JULY
AUG
2021
VOL 43/NUM 2

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

You can do a lot with 27,000 square feetof meeting space.
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s
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easy knowing we’re GBAC-certified.
From large conventions to small strategic planningsessions, The Madison Concourse Hotel andGovernor’s Club is perfect for your next successful
event.
Learn more at concoursehotel.com

1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703
800 356 8293 | salesinfo@concoursehotel.com

MEET WITH CONFIDENCE
With 20 private event venues, over 40,000 square
feet of indoor space, and 40 expansive, open-air
acres to gather outdoors, The Ingleside Hotel offers
a refreshing change of pace from conventional
destinations.
Why choose an ordinary venue for your event when
extraordinary is just 20 miles from Milwaukee?
The Ingleside Hotel provides an inspirational setting
unlike any other in the Milwaukee area.
Learn more at theinglesidehotel.com
2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072
800 247 6640 | salesinfo@theinglesidehotel.com

July/August 2021

MPI Agenda|

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

MPI-WISCONSIN
2021-2022
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com
PRESIDENT-ELECTREBECCA STAATS
Residence Inn & Fairfield by Marriott Eau Claire
rebecca.l.staats@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTALISON HUTCHINSON
Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
ahutchinson@foxcities.org
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPMICHELLE TYO JOHNSONNorthCoast Productions & Made Ya Look Inc.
michelle@northcoastpro.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
WANDA GILLES
veda
wanda.gilles@yahoo.com

VOL 43 / NUM 4

Feature Articles

From Start to Finish: Preparing for the CMP Exam
#3: Studying for the CMP Exam

7

Meet Your 2021-2022 Board of Directors

8Fire & Ice: MPI-Wisconsin Awards Gala

10

2020-2021 Award Nominees

12Whine & Cheese, It Kept Us Going!

23

Destination Wisconsin + Beyond!

24

MPI-WI September Education Event Preview

39

WEC Recap

40

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Message

6

Food for Thought: Chef David Zakroczymski

16

New Members & Anniversaries				

18

Volunteer Spotlight: Sherry Benzmiller

20

Board Member Profile: Sara Beuthien

22

Who’s in the News

38

Supplier Profile: Ed Buchner48

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSJODI SIMON
WAMIC
wamic@wamic.org

CalendarBC

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPS
VICTORIA GRINWALD
The Boldt Company
victoria.grinwald@boldt.com

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

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSLIZ UNRUH
lizherrmann555@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONREGGIE DRISCOLL
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROJECTSBETH SCHNABEL, CMPFilene Research Institutebeths@filene.org

DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CAREJOSHUA WIMMER
Premier Choice Association Managementjoshua@premierchoiceamc.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTSARA BEUTHIEN
WEDC
sara.beuthien@wedc,org

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYMARIA PEOT, CMP
MDS Association Management
maria.peot@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSJESSICA REIFLIN
Wisconsin Dells VCB
jessica@wisdells.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMINGJODY ROOS
Wisconsin Bankers Association
roos@wisbank.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

July/August 2021

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MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Editor’s Note

Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter
CO-EDITORS
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Made Ya Look / NorthCoast Productions
jen@northcoastpro.com
Kathy Reading
SCAN Groupreading@scangroup.net
Maria Peot, CMP
MDS Association Management
maria.peot@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jodi Goldbeck, CMP
Tamara Jesswein, CMP, VEMM
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Kathy Reading
Maria Peot, CMP
Dana Crosson
Jay Fanta
Peggy Murray Hagaman
Jan Halcsik
Leanna Holzem
Denise Humphrey
Alison Hutchinson
Lori Johnson
Sarah Lemmers
Lindsey McKee
Jessica Rieflin
Susan Schoultz
RaeAnn Thomas
Amanda Ridout
Rebecca Staats
Melissa Falendysz, CMPCheryl Oswald, CMP, CMM
GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs
PUBLICATION DEADLINES
September/October 2021
Deadline: July 15, 2021
November/December 2021
Deadline: September 2, 2021

Hello MPI Wisconsin!
As I type this, it’s the Monday following
WEC. I’m still a bit tired (I’m getting
older!), but I’m so glad I went. It wasa week filled with new learning, newexperiences, bonding with colleagues/
friends, meeting and connecting withnew members, and “stealing” ideas for
future events. If you weren’t able toattend, be sure to check out the recaps
in this issue and mark your calendar to celebrate MPI’s 50th Anniversary at
WEC 2022 in San Francisco…June 21 – 23, 2022!
I’m thrilled to be regularly volunteering once again with my MPI family. One
of my favorite things about MPI is that there is a volunteer opportunity foreveryone to match every schedule, talent, and professional stage. After six
years on the Board of Directors, including the presidency, I wondered if I had
done it all. Then, the opportunity to be co-editor of the Agenda came intoview. I realized I was hooked and back to being a volunteer newbie!
This edition of the Agenda is super exciting as we have two focuses:
Destinations and Chapter Award Nominees! Our annual Awards Gala isapproaching on August 12th at the stunning Bradley Symphony Center in
downtown Milwaukee. In this issue, we’re highlighting all of our nominees,along with our Hall of Fame inductee: Naomi Tucker, CMP, HMCC. Look within
the following pages for those highlights and more details about the Gala.
This edition is also highlighting our member destinations. Although I justreturned from last week’s WEC in Las Vegas, I am still looking for places tovisit now that the world has opened back up! I think you’ll all enjoy reading
about the profiled destinations within Wisconsin and beyond. All arefabulous!
Be sure to check out our regular sections including event recaps, Chef’s Foodfor Thought, Who’s in the News, and the President’s column…our first fromnew President Shannon Timmerman, CMP. There’s so much great content!
So be sure to set aside a little time this week to read through this summer
edition of our chapter’s own Agenda Magazine!

January/February 2022
Deadline: November 15, 2021
PERMISSIONS
Material in this publication may not be
reproduced in any form without permission.
Statements of fact and opinion within Agenda
are the responsibility of the author(s) and do
not imply an opinion of the officers or membersof MPI or MPI-Wisconsin Chapter.

