MAY
JUNE
2020
VOL 42/NUM 3

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

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Pictured: Rotary Botanical Gardens

We want you to know that when you’reready to plan your next meeting we’rehere for you.
Janesville features a variety of meeting
options including historic meeting locations,lovely natural settings and traditional
venues that are sure to make your meetings
distinctive and unforgettable. Conveniently
located directly off of I39/90.
janesvillecvb.com · (800) 487-2757 · F

2|May/June 2020

MPI Agenda																

		

MAY/JUNE 2020

MPI-WISCONSIN
2019-2020
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENT
JOELLEN GRABER
Impact Association Management
joeygraber1@gmail.com
PRESIDENT-ELECTALISON HUTCHINSON
Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
ahutchinson@foxcities.org
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTTAMARA JESSWEIN, CMPHID Global
tamara.jesswein@hidglobal.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
SHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Glacier Canyon Conference Center
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSJASON KAUFFELD, CMP
jasonkauffeld@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONREBECCA STAATSAAA of Wisconsin
rlstaats@aaawisconsin.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSNICOLE ELLICKSON, CMP
CUNA
nicoleellickson@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSMELISSA FALENDYSZ, CMP
National Association of Tax Professionals
mfalendysz@naptax.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CARELIZ UNRUH
Wisconsin Center District
eunruh@wcd.org
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTCATHY CLUFF
Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
cathy@visitoshkosh.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
KATHY READINGThe Scan Group, Inc.
reading@scangroup.net

VOL 42 / NUM 3

Feature Articles
In This Together

9Home Office Assistants					

11June Education Event: Rock Your Pitch at the Red Lion

13

Meet Melanie Spring

14

February Event Recap

18

Wisconsin Member Resources

20

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Column

6

Who's in the News				

21

Planner Profile: Carrie Wunderlich

22

New Members & Anniversaries				23

Food for Thought: Chef Jay Fehl

24

Board Member Profile: Rebecca Staatz

27

Supplier Profile: April Egloff			

28

Calendar

28

Experience MPI Wisconsin
Print: Agenda Magazine
6 Different Ways
Web: mpiweb.org/Wisconsin

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSSHERRY WOLFF
Kohlersherry.wolff@kohler.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMINGJOSHUA WIMMERRadisson Hotel Milwaukee Westjmwimmer@wi.rr.com

2820 Walton Commons, Ste 103

fax: 608.204.9818

Madison, WI 53718

email: admin@mpiwi.org

tel: 608.204.9816

web: www.mpiweb.org/wisconsin

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION PROJECTSKYRA POPP
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau
kyra@wisdells.com

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|

3

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTEREDITOR'S NOTEHAPPY MAY ALL!

Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

I am sitting down to write
this on Easter morning- possibly the weirdest
Easter morning of mylife! I won’t be hunting
for Easter eggs with myniece and nephew, going
to church with my parents,
or sitting down to a
traditional ham dinner withmy entire family. Instead,I’ll be Facetiming with myparents and sister, watching church on TV, and eating whatever I canmake with the food in my fridge.

CO-EDITORSMaria Peot, CMP
maria.peot@gmail.com
Kathy Reading
The Scan Group, Inc.
reading@scangroup.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Reading
Joshua Wimmer
Christopher Dyer
Rebecca Staats
Kyra Popp
Melanie Spring
Wanda Gilles
Nicole Ellickson, CMP

A pandemic inevitably changes your life. There are new rules, newattitudes, and downright scary things happening in the world. When
Shelter At Home went into place, I had already been out of work forfive weeks. Since I hadn’t been going into work every day, little reallychanged for me. Except I hate being told what I can or cannot do,so being told I can’t go out (whether I want to or not), was somewhat
irritating. I turned to what I could be grateful for - the last few socialand public interactions I had. Just a week after I had returned from an
Arizona annual trip with my parents and siblings, I had a lunch meeting
planned with Kathy Reading to discuss this very publication andgetting involved in it again. Kathy and I had even considered canceling
our lunch but ended up meeting anyway, and I’m sure glad we did!

PHOTOGRAPHY
Kathy Reading

As you’re reading this, I hope there are signs of a return to “normal.” I
put normal in quotes, because I am of the thinking that nothing will evertruly go back to how it was. Some are saying we will never shake hands
again. What about the standard MPI-WI friends greeting of a warm andfriendly hug? Let me tell ya, I sure will miss those if we stop hugging!

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
July/August 2020
Deadline: May 15, 2020

A lot of people are also saying “we’re all in the 'alone, together.'” WhileI often feel pretty alone in all of this, I’m grateful that I live with my dog
Penny -- she definitely helps keep me sane. She may not be able totalk back to me, but I can talk to her whenever I want!

September/October 2020
Deadline: July 15, 2020

Now that I’ve painted myself as a crazy “talks-to-her-dog” lady, I’ll sign
off and wish you all a great May. I’m looking forward to seeing you allwhen we’re back to “normal!”November/December 2020
Deadline: September 15, 2020

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) anddo not imply an opinion of the officers or
members of MPI or MPI-Wisconsin Chapter.

