NOVDEC
2023
VOL 45/NUM 6

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
November/December 2023

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

MPI-WISCONSIN
2023-2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORSVOL 45 / NUM 6

Feature Articles

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

January Event Preview

7

PRESIDENT-ELECTLIZ UNRUH
Positively Pewaukee
liz@positivelypewaukee.com

September Event Recap

10

October Event Recap

12

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

2024 Strategic Partnerships

16

Wilderness Resort Unveils Treehouse Cabins

22

In Every Issue

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

Editor’s Note		

4

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
SARA BEUTHIEN
WEDC
sara.beuthien@wedc.org

President’s Message

6

Food for Thought: Chef Bonifacio

8

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSKORTNEE CARROLL
Kalahari Resorts
kocarroll@kalahariresorts.com

Food for Thought: Chef Alicia Werhand

9

Anniversaries / New Members			

18

Volunteer Spotlight					

20Who’s in the News

24

Save the Date

25

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONAMY QUALMANN
Wisconsin Association of School Boards
aqualmann@wasb.org
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROJECTSELIZABETH POH
La Crosse Center
epoh@lacrossecenter.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSED BUCHNER
Majic Productions
ebuchner@majicpro.com
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSKATIE RAGAN
Wisconsin Center Districtkragan@wcd.org
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
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSGRETA MCCUE
Aloft Milwaukee Downtown
greta.mccue@aloftmilwaukeedowntown.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LINDSEY HESS, CMPUW-Madisonlindsey_hess@outlook.com

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

4075 Vilas Road

fax: 608.204.9818

Cottage Grove, WI 53527

email: admin@mpiwi.org

tel: 608.204.9816

web: www.mpiweb.org/wisconsin

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Editor’s Note
Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

It’s amazing how fasttime is flying!
I can’t believe the Stevens Point
event has already come and gone.
I hope you had a chance to attend
Sentry World. They did a fantastic job
and went above and beyond. It wasa gorgeous location, an awesome
speaker, and amazing food!

EDITORS
Liz Unruh
Positively Pewaukee
liz@positivelypewaukee.com
Tyler Priefer
Generactyler.priefer@generac.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Liz Unruh
Reggie Driscoll, CMP
Sharon Beyer
Jacob Adamski
Cheryl Oswald

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

I hope you have a chance to attend
GLES in Michigan. The speakerlineup is fantastic. Head up a day early or stay a day longer and see all
they have to offer. Some people are driving (carpooling is always fun), andothers are flying.
What is the best way to get the most out of your MPI membership? Show
up to the events and get involved! Whatever you put into MPI, you will
get out of it. Even if it’s as simple as writing an article (articles are always
needed), join a committee, or take photos of the event. You could always
join the board. There are so many ways to get involved and try new
things; now is the time.
Make sure to add all the dates for next year’s events to your calendars now.
I know how fast my calendar fills up. We have some great speakers andlocations lined up.

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
January/February 2024
Deadline: December 15, 2023
March/April 2024
Deadline: February 15, 2024
May/June 2024
Deadline: April 15, 2024

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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.

November/December 2023

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

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

November/December 2023

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Cue the surround sound.

Madison, WIPresident’s Message
Hello to all of our MPI-Wisconsin members.
Here we are, almost closing out 2023. It was a great year with some greatthings yet to come. Next up, we have the Great Lakes Education Summit inGrand Rapids, Michigan, on November 12-14. I am looking forward to seeing
everyone there. It is an outstanding opportunity to meet and connect withmembers from Indiana and Michigan.
We are finishing off of our last Wisconsin education session and board
meeting in Stevens Point. The CVB, the Distillery and SentryWorld madeour time with them outstanding. Please be sure to check out the recap andphotos in this issue. Our next program will be in January at the Osthoff Resort.
Another beautiful facility I am sure will shine and impress us.

Thank you to everyone
for such a wonderful year,
and let’s make 2024 evenmore amazing.

