JAN
FEB
2023
VOL 45/NUM 1

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

January/February 2023

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023

MPI-WISCONSIN
2022-2023
BOARD OF DIRECTORSVOL 45 / NUM 1

PRESIDENTREBECCA STAATS
Residence Inn & Fairfield by Marriott Eau Claire
rebecca.l.staats@gmail.com
PRESIDENT-ELECTREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org

8
10
12

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com

13
14

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPSARA BEUTHIEN
WEDC
sara.beuthien@wedc.org

21

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
WANDA GILLES
wanda.gilles@yahoo.com

4

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSLIZ UNRUH
Positively Pewaukee
liz@positivelypewaukee.com

6
18
19

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

20
22
24

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROJECTSELIZABETH POH
La Crosse Center
epoh@lacrossecenter.com

25
26

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSED BUCHNER
Majic Productions
ebuchner@majicpro.com
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSSHERRY WOLFF
American Club Resort Hotelsherry.wolff@kohler.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CAREJODY ROOS
Wisconsin Bankers Association
jroos@wisbank.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTFARRAH SLINGER
Event Essentials
farrah@eventessentials.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
KORTNEE CARROLL
Kalahari Resorts
kocarroll@kalahariresorts.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

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSJESSICA RIEFLIN
Wisconsin Dells VCB
jessica@wisdells.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LINDSEY HESS, CMP
lindsey_hess@outlook.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

January/February 2023

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Editor’s Note
Happy 2023 MPI-Wisconsin!
When I crack open a new calendar in
January, I tend to start planning for theyear ahead. If you’re that way too, I
encourage you to work MPI into yourplans. It’s a commitment to be an active
member, to take the time to travel andattend the meetings, and certainly, tovolunteer.

EDITORS
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Travel Leaders Corporate
jmell@tlcorporate.com
Pam Lohnes
Metropolitan Builders Associationof Greater Milwaukee
pam@mbabuilds.org

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jacob Adamski
Ed Buchner
Kortnee Carroll
Patty Hendrickson
Alison Hutchinson
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Rebecca Staats

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

PUBLICATION DEADLINESMarch/April 2023
Deadline: February 15, 2023
May/June 2023
Deadline: April 15, 2023
July/August 2023
Deadline: June 15, 2023

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.

Our Education team has worked diligently
over the last year or so to make sure ourchapter events offer not just excellent
education but also ample opportunity to
network with fellow members. Sometimes this has been an evening reception
at the host property post-education session, sometimes it’s an off-site activity.
Whatever the case, it’s much appreciated to know these extra opportunities
are planned to give each of us more of a reason to attend. I know that’s one of
my goals for 2023…stick around for more of the fun! And while I’m there, I plan
to do more exploring of the area we’re in. To get started with those plans, see
below for the 2023 event calendar list of locations and a suggestion or two fromme to get your inner-explorer excited about the year ahead!
JANUARY
Wisconsin Dells (meeting: January 19th, Chula Vista Resort)_____________________________________________________________
Oh how I love the Dells! I don’t think there’s been a single year in my whole
life that I haven’t taken at least one trip to the Dells. While most people think
the Dells is a summer-only spot, there’s loads of fun things to do in the area inJanuary when our MPI is. I suggest warming up with a glass of wine at Fawn
Creek Winery. They even have a micro-menu so you can snack while testing
one of their fruit-flavored wines. (Don’t worry wine lovers, they have standard
varieties too!) Other places I recommend when in town: Nig’s (because if you
haven’t had a “swig at Nig’s,” you haven’t really been to the Dells), Showboat
Saloon (great place for karaoke or dancing along with a fun band) or Howie’s
Restaurant (home of “Howie’s huge” breakfast!)
FEBRUARY
Brookfield (meeting: February 23rd, Embassy Suites Brookfield)_____________________________________________________________
Having lived in the Milwaukee area for 17 years, Brookfield has been a frequentdestination when wanting to get out of my own neighborhood. One of myfavorite places throughout that time has been the shops within Stonewood
Village along Capitol Drive. It’s this adorable little collection of buildings thathave housed all sorts of independent businesses. My current favorite is The
Bee’s Knees, a big barn filled with handcrafted and vintage items like candles,
home décor and repurposed furniture (my fave!). One of the best restaurants inthe area is located in Brookfield, Mr. B’s Steakhouse (a Bartolotta restaurant),
however I’m also a huge fan of the Original Pancake House because really…
breakfast food is awesome!
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Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