Jen Mell, CMP

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Let us orchestrate your incredible.
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Madison, WI© 2021 Monona Terrace

July/August 2021

MPI Agenda|

5President’s Message

ALISON HUTCHINSON
2020-2021 President, MPI-WI Chapter

Shannon Timmerman, CMP
Hello MPI Wisconsin! I am beyond
excited, and yes…a little nervous, tobegin our 2021-2022 chapter year as
your MPI Wisconsin Chapter President!
It was a long road for me to get here,
and quite honestly one that I wasn’t
sure was going to happen. I started
serving on the MPI Board of Directors
back in 2010, after spending many
years as a volunteer in many areas. I
thought about, and was encouraged
to, track for President then, but I was
intimidated by the opportunity. Quite
frankly, I didn’t think I “had what it
takes.” I had the honor to serve underso many outstanding leaders duringthat time, and I was insecure in myability to carry on their legacy.
Unfortunately, that is when life
happened, and made the decision forme. I lost my Father in 2012, and myworld stopped turning. I carried out mycommitment for the Board role that I

was serving in, but it was too much. I
needed time for myself and my family.
Although my MPI family was withme during that time, and helped me
through some dark days, I knew I could
not give back to the Chapter what it
deserved. Then years followed with theloss of my sister-in-law, my brother,and then my sister. Not to mention a
divorce to keep things interesting!
By 2019 I felt like my life was finallyturning around! My family was doing
better, my personal life was fantastic,
my career was having the best year
yet, and life was looking up! So when
my dear friend and peer Tamara
Jesswein, CMP asked me personallyto rejoin the board, I was honored! I
jumped in with two feet and was readyto go. I did drag those two feet a little
when she asked me to be President
Elect in 2020-2021, but I finally felt
ready! Let’s do this!
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And then….2020 happened! Need I
say more? It was tough…and scary.
But our fearless leader JoEllen Graberpowered us through the unknown, andAlison Hutchinson grabbed the baton in
the midst of pure chaos and pulled us
through to the other side. I am honored
to be following in their footsteps, andcan only hope I can continue themarch forward with such grace! There
were some rough times, maybe a few
tears, but I would not have wanted
to be in any other place than where I
was. Standing with these ladies, andour ‘Elmer’s Glue’ that is MDS as wenavigated through was such a learning
experience. I was able to be part of anorganization that kept the flicker of lightat the end of the tunnel for so many,
and was able to stay connected to mypeers. People that knew, and could
relate to, the devastation I was facedwith on a daily basis as I watched ourindustry crumble. My MPI family!
As we begin our next Chapter year, wehave an amazing Board of Directors set
and ready to begin a year of recovery,
growth, and bringing people together
again. As President of this passionate
team, I plan to ensure MPI-WI is there
for those who need encouragement,
to provide an uplifting and safe place
to come together with peers, and tobe that compassionate resource that
helped me through my darkest days.
I can speak from my heart when I say
that without my MPI family, I don’t knowthat I would have made it through onsuch a positive note!
I am beyond excited to start my journey
on an upswing, and look forward toseeing what the next year brings. We
aren’t out of the woods yet, but I am
here to help make connections, support
our members, and help rebuild ourChapter and our industry. Together, we
will do amazing things!

ShannonFROM START TO FINISH:
PREPARING FOR THE
CMP EXAM#3: Studying for the CMP
ExamIn 2016, I began facilitating CMP 101 at the monthly
chapter meetings. MPI-Wisconsin, along with
Madison College, teamed up to bring this learning
experience to those planning to sit for the CMP
exam. CMP 101 sessions were offered monthly January
through May, pre-pandemic. During the pandemic, I
have offered online CMP 101 sessions and will continue
to do so until we are fully back to in-person events.
In addition to attending CMP 101, another way toprepare for the CMP exam is to take the two practice
exams that EIC makes available on their website. Oneof the practice exams has 20 questions, while thesecond exam has 40 questions. The questions that are
asked on these exams were once used on the actual
CMP exam and are now retired. Taking the practice
exams can help test takers understand the structure of
exam questions that are used in the actual exam.

Jodi Goldbeck, CMP

In the last issue of the AGENDA, I reviewed the application
sections of the CMP Exam. This article describes effective
ways to study for the exam.

When recently asked what the recommended amountof time to study for the CMP exam is, Gayle Dahlman,
Certification Director of the CMP Program, stated thatshe generally recommends about 100 hours of study
time. However, you should take note that the amount ofstudy time really does depend on a person’s experience
with each of the nine domains. She says, “I always
recommend that people download the CMP International
Standards and make an honest assessment of their own
experiences with each of the domains. The results ofthat assessment will dictate how much time you’ll needto devote to studying and will help you know where toconcentrate your studying.”
Look for the fourth installment of this series, which will
describe what to expect on exam day, in your next issueof the AGENDA.

Study groups are another excellent way to study for theexam. While EIC does not offer or endorse any study
groups, you can certainly use our monthly MPI meetingsto network with others to find out if anyone else isinterested in working with a “study buddy.”

Jodi Goldbeck, CMP, is the Program Director for the Event Management Program at Madison Area Technical College.
If you would like more information on the CMP, please contact her at jgoldbeck@madisoncollege.edu.

July/August 2021

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MEET YOUR
2021-2022
BOARD OFDIRECTORS
We asked each member of the 2021-2022 Board to submit an old photo of themselves “on thejob” in a past life. Some came through with some real winners (literally, we have an actual beauty
queen on our Board!) and others submitted the classic high school throw back.
Make your guesses and stay tuned for the big reveal in the next issue of the AGENDA Magazine!

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By A
m

and
a

Rido

ut

A

re you tiredof the neverending zoom
meetings?
Are you carrying full-on conversations with yourpets? Do you need to get out of the house and talk toreal, live humans? Then help us break in the brandnew Bradley Symphony Center in Milwaukee at theFire & Ice MPI-Wisconsin Awards Gala on Thursday,
August 12th!

2021 AWARDS GALA CELEBRATIONAUGUST 12, 2021
HILTON MILWAUKEE CITY CENTERMILWAUKEE, WI

We start the evening at 5pm with the Past President’s
reception in the Founder’s Room. Registration for all
attendees begins at 6pm in the Grand Lobby. From
there, guests will proceed to the beautiful 2nd floor
event space, the Atrium, filled with floor-to-ceilingwindows overlooking downtown Milwaukee. Horsd’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available so you
can peruse the silent auction items with something
delicious in hand. Also, during the reception from
6pm - 7pm, we will offer a peek into the historic AllenBradley Hall – this is something you won’t want to
miss! Grab your favorite table mates by 7pm to sit
down for dinner and the awards presentation will
follow shortly after.
When the last award has been handed out and you
have collected any silent auctions you’ve won, don’t
forget to join us for the Afterglow. The Monarch
Lounge at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center will be
waiting to host us after the gala, to continue thecelebration.
Need a place to lay your head at the end of thenight? The Hilton Milwaukee City Center is holding asmall block of rooms for gala attendees until August
5th at a $99 rate. Contact the hotel directly at 414271-7250 to make a reservation by the deadline.
We can’t wait to see you all and celebrate thewonderful volunteers that make us a top performing
chapter!