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May/June 2020

Maria Peot, CMPMPI Agenda																

		

When a team of San Francisco-based
soft ware gurus shared their holiday
wish for a winter wonderland, we
had a vision: welcome part y guests
to a 372,000-cubic-foot, real-lifeindoor snow globe scene, completewith fresh-cut, moonlit pines.
Then add falling snow.

Let us orchestrate your incredible.
Connect with us at MononaTerrace.com
Madison, WI© 2020 Monona Terrace

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|

5

PRESIDENT'S
COLUMNJO ELLEN GRABER
President, MPI-WI Chapter

It is hard for me to believe that when I started serving on this board eight years ago, it was two kids,
two houses, and four jobs ago. (I am happy to say, all with one supportive husband). I have seen
people on this board more often than some family members. That’s okay because MPI is like a second
family to me, the 2019-20 Wisconsin Executive Board being no exception.

Wseamlessly. Our annual Gala takes
so many dedicated volunteers andvendors. Thank you to everyone who
donated your time and talent.

MAY 2019

e started this year withsome relatively new
board members alongwith experienced MPI members.
Everyone handled their roles withprofessionalism and grace. Thisboard brought new ideas and fresh
perspectives; thank you so much for
all your hard work.

We saw a lot of changes in the lastyear. We replaced our annual golf
outing with Trivia Night, coinciding
with our Spring Education. Now in its
second year, Trivia Night continues togrow and be successful.

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AUGUST 2019

APRIL 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

We moved the Awards Gala toAugust and experienced a part ofthe state we don’t see a lot, Fond du
Lac and the beautiful Hotel Retlaw.
The theme and the décor fit together

September took us to the Wilderness
Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, where
we learned how to understand our
stakeholders better and experienced
amazing venues and activities thanks
to Wisconsin Dells VCB.

May/June 2020 MPI Agenda																	October took us to Oshkosh andthe Menominee Nation Arena. (Anyevent that starts with Roller Derby
players serving mimosas will be a big
hit with MPI-WI members!)

something they repeat 10-20 times a
week. By the time Shirley Kaltenberg
was done listing the events they
were hosting just that weekend, I was
exhausted.
This year has taken us all overthis great state, and we have had
excellent representation by ourmembers. With two events left in myterm, I hope to see you all a couple
more times.

OCTOBER 2019

As I reviewed the 2020-21 board
slate, I know I am leaving you in good
hands with Alison Hutchinson at
the helm. Alison had taken a year off
from the board but has come backrefreshed and ready to hit the roadrunning.
November was GLES in beautiful
Traverse City. Attendees soaked up
great education, sipped some greatwine, and made great friendships andconnections.

JANUARY 2020

Jumping into 2020, we traveled to theGrand Geneva in Lake Geneva. We
were inspired by delicious dishes andwords to remember: “Your ego is notyour amigo.”

In true Wisconsin style, our February
event was a cold, windy day inMadison with a breakfast meetingand education. Alliant Energy
Center knocked it out of the park,

This year has been a lot of work anda lot of fun. I have learned so muchfrom being on this board. If you’reever asked to join a board, I highlysuggest it. As I am writing this, weare currently a finalist for an MPI RiseAward, we are financially in a goodplace, and our incoming board andmembership is strong. This was notjust the fruits of my labor, but the
many leaders that came before me.
I want to thank all the Presidents
that I served under; Naomi Tucker,
CMP, Alison Huber, CMP, Carmen
Smalley, CMP, Tom Graybill,
Jennifer Mell, CMP, Claudia
Cabrera, and Tamara Jesswein,
CMP. I have taken something awayfrom each of your leadership styles,
and you have set this chapter up forcontinued success. I hope to havedone the same thing for Alison. Alongwith past chapter leaders, I would
also like to thank Christopher andHeather, our chapter administrators.
They have always been a great help
and source of knowledge for ourchapter.
Thank you to all of you chapter
members for your support. It has
been an honor to serve all of you!

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020
| 7
MPI Agenda

WE WILL PULL EACH OTHER
THROUGH THIS
MPI Wisconsin members, we are experiencing an unprecedented environment
for our chapter, as well as in our everyday work and community. As a chapter,
we know there are many reasons you
choose to be a member of MPI. One ofthose is the unparalleled networking andeducation available through our group.
During this time we are still unsure when
we will be able to meet again as an organization. We also know that many of you
count on us as a source for continuing
education. As online learning opportunities expand, we will share them withmembership. We will also be offeringsome virtual networking opportunities.
Stay tuned.
This is uncharted territory, MPI Wisconsin’s leadership wants to assure you that
we are working diligently to put insightful
resources within reach for you.
We ask that you please take all essential
measures as recommended by the CDC
to protect yourself and your family. You
are important to us, and we want all of you
to be safe and sound.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to those
who have been affected by this virus.
We especially appreciate the healthcare
workers who are on the front lines working towards containment. Let’s all pull
together, do what’s right and necessary,and help those around us who are elderly or have underlying health issues thatplace them at a greater risk.
Remember, we are the MPI Wisconsin
family and we will pull each other throughthis. The health and safety of each andevery member of our community is of theutmost importance.