MAY
Fond du Lac (meeting: May 11th, Hotel Retlaw)_______________________________________________
Fond du Lac in May is a beautiful place to be. If you havesome time to relax, head to Lakeside Park to enjoy a viewof the south end of Lake Winnebago. Stop by Gilles Frozen
Custard on your way and enjoy a treat al fresco. For agood meal (or just cocktails), on your way into or out of
town, stop by Alla Roma. Good Italian cuisine and a nicebig bar.
AUGUST
Madison (Awards Gala: August 10th, The Park Hotel)_______________________________________________
Yay, two events in Madison this year…now I can talkabout the other side of the Capital square! Summer on
the Square is a great place to be, we’re fortunate to have
our Awards Gala in such a great location. When notcelebrating our members, take a stroll around the Square(or through the Capital). Some places to check out on
your way are: Fromagination (because what Wisconsinite
wouldn’t want to visit a cheese shop!), Candinas
Chocolatier (some of the best chocolate I’ve ever had…aworthwhile luxury for yourself or someone you want toJanuary/February 2023

impress), The Old Fashioned or The Great Dane Pub &Brewing to whet your whistle or check out a band at The
Majestic Theater. Downtown Madison has so many little
gems for you to discover!
SEPTEMBER
Oshkosh (meeting: September 14th, Best Western
Premier Waterfront Hotel)_______________________________________________
Fall in the Fox Valley! As a relatively new resident to theFox Valley, I’m still learning all the best places in Oshkosh
but here’s a jumpstart if you have a little time to spare
while in town for the MPI meeting (and all close to the Best
Western Premier!) For a little extra treat or some shopping,
Caramel Crisp Corner is just a short walk from the hotel.
Take some yummy bakery items or gourmet popcorn home
to your family. If you’re up for something active, head overto the Howard for some bowling in their uber luxe lanes.
And if you’ve got time for dinner, take in The Roxy supper
club for a traditional supper club experience.
OCTOBER
Stevens Point (meeting: October 19th, SentryWorld)_______________________________________________
Ok, to be honest, I haven’t spent a lot of time in Stevens
Point… but that’s just all the more reason to check it
out this October! Here’s my short list of places to visit
while I’m there, join me! Before the sun sets, visiting theStevens Point Sculpture Park looks like a good idea. Free
admission, fresh air, get some steps in and discover all
the sculptures throughout the grounds…I heard there’s
one made of old leather saddles! After a long walk, I
recommend partaking in some wine or beer either at theSunset Point Winery or Stevens Point Brewery. Lastly, if
dinner’s in the plan, I heard The Silver Coach has been
serving up delicious dinners in a restored railroad car forages…but I could be found just as easily at the Rock ‘N’
Roll Café!
There’s lots of other opportunities to explore with MPI
in 2023 as well, whether it’s through attending IMEX in
Frankfurt this spring, MPI’s WEC in June (hello Mexico!),IMEX America this fall in Las Vegas or carpooling toMichigan in November for GLES. Don’t let this year go bywithout seeking out somewhere new…even if it’s just a
restaurant in your own town you’ve never been to.
Cheers to a new year my MPI friends!

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APRIL
Madison (meeting: April 12-13, Madison Concourse
Hotel & Governors Club)_______________________________________________
Madison is seriously one of the BEST places to visit in
Wisconsin! I loved living there and still thoroughly enjoy
getting to go back and visit all the places I used to spend
time in that are still there. Within walking distance of theApril meeting at the Concourse are loads of places tocheck out. The Orpheum Theater is a great place to catcha live show (and there ARE shows on the books for the
Friday/Saturday after the meeting!). Roaming State Street
to shop, eat and just wander is one of my favorite things
to do. In April, that may be awesome, or it’ll require a coatand commitment. Either way, it’s worth it. The Soap Opera,
Little Luxuries, Mimosa Books and B-side Records (yes,record stores still exist!) have been staples on State Street
for decades and are fun to just walk through as each has
their own little personality. Once you’ve worked up anappetite walking State Street, you’re in the best place totry just about any cuisine you can think of. State Street
is where my taste buds started to enjoy things beyond
the meals I grew up with. My two favorite hole-in-thewalls though are the Plaza Tavern (I can almost taste thePlazaburger just thinking about it!) and Teddywedgers,
right at the top of State Street with their delicious Cornish
pasties (I recommend either the Traditional or the Sweet
Potato Veggie).