July/August 2021

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11

Ed Buchner, Majic Productions
Nominated for: Rising Star, Supplier of the Year
Ed has volunteered in many areas. He has spoken on multiple panels in the past
year to share his industry knowledge. He also agreed to be a part of the Tech
Avengers Team during the pandemic. Ed has shown such a great spirit throughout
this past year by attending both virtual and in person events for MPI andparticipating whenever possible. He has done a fantastic job representing Majic
Productions as a strategic partner as well. He is a go-getter and a huge advocate
for getting our industry back on track. He cares about everyone he works with andis a great asset to our chapter. Kudos to Ed for always being friendly and helpful toour members and clients.

Brandon Smith, Brookfield Conference Center
Nominated for: Supplier of the Year
Brandon and his team were able to host our Gala and Education Day on back-toback days in October. As a previous Board member, he still consistently volunteers
for the chapter and offers great knowledge. He is a friendly face that the chapter isfortunate to have in its ranks!

Farrah Slinger, CERP, Event Essentials
Nominated for: Supplier of the Year
Event Essentials is always there to lend a helping hand in adding “Ooomph” to thechapter’s special events. The added décor and details at recent (and past) Gala
and Education Day events really make the theme come together. Farrah is always
willing to help the chapter in any way.

Shannon Timmerman, CMP, Wilderness Hotel & Golf
ResortNominated for: Supplier of the Year
This was an exceptionally tough year for many of our supplier members! Even withthe few events held this past year, Shannon was present and very active in theplanning of any of the events that we did have. Even though she had significant
struggles in her professional life of working through the pandemic solo, she still
devoted her time and energy to MPI to ensure the that show went on.

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12Jennifer Mell, CMP
Made Ya Look/NorthCoast Productions
Nominated for: Supplier of the YearJen transitioned strongly from a planner to a supplier during the pandemic year of2020. She continues to provide her wisdom as a Past President as she volunteers invarious roles in the chapter. Most recently, she stepped up to be the next co-editor of
the AGENDA Magazine, and the team is lucky to have her!

Kathy Reading, The Scan Group Inc.
Nominated for: Industry Advocate
If there was a Cheerleader Award, Kathy would be nominated for it! She is always
boosting others up, supporting, encouraging, and telling others what a great asset they
are to the chapter and industry. Kathy shows this personally to many of our members.
In her own words - “Go Kathy!”
Kathy is a huge part of MPI-WI. She has volunteered in many areas. When the
pandemic first broke, she helped coordinate a panel of MPI-WI meeting planners to talkabout the challenges they were experiencing. Although she feels her business is nottruly a “supplier”, she has offered a lot to the industry. Her company provides a lot ofsignage as well as during the pandemic, her business pivoted and created face shields
and barriers so our industry could continue on.

Tamara Jesswein, CMP, VEMM, HID Global
Nominated for: Planner of the Year, Industry Advocate
As a planner, Tamara has planned and managed a wide variety of events for businesses
and non-profits. She has successfully executed events across the US and many global
destinations including Lisbon, Marrakesh, Panama, London, Dubai, Cambodia, and
Bangkok. Tamara’s resume includes corporate events, product launches, client/partner
events, national charitable events (including Operation Gratitude), and team-building
events. While all planners likely deserve an award after this year, Tamara continually
steps up to offer her time, smarts, and talent throughout her career. This stellar plannerhas been active with MPI-WI for many years. She has served on the board in various
roles, including as president. Immediately after completing her role as president, sheraised her hand to lead the GLES team. She is the “Sayer of YES” to nearly all requests
for industry support and MPI-WI Chapter members.
Tamara has been a strong advocate for our industry, is very involved in our Chapter,and within other areas of our industry. She is a Past President, but still dedicates
her time and efforts to our chapter. She serves as a mentor to new members, and toanyone that has a passion for this wonderful industry of ours!

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13Kathryn Gleesing, MBA, CMP, DMCP
Destination Management Connection LLC
Nominated for: Planner of the Year
Kathryn was extremely helpful with planning the re-scheduled
Education Day in October. She has been on multiple panels to share
her experience and knowledge in our industry. She is very organized
and a joy to have on any team.

Education Day Team:
Wanda Gilles + Kyra Popp
Nominated for: Team of the Year
After being postponed on numerous occasions, this team finally pulled
together what seemed to be the impossible during the pandemic.
Combining multiple events to create a “super event” and the chapter’s
first live event in many months! More money was raised than
anticipated and had a decent turnout despite the many challenges ofhosting a pandemic event!

Bidding for Good:
Lindsey Hess, CMP + Brooke Miller, CMP
Nominated for: Team of the Year
The Bidding For Good team didn’t let a pandemic stop them! This teamworked tirelessly asking for and securing fabulous and outside of thebox donations despite the hardship for our industry. The team raised
nearly $4,500 with their efforts. This represents 70% of BFG’s prepandemic fundraising levels which is commendable! Way To Go!

Communications Team:
Kathy Reading + Sherry Wolff
Nominated for: Team of the Year
Sherry carried the social media efforts during the crazy year of 2020
when being connected via social media was most essential for our
Chapter. Kathy successfully transitioned the AGENDA Magazine fromprint to digital and made sure it truly was a communication tool forour chapter. She filled in on the Board after her term had ended whena fellow board member could not fulfill their duties as well, and thechapter is so grateful for that!

July/August 2021

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142021 Hall of Fame Recipient

Naomi Tucker, CMPTech Avengers:
Ed Buchner, Majic Productions
John McDonald, Studio Gear
Tom Graybill, Tri-Marq Communications
Jennifer Mell, CMP, Made Ya Look
Nominated for: Team of the Year
The past year was chaos for everyone but the Tech Avengers were able
to still get everyone together by lending their expertise. With their help,
the chapter was able to host virtual and hybrid events when interaction
with each other was needed the most. They introduced new technology
platforms, flawless event flow, and quality video editing and producing.
The Avengers definitely assembled! The Tech Avengers stepped up to
produce several virtual events for MPI-Wisconsin during the past year,
keeping our Members engaged and offering education and networking
to provide a value to their membership. The team even coordinated withMPI-Indiana on a multi-chapter event. The team’s expertise and devotion
to our Chapter and its members was shown through the enthusiasm and“can do” attitude of all the Avengers, who also presented key tips on
hybrid events and such for MPI’s Education Day.