May/June 2020|

7

MEET CENTEREDIN THE HEART OF MADISONThe Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club is the largest convention hotel in Madison, Wisconsin.
We offer 373 guest rooms and 27,000 square feet of flexible meeting space--all located steps from the Wisconsin State
Capitol and State Street. Meeting attendees can experience Madison at the top by staying in our Governor’s Club
executive level: The Governor’s Club. With spacious guestrooms and access to a newly-renovated lounge with a capitol
view; meeting attendees will have a place to connect and relax.

1 W Dayton St Madison, WI 53703 | concoursehotel.com | 608 257 6000

8|

May/June 2020 MPI Agenda																	In This Together!
By: Kathy ReadingThis is my last issue of MPI-WI’sAgenda in my role as Directorof Publications and Social
Responsibility. It’s also our firstever digital-only version of our
beloved Agenda, and a time when
our community desperately needs
us to all be socially responsible.
Our members spend theirprofessional lives creating,supporting, and celebrating
face-to-face events. We’re driven
to come together and connect.
Social distancing goes against
our very core. Yet, throughout
our industry, both suppliers andplanners are temporarily putting
our event goals on hold as we
answer the socially responsible
call for the greater good. And, ourmembers continue to find ways tostep up.
Way back in January-February,
as COVID-19 began to affectinternational and then U.S.
events, Tamara Jesswein, CMP,
shared some of her experienceson social media. Several of ourmembers chimed in that they’dlike to hear more about her
expertise postponing events in
Bangkok, Portugal, and Texas.
Jennifer Mell, CMP, respondedwith comments on her own
experiences as clients began todefer. We quickly put together
an informal group forum call. On
March 10, Tamara, Jennifer,
Amanda Ridout, and I met inperson, with 25+ Wisconsin
event-pros joining us online.
The group shared knowledge,
frustrations, and strong supportof each other and our industry.
The overwhelming message wasthat we need each other, andtogether we would get throughthis crisis.

Tamara Jesswein, CMP Jennifer Mell, CMP

Amanda Ridout

Liz Unruh

Kathy Reading

Maria Peot, CMP

Our industry may need tochange and adapt, but we’ll beback. We are indeed all in this
together.

MPI Agenda

As I met with Liz Unruh, a few
days later, President Trumpdeclared our national emergency
and promoted social distancing
guidelines. During our meeting,
Liz and I both received text andemail alerts about stay at home
guidelines for our own jobs
and clients. Together, we saw
how things were changing, but
continued to brainstorm ideas tohelp our business and industry.
And, buoyed by our mutual
support and a refreshing beer, weleft feeling positive and hopeful.
The following Monday, just the
day before Governor Evers
closed Wisconsin’s restaurants
and bars (except for carry-out),
I lunched with another MPI-WI
member. Maria Peot, CMP, hadrecently agreed to serve as coeditor of our Agenda magazine.
While Maria has a history withthis publication, we met to talkthrough what has been changing
and logistics. We also discussed
Maria’s professional goals as she
is in transition. I’m glad to hearthat Maria is committed to staying
in and serving our industry as an
event planner. (Wherever Marialands, they’re going to be in good
hands.)
It’s not surprising to me that
before our state’s pause, my last
three public gatherings were with
MPI-WI members. Our members
have always supported eachother. During this crisis, we allsee our creativity shine. From
donating supplies, making masks,
manufacturing face shields, andchecking in with each other, we’re
stepping up. Our industry may
need to change and adapt, but
we’ll be back. We are indeed all inthis together.

May/June 2020|9

Home Office Assistants
By: Wanda Gilles

What has COVID-19 done to your daily work plan? For many of us, it sent us home
and we had to make a place in our home to work that would help us to be as efficient
as we are when we are working from the office. We asked our chapter members tosend in photo of their “Home Office.” Many included images of their “Assistants”
and “Co-Workers” who weren’t used to us being home throughout the day. Here is acollection of what our Chapter Members are working with due to the COVID-19 crisis.
We are also trying to keep our Chapter together by having weekly Whine & Cheese
Virtual Gathering that is hosted by Tamara Jesswein. On the front cover is a screen
shot of the group that joined for our first Whine & Cheese on April 17th. Join in the fun
on Friday afternoons at 4pm – now through May 22nd.

Meeting ID: 927 3784 8209
Password: 777570
Connect by phone: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 927 3784 8209

DANIELMCCLUSKEY
National Guardian Life Insurance
Assistant

DOLCE

JUDY KELLER
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
AssistantDRAKE

LINDSEY
HESS, CMP
Wisconsin Primary
Health Care Association
Assistants

TWIX (Bunny)
GIZMO (Cat on Couch),
JASMINE (Cat on Blanket)

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May/June 2020 MPI Agenda																	COURTNEY CUTA

WANDA GILLES

Dairyland Power Cooperative

Understory Inc

Assistant

Assistants

BULLET

TITO (Beta Fish)
Fur Grand Babies Assisting

GRETCHEN (Dog)
NIKE (Cat)JULIE KRONLAGE
Visit Dubuque

ANN MARIE HESS
Visit Brookfield
Assistant

CASSIDY

CHARLENE MARSHALL
ALLISON MCCARTYOld Republic Surety Company
and Furry Assistants

International Dairy Deli Bakery Association
Wingman

FLAT AARON ROGERS

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|11

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Call 855-411-4605
to learn more©2019 Kalahari Development LLC

12|

May/June 2020

MPI Agenda																

		

		