President’s Message

Wow, I cannot believe that just likethat and in the blink of an eye 2022 isover and here we are again startinga new year. I hope everyone had awonderful Holiday Season & Happy
2023 to MPI Wisconsin!
As I reflect on my last year, there
have been so many incredible
memories made, many of which
involved my MPI-WI family! From theAwards Gala, to Sep & Oct Education
events and to GLES, I have madeso many connections with each ofyou. I am proud to share that in 2022,
our chapter hosted a full calendar of
in-person events, the same numberof in-person events we hosted prior
to pandemic. Although MPI Global
has reduced the number of in person
events required, MPI-WI’s vision anddedication is to continue to host thesame number of high quality events
we always have and continue tohold the bar high for our amazing
education content.

I’d also like to say THANK You to allof our leaders, volunteers, sponsors
and Strategic Alliance Partners.
Without your continued support, ourChapter would not be where it is rightnow. Your dedication to our Chapter
is extremely valued.
And in the New Year, invest in
yourself and join MPI Wisconsin
for some really great professional
development & education events
that we are working on for you in
2023. On January 19th we will be at
the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin
Dells, on February 23rd we will be at
the Embassy Suites in Brookfield andon April 12th & 13th we will be at theMadison Concourse in Madison for
Spring Education Day! I look forward
to seeing all of you real soon!

Also in November we hosted ourannual Online Holiday Auction
through bidding for good andraised approximately $3,500 for
our Chapter. Thank you to all who
participated in the Holiday Auction.
And in mid-December we hosted
a Virtual Holiday Happy Hour &Scavenger Hunt. Sometimes I
forget how competitive our Chapter
members are and I love it! Everyone
embraced the theme, Christmas
Vacation. Thank you to all who joined
us and congratulations to Jennifer
Mell, CMP for winning the scavenger
hunt with a spatula, plunger andcleaning solution!

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MPI-WI Chapter President
Rebecca Staats

It has been so much fun planning,
preparing & leading our eventsand I cannot believe how quickly
my term is going by. I would belying if I said that the President role
isn’t challenging, because it is. But
leading others always comes withchallenges and I am proud of all wehave accomplished. THANK YOU to
our wonderful Board of Directors!

Early in November, the WI, IN &MI MPI Chapters hosted the Great
Lakes Education Summit at theGrand Geneva in Lake Geneva,
WI and the conference did notdisappoint! The opening keynote
speaker was CJ McClanahan and his
message about time management
and reducing distractions really stuckwith me. In fact, my work email inbox
is closed right now, so that I canreally focus without interruptions andget this President’s article written
and turned in before the deadline.
The 80’s themed reception was myfavorite reception at GLES - nearly
everyone dressed the theme anddanced and enjoyed themselves.
I’d also like to say another thankyou to the GLES WI Chair, Tamara
P. Jesswein, CMP, VEMM. We
appreciate your volunteerism, hard
work and dedication in planninga very memorable GLES and for
representing Wisconsin so well.

Did you know that January marks thefirst half of my MPI-WI Presidency
being over? Gosh. I have no words.

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6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© 2023 Monona Terrace

25452-MT-MPI WI_Tree_Ad_8.5x11.indd 1

8/23/22 9:10 PM

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Madison, WI

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January MPI WI Chapter Event________________________
Thursday, January 19________________________
Chula Vista Resort________________________
Wisconsin Dells________________________JANUARY
MPI-WI Chapter Event Preview

The most common response usually includes the word . .
. wait for it . . . Busy. And, you ARE busy. Being busy has
become the norm. And I believe it’s become an epidemic.

its significance. In 2019, 48% of Americans said they werelonely. When asked what “being lonely meant,” respondents
identified not having a confidant to lean on or reach out
to for support. This simple fact meant nearly every otherperson I met was probably lonely. How sad. The world
suddenly seemed more disconnected and less stable after
hearing these findings. It became my mission to spread thealarm and let people know this very sad fact.

We need a major reset. And it starts with each one of us.
Do we want our work to be our life? Or do we want ourlife to include our meaningful work? There is a significant
difference between the two. The world needs us to be ourbest and it starts with intention.
In 2019 I read research on loneliness which stunned me.
In fact, it was so monumental I chose to include it in every
presentation to every audience in every industry because ofJanuary/February 2023

Patty Hendrickson

Getting Beyond the Busy is the umbrella phrase I title my
leadership programs because it resonates with people.
When audience members hear the statement “Getting
Beyond the Busy,” most often I’m met with heads nodding,heavy sighs, people compassionately looking at one
another, or smiles from kindred spirits who yearn to be lessstressed by the busy. Being very busy isn’t an out-of-theordinary situation. We are constantly pushed, by ourselves
and others, to do more. The expectation is 1) don’t complainand 2) simply find more ways – new platforms, less sleep,
apps, assistants, AI, or whatever – to get things done.
Then we were hit with a global pandemic in 2020. The
prescription was to isolate and avoid personal contact. If
half of Americans were already lonely, this certainly was nothelping. I anxiously awaited new research to see the impactof the pandemic on loneliness. And sadly, today it is worse.
Today 61% of Americans say they are lonely. Now insteadof every other person I meet, it’s three out of every fiveindividuals are lonely.