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Naomi Tucker, CMP will be honored
as the 2021 Hall of Fame Recipientat this year’s MPI-WI Awards Gala.
Naomi has been an active andvaluable member of MPI-WI since
2004! She has helped lead ourindustry and our Chapter serving
on countless committees and as
our President in 2012-2013. Her
leadership has continued serving on
several panels as both a moderator
and industry expert. In addition to
her role as an Account Director at
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide,
Inc., Naomi has founded Planners
on Purpose and Plan It On A PostIt; consulting and blogs designed toempower event planners to stressless so that they can live at their best.
Naomi also serves on the Knowledge
Committee with the Event Industry
Council, as an advisor for the Fox
Valley Technical College EventManagement Program, and wasrecently recognized by Cvent as oneof “20 Event Professionals You Should
be Following.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
CHEF DAVID ZAKROCZYMSKI
Director of Operations
and Executive Chef,
Levy Restaurants

D

avid has been an Executive Chef with Levy for 9 years. A graduate of The Culinary
School of Kendall College, David has more than 35 years of experience in theculinary and hospitality field. David is passionate about his Midwest roots and has
worked in all different atmospheres—from taverns to Four Diamond hotels andresorts. Throughout his career, David has tried to allow his food to stay true to the ingredients, and he loves the Milwaukee
meat-and-potato style of cooking. Shortly after joining the Levy family, David helped open the Miami Marlins ballpark. David
has also worked the USTA in Flushing, New York and the PGA Championship. After years of tenure at the BMO Bradley
Center, David opened the Fiserv Forum in 2018. David is excited to continue his legacy with Levy and Resonance Food Co.

July/August 2021

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PASTIES RECIPE
INGREDIENTS(makes 6 pasties)

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling dough1 cup shortening
Kosher salt
1 cup ice cold water
8 ounces ground beef
4 ounces rutabaga, cut into 1/4-inch dice
4 ounces turnips, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 medium carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/4 cup picked fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, whisked

DIRECTIONSI WAS BORN IN MICHIGAN, and one of the staples I
remember as a kid was pasties. This Upper Peninsula
staple migrated to the Lower Peninsula and could befound at butcher shops, local pasty shops, or in our
kitchen. My mom told me that miners used to carrythem in their shirt pockets in the winter to keep themwarm until lunch. I don’t know if that was true or not
but that’s what mom said, so it must have been. I
remember my mom and her friends getting together
making them and freezing them. Frozen Pasties arealways good but nothing beats them coming fresh outof the oven—the smells are unbelievable. There aremany versions, but it is meat (ground or chopped) withroot vegetables in a flaky pastry.
If you grew up in Michigan you know what these are,and if you have never had one - you don’t know what
you’re missing.
____________________________________________
NOTE: Pasties can be baked and then frozen. To
reheat, thaw and place in a 300 degree F oven until
warmed through, about 20 minutes.

July/August 2021

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking
sheet with parchment paper.

2. Add the flour, shortening, and a pinch of salt to a3.
4.

food processor and pulse until the dough starts toclump together. With the processor running, drizzle
in the water. Stop the processor when a ball begins
to form. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate forabout 1 hour.
Mix together the beef, rutabaga, carrots, turnips,
onions, potatoes and parsley. Sprinkle with salt andpepper. Set aside until ready to form the pies.
Cut the dough into 6 even pieces, about 5 ounces
each, and form into balls. Make sure the dough iscold for easier handling. Flour a work surface and rollout each ball of dough into an 8-inch circle. Evenly
divide the filling (about 3/4 cup per pasty) on one halfof each dough circle. Fold the dough over to cover
the mixture and crimp the edges using a fork. Slice
3 small slits on top of each pocket. This prevents
steam from building up and splitting the dough. Brushthe pasties with the egg and bake on the preparedbaking sheet until the crust is golden brown and flaky,about 1 hour 15 minutes. Serve with ketchup.

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MPI WISCONSIN
ANNIVERSARIESNEW MEMBERS

MELISSA DETTWILER

Congratulations to these members
who will be celebrating milestone
anniversaries in July + August.
We’re so glad you’re a part ofour organization!

20 YEARMICHAEL LAMONTCore BTS
Planner

Wisconsin Counties Association
Planner

JAY FANTASHANNON MAJEWSKI

Explore La Crosse
Supplier

Medical College of Wisconsin
Planner

NADIA FARR

KAY JOHNSON-FRUTIGER, CMP
Covance

5 YEARGEDA MATTNER-LODESResch Expo
Supplier

DoubleTree MilwaukeeBrookfield
Supplier

MERRY GEURINCRYSTAL HOLTZ
Delta Hotels

Hotel Retlaw
Supplier

We’re looking forward
Refer a friend to MPI.

to dusting off the suits
When a new member joins, tell them to
use the MyFriendMPI promo code, and tolist you on the application as the referring
member. The new member will receive$50 off their membership and you’ll receivea $25 credit to apply toward your next
renewal.

LOOK US UP

CHICAGONORTHWEST.COM

July/August 2021

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OPEN YEAR ROUNDAMAZING MEETING SPACES
AND THE SERVICE TO MATCH
No matter how impressive a room is, your meeting experience will never reach its potential
without the staff to back it up. From finding you the perfect space to making sure your meeting runs smoothly
and giving your team a chance to unwind when things wrap up, accommodation is in everything we do.
Let us help with your next meeting.

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

July/August 2021

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19Volunteer
Spotlight:

SherryBenzmiller... weowe Sherry a
special thanks
for becoming our
Kahoot app pro!

S

herry was a volunteer on the Trivia Team for April 2021. She took on the
project of compiling and coordinating trivia questions to challenge ourteams. In addition, we owe Sherry a special thanks for becoming our
Kahoot app pro! Her knowledge of the app was very helpful during theplanning and execution of our 2021 Trivia Night. Sherry spent many hours before theevent organizing and entering questions and answers. She also tested the app andfunctionality for our specific needs. Sherry retrieved a question from each of our Boardof Directors, while Carrie Wunderlich and Melissa Falendysz, CMP retrieved questions
and answers from our Strategic Partners.

Interested in being featured here? Consider volunteering for our amazing chapter! Contact any Board Member tolearn about what current needs and opportunities are available. Visit https://www.mpi.org/chapters/wisconsin/aboutour-chapter/board-of-directors for a list of our Board Members and their roles.

July/August 2021

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COLOR YOUR WORLD IN KOHLER
Surround your team with the beauty and tranquility of autumn. Revel in a mosaic offlaming leaves, mellow sunshine, and velvety night skies infused with stars. Discovera diverse palette of experiences, including well-being, golf, and culinary, composing aretreat you wish would never end. Our five-star resort is your blank canvas. Color it.

PLAN YOUR FALL EVENT IN KOHLER TODAY
THEAMERICANCLUBSALESDEPARTMENT@KOHLER.COM | 920.453.2891
KOHLER, WISCONSIN

July/August 2021

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BoardMemberProfile:Sara
Beuthien
What drew you to serve on our Chapter Board?
I was asked to be on the chapter board and was thrilled
to be nominated. I look forward to helping the chapter andevents industry succeed.
What do you enjoy about your board service, and what
are you learning?
I enjoy interacting with all our members and learning all thethings that help the chapter run successfully.
Position on MPI-WI Board:
Director, Awards, Scholarships and Recruitment

What are your hobbies and interests?
Reading, listening to music, and shopping.