WHEN
Thursday, June 25
WHERE
The Red Lion Hotel
Paper Valley
HOSTS
The Red Lion Hotel
Paper Valley
Fox Cities Convention& Visitors Bureau

S

Rock Your Pitch at
the Red Lion
By: Kathy Reading

By Rebecca Staats

ave the date for Thursday,June 25 when we celebrate
our industry and being
together. The Red Lion
Hotel Paper Valley and the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors
Bureau will be our hosts for what will be a day of learningand merriment. Our hosts are excited to show off their
newly renovated banquet rooms and public spaces. They
also invite you to check out the Fox Cities Exhibition Center
which is connected via a skywalk to the Red Lion Hotel
Paper Valley.
Our Speaker for the day will be Melanie Spring.
ROCK YOUR PITCH - Storytelling with Numbers
You have to pitch for money for your business or project.
You have to tell your boss you deserve a raise. You have to
explain why your project is going to be successful. In orderto get to X (numbers), you’ve got to explain Y (why).
Melanie Spring speaks to the humans who believe
numbers tell the story AND to the humans who believestories tell the numbers. Looking at both sides to ensure

everyone gets the information they need, you’ll be able
to craft a presentation from the story the numbers tell in a
succinct, simple, and manageable way. You’ll walk awaywith things you can change immediately in your current
presentation or just what you needed to create the one
that’s in your head. You’ve got to make your pitch bymaking an impact.
In this presentation, you’ll start:• Finding out how the numbers can tell a story• Getting tips on how to tell the story without boring people• Finding ways to get your audience to feel something• Seeing how the story AND the numbers make the impact
It’s up to YOU to rock your pitch!
Come celebrate with us for this is the day that brings
together leaders from across the meetings and events
industry to showcase the real impact that businessmeetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel,
trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business andcommunities.

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|13

Meet Melanie Spring
Our Speaker for June

By: Kyra Popp & Melanie Spring
When you ask a brandstoryteller how she defines her
personal brand, and she says,“Approachable Badass,” you know
you’re in for a good story.
At our June education event inAppleton, Melanie Spring will teachall of us how to rock our pitches from asking for a raise or funding fora project to asking for what we needat home. She’ll give us a step-by-step
approach to how we can apply her
methodology when talking to a client,hiring a new employee, and speaking
on a big stage to share our products& services. We wanted to give you aglimpse into who she is before she
arrives - we promise you’ll fall in lovewith her, too.

Melanie, can you briefly walk us
through your story – how you
started and how you got to where
you are today.
There aren’t many people who havea degree in the thing they do for aliving. That’s me. I’m the boss lady
who got a degree in Organizational
Communications because it was easy
for me. I loved writing marketing copy
and building businesses throughbrand strategy. It was magic (and my
GPA reflected my love for this space).
Picking up jobs in marketing,recruiting, and sales in my twenties,
I found myself understanding
companies from the inside. That’s
how I first saw how brand tied
everything together and was at thecore of everything when a company
was successful. The opposite wasalso true – companies failed if theirbrand wasn’t at the core.

14|

May/June 2020

When 2009 hit the economy hard,
my boss asked me what I would
do if he couldn’t pay me anymore,and I said “I’d work for myself.” His
answer was, “Great, let’s do that.
You have a month.” It was the best
push I could have.
I started a brand strategy agency
in 2009 called Sisarina – and webuilt websites, marketing materials,
and brands from the ground up forbusinesses. By 2013, I was on theroad with the Live Your Brand tour,
where I interviewed 18 businesses
on how they lived their brands.
All of their stories were publishedin Entrepreneur Magazine. I wastouted as a veteran brand strategist,
but I knew there was more. I saw
that it was the HUMANS who madethe companies great, so I made abig decision to pivot and head in a
new direction that would help thehumans.
Now, I run Melanie Spring
Productions. My crew and I createand host unforgettable in-person
brand experiences for you and yourteam to tell your story.
It’s a beautiful thing to stand in mypurpose now while building a tribe ofhumans who want to own their voices.
And if I can go super personal fora moment, in 2019, I married themost amazing human! We met at anentrepreneur sleepaway camp, andthe impact we’re making on humans
through our businesses is beyond
what I ever expected to get to do inthis lifetime.

MPI Agenda																

				Overall, has it been relatively
smooth? If not, what were some ofthe struggles along the way?

everything I learned, including every
mistake I had to learn from to finallyfind what worked.

Ha! #entrepreneurlife is NOT easy.
Any time someone asks if they should
start a business, I always ask, “howhard do you want to work?”

The biggest obstacle, though?
Making sure I was vulnerable,transparent, and real about how
things were going – even when somewould think I was off my rocker.
Humans crave transparency, and somany fake it. Learning how to put thereal stuff out there in a way that would
help others grow while also knowingthat some people wouldn’t like me –that’s the hardest lesson to learn.