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Hello! . . . Do YOU give THE most common answer?
Hmmmm.
Quickly respond to the question – “How have you been?”– Pause and think– What would you say?

This is our reality. And as a leader in your community andat work we can set the tone to help people. But it starts withan intention. The intention needs to be “Connection Before
Content.” Every person who shows up to work needs toknow they belong, they are safe, and they matter. This isabout first honoring the value of everyone. It’s putting therelationship first and foremost.
Connection Before Content is the first step in Getting
Beyond the Busy. The practice of building momentum of“Connection Before Content” happens in endless ways.
Whether it’s being the first to smile and earnestly welcome
everyone. Whether it’s making certain every time you gather
for a meeting people randomly sit by others whom theyknow and don’t know. Whether it’s making a commitment toregularly celebrate small wins. Whether it’s regularly having
conversations with colleagues and direct reports about
what’s going well for them. These are all a sample of thesmall and large ways we continue to make that connection.
So many workplace phrases are all too familiar – Quiet
Quitting, Great Resignation, Talent Shortage, Career
Cushioning, and more. The reason Connection Before
Content is the first strategy is because all of these current
conditions and trends include people. When people feelthey belong, they are safe, and they matter they will invest
their talents because they feel supported and valued. Thisis how work becomes meaningful and we begin to getbeyond the busy.
You can see Patty and the rest of your MPI-Wisconsin
friends in Wisconsin Dells on January 19th, 2023. This
educational event will be held at Chula Vista Resort.
Registration is open, but hurry – the room block closes on
January 5th!

Bring the following items to donate to
Beyond Blessed Food Pantry:

•
•
•
•
•
•

CerealOatmealPeanut Butter
Canned Fruit
Tuna

Soup

About Beyond Blessed

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We started a community outreach for the food scarcity
issue for the Baraboo, Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells,
and surrounding areas. The pantry began with a once
per month mobile pantry. A few months later, weadded a twice per month perishable pantry to disburse
the food received from the local grocers. In 2016, we
assisted over 2,000 individuals. In 2018 and 2019, we
served more than 6,000 individuals. We are seeing
our numbers continue to grow and we are serving
more individuals. We provide one weekly distribution.

January/February 2023

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9FOOD for thought: JANUARY event
CHEF ALEXANDERCHULA VISTA RESORT

Raymond joined Sun International as Chef de Cuisine andled the culinary team at the “Plume,” the fine dining flag ship
restaurant in the acclaimed Palace of the Lost City Sun City.
Chef Raymond decided to leave his native South Africa andfurther his education at Brigham Young University’s Marriott
School of Business. It was in Salt Lake City he met his wife,
January/February 2023

Nannette. After graduation he continued to pursue his passionof food and beverage. Over the past 20+ years Raymondhas worked in the capacity of Resort AGM, Executive Chef
and Food and Beverage Director for industry leaders such as
Marriott, Hilton, JQH Hotels, Interstate Hotels and Resorts, andAparium Hotels. Raymond has been with the Chula Vista Resort
and Kaminski Family since March 1, 2020, working under the
mentorship of Mike Kaminski, CEO and Executive Chef.
In October 2021 Chef Raymond Alexander and Mike Kaminski
were inducted into the Disciples Escoffier International
Society in Nice, France with four other chefs from France,
including the Prince of Monaco. The group works to establish
contacts between professionals and students, organize
culinary events where members can gather to discuss French
haute cuisine, and to unite all Disciples Escoffier from aroundthe world.
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riginally from South Africa, Chef
Alexander was lured into the culinary world
when his passion for this industry and forfood was recognized at an early age. Chef Raymond went
on to study at the SAAF Royal Culinary Academy. After
graduation, he worked at some of South Africa’s elite hotels
and restaurants, namely the Protea on Church Square, The
Mount Nelson Hotel and the Cape Grace Hotel, before being
invited to be one of the Staff Chefs to the State President ofSouth Africa at Libertace and Tuin Huis.