Employer:
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Tell us about your family:
I have been married to my husband, Tim for 13 years. We
have two daughters, Kaleigh and Madelyn. We also have a
dog named Piper!

Job Title:
Senior Events Coordinator

Favorite movie:
Uncle Buck

Tell us about the company you work for and/or yourposition:
I work at WEDC, which helps businesses start, expand,and export to other countries. I plan events to support ourprograms and initiatives both in state and internationally.

Person you admire and why:
My mom. She was not only my mom, but also my bestfriend. I saw how much of a hard worker she was by rising
two kids and working. I could always count on her and today
she is still my support system.

How long have you been in the meetings industry?:
15+ years
Tell us a few things about your role on our Chapter
Board:In my role I assist with the award nominations/scholarships forthe annual gala as well as help recruit and retain members.

July/August 2021

What is something that is still on your bucket list?
To ride on a hot air balloon.
Tell us your words to live by or share a favorite quote:
Live each day as if it were your last.

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Whine & Cheese,
It Kept Us Going!
By Tamara Jesswein, CMP, VEMM

W

hen the world was spinning and all of us felt lost, westarted the Whine & Cheese Zoom Happy Hour on
Fridays during the ‘last hour of the day’ to gather andsupport each other. It has been over a year of whatstarted as weekly gatherings then moved to monthly as we settled into
the pandemic. Now as the world is opening up and things are slowly
getting back to the new normal we have discontinued these virtual
gatherings. I want to thank you all for your participation, giving strength
to those that needed it and sharing lots laughter. It was a way to keep
us all connected until we could #meetagain.
The last few Whine & Cheese Zooms had a theme of “ABC” – Anything
But a Cup. We had some extremely creative ideas from members
including a watering can, a bunny water bottle, a French press, andmore! See this adorable photo of President Elect Becca Stats enjoying
her drink of choice in a pineapple cup.
Cheers to meeting with you all in person soon!

President-Elect Becca StatsYour attendees will love us… and so will you.

Pick from the 80,000 sq. foot KI Convention Center or the 125,000 sq. footshow floor at the new Resch Expo. Or theme your meeting by hosting at
Lambeau Field, The Automobile Gallery or the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
How will you create your next memorable meeting in Green Bay?
Contact Denise Humphrey for more information at 920-770-1477 or
www.meetingreenbay.com

denise@greenbay.com

July/August 2021

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By Jennifer Mell, CMP

With contributions from: Dana Crosson, Jay Fanta, Peggy Murray Hagaman, Jan Halcsik,
Leanna Holzem, Denise Humphrey, Alison Hutchinson, Lori Johnson, Sarah Lemmers,
Lindsey McKee, Jessica Rieflin, Susan Schoultz, and RaeAnn Thomas

Now that the world (or at least the United States) has
opened back up for travel, we’re taking a moment tohighlight great destinations within our chapter, most of themin Wisconsin. Whether you choose one for a long weekend
getaway, follow the route below for a “state tour” or scope a
new place for your group, you’re sure to find a destinationthat calls to you, welcoming you to explore!

Waukesha-Pewaukee
Old World Wisconsin

July/August 2021

This state tour starts in the Southeast corner of
Wisconsin with the Waukesha-Pewaukee area. Knownas Lake Country, there’s loads of fun to be had in thewater between the Springs Water Park, Pewaukee
Lake, the Fox River and 20+ more lakes in the area. Spendsome time boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or
fishing. Within downtown Waukesha visitors can enjoy

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Waukesha/Pewaukee

seeing the 13 Waukesha GuitarTown murals and
15 artistically painted 10-foot guitars as well as
the Fox Riverwalk, many restaurants, and eclectic
shops. For a cultural experience, the WaukeshaPewaukee area has one-of-a-kind experiences including:
Ten Chimneys, Old World Wisconsin, and the outdoor
theatre SummerStage of Delafield. As a kid who grew up
in Southeast Wisconsin, I can personally recommend Old
World Wisconsin for you history buffs!
For groups, you can enjoy time together on thewater or off. Between group paddle boarding on
Pewaukee Lake to letting your competitive streak shine
at iCombat, there’s an activity for every group.
When it’s time to get down to business, WaukeshaPewaukee has numerous hotels and event venues tohost your meeting or event and lay your head to rest
each night.
(Top Right)
Waukesha/Pewaukee
Waukesha Top Riverwalk(Right)Waukesha/Pewaukee
Pewaukee Lake

Waukesha/Pewaukee(Below)
Waukesha/Pewaukee
Guitar Mural
Photo by Tracy DechantJuly/August 2021

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25

Milwaukee

Once you’ve made your way through Lake
Country, head just slightly East to the largest city in
Wisconsin, Milwaukee! When people convene in
Milwaukee, they’re getting more than your typicalevent. They’re getting an exceptional blend of stunning
natural beauty, diverse neighborhoods, easy urban charm,and one-of-a-kind venues.
World class cultural experiences and amazing event
venues await in Milwaukee. Visit the “flying” Milwaukee
Art Museum on Lake Michigan with a movable wing-likesunscreen outside and diverse artwork inside. Thenvisit the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum where
you can get a behind-the-scenes look at a homegrown
American icon and even feature a genuine Harley atyour event. For some light-hearted culture, bobble overto the world’s only National Bobblehead Hall of Fame
& Museum, featuring the nation’s largest bobbleheadcollection. Head inside for a look at bobbleheads
featuring notable figures in sports, politics, movies, TV,and pop-culture. This museum will have your attendees
nodding in approval whether your guests attend as onsite
meeting participants or visit the museum on their own.
Milwaukee is located at the confluence of three rivers
and Lake Michigan. So, a trip to the city is not complete
until you get out on the water. Hop aboard floating
venues from Milwaukee Boat Line and Edelweiss Boats
for a private sunset cruise along the Milwaukee Riverand out onto Lake Michigan. There are also public
cruises that offer local narrators pointing out the history
and architecture you pass along the way.

(Top)
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Boatline© VISIT Milwaukee(Above)Milwaukee
Grohmann Museum© VISIT Milwaukee

Milwaukee(Above)Milwaukee
Bobblehead Museum© VISIT Milwaukee(Right)Milwaukee
Cheesehead Factory© VISIT Milwaukee

July/August 2021

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Manitowoc

Heading north, your next stop is Manitowoc, also along
the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Manitowoc
is the state’s Maritime Capital, so a must-see is the
Wisconsin Maritime Museum, where you can explore
60,000 square feet of high-tech interactive exhibits andvisit the WWII submarine, the USS Cobia. Head outside
to explore some of the 65 acres that make up Henry
Schuette Park, play disc golf at Silver Creek Park, orenjoy the wildlife at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Other must-do activities include a visit to
the Rahr West Art Museum where you get to enjoy
art exhibits and beautiful architecture, tour the 40acre Pinecrest Historical Village, learn all about farmingat the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, or pick afavorite stock-car driver and cheer them on as they
speed around the quarter-mile dirt track at the 141
Speedway.