If you haven’t heard, MPI Global has restructured our board terms andcalendar. Instead of staying on a fiscal year, we are switching to a calendar
year. All of the board terms will go to December 31, 2024, instead of June30, 2024. This means that our board nominations may come out at a different
time. We’ll be sure to communicate all of our changes to the membership.
We are working on some details for another holiday Zoom happy hour. In
the past, we have had a great time toasting each other and acknowledging
whichever holiday you celebrate. People have wore their best holiday outfits,
and we could see some decorations through the computer screen. Last year
we also had a Holiday Scavenger hunt, so we’ll work on some fun activities
this year to keep it interesting.
Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful year, and let’s make 2024 evenmore amazing.
Cheers.

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MPI-WI Chapter President
Reggie Driscoll, CMP

It seems unbelievable that the holidays are approaching already. The storesare filling up with holiday decorations and music. This is a time of year
when we can all take a moment to appreciate what we are thankful for. I am
extremely grateful for my friends and family. I am also thankful for my job andmy MPI Family. We have such great members who have worked together forour events this year. Everyone’s efforts have been noticed, appreciated, andcelebrated. Please take time to mention to any other people you are thankful
for all year, not just in the next couple of months.

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N
A
J ENT WEV EVIE
PR

Ready to start 2024 fresh in the new year
by reengaging yourself in the workplace?

Are you bored in your meetings, unproductive, and need totry something different? Tara Liaschenko, CMM, January’s
featured speaker, will help you with this all-too-common
problem in the workplace.
Located at The Osthoff Resort on Thursday, January 25,
Tara Liaschenko, CMM, our featured speaker, will spend hertime speaking on her topic, Solution Circle – Tired of the
Talking Head? She will be discussing Solutions Circle, acustomizable, sharable program that will help with reigniting
and reinventing your brainstorming sessions.

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We will start the day with lunch and networking, followed byTara’s program, and ending with a reception and raffle. We
hope to see you there!

Tara Liaschenko, CMM

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N
A
J ENT WEV EVIE
PR

FOOD for thought:
CHEF Bonifacio
LOBSTER BISQUE RECIPE

8 each carrot, diced
6 onions, diced
1 bunch celery, diced
2-pound butter
I started my culinary career at a very early age in Huatulco, Mexico.
Beginning as a waiter and then moving to the kitchen, where I foundmy passion as a cook. After working a few years at Hotel Barcelo andQuinta Real Hotel, I moved to Madeira, California where I continued
working in multiple restaurants to further my experience in the industry.
Four years later I moved to Chicago, pursuing my career where
I worked under great professional and talented chefs in upscale
restaurants and hotels.

7 quarts heavy cream
5 cups tomato paste
I lb lobster base
5 cups uncooked rice
1 tbl Tabasco sauce

After gaining 20 years of experience in Downtown Chicago under great
mentors such as Executive Chefs, Mark Baker, Rafat Alzein, Toby
Raichart, and Colin Mauthe, I decided to move to Wisconsin and landed
at South Hills Golf and Country Club, providing exceptional experiences
to our private guests. Three years later an opportunity arose at Wisco
Hotel Group where I kept growing professionally.

PREPARATION
Sauté carrot, onions, and celery in butter tilltranslucent; do not brown. Add lobster stock,base, and tomato paste.
Cook for 10 min, add cream, and cook for
another 5 minutes. Add brandy and cook for
another 10 minutes.
Add uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, andTabasco sauce.
Simmer for 25 more minutes or until rice iscooked.
Blend until smooth taste and adjust. Strain
through a China cap.

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While working at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, I studied Culinary Arts at
the Institute of Art of Chicago.

November/December 2023

½ bottle brandy½ cup Worcestershire sauce

I’ve built my career and pursued my passion in various restaurants
including the University Club of Chicago, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, theWit Hotel Chicago, and Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, as well as
many other locations.

I currently reside at The Osthoff Resort where I expect to provide
even more great experiences for our guests.