I’ve had to quit my own businessbecause I created a job that wasn’t
fun anymore. I had to redo my wholebusiness brand (twice!) to realizethat my personal brand was what wewere selling.
For my nine-year business
anniversary, I did a podcast episodecalled “Give Me An Hour, I’ll Give You
9 Years” (http://www.melaniespring.
com/podcast/give-me-1-hour-ill-giveyou-9-years) where I talked through

Please tell us about Melanie Spring
Productions – what should weknow?
Melanie Spring Productions is abranded experience creator hell-bent

There’s nothingquite like it.

on amplifying your team’s voices. We
do this through producing events andexperiences centered around public
speaking, pitching, and personal
development.
I’m a keynote speaker & workshop
facilitator with talks about rocking
your life, your brand, and your pitch.
I make sure humans show up andshow off at home and work.
Most proud of as a company?
I’m proud of jumping with both
feet into a space that doesn’t exist
yet – somewhere in the middle ofleadership development, personal
development, and public speakertraining. We’re using our collective
skills to produce content that inspires
humans all over the world.

Contact Amy Rivera
at arivera@foxcities.org
to plan your original event.
FoxCities.org/originals

FOX CITIES EXHIBITION CENTERMPI Agenda

May/June 2020|15

February Event Recap
Everything You Do is an Investment
By: Joshua Wimmer & Rebecca StaatsOn February 13, 2020,
MPI Wisconsin
members invested
their time and got highreturns – those who attended wererewarded with great food, great
networking, and a great education
session.
We had a fantastic host in the
Alliant Energy Center in Madison
on a snowy Thursday morningfor our second annual breakfast& education event. Those who
braved the weather and madethe drive were greeted with adelicious breakfast spread byCenter Plate Catering and time tocatch up with fellow members.
Then our speaker Matt Judgegave attendees something tothink about with his presentation:
Everything You Do is an
Investment. Matt reminded usthat we only get one shot at thislife. He asked us to look at how
we spend each dollar and eachminute, both professionally andpersonally. We should consider
the type of ROI we expectfrom investing it that way, lookat whether we are getting thedesired returns, and provided
tips to improve this. Matt is along-time MPI Member who works
in event planning. His clients
have included corporations of all
sizes, meetings and conferences,marathons, music festivals,
amateur and professionalgolf events, sixteen Final Fourbasketball tournaments, five
Super Bowls, and both the

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May/June 2020

MPI Agenda																			

		Democratic and Republican National
Conventions. He also started asmall software company for event
management. Matt’s presentation was
funny, philosophical, and practical.
Following Matt’s presentation,
attendees enjoyed a late morning
reception full of delicious food, which
included a stunning spread of salads,
charcuterie, meatballs, and various
desserts by Center Plate Catering.
Shirley Kaltenberg from Alliant Energy
Centered offered tours of the venue,
and attendees had more time to
network, and the February event
concluded with our raffle. Thank you
to our host, the Alliant Energy Center,for hosting such a wonderful event in aunique setting!

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|17

Wisconsin Member Resources
Wisconsin Member Resources
Christopher Dyer, Chapter Administrator
Your chapter leaders are working hard to deliver opportunities for you to connect, communicate, and find value with yourchapter membership. If there is a resource you would find helpful, please let us know. Here are some resources available to
you as Wisconsin Chapter members.

•

Resume & Talent Finder Board – https://www.mpi.org/chapters/wisconsin/get-involved/resume-board•

This Wisconsin member-only board is available at no charge. When our industry bounces back, it will need to rehire
an experienced and connected workforce. Follow the link above to view or send your resume to admin@mpiwi.org.

•

Wisconsin Chat – You can find the link on our MPI Wisconsin home page.

•

What do you want to talk about or ask? Current topics include Tips for Staying Positive, Force Majeure Questions,and more.

•

Virtual Learning & Wisconsin Member Video Chat Series - You can find the link on our MPI Wisconsin home page.

•

During the ban on gatherings, MPI Wisconsin is partnering with the MPI Academy to offer EIC approved for
credit programs for our members. PLUS, each Academy program is followed by a one-hour Zoom chat with your
Wisconsin MPI colleagues! Attend the program, the chat, or both! We'd love to see you!

•

COVID-19 Resources - https://www.mpi.org/chapters/wisconsin/about-our-chapter/covid-19-resources•

Direct from the source is the best way to keep informed. This page contains links to MPI Global resources along with
official Federal and State Government Agencies regarding events and gatherings.

Be safe, and we are looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Advertise in thisPublication!
This bimonthly full color magazine is a must-read for ourmembers. Reach over 300 top professionals involved inmeeting management and meeting services in Wisconsin andsurrounding areas.
Our Editorial Calendar:
January/February - Supplier Showcase & Hot Topics
March/April - Technology
May/June - Special Events
July/August - Destinations
September/October - Unconventional Meetings
November/December - Midwest Destinations

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May/June 2020

MPI Agenda																

				The work we do has always been forward-looking. Others in thehospitality industry may focus on what the world looks like in thepresent, but those of us in meetings and events...well, we looktoward the future.

FORWARDTo our industry colleagues and friends,

Yes; we’ve taken some hits. As professionals, we’ve faced ourindustry’s worst-case scenario. In our personal lives, we’ve all
shared in the upheaval, disruption, confusion and loss.
Still, we look forward.
We look forward to the day when we can all give the best of what
our communities have to offer to visitors from around the world.
We look forward to being guides for groups who want to once
again unite their members through social connecting.
We look forward to sparking lasting memories and igniting
creative conversations.
Forward. That’s our state motto in Wisconsin.
And here in Madison, we look forward to welcoming you once again.