FUN FACT:Manitowoc is home
to SS Badger,
the last coal-fired
passenger steamshipin the US. This a great
way to get to Michigan
without having to drivearound the lake!

Manitowoc(Top)
Manitowoc
Two River VCB(Above)Manitowoc
Farm WI Discover Center

Manitowoc

July/August 2021

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Green Bay

Further north, you’ll head towards the Frozen Tundra…
Green Bay! What is a visit to Green Bay without a stopat the legendary Lambeau Field? If you haven’t yet donea stadium tour, make sure to add that to your visit. You
even get to walk out the players’ tunnel to stand next to theesteemed field! Lambeau Field expanded their space andcreated the new Titletown District, which includes playgrounds,
outdoor events, live music, a tubing hill, a skiing area, a golf
simulator, bars, restaurants and more. The Titletown District
offers year-round experiences!
Be sure to wet your whistle while in town. As one of theoldest breweries in Green Bay, located in downtown,
Titletown Brewery offers fantastic brews while looking out at
the Fox River. A popular spot for locals and tourists coming
to Green Bay, they have many different beers to enjoy, andprovide guided brewery tours.
As you head out of town,
stop in De Pere, one of thegreat suburbs of Greater
Green Bay that features a
Riverwalk along the locks
on the Fox River and agreat spot to view the sunset!
It has become a local favorite forputting your own “love lock” on andtossing in your key. The Riverwalk
connects to the Fox River Trail that
continues for 26 miles.

Green Bay
Titletown Brewing Co

Green Bay
DePere Locks

Green Bay

Green Bay
Lambeau Field

July/August 2021

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Fox Cities

Just short 30-minute drive away is the Fox Cities,
consisting of 19 different communities. A whirlwind
tour of the Fox Cities starts with a mid-morning hike atHigh Cliff State Park. Gaze up at the limestone cliffs orlook out onto the shimmery waters of Lake Winnebago- perfect for a swim on a warm sunny day! Head overto Appleton for the next stop at the History Museum at
the Castle. One of the many art and culture museumsin the Fox Cities, the History Museum at the Castle
features an exhibit on one of the area’s most notable
residents, magician Harry Houdini. For lunch, grab abite to eat at Stone Arch Brewpub. Tucked along theFox River in a brewery built in 1858, Stone Arch is
the oldest continually running brewpub in the state of
Wisconsin, serving up handcrafted beer and awardwinning fried cheese curds. Wrap up a whirlwind
day with an afternoon at the ballpark. Appleton ishome to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a minor league
affiliate team of the Milwaukee Brewers. No afternoon
games that day? Check out the Fox Cities Performing
Arts Center to catch a Broadway production right here inAppleton, WI.
(Top Right)
Fox Cities
Downtown Appleton(Middle Right)
Fox Cities
Timber Rattlers
Fox Cities(Bottom Right)
Fox Cities
Hill Cliff State
Park Overlook

Fox Cities		
Stone Arch Brew Pub

July/August 2021

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RothschildOnce you’re done exploring the Fox Cities, continue north (andwest) to Rothschild to soak in small town Wisconsin. The villageof Rothschild is situated perfectly in the state, giving directaccess to each of the major arteries in Central Wisconsin. You
get access to numerous metropolitan areas while still enjoying
the small-town feel the village offers.
Rothschild offers fun for visitors all year round,whether it’s Logger’s Landing Indoor Waterpark with 50,000
square feet of wet and wild fun or Granite Peak, the largest ski
area in the Midwest. Nine Mile Forest welcomes cross-country
skiers in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer. And notrip to small-town Wisconsin is complete without shopping for
antique treasures (stop by Jackie’s Antique Mall) or enjoying an
Old-Fashioned at one of the local bars on Bingo night!

Rothschld

Bringing groups to Rothschild is easier than you may think. Not
only are there several hotels for your attendees to rest up for yourmeetings or activities, but Rothschild is also home to the Central
Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center with more than 55,000
square feet of event space.

Rothschild		Rothschild		
Biking Trails
PAVV
Rothschild
Aerial View

July/August 2021

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Rothschild
Sawmill|30

Eau Claire		Sounds Like Summer Concert Series		

Eau Claire
Outdoor Table		
Photography credit: Megan Zabel Holmes		According to Smart Asset, Eau Claire is the			third most livable small city in the			United States. So, whether you				are planning a vacation,a meeting for one or
Eau Claire				
1,000, the Eau Claire				area has everything you				
could ask for and more.

Eau Claire
Path next to river

July/August 2021

Eau Claire

After enjoying the small town feel of Rothschild, you’ll head towestern Wisconsin and visit Eau Claire. This city is located at
the convergence of the crystal-clear Eau Claire and Chippewa
Rivers and is referred to as the City of Bridges. Be sure to take time
to explore the city’s sculpture tour, which is the second largest in
the country. For you food lovers, did you know Eau Claire is thelargest grower and processor of horseradish in the world? Theysure are! If you’re into horseradish, I highly recommend their
Horseradish Hop where visiting local establishments to enjoy
their specialty horseradish items gets you prizes. If that’s notenough, the city is the Kubb Capitol of the Nation. What is
Kubb you ask? Kubb is a lawn game where the object is to knockover wooden blocks by throwing wooden sticks at them. The gamehas been described as a combination of bowling, horseshoes, andchess. It’s also known as “Viking chess.”

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La Crosse

Further west, drive towards La Crosse until you hit
the Mighty Mississippi River. Resting on the bordersof Minnesota and Iowa, La Crosse is located between
rugged, tall limestone bluffs and the river, making it oneof the most picturesque and breathtaking geographicalareas in the region. Year round, the views areamazing, as are the countless opportunities for activities
that take full advantage of the stunning topography. For
those meeting in La Crosse, it’s easily accessible byinterstate highways, Amtrak, and the La Crosse County
airport (both Delta and American fly into LSE).
Perched on the banks of the Mississippi and undergoinga $42 million renovation to be completed in the fall of2021, the La Crosse Center will boast nearly 150,000
square feet of flexible meeting space. The new prefunction and ballroom areas overlooking the Mississippi
River will provide meeting attendees with the one of themost unique meeting experiences in the Midwest. The
Center is within walking distance to downtown, as well.
Once in the Historic Downtown District of La
Crosse, you’ll revel in the charming architecture andvibrant atmosphere of the city’s lovely hotels, awardwinning restaurants, rooftop bars, specialty shops, artgalleries, coffee shops, boutiques, and more. For thosewith outdoor activities in mind, the gorgeous natural

La Crosse
La Crosse Centersurroundings make the most of fishing and boatingon the Mississippi, numerous hiking and biking trails,
downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing,
and apple orchards, plus
manmade adventures
within driving distancesuch as NASCAR
racing, La Crosse
Loggers Baseball,the Riverside
Amusement Park,
Amish Country
Tours, wineries
LaCrosseand much, much more.