Flan Preparation Method
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

In a saucepan, bring milk, sugar, vanilla bean (orextract) to a boil.
Remove from heat, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, dissolve cornstarch in cream with a whisk.
Add egg yolks and whole egg.
Slowly incorporate into infused milk.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden
spoon or spatula, taking care to scrape the bottom of
the pan, until mixture thickens and coats the back ofa spoon.
Remove from heat and strain. Cover with plastic wrap
directly on cream and let cool in the refrigerator or overan ice water bath. Set aside.

Crust Preparation Method• In a food processor, combine flour, sugar and salt.
• Add butter and pulse a few seconds at a time until it is
Preparation: 45 min
Cooking: 45-50 min
Chilling: 6 hFreezing: 20 min or refrigerate for 45 minutes
Makes: 12 servings•••

the size of peas.
Add milk and egg yolk and pulse until a ball begins toform. Shape into a disc with your hands.
On a floured work surface, roll out pastry and line an 8
by 2 1/2 inch in diameter deep spring form pan.
Press firmly. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes or 45
minutes in the refrigerator.

INGREDIENTS
11/2 cups (375 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) cold unsalted butter, small diced
1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
1 egg yolk

Crust & Flan Assembly• Pour cooled custard into crust.
• Cut off excess dough to ½ cm (¼ inch) of the custard•••

FLAN (FILLING)
3 cups (750 ml) whole milk
1 cup (250 ml) sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped or 4 tsp Vanilla Extract
6 tablespoons (90 ml) cornstarch
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
5 egg yolks
1 egg

January/February 2023••

level.
With the rack in the lowest position, preheat the oven to
200°C (400°F).
Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 40 to 45
minutes or until custard is only slightly wobbly.
Set the oven to broil and caramelize for about 5 minutes
or until surface of custard is partially burnt.
Remove from oven. Let cool and refrigerate for 6 hours.
Unmold, slice and serve.

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CRUST

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February
Event Preview
By: Ed Buchner

Join us on February 23rd at Embassy Suites Brookfield as we learn a
new strategy called the 5th Question™ for more effective networking
with our speaker Gina Glover!
A taste of Italy? Why not! Our afternoon will begin with a delicious
Italian lunch and activities to follow the event. After we enjoy ourmeals, we ask you to consider this question: “What could happen if wemoved past the typical networking small talk?”

MPI – February
Registration Description

For those interested in earning their CMP, join Naomi Tucker, CMP,
HMCC from 10:30 – 11:30am for a CMP 101 session.

Join us on February 23rd at Embassy Suites
Brookfield as we learn a new strategy called the
5th Question™ for more effective networking
with our speaker Gina Glover!

Post education session, there will be a social event after. Starting at
4:00 PM we will gather together for networking, comradery, and afundraiser Wine Pull! The Wine Pull team is collecting bottles of wine
to give back to everyone who donates to the MPI Wisconsin Chapter.
At $15 a donation, you will be guaranteed to get a bottle of wine!
Everyone wins!

A taste of Italy? Why not! Our afternoon
will begin with a delicious Italian lunch andactivities to follow the event. After we enjoy ourmeals, we ask you to consider this question:“What could happen if we moved past the typical
networking small talk?”

If you want to help, we are looking for bottles of wine, six packs ofcraft beers, spirits, or fancy bottled sodas. One bottle is great. Multiple
bottles are awesome! The value of bottles of wine should be above $15,
but really, we will take anything. If you have something sitting in thebasement, we will take that too!
To collect the wine, you can:• Collect it yourself and bring it to the meeting in February.
• Collect it yourself and a team member will come to get it from you.
• Ship it to Ed’s office.
We will also take donations of money to sponsor a bottle of wine. Thatway they don’t have to transport anything, and we will buy the wine
ourselves to save on transport. Each bottle will have the donator’s
name/business name on the tag. A great way to promote them as asponsor of MPI! We of course are looking for sponsors for the event.
We could have them tagged on the website, in emails, and on
signage. If you want to help out, please contact Ed Buchner at
ebuchner@majicpro.com.
January/February 2023

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Gina will share a presentation called Focus
on the 5th Question™. It will help guide ourconversations to allow real relationships todevelop and it will increase our networking
confidence. Gina is a professional speaker andcareer coach who speaks about communication,
networking, and career change. She will
demonstrate how she uses the 5th Question
to connect business professionals to new skills
that allow them to network effectively, speak
confidently and achieve their personal best.
We have one course prior to the keynote speaker:• 10:30 – 11:30 am CMP 101 – Naomi Tucker
The evening reception will consist of a winepull and cork auction! This time will be great
to practice your new networking skills and truly
make those connections count.