MPI Agenda

VISITMADISON.COM
May/June 2020|

19

L A K E COU N T RY ’ S
GAT H E R I NG PL AC E
Our complete property renovations provide a
simple yet beautifully designed space for businessand leisure travelers. Featuring over 40,000 sq.
ft. of flexible banquet and meeting space, we
invite you to experience contemporary Lake
Country hospitality at its natural, vibrant best.

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May/June 2020

2 6 2 . 5 4 7. 0 2 0 12810 Golf Road
Pewaukee, WI 53072
theinglesidehotel.com

MPI Agenda																

				Compiled by MPI-WI Members

KYRA POPP recently joined Kalahari
Resorts as a national sales manager,
selling properties in Sandusky, OH;
Pocono Mountains, PA: Round Rock,TX; and our beloved Wisconsin Dells,
WI. Each Kalahari location offers morethan 200,000 square feet of meeting
space, 760 - 975 guest rooms, andBeyond Expectation products andservices. The nation awaits you, Kyra!

DERSE has designed and produced
scalable healthcare solutions forpatient care in response to COVID-19.
These scalable solutions can be usedin enclosed facilities or tent structures
supported by generator power. Uses
include temporary overflow rooms,
field hospital rooms, and negative
pressure treatment room: https://derse.com/covid-19-solutions

CRYSTAL HOLTZ is the new Senior
Sales Manager at Delta Hotels
by Marriott Green Bay. Withher knowledge of the Green Bay
hospitality market, and her solid sales
and marketing background, thissounds like a great fit. Keep shining,
Crystal!

AMANDA RIDOUT has beenpromoted to Director of Sales at
Resonance Food Co. If you haven’t
yet heard, The Milwaukee Symphonyand its hospitality partner havescaled up food and beverages withthe creation of Resonance Food Co.
They’ve pledged to offer music meetscuisine like you’ve never experienced
before. You’re singing our song,
Amanda!

MPI Agenda

WANDA GILLES has accepted a
new position as Executive Assistant/
Corporate Event Manager at
Understory, Inc. Wanda’s years ofexperience and well-rounded skill
set will be valuable to the team at
Understory. Your continued successis insured at Understory, Wanda!

MPI-WI member, THE SCAN GROUP
has converted part of their production
to manufacture PPE Face Shields.
These protective devices are now inuse by healthcare, law enforcement,
safety workers nationwide. They’realso starting to supply these
comfortable, visible protection
devices to retail, manufacturing,and hospitality, and have added
informational signage, physicaldistancing floor graphics and more:
bit.ly/ppefaceshields.com

May/June 2020|21

Planner Profile: Carrie Wunderlich
After speaking with him, I knew it would be a greatorganization for me to be involved with to help me
move forward in my career. The Wisconsin Chapter has
helped me to solidify relationships in my position that I
may not have been able to do on my own.
Teams or projects that you have worked on for MPI
or would like to be involved with:  This past year, I enjoyed working on the contracting
committee for our 2020 MPI education locations. In
time, I am hoping to become more involved with othercommittees such as communication or education.
Tell us whatever you like about your family andhome town:
I grew up in small town, Iowa, as a huge Hawkeye fan.
Then I met my husband, who is a loyal Badger fan. You
can imagine our house during football and basketballseason.
Favorite pastimes:
I enjoy spending the majority of my “off-time” watching
my 12-year-old at her activities. When I do have a freemoment, I love to bake, read, and take the occasional
day trip.

Associate Meeting Planner
State Bar of Wisconsin

Tell us about your company and/or position:  The State Bar of Wisconsin is a professional associationthat provides educational, career development, and otherpublic services to its 25,000 members. I am the Associate
Meeting Planner at the State Bar of Wisconsin. I help toassist our divisions, sections, and workshops by planning
our meetings and events throughout the state of Wisconsin.
How long in the meetings industry?:
I have been in this meeting planning role for three years,
following 20 years in the hotel industry.
What drew you to become a planner?:  
I was a conference service manager within hotel venues formore than 12 years. For me, it was a natural progression in
my career to move into a meeting planning role.
What drew you to become a member with MPI and/or
what do you like most about being a member of MPI?  
When I started at the State Bar of Wisconsin, my colleague,
Reggie Driscoll was (and is) a huge advocate of MPI.

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May/June 2020

Favorite music/band/artist/movie or book:
I don’t really have a favorite band or book...I like too
many! If I had to pick one movie that I watch again andagain, it would be Never Been Kissed.
Person you admire and why:
When I was 13 years old, my dad took me to my firstjob interview. In one month, when I turned 14, I waswashing dishes in a diner in my hometown. My mom
and dad raised me to be a hard worker and taught me
how critical a good work ethic was for my future. They
also made sure that we traveled as much as possible
when I was younger. It was important for them to showme the world outside of my hometown. If it weren’t for
my parents pushing me to have a good work ethic andvalue where I came from, I would not be where I am
today.
Still on my bucket list:
Wine trip to Italy
Words to live by:Tomorrow is a new day!

MPI Agenda																				

MPI WISCONSINNEW MEMBER
ELISE ARIENS

Ariens Co.