12 quarts lobster stock reduction

B
E
F ENT WEV EVIE
PR

FOOD for thought:
CHEF ALICIA WERHAND

ntroducing Chef Alicia Werhand,the exceptionally talented Banquet
Chef at the Best Western Premier
Bridgwood Resort Hotel and ConferenceCenter! Alicia’s journey in the culinary
world began with a passion ignited at a
young age. Her unwavering commitment to her
culinary career led her to embark on her educational andtraining journey during her high school years. During
Alicia’s senior year of high school, Alicia undertook her
Chef Apprenticeship Program right here at Bridgewood.
Her dedication and skills shone brightly, earning her theprestigious High School ProStart Award, the highest
recognition in her field.
Upon high school graduation, Alicia officially became
a valued member of our team, starting as a Banquet
Cook. Simultaneously, she pursued her education at Fox
Valley Technical College, where she successfully earned
degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking Technical expertise.
In the year 2020, Alicia showcased her culinary prowessby competing in the Midwest Food Expo in Milwaukee,
where she secured the coveted First Place in the fondant
wedding cake beginner category, a testament to her
exceptional talent.

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Alicia, together with our Banquet Team, excels inorchestrating events on a grand scale, often juggling
multiple occasions throughout the day. She is known
for her meticulous attention to group flavor preferences,service styles, and accommodating dietary needs andallergy requests, all while maintaining a warm andpositive demeanor. Her leadership fosters a collaborativeand nurturing environment, inspiring the growth of future
culinary talents within our team.

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MPI-WISCONSIN SEPTEMBER EDUCATION EVENT RECAP

MPI
September
Event Recap
By: Sharon Beyer

Detective Kevin Coffey

Those arriving the night before the educational portion
were treated to an evening of elegant bowling at The
Howard, a historical landmark venue which started in 1927
as an Eagles Club. The food and drinks were fantastic, andthe swanky décor and modern amenities did not detractfrom the historic aspects of the building, such as the quaintball-return system on what looked like the original wooden
rails! The tour of the building revealed awe-inspiring
banquet space (with a balcony) and several bars to serve
the events that are hosted there.
For those early risers, the next morning began withbreakfast and a private tour of the Rodin exhibit at the
Paine Art Center and Gardens. Aside from viewing theworks of the greatest sculptor of the modern era (TheThinker and The Gates of Hell), participants marveledat the gardens. The property boasts nearly four acres ofgardens for exploration and relaxation, and visitors felt theexperience was so much more than what was expected!
Upon returning to the hotel, participants enjoyed lunch at
the Oshkosh Convention Center with gorgeous views
overlooking the Fox River, where it was revealed that
the Premier Best Western will soon undergo a majorrenovation and become a Marriott property.

November/December 2023

The highlight of the program was the presentation
Managing Risk at Your Event: A Guide for Meeting
Planners and Suppliers by Detective Kevin Coffey.
Kevin’s engaging personality and passion for the subject
matter made the afternoon pass quickly as attendees
soaked in the wealth of information that Kevin had to offer.
Being a retired Los Angeles Police Department Detective
Sargeant, where he founded the LAPD’s Airport Crimes
Detail, Kevin’s background makes him a leading resourcein travel and meeting risk avoidance, response, andtraining. He is a respected and sought-after speaker who
has appeared multiple times on major networks, such as
CNN, CBS, FOX, and ABC’s 20/20, to name just a few.
Kevin’s presentation was tailored to the meeting and event
professionals (both planners and suppliers) and covereda wealth of information on everything from emergency
preparedness, safety and security, and risk assessment
among others. He provided action items and several
resources where event professionals could dive deeper
into many of the topics that were covered. Kevin peppered
several stories with tips for the average traveler, making
it impossible not to leave the room without at least one
takeaway that could immediately be put into practice!
The event concluded with a reception on the terrace
overlooking the river, providing the perfect ending to aworthwhile and informative program.

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Discover Oshkosh and Premier Best Western Waterfront
Hotel and Convention Center put their best foot forward
when they hosted the MPI Wisconsin Chapter’s September
education event! Participants were able to experience someof the gems that Oshkosh has to offer.

