try signature beers while teams battled out their generalknowledge for a friendly game of team trivia. Kudos to Team
“Who’s Your Daddy” from Indiana for coming in first place andTeam “Tops to Bottoms” from Wisconsin as the runner up. This
offsite event was the perfect way to cap off the night!

Steven G. Foster, CMP, CT

The 3rd annual MPI Great Lakes Education Summit has wrapped
up its series with another successful conference in Kalamazoo,
Michigan. The event was held November 13th -15th, andbrought together the MPI chapters of Indiana, Michigan andWisconsin once again to connect, engage and inspire with
one another. This year the Radisson Hotel and Suites hosted
nearly 200 suppliers, planners and students for outstanding
education and networking opportunities. The Radisson Hoteland Suites welcomed us to Kalamazoo with a great reception
followed by an afterglow event in Burdick’s restaurant courtesyof the MPI Michigan chapter.

The final day of the GLES began with Steven G. Foster, CMP,
CTA, a nationally-known Veterans Advocate, a Harley Davidson
LIFE Member and award winning speaker and writer on Team
Success. His session had us motivated first thing in the morning
during his presentation on “Full Throttle Leadership.” A final
opportunity to visit the exhibitors and bid on silent auction
items, followed by another round of breakouts occurred
before the closing lunch keynote. There was no better way
to close out the conference with anyone but Judson Laipply,
the creator of the Evolution of Dance with nearly 300 million
views on YouTube who taught us “Life is Change” in the mostentertaining way possible though the art of dance and comedy.
Laipply left us with not only the term “struggle bus,” but also
the notion of “If there is nothing you can do about it, then getover it!”
Michigan did an incredible job making sure we connected,
engaged and were inspired for a 3rd year in a row at the Great
Lakes Education Summit. This year’s event will be tough totop, but Indiana is up for the challenge and will be hosting the
4th Annual Great Lakes Education Summit at the Sheraton
Indianapolis City Centre Hotel in downtown Indianapolis in2017. Mark your calendars - we look forward to seeing you
all next year in Indianapolis from November 12th – 14th!

MPI Agenda																					

MPI WISCONSIN MEMBERSHIP
Anniversaries
New Members
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY(Jan 2016 through Dec 2016)

Welcome to all of our 		MPI-WI Student Members!

Cathe Gorski
MATC

Alyssa Adair

Kristal Kaiser
Saz’s Hospitality Group
Jason Kauffeld, CPP
Green Lake Conference Center 	 Sadie Kealey
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee
Downtown

Mary Bell
Lindsay Brayn
Ann Breitenbach
Suzanne Brickson
Pamela Brotzman
Samantha Chartrau
Yik Yin Yoto Ching
Felicia DeLeon

Pamela PahmeierStudent

Jackie DiVall

Kyra Popp
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention
Bureau, Inc.

Paige Fischer

Rosemary Rice, CMP
MATCDiana Hegge

Siddarth Sawhney
Modern Event Rental
Amy Supple
The Edgewater Hotel, LLC

FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY(Jan 2012 through Dec 2016)
Anna Anderson, CMP
Chula Vista Resort & Conference Center
Maureen DeValkenaere
Marriott West
Faith Elford
Faith’s Association Coordination andTechnical Service
Cathy Kreiter
Visit Milwaukee
Brad Lyles, CHSP
Marcus Hotels and Resorts
Chris Theis
Cambria Suites

Heather Dunse
Jason Fowler
Amber Pearl Hageman
Margaret Houts
Brittany Luepke
Abby Melton
Natalie Mickelson
Rebecah Neitzel
Todd Osborne
Eskedar Robinson
Olivia Schoenoff
Allison Tilque
La Lee Thao
Bethany Wendt
Erin White

Mary Annen
Agricultural & Applied Economics
Association (AAEA)
Senior Meeting Manager
mannen@aaea.org
Ashley Connell
Husch Blackwell
Event Planner
Ashley.connell@huschblackwell.com
Melissa Falendysz
National Assocation of Tax Professionals(NATP)
Meeting and Event Planner
mfalendysz@NATPTAX.COM
Amy Jessen
MICHELS Corporation
Corporate Events Supervisor
ajessen@michels.us
Erin Marquez
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
Sales Manager
emarquez@radissonpapervalley.com
Greta Spencer
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
Corporate Sales Manager
gspencer@fhginc.com
Kris Tembo
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Milwaukee Downtown
Director of Sales
Kris.tembo@marriott.com
Mia Van Handel
Creative Group Inc
Account Coordinator
Mvanhandel@creativegroupinc.com
Holly Williams
PMI Entertainment Group
Director, Expo & Event Prodcution
Holly.williams@pmiwi.com

MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|19

#whosbeingsocial

20|

Jan/Feb 2017

MPI Agenda															

						

Recap: Chapter Social Media Survey
By: Maria Peot

We asked, and you answered! Thank you to all who took
the time to complete the chapter social media survey thatwas recently sent out. The results of this survey will help
determine MPI-WI’s strategies on our various social media
accounts and help to better serve you, our members.
The results of the survey showed that our members areactively engaged mainly on Facebook (90%), Instagram(71%) and LinkedIn (57%). A smaller percentage (19%) also
reported they were actively engaged on Twitter, and yet asmaller percentage reported activity on YouTube (10%).

A surprising 24% of members who completed the survey
reported that they do not follow MPI-WI on ANY social
media platforms. We want to change this! Please consider
engaging in MPI-WI on social media in the following ways:

More importantly, 62% of members who completed thesurvey reported that they follow MPI-WI on Facebook, 43%
on LinkedIn, 33% on Instagram, 19% on Twitter and 10% on
YouTube.

•

MPI-WI will continue to bring you the latest chapter newsand events via social media, continuing across all platforms,
with a greater focus on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn,
where you, our members, spend the majority of your social
media time.

•••

Instagram: Follow @mpi_wi_chapter and tag thechapter account in photos live from events!
LinkedIn: Join the MPI-WI Chapter group, post
discussion topics and engage in other members’ posts.
Twitter: Follow @mpiwisconsin for quick updates andsnippets on chapter news and events!
Facebook: Like @mpiwi and turn on notifications toreceive updates on the latest news, events and industry
tips! Post live to the chapter page from events.

Do you have a thought, tip or suggestion for how we cando a better job serving our members via social media?
We want to hear from you! Share what you think on anyof the MPI-WI social media accounts, or send an email to
Cathy Kreiter, Director of Social Media, Website and PR at
cathykreiter@gmail.com.

MPI Agenda

Jan/Feb 2017|21

SUPPLIER PROFILE
Amanda Ridout
Catering Sales Manager
Levy Restaurants
at the Harley-Davidson Museum

How long in the meetings industry? 5 years
Tell a bit about your company and/or current position:
Levy Restaurants is the exclusive catering company for theHarley-Davidson Museum. As a Sales Manager in this role,
I work with my clients to plan exceptional and legendary
events at an iconic venue that is truly a Milwaukee
institution.
Tell us about your family: I grew up the youngest of 9 ina blended family. My own family consists of my husband,
Brad, and our dog, Max.
Where were you born? Born in Eau Claire, WI; and raised in
Barron, WI.

Person you admire and why: My Mom. She was the
backbone of our family, and handled everything with grace
and a twinkle in her eye. She passed away in 2002, and themore time that goes by, the more I’m in awe of how she
cared for our family.
If I won the lottery I would: I would like to say that I would
invest or donate most of it, but I’m sure there would bea few great vacations and shopping trips that would also
happen!
Words to live by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what
you said, people will forget what you did, but people will
never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Where do you currently live? Milwaukee, WI
Favorite Pastimes: My favorite things to do include
spending time with friends and family, checking out asporting event, or live music. I am always up for karaoke ora night at the piano bar!
Favorite Musical Group: I like most genres, and have a wide
appreciation for music. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of
90’s R&B, and I’m really digging Chris Stapleton.
Dream Vacation: My husband and I are history nerds. I
would love to take a month or two to explore the East
Coast, D.C., and dedicate some time at the Smithsonian.

22|

Jan/Feb 2017

MPI Agenda															

			

WISCONSIN
WISCONSIN
CHAPTERCHAPTERMPI 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

Return Service Requested

2017

Datebook:

JAN
FEB

9

MAR

16

APR

12-13

MAY

17-18

Spring Education Day
Green Lake, WI

JUN

28-29

Summer Spectacular
OshkoshSEPConnecting you to theglobal meeting + event community

19

21Awards Gala
Middleton, WI

OCTCALENDAR OF EVENTS

19

Education Event
Fond du Lac, WI

Education Event
Embassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee
Brookfield
Milwaukee, WI
Education Event
Holiday Inn Manitowoc
Manitowoc, WI
Fundraiser & Education Event
Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee West
Milwaukee, WI
Education Event
Hotel Julien -- Dubuque CVB
Dubuque, IA