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Gina will share a presentation called Focus on the 5th Question™. It
will help guide our conversations to allow real relationships to develop
and it will increase our networking confidence. Gina is a professional
speaker and career coach who speaks about communication,
networking, and career change. She will demonstrate how she uses
the 5th Question to connect business professionals to new skills thatallow them to network effectively, speak confidently and achieve theirpersonal best.

FOOD for thought: FEBRUARY event
PORK CHOP + APPLE CHUTNEY

Ingredients
Pork			Asparagus		
Potatoes		
Spiced Apple Chutney

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

8 oz
4 oz
4 oz
2 oz

Lightly pound pork until tender
SeasonGrill pork until temp
Grill asparagus
Saute potatoes in butter, thyme, garlicHeat apple chutney

APPLE CHUTNEY
Ingredients

1.

CHEF MICHAEL AGNELLOEMBASSY SUITES • BROOKFIELD

January/February 2023

Add sugars, salt, vinegar, and spices to a pot
and bring to a boil.
Peel, core, and dice apples.
Toss in lemon jiuce to prevent browning.
Add apples to surup and reduce heat to low
Cook for 45 minutes, mixing gently.

2.
3.
4.
5.

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12 Apples, peeled, diced
Brown sugar, 8 oz (1 cup)White sugar, 8 oz (1 cup)Apple cider vinegar, 16 oz (1 cup)
Salt
Cayenne pepper, 1 tsp
Cinnamon, 1 tsp

By: Jacob Adamski

My name is Jacob Adamski, and I am the new Sales andEvent Experience Manager at the Stevens Point Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau. While I am originallyfrom Mason City, Iowa, I have been lucky enough to call
Stevens Point my home for the last five years. I am new
to my role as I am a recent graduate from the Universityof Wisconsin Stevens Point. I joined MPI at the beginningof October after starting my new role. The Great Lakes
Education Summit was my first MPI event and it did notdisappoint. I was not entirely sure what to expect going
into this event, but I knew I was going to get as much outof my first event as possible.

Keynote speakers and the breakout sessions at this event
were very insightful, while also being very collaborative. I
can say that I was able to take a lot of the information thatwas presented during the breakout sessions and use it in
my position. I really enjoyed the collaborative atmosphere
during the sessions as attendees were able to discuss andshare our experiences in our own personal lives and ourwork lives.

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The venue, the Grand Geneva Resort, knocked it out ofthe park for this year’s Great Lakes Education Summit.
The resort was beautiful, the food was amazing, and theresort ensured that the guests were well accommodated
during their stay.

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To cap off a day of learning and networking – was the
80’s themed reception which was nothing short of fun.
I think everyone can say that they had a great time
networking, enjoying a great variety of food, and ofcourse dancing to some great music.

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Continued from page 15

One of the most valuable things that I received from theevent was the power of networking. With being new to theindustry and the first MPI event for me, I didn’t know many
people going in. Fortunately, the chapter members from not
only Wisconsin but also Indiana and Michigan, were nothing
but welcoming. Thank you to the members that allowed me
to tag along with them throughout the event. It was great
getting to talk with so many people with various experiencelevels in the industry, while also getting to know thembeyond outside of their work lives.
I am grateful that I was able to connect with so many
people through this great event and learn a lot of valuable
information. I am looking forward to the Great Lakes
Education Summit in 2023, attending WMPI Chapter
events throughout the next year, learning more about
what MPI has to offer, and continuing to learn frommy peers through MPI.

Did you miss out on GLES?
Hear why you should go
in 2023!
Question:
What was your favorite part of GLES this year?
ELIZABETH POH: The education, networking opportunities
and how they brought everyone together for each event! It
was such a great experience for my first GLES!
REGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP: My favorite part of GLES isconnecting with the members from Indiana and Michigan.
It is refreshing to know that others in our same positions
are having the same issues and celebrations that we arehaving here in Wisconsin. It is an awesome way to makeour MPI Family grow beyond just the Wisconsin borders.
LINDSEY DREXLER: We had amazing keynote speakers
and loved the 80s reception!
MICHELLE EGGERT, CMP, CDS: I have been a long-time
subscriber to Jason Kotecki’s Sunday morning emails –and always find his message uplifting and time always wellspent!
TAMARA JESSWEIN, CMP, VEMM: I would say all the
awesome networking opportunities!
JACON ADAMSKI: With this being my first MPI event myfavorite part of GLES was getting to meet great people not
only in the Wisconsin Chapter but also MPI members from
Indiana and Michigan. The group was very welcoming, andI am looking forward to future MPI events!
GENNA KRUSE: I enjoyed all the breakout sessions andMonday nights 80s-night dinner reception! It was so muchfun meeting everyone.
CLARE MULCAHY: The boat cruise.