Land at MSN
Hit the hotel
Conference check in
7:15 pm

Cocktails with colleagues

Plan your next event in the city with top-tier conference centers, hotels,
and restaurants - all with easy access for your guests. Meet in Madison.

visitmadison.com/meetings

November/December 2023

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Dinner on Capitol SquareMPI-WISCONSIN OCTOBER EDUCATION EVENT RECAP

By: Jacob AdamskiContinued on page 13
November/December 2023

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From the beautiful fall colors, the amazing food, themesmerizing Sentry World campus, and of coursereconnecting with fellow MPI members, the Octobereducation event was one for the books!

MPI-WISCONSIN OCTOBER EDUCATION EVENT RECAP
However, the fun did not stop in the fieldhouse! Those
who attended had the option to take a shuttle to Great
Northern Distilling’s brand new location for more fun.
Upon arriving at the distillery, the bar was lined with afall-themed cocktail, which was their spin on a spiked
whiskey apple cider. Safe to say that Wednesdaynight’s activities were a great kick-off to the Octobereducation event!

Thursday morning started with a fantastic breakfast,
including an omelet station, fruit, pastries, sausage, bacon,and potatoes.
Continued on page 14
November/December 2023

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The Sentry World team knocked this event out of thepark, and a special thank you to all who were a partof the planning committee for this fun-filled event. On
Wednesday, the night started with a fun night in thefieldhouse. Part of the 51,000 sq foot was filled withvarious games for our members to engage in, including
corn-hole, giant Jenga, Pickleball, and MORE. Not only
were there plenty of games, but also a fabulous spreadof food, including: a large charcuterie board, fruit kebobs,
assorted canapes from Muse, and a lovely “create yourown pasta” bar.

MPI-WISCONSIN OCTOBER EDUCATION EVENT RECAP
The group also arrived bringing food donations for the local
food pantry, The Cupboard. The Cupboard is a food pantry
open to any current UWSP student who needs emergency or
supplemental food.

the group. Meredith shared various ways that relationships
could be damaged between planners and suppliers while
also sharing ideas on how to avoid damage. The groupalso learned the characteristics of different multiculturalgroups and how to serve the groups in a manner of simply
understanding. Following the morning program, the groupwas welcomed with a profound lunch spread. Lunch included
king crab legs, jumbo prawns, various sushi platters, salad,beef tenderloin, and mocktails provided by Muse.

This was not your typical meetings meal, and Sentry
World did not disappoint! Following the lunch, tours were
given to the group to see the property in a deeper manner.
Unfortunately, the rain did not allow the group to be able totour of the fantastic 18-hole golf course that was home to
the 43rd U.S. Senior Open. Again, thank you to the amazing
SentryWorld team, the October planning committee, and all
who attended this fabulous event!
November/December 2023

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Following breakfast, the group was greeted by Mike James,
General Manager of Sentry World, as he shared information
about the property and the success of the U.S. SeniorOpen over the summer. The morning program continued
with our fantastic speaker, Meredith Commender. Once ahigh school teacher, Meredith started her events company,
Significant Events, located in Dallas, and fell in love with her
new role. Meredith spoke about how to Improve Your Event
Industry Relationships, Cultural Awareness, and Event Day
Logistics. During the presentation, Meredith was engaged
with the group, including polls, and discussing the mostcommon answer for planners and suppliers on the polls with

Welcome back.

We invite you back to discover the exceptional facilities at the Red Circle Inn, perfectly suited for yourbusiness needs. Our appointed banquet and meeting rooms have been designed to accommodate andinspire gatherings ranging from 10 to 240 attendees. Whether you are organizing a team-building session,a business meeting, a department dinner, a holiday party, or any other corporate event, let Red Circle Innprovide a historic setting for your next occasion.

Complimentary Room Rental for MPI Members

Applicable for the initial reservation only. Please mention this ad when making your booking.