La Crosse
La Crosse Center Riverfront

July/August 2021

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Wisconsin Dells

After a beautiful river-view sunset, pack up yourvehicle and head inland to the Waterpark Capital of
the WORLD, Wisconsin Dells! Start off your day by
grabbing a trademark latte with housemade syrup and adelicious lemon blueberry scone from Bella Goose Coffee
House to enjoy while overlooking the beautiful Wisconsin
River. Right from the same parking area, hop on theLower Dells Boat Tour. This tour shows some of thearea’s most famous rock formations, accompanied withtales of their rich and colorful history.
Once back on dry land, take the short drive to Chula
Vista Resort to check out their new, 10-story tall dualracing zipline, at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
It is the longest racing zipline course in the UnitedStates! After your action-packed morning, head backto downtown and grab a bite to eat at High Rock Café.
High Rock overlooks the downtown area and is easily
accessible. I recommend trying their garlic tots – to diefor! After a delicious lunch, you can do some shoppingat one of the many locally owned shops. You canfind everything from unique home goods to hand blown
glass sculptures.
End your Dells adventurewith a relaxing massage
at Sundara Spa.
Their Signature Body
Polish and Massage
is a one-of-a-kind
treatment utilizing
their signature products,
including their sandstone
body polish.

(Top)				(Above)
Wisconsin Dells			
Wisconsin Dells
High Rock Cafe			
Ducks(Below)
Wisconsin Dells
Scenic Riverwalk Entrance
Wisconsin Dells

You won’t regret it, I promise.

(Below)
Wisconsin Dells
Downtown

July/August 2021

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MadisonCapital aerial
Photography credit (All Photos): OVJ Photography

MadisonTurning our tour south, head to the state
capital, Madison, for another whirlwind day. Every
day-long tour needs to start with nourishment, so
enjoy a perfectly crafted latte and freshly made donut
at Ancora Café + Bakery. Walk towards Lake Monona
and tour the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona
Terrace Community and Convention Center. Make
sure you go up to the rooftop for a gorgeous view ofLake Monona. Heading back towards State Street,take a self-guided tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Visit the observation deck for sprawling views of
the isthmus, situated between Lakes Mendota andMonona. Once you’ve crossed “the Square,” you canstroll up and down State Street, checking out theMadison Museum of Contemporary Art and loads
of local shops.
For those looking for a more active way to tour
Mad City, rent a Madison BCycle and ride throughthe University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum,
which includes the oldest and most varied
collection of restored ecological communities in theworld. Now it’s time to rest and replenish. Take a seatat the indoor-outdoor bar at Everly (on Madison’s iconic
Monroe Street) and grab some California-inspired
cuisine for lunch.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Madison without enjoying thelakes surrounding downtown. You can rent a kayakfrom Madison Boats and paddle out to Lake Monona forgorgeous views of the Monona Terrace arches. Back onland, plan to unwind at Eno Vino Downtown and take inone of the best views of the Wisconsin State Capitol as
you sip a signature cocktail. Cap off the day with dinnerat Graze, serving fresh, farm-to-table fare.

MadisonMonona Terrace
MadisonIsthmus aerial

MadisonJuly/August 2021

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34

For garden lovers, take in the beauty of the awardwinning Rotary Botanical Gardens. A 20-acre home
to many dramatic and themed gardens, such as
the Children’s Garden, Japanese, and English Cottage
gardens. You’ll find over 26 different garden styles and
4,000 varieties of plants. The garden’s beauty changes
with each season and much of the garden is wheelchairand stroller accessible, with wide, level paths and many
benches to sit and take in the surrounding beauty.
The Rock County Historical Society is a resource forhistorical research, thought-provoking programming,and one-of-a-kind historic sites. At its center is theLincoln-Tallman House, an Italianate-style mansionthat was constructed in 1857 and occupied by William
Morrison Tallman, a lawyer and abolitionist. Abraham
Lincoln visited in October of 1859 prior to his electionin 1860. With many tours available, the Traditional
Tour narrative will focus on how a prosperous Victorianfamily would have lived, weaving in stories about the
Tallman family. In November and December, come forthe Lincoln-Tallman House Holiday Tour with the housedecked out in its holiday finery both inside and out.

Janesville

Janesville is the last stop on our state tour. No matter
where you are in Janesville, you’re never more thanminutes from outstanding hiking and biking with 60
improved parks and miles of peaceful trails including asegment of the iconic Ice Age Trail. No matter what timeof year you visit, the Ice Age Trail has much to offer.

Janesville
Rotary Botanical Gardens© Marsha Mood

Janesville
Lincoln-Tallman© Eric Panico

JanesvilleBlack Hawk Mural© Full Spectrum Photography

JanesvilleJuly/August 2021

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35Palm Beach

If you’re still itching to travel and only an airplane ride will
satisfy your attendees’ travel bug, fly south to The Palm
Beaches of Florida! When you land at Palm Beach
International Airport (PBI), you are already in the heartof Downtown West Palm Beach. The West Palm Beach
Convention, Arts & Entertainment District offers endlessdining, shopping, and entertainment options, all withinwalking distance of the Palm Beach County Convention
Center and the surrounding 1,200+ guestrooms thatmake up the district. The GBAC STAR™ accredited
facility features 350,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space,spacious pre-function areas boasting large windows
overlooking the city, a reimagined outdoor courtyard called
the Skyroom, directly connected to the 400-room Hilton
West Palm Beach.

Hilton West Palm Beach
Convention Center

Enjoy their focus on wellness by taking a short walkto Palm Beach Island and watch the sunrise over the
Atlantic Ocean or do an early morning outdoor yoga class.
If you have free time in the afternoon, rent a scooter
and ride along the waterfront, stroll through the Norton
Museum’s sculpture garden, or visit Grandview PublicMarket, to enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up from several
restaurants on their outdoor patio.
Evenings bring a new vibe to downtown West Palm
Beach. Indulge in one of the many restaurants at
Rosemary Square, like The Regional Kitchen by James
Beard-nominated Chef Lindsay Autry, or head to Clematis
Street with a plethora of options from traditional burgers
and tacos to more sophisticated gastronomic affairs.
Plus, you might catch a live outdoor concert on Clematis
Street or Broadway show at the Kravis Center. If you want
to try a quintessential Palm Beaches experience, board asunset cruise on the Hakuna Matata catamaran along theIntracoastal waterway.
Wherever you decide to travel to and explore this summer
and fall, stay safe, enjoy what you’ve missed over the lastyear or so, and “buy MPI” when you can!