DANNIEL KACZOROSKI: CJ McClanahan’s Keynote
speech was very inspiring!!! Loved the energy! Also, ofcourse the 80s night of fun was AMAZING!!!!
CARRIE JENSEN: This was my first year attending
GLES. I loved the networking with MPI-WI peeps, andmeeting other chapter members from IN & MI. Seeingsome of the venues in the Lake Geneva area was helpful
as well.

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JESSICA KAROW: The reception at the Ski Chalet was a
blast!

VOLUNTEERSPOTLIGHTSCARRIE BERGER

Carrie Berger is new to MPI and has stepped up
to the plate to volunteer. She is helping with our
February MPI Education meeting and taking theTeam Lead role. She is excited to be a part ofour team and willing to help in any way she can.
Thank you, Carrie!!

KYRA POPP

Kyra has taken on the role of our team leadfor the January Education Event and has been
doing an outstanding job! Thank you for yourcontinued support, we appreciate it.

If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to us. admin@mpiwi.org

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MPI WISCONSIN
ANNIVERSARIESNEW MEMBERS

Congratulations to thosemembers celebrating amilestone anniversary inJanuary & February!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Congratulations!

WILLIE BENJAMIN

20 YEAR

MARK DUNNING

HEATHER DYER

CALEY MUTRIEMANDY BUBLITZ

5 YEAR

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REBECCA ROGERS

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Kortnee Carroll

Director, Publications & Community Outreach_____________________________________
Senior Sales Manager

Tell us about the company you work for: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions are full-service
vacation destinations, including meeting & convention facilities that combine America’s largest
indoor Waterparks with the magic of Africa. Located in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania;
Sandusky, Ohio; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Round Rock, Texas, Kalahari Resorts &Conventions’ innovative Waterparks, family entertainment centers, luxury spas, adventurous
restaurants, and convention centers deliver beyond expectations, all under one roof. Whether
you’re 3, 83, or anything in-between, we pride ourselves on having something for everyone!
Tell us a few things about your role on our Chapter Board: I put together the Agenda
Magazine and help plan our community outreaches.
What drew you to serve on our Chapter Board? I love working with likeminded individuals
that want the best in our industry. I have learned so much already in my first year on the board
and have created some amazing friendships as well.
What are your hobbies and interests? I have recently been on a fitness journey, and I have
loved learning different workouts and what works me/my body. I also love to cook and hang out
with my family.
Tell us about your family: My husband is a veteran and is currently on the police force. We
have three amazing kids who are all into sports and always keep us on our toes.
Favorite band: Any pop band from the 90’s! You will find me on the dance floor anytime theyplay some 90’s music.
Person you admire and why: My grandma Carol. She has taught me to always giveback toeveryone and be there for those that are in need. I admire her heart and I strive to be just like her.
What is something that is still on your bucket list? Running a marathon.
Tell us your words to live by or share a favorite quote: “Your mind is a powerful thing. Whenyou fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.”

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Board Member Profile:
Kortnee Carroll

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

MPI WI hosted a virtual Holiday Happy Hour on December 15. Members were dressed in festive attire and shared their plans
for the holiday season. There were lots of jokes and laughs that surely made spirits bright. Many agreed that in the new year
they are going to FOCUS more.
President Rebecca Staats conducted a virtual scavenger hunt. The group raced through their homes to find items like a teddy
bear, amazon box, hand sanitizer, dirty dish, sidewalk chalk, shamrock and Clorox wipes. The top three finalists had to find a
spatula, plunger and a cleaning product. Jen Mell was the winner and received a gift card to Target.