Contact Kim Ash to plan your meeting at Red Circle Inn

RED CIRCLE INN•

N 4 4 W 3 3 0 1 3 WAT E RTO W N P L A N K R D , N A S H OTA H , W I 5 3 0 5 8

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•

WWW.REDCIRCLEINN.COM

Back to table of contents(262) 303-5321 • kim.ash@geronimohospitalitygroup.com

2024 StrategicPartnerships
Support MPI Wisconsin and Win!

Be a MPI Wisconsin Strategic Partner!
MPI Wisconsin Strategic Partnerships bundle advertising,meeting recognition, registration, and sponsorship for our
Supplier members. Our Wisconsin Chapter Planners have
$98 million in buying power, with $31 million staying right here
in Wisconsin (according to 2023 MPI Member Demographic
and Purchasing Power Data). Being a Strategic Partner isan invaluable resource to connect and develop meaningful
relationships with this audience. Contact Christopher atadmin@mpiwi.org or visit our Strategic Partner Information
Page for more information.

WISCONSIN
CHAPTER

2023 STRATEGIC PARTNERSGOLDSILVER
Mari Olson and Laura Portz, CMP with Visit Middleton receive
their 2023 Gold Partner Recognition PlaqueRefer a Strategic Partner and WIN!
Our chapter is strong, and we know there are other
Suppliers both in and outside of Wisconsin that
could benefit by being a Strategic Partner. That's
where you come in!

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MPI Wisconsin is offering a $100 Gift Card orcomplimentary event registration for any referralthat leads to a new Strategic Partner in 2024*. If thereferral you make doesn't become a partner, youwill still be entered into a $50 Gift Card drawing!
Not a current 2023 Partner, as seen on the right?
Go to our Refer a Partner and check out our
webpage for details and sample introductions.
November/December 2023

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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:

November/December 2023

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MPI WISCONSINNEW MEMBERS

ANNIVERSARIESCongratulations to those members celebrating a milestone
anniversary in November/December!

Congratulations!

WELCOMENEW MEMBER!

10 YEAR

50 YEARROSEMARY STEINFESTJUDY KELLER

15 YEAR

5 YEARTOM GRAYBILLDENISE HUMPHREY

KIM ASHDELAFIELD HOTELSTEPHANIE MARTINEZWEC Registration is OPEN!
WEC Louisville

Reduced Pricing:
NON MEMBER BUNDLES:

Planner

$949

$749

Planner$1,299$1,099Supplier$1,249$1,049Supplier$1,599$1,399

Faculty

$529

$529

Faculty

$679

$679

Student

$319

$319

Student

$319

$319

But hurry! These prices end on April 15!

November/December 2023

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MPI MEMBER RATES:Make the most out of your meetingsin Middleton, Wis.

meetinmiddleton.com

l
l
l
l
l

Grants available
1,153 hotel rooms at 9 hotels
More than 66,000 sq. ft. ofconference space
80 restaurants, cafes & breweries
2 shopping districts
20 minutes from airport

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19Thank you so much to Sara Mahoney from SentryWorld, Stacey Lancour and Vanessa
Garcia-Preciado from Sentry Insurance and Jacob Adamski from Stevens Point Area
CVB for putting on an incredible October Education event. They truly went above andbeyond to showcase what SentryWorld and Stevens Point have to offer. The time, details
and excitement they had through the planning process was top notch. They are an
incredible team, who supports our MPI – WI Chapter, deserves a round of applause and isready to host your next event!

STAC EY LANCOU R

V ANESSA GA RC IA- PRE CIA DO

If you’re interested
in volunteering,reach out to us atadmin@mpiwi.org
November/December 2023

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JACOB ADAMSKISARA MAHONEY

Volunteer Spotlight

THANK YOU!

EXPERIENCED, PROFESSIONAL

Event Production

We Are The Tech Experts
We have the platform knowledge, skilled live camera work, decades of trusted show-running
experience, and high-quality audio solutions to help you smoothly host any live in-person,
virtual, or hybrid event.