PAMELA E. BARRITT

Ashworth College

ANNIVERSARIES
20 YEARS

1 YEARLAURA L. MACISAAC

Director of Sales
Monona Terrace Convention Center

ROBIN BARRY

Assistant Director - Live
Experiences
Northwestern Mutual

PAM DRAVESGroup Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Green Bay /KI Convention Center

CAROLYNN FIELDS

Special Events Manager
Menominee Nation Arena

JODI HANOSKI

Sr. Field Events Planner
Northwestern Mutual

MELISSA MONTGOMERYExecutive Coordinator
WI Director of Nursing Council

JENNA SCHAEFER

Event CoordinatorStandard Process, Inc.

MATT SMITH

Senior Events Manager
The Pfister Hotel

TIFFANY THULIEN

Training & Learning SpecialistCWT

ANGELA ULLRICHPEGGY CURTIS

Adminstrative AssistantNational Electrical Contractors
Association

MARIA DEMCO

15 YEARS

Corporate Sales Manager
The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa

WANDA GILLES

Executive Assistant/Corporate EventManager
Understory

LORI A. FUHRMANN

Sales Manager
Potawatomi Hotel and Casino

ALYSSA J. GREIBERSUSAN M. KAINZ

Member Services & Events Coordinator
University of Wisconsin Madison

Meeting Planner
Meeting Matters

KRISTI KLEMENSNational Funeral Directors Association

10 YEARS

KAREN LOWERRJENNIFER MELL

Project Manager - Meetings
Travel Leaders Corporate

Events Marketing Manager
Dematic

JESSICA O'DELL

Sales & Corporate SponsorshipManager
PC/Nametag

5 YEARSLAURA OLSENJEANNE DEIMUND

Student
Madison College

JESSICA RIEFLIN

Administrative Manager
National Electrical Contractors
Association

Associate Executive Director
Wisconsin Association of School
Business Officials

Sales Manager
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention
Bureau, Inc.

TARA RIPP

MARIE ZOROMSKI

maZoro Consulting

United Methodist Church

SANDRA VILLAMIL

Meeting Planner
American Society for Quality (ASQ)

Refer a friend to MPI.
When a new member joins, tell them to use the MyFriendMPI
promo code, and to list you on the application as the referring
member. The new member will receive $50 off their membershipand you’ll receive a $25 credit to apply toward your next renewal.

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|

23

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Chef Jay Fehl
Executive Chef
Paper Valley Hotel

Bourbon Old Fashion
Pork Chop

INGREDIENTS
•
•
•
•
•

J

ames (Jay) Fehl returned to Appleton, Wisconsinto accept the Executive Chef position with thePaper Valley Hotel last November, 2019. He’sback after 20 years to the kitchen where his
career began as a dishwasher and line cook, and where
his desire for a career in the culinary arts ignited.
Born in Houston Texas, and raised in Appleton, hemoved to Minneapolis where he earned his AAS degree
in Culinary Arts in 2004 from Le Cordon Bleu. That
was followed by a Certificate for Food & Beverage
Management from Cornell University out of Ithaca, NY. He
perfected his cooking techniques over the years with avariety of culinary experiences, developing an emphasis
on fundamental, sound cooking techniques. His favorite
dishes to create are Mexican/Latin food and American
regional cuisine. In 2009 he accepted a position at
the Island Resort & Casino, earning his way to the top
Executive Chef role. Now returning to his childhood roots,
Jay is looking forward to sharing his experience andcreativity in the next chapter of his professional home.

24|

May/June 2020(2) 10 oz Pork Chops¼ cup old fashion glaze(1) whole orange cut in half(4) pickled cherries
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
1. Season chops and spread sauce evenly over acrosschops.
2. Place on grill and cook to desired temperature.
3. Take chops off and drizzle more sauce to your liking.
4. Garnish with pickled cherries and grilled half oranges.

OLD FASHION GLAZE• ½ cup old fashion mix• 1 fl oz bourbon

PICKLED CHERRIES••••¼ pound fresh cherries
2 cups water½ cup bourbon¼ brown sugar

Preparation:
1. Place cherries in a bowl, bring water to boil and pourover cherries.
2. Let stand for 10 minutes.
3. Strain cherries from water and place in new bowl.
4. Add bourbon and brown sugar and mix.

MPI Agenda																		

COMING JANUARY 2021

We’re adding a new 125,000 square foot state-of-the-art event space across from Lambeau Field.
The exposition center offers beautiful indoor and outdoor pre-function, networking and hospitality
areas, and an exhibit hall that divides three ways. Add that to plenty of parking, walkable dining
and nearby entertainment, and you’ve got a recipe for a successful event.
Call Denise today to set up a Fall 2020 tour.
Visit us online at MeetInGreenBay.com to start your planning.