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By: Alison Hutchinson

Favorite thing about being an MPI-WI Member: The connections we get to make with ourpeers in the industry. Everyone is so nice and welcoming!
Favorite thing about your employer: My favorite part about working for Great Wolf Lodge isthat we are here to help families make memories!
Tell us about your family: My husband Collin and I are High School sweethearts and havebeen together for 13 years. Together we have a 1 ½ year old son name Lawson who is very
sweet and keeps us on our toes! We also have a dog named Lambeau and love spendingtime together as a family.
Who do you admire most, and why: I have always admired my mom, even more after
becoming a mom myself. She has been such a great role model and someone for me to look
up to. I hope I can be the same for my kids one day!
Favorite quote or words to live by: Be present and enjoy the moment

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Danielle Campbell

Supplier Profile:

Danielle Campbell
Great Wolf Lodge – Wisconsin Dells

Trim: 7.5" W x 9.5" H • Bleed: None • Live: .125"

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

UNPARALLELED MEETINGS WITHUNIQUE OPTIONS FOR ALL› 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

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

17748_Kalahari_WI_Corporate_MPIWI_7.5x9.5.indd 1

6/2/22 10:47 AM

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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.

KRISTEN ESPELIEN

Regional Sales & Marketing
Coordinator
Dakota Supply Group
Tell us about your company and/or position: DSG is apeople-centric, customer-obsessed, and growth focusedwholesale distributor. With expertise in electrical, HVAC,
plumbing, waterworks, utility, communications and more.
We are proud to be 100% employee owned, with an
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). With a culturethat genuinely cares for people beyond their job title,
our purpose is to serve our fellow employee owners, ourindustry partners, and our local communities. My role,as part of our Regional Leadership Team, is to provide
marketing, sales management, and administrative support
to our Sales Team.

What drew you to become a planner?: I tend to be motivated and energized by being a helperand serving those around me. My current role as Sales & Marketing Coordinator developed into
what it is from other roles and experiences I’ve had. I value genuine connections and stayingorganized and helping make other’s lives easier; being a planner is a natural fit for me!
What do you like most about being a member of MPI? The opportunities for additional training,education, networking, and resources available as a member of MPI has been invaluable to me thisyear, as a first-year member.
What was your favorite team or project you have worked on for MPI? While I haven’t worked
on any specific projects or teams for MPI, my favorite training so far has been the Meeting andEvent Strategist certificate program.
Tell us about your family: My husband and I have been married for 27 years (met as a blind datein high school!) and are soon to be empty nesters when our last two children (of 4 – 1 girl and 3boys) at home move out in 2023.
What are your hobbies and interests? In my free time I enjoy cooking, true crime podcasts,
relaxing with our two rescue dogs and listening to my new found favorite, Audible! My husband and
I are looking forward to more travel time in the years ahead.
Favorite song//band/artist/movie/book: My favorite book is Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards
Tell us about the person you admire most and why: Both my paternal and maternal grandmothers
are a source of admiration for me. They were both such affectionate, kind, caring, loving people. How
they conveyed patience, compassion and the capability of handling whatever life threw at them issomething I look back on with fondness and hope I display even a fraction of those traits.
What is something that is still on your bucket list? A vacation to Turks & Caicos Islands!
Tell us the words you live by or share a favorite quote: My favorite quote is the first line of thepoem, Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann…”Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember whatpeace there may be in silence.”

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Planner Profile:
Kristin Espelien

How long have you been in the meetings industry?:
Six years.

Compiled by Kortnee Carroll

1

Danielle Campbell started
a new job at Great Wolf
Lodge as their Sales
Associate.

4

Congrats, Danielle!

Kortnee Carroll got
promoted to Senior SalesManager at Kalahari.
Congrats, Kortnee!

3

Kathy Raab, CAE,
CNAP won the WSAEHall of Fame Award.

Congrats, Carmen!

5

MPI Members Michelle Eggert, CMP; Keola
Shimooka, and Reggie Driscoll were on a panel atthe WSAE 2022 Summit speaking about virtual andhybrid events.

6

Congrats, Kathy!

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions had a float in the
Macy’s Day Parade for the 5th year.
Read full article>

NOTE: if you have any news to share in this column, please contact Kortnee Carroll, Director Publications & Community Outreach, kocarroll@kalahariresorts.com.

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2

Carmen Smalley, CMP, CHE received Associateof the year from the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging
Association (WHLA). Read full article>

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 CHAPTER EVENTSJANUARY 18
Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
FEBRUARY 23
Embassy Suites, Brookfield
APRIL 12 – 13
Spring Education Day & Drag Queen Bingo — Madison Concourse, Madison
MAY 11
Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac
AUGUST 10
GALA — Best Western Premier Park Hotel, Madison
SEPTEMBER 14
Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel, Oshkosh

OCTOBER 19

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Sentry World, Stevens Point

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