Award-Winning Audio & Videosales@northcoastpro.com • (920) 436-4777
northcoastmediagroup.com • 211 N. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54302

November/December 2023

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Event Coverage • Corporate Identity & Branding Videos • Voice-Overs • Radio & Television
Commercials • Graphics & Animation • On-Location Audio & Video Services for Seminars, Special
Events, & Performances • Custom Music Tracks • Live Audio PA • Content Creation • Marketing
CGI • Audio Sweetening & Mixing • Large Royalty-Free Music Library • Stage Design

Wilderness Resort Unveils
Treehouse Cabins

Perfect for Retreats & Team Building Events

ilderness Resort in Wisconsin
Dells recently unveiled eight
new treehouse cabins capable ofsleeping up to 22 people. Eachfeatures a mountain modern design covering
nearly 4,000 square feet with a wide variety ofcommon spaces, including a full kitchen with large
breakfast bar, living room and rec room as well as
multiple decks with outdoor seating and an attached“treehouse” room. There are also five bedrooms
and six bathrooms.

To learn more about this new retreat option
visit: https://www.wildernessresort.com/
accommodations/5-bedroom-treehouse-cabin/or contact Shannon at
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com.

November/December 2023

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According to Shannon Timmerman, CMP, Directorof Sales for Wilderness Resort, “We’ve had a lot ofinterest in these cabins for organizational retreats
and team building events. They are located rightby our championship Wild Rock golf course andaward-winning Sundara Spa and just a quick shuttle
ride from our zip line and other activities that are
perfect for team building. They truly offer a greatalternative to our conference center for a small
group event.”

Plan to Meet in Janesville
Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center
Combined Meeting Space Layout

SIGNING CONTRACTS BEGINNING IN DECEMBER 2023, OPENING SPRING 2025

• 20,000 sq. ft. conference center

Take a virtual walk throughthis incredibly versatile
130,000 square foot facility• 23,000 sq. ft. adjoining
multi-purpose

November/December 2023

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Contact Lori Johnson, Sales Director(800) 487-2757, ext 101
meetings@janesvillecvb.com|

23

Back to table of contents• 2 additional breakout rooms
for up to 40

Compiled by Cheryl Oswald

1

Greta McCue has accepted
the Assistant Director of
Sales role at the HyattRegency Milwaukee.  

Cheryl Oswald, CMM,
CMP, CEM has beenworking hard and achieved
two certifications recently,
Certified Exhibit Manager(CEM) and Sustainable
Events Professional
Certification.

5

Congratulations, Greta!!

Congratulations, Cheryl!!

2

JoEllen Graber has
accepted the Trade Show
and Conference Coordinatorrole with Amtelco.

6Samantha Garcia went to Florida as a girlfriend andcame home a fiancé! She is engaged to her now
fiancé, Matt.

Congratulations, JoEllen!!

MPI Wisconsin Sponsors Visit Milwaukee, andWisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau werevoted Best MidAmerica CVBs/DMOs by Meetings Today.
https://www.meetingstoday.com/best-ofawards#midamerica-hotels

4

The Grand Geneva Hotel & Spa was voted BestMidAmerica Hotel by Meetings Today.

Congratulations, Samantha!!

Liz Unruth was promoted to
Executive Director, Positively
Pewaukee.

7

Congratulations, Liz!!

https://www.meetingstoday.com/best-ofawards#midamerica-hotels

NOTE: if you have any news to share inthis column, please contact Cheryl Oswald,
Director - Publications & Community Outreach,cheryloswald@cnhind.com.

November/December 2023

8

Sara Beuthien was promoted to Events Director,
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Congratulations, Sara!

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

MPI ACADEMYWith hundreds of hours of free education for MPI members, the MPI Academy is your one-stop shop for
meeting planning and event industry skills training, CE credits and certificate courses. Featuring online andin-person classes and webinars, it's the perfect resource for the job you have - or the job you want.
CERTIFICATE COURSES: https://www.mpi.org/education

SAVE THE DATE
2023-2024 CHAPTER EVENTSJANUARY 25, 2024
JANUARY EDUCATIONThe Osthoff Resort, Elkhart LakeFEBRUARY 15, 2024
FEBRUARY EDUCATION
Bridgewood Resort & Hotel, Neenah
MARCH 7, 2024
MARCH EDUCATION
Monona Terrace, Madison

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APRIL 24-25, 2024
SPRING SPECTACULAR & SPRING EDUCATION
Kalahari Resorts, WI Dells

November/December 2023

MPI Agenda|

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