@meetingreenbay@meetingreenbay

MPI Agenda

 920-405-1105

May/June 2020|25

HOME OF THE

FLYINGART MUSEUM
ON THE WATERTHE

BLOODYMARYMETROPOLISHOME BASE OF

HARLEYDAVIDSON

Sometimes random. Always wonderful.
Plan your next meeting in Milwaukee at visitmilwaukee.org/meet
300,000 SQ. FT. CONVENTION CENTER | 17,000 HOTEL ROOMS
170 DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS | 10 MILES OF LAKEFRONT

26|

May/June 2020

MPI Agenda																

				Board Member Profile
REBECCA STAATSVP-EDUCATION

Place of Employment: AAA Travel
Job Title: Travel Counselor

Tell us about your company and/or position:
I work at AAA. I am a Travel Counselor. I can help plan
your next vacation, group travel or company sponsoredincentive trip.
How long in the meetings industry?:
I received a degree in Travel & Hospitality in 2001 & spent
18 years working in hotels in positions ranging from Admin,
Banquets, Events Manager, Group Sales and also as
Director of Sales & Marketing opening a new property. I
previously lived in Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL andmoved to Eau Claire, WI four years ago.
Teams or projects that you have worked on for MPI
what you’ve enjoyed about your participation:
The first team I volunteered with was Spring Education Day
and most recently GLES, our regional conference. GLES isthe largest event I have planned as a planner, not supplier,and it was so much fun!
Tell us a few things about what you’re responsible forwith our chapter board?
I lead the Education Team which is responsible for thechapter Monthly Education Events, securing Speakers &Event Locations, Spring Education Day and GLES.

Care to tell us anything about your family?
I met my husband at a music festival here and the majorityof our family lives in the Eau Claire area. On weekends wecan often be found at our “family campground” enjoying
time together on the water or by a campfire.

What drew you to serve on our chapter board?
Several mentors I looked up to through the years wereinvolved with MPI and I have always enjoyed the sense ofcommunity we create through MPI. I am passionate about
hospitality and find it rewarding to share my enthusiasm for
it by continuing to volunteer with MPI.

Favorite music/band/artist/movie or book:
I have too many to list! I am currently reading Daring
Greatly by Brene Brown & recently read Girl, Wash Your
Face by Rachel Hollis.

What do you enjoy about your board service, and what
are you learning?
I am a planner! I love seeing a plan put in motion, seeing
the plan executed and then evaluating the end results. I
am learning how to be a leader. I am learning to embrace
being imperfect.
Other than board service, what do you like doing:
I enjoy live music and music festivals, camping, playing
volleyball, traveling, and spending time with family &friends.

Person you admire and why:
My mother. She has overcome so much and she reminds
me daily to be happy, grateful and to live in the moment.
Still on my bucket list:
I want to travel more internationally. My husband and I
want to see the 7 (new) wonders of the world – we have 2
crossed off the list. We also want to see Iceland, Ireland,
Australia and Africa.
Words to live by:“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.”– Thomas Jefferson

MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|27

Supplier Profile: April Egloff
7 Things You Don’t Know About Teneo!
1. Teneo is a Global Group Sales Organization with an amazing portfolio of hotels, resorts and
DMCs around the world

2. Our collection consists of independent and small-branded properties
3. The Teneo team is an extension of the hotel/resort sales teams and represent them in themarketplace (with me based here in Wisconsin!)

4. Last year, we expanded to Europe and added 50 4 & 5 star properties to our list
5. Our portfolio can accommodate any meeting/event from 10 to 10,000+ guestrooms
APRIL EGLOFFTENEO HOSPITALITY GROUPDIRECTOR OF SALES, MIDWEST

6. We also represent wonderful DMC partners around the world
7. The Teneo sales team assists with programs from pre-planning/sourcing to execution/post-bill

DATEBOOK: C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
JUNE

2020
AUGUSTNEW!
Virtual Learning & Wisconsin
Member Video Chats

During the ban on gatherings, MPI Wisconsin
is partnering with the MPI Academy to offer EIC
approved programs for our members.
PLUS, each Academy program is followed bya one hour Zoom chat with your Wisconsin MPI
colleagues!

Attend the program, the chat or both!
We'd love to see you!

bit.ly/mpiwi_virtual

25
27

JUNE EDUCATION EVENT(Rescheduled from April)
The Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley
Appleton, WI
ANNUAL AWARDS GALA
(Rescheduled from August 20)
Brookfield Conference Center
Brookfield, WI

TRIVIA NIGHT & APRIL EDUCATION
POST-PONED
By: Nicole Ellickson, CMP
We are currently working on a future date for this event, and as soon
as we have that information, you'll be the first to know! Registeredattendees and sponsors will remain registered/paid, transferred to
the future new date. If you are not able to make the new date (oncedetermined), please contact admin@mpiwi.org, who will then process
your cancellation and refund.
We appreciate everyone's support while we work through the moving
pieces along the way. We hope to see you all soon, stronger andbetter than ever.

Accommodations.
ACCOMMODATING.
5-STAR MEETING SPACES AND THE SERVICE TO MATCH.
No matter how impressive a room is, your meeting experience will never reachits potential without the staff to back it up. Personal attention has always been
our claim to fame. From finding you the perfect space to making sure yourmeeting runs smoothly and giving your team a chance to unwind when things
wrap up, accommodation is in everything we do.

• 56,000 Sq. Ft.
• 1,055 Lodging Units• Free Parking• Grand Ballrooms• Break Out Rooms• On-Site Catering• Golf Course• World-Class Spa• 8 Waterparks

WISCONSIN DELLSPart of Wilderness Resort...America’s Largest Waterpark Resort! WildernessResort.com | 800-867-9453 (WILD)MPI Agenda

May/June 2020|29