Palm Beaches
The Ben Rooftop

Palm Beaches
Grandview Public Market

Do you have a group you’d
like to bring to one of these
destinations? Be sure toreach out to the contacts
on the next page to get more
information.

Palm Beach

July/August 2021

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36

RaeAnn Thomas

Dana Crosson

Sales Manager

Group Sales Manager(920) 686-3077(715) 829-2685

rthomas@manitowoc.info

dana@visiteauclaire.com

www.manitowoc.info

www.visiteauclaire.com

Fox Cities Convention &Visitors Bureau

Visit Milwaukee

Alison Hutchinson

Leslie Johnson

Group Sales Manager

Vice President of Sales(920) 343-3358(414) 287-4259

ahutchinson@foxcities.org

ljohnson@milwaukee.org

www.foxcities.org

www.visitmilwaukee.org

Discover The Palm Beaches

Greater Green Bay CVB
Denise Humphrey

Peggy Murray Hagaman

Senior Destination Sales Manager

Director of Sales(920) 770-1477(847) 691-4829

denise@greenbay.com

phagaman@thepalmbeaches.com

www.greenbay.com

www.thepalmbeaches.com

Janesville Area Convention &Visitors Bureau

Village of Rothschild

Lori Johnson

Leanna Holzem

Director of Meeting & Group Sales

Tourism Marketing Director(608) 757-3171(715) 359-3660

meetings@janesvillecvb.com

lholzem@rothschildwi.com

www.janesvillecvb.com

www.rothschildwi.com

Waukesha Pewaukee Convention &Visitors Bureau

Explore La Crosse
Jay Fanta

Deana HeinischDirector of Convention Sales

Group Sales Manager(608) 782-2298(262) 542-0330

fanta@explorelacrosse.com

deana@visitwaukesha.org

www.explorelacrosse.com

www.visitwaukesha.org

Wisconsin Dells Visitor &Convention Bureau

Destination Madison

Jessica Rieflin

Sarah Lemmers

Senior Sales Manager

Convention Sales Manager(608) 253-5701(608) 441-3943

jessica@wisdells.com

lemmers@visitmadison.com

www.wisdells.com

www.visitmadison.com

July/August 2021

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37

Destination Contacts

Manitowoc Area Visitor &Convention Bureau

Visit Eau Claire

Compiled by Jen Mell, CMP, Kathy Reading, & Maria Peot, CMP

Reggie Driscoll
was featured
in WI Meetings
Magazine in May. Checkout the article here: https://www.wisconsinmeetings.
com/2021/05/28/reggiedriscoll/.

Wanda Gilles started
a new job as a Senior
Executive Assistantto CEO & COO at veda, aninformation technology &services company.

1

4

Enjoy your new gig, Wanda!

Thanks for repping our industry so well, Reggie!

2

Shirley Kaltenberg
retired from Alliant
Energy Center at theend of last year after nearly
26 years as Sales Manager.
During her tenure, Shirley
worked on many successful
sports, corporate, community,and entertainment events.

Josh Wimmer
recently proposed tohis girlfriend, Amy
Schulz and officially becamea fiancé. Congratulations on
the engagement, Josh – we
expect the most fantastic
wedding photos + video
following your big day!

Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Shirley!

Happy wedding planning, Josh – you have lots of friends+ resources to help you along the way right here in yourMPI family!

Maria Peot, CMP has
joined MDS Association
Management as an
Account Manager. She is also
serving as the Event Director
for Community Organizations
Promoting the Arts (COPA)
and is focusing on their launch
event to be held on July 18 in
Fitchburg, WI.

Several Wisconsin
venues have achieved
GBAC STAR™, thecleaning industry’s only
outbreak prevention, response
and recovery accreditation forfacilities.

5

3

6

Alliant Energy Center, Hilton
Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Monona
Terrace Convention Center, The Maison Concourse,Saint Kate Arts Hotel, Wisconsin Center

Congrats Maria on your new endeavors!

July/August 2021

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MPI-WI September
Education Event Preview
By Jennifer Mell, CMP

When: Thursday, September 16, 2021
Where: Green Bay Packers Titletown
Lodging: Lodge Kohler
New year, maybe a new job...time for a new
photo! Whatever the reason, dress for thecamera on event day and get a new professional
headshot taken and sponsored by Made Ya Look.
Keep an eye on the chapter’s event webpage fordetails on the education topic, agenda, and exact
location within Titletown.
Get your smile ready!

n hsoi lcin...
m
a
c
a
s
n
t
s
r
lvl oto
Trdtoa vne,
Pictured: The Armory©Eric Panico

When you’re ready to plan your next meeting we want you to know that we’ve
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WEC RECAPWEC 2021 - it was one for the books!
By Cheryl Oswald, CMP, CMM
WEC 2021 represented a lot of firsts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

First in-person event post-COVID for many attendees
First event without masks (and ability to hug people - with approval of course!)
First large event in the new Caesars Forum space (if you plan meetings in Vegas - don’t miss out on this venue!)First major industry event at Allegiant StadiumFirst event on The Venetian new pool deck

But as WEC comes to a close the conference still lives on. It lives on in the new friends created and the old ones thatwere renewed, the new partnerships created, and the new experiences and lessons learned.
I won’t carry on with a bunch of words of what WEC is like or why you should come next year (San Francisco - anyone??)instead here’s my top 5 list along with some of my favorite photos taken from your very own members!

WEC Caesars Forum billboard

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WEC RECAP: in person experience

WEC Top Five List (in no particular order):1.
THE FRIENDSHIPS CREATED.

Being able to attend with your fellow planners and suppliers
is always a treat but being able to travel with your friends
is even better. Old friendships are strengthened, and new
friends are created at WEC.

2.

Enjoying the view from the top of the High Roller!

THE EDUCATION.

The general sessions were some of the best yet - (who canbeat Usher!), which led to better education breakouts. I wasable to gain value-added insight, not just about planning,
but about my development, my role as a leader and thestate of MPI. At the end all of this equals valuable CEU
credits (hint, hint for all those CMP renewals coming up!)

Usher Interview

WEC – Voices of Service

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WEC RECAP: in person experience3.

4.

THE PARTIES.

Let’s be real, it wouldn’t be a planner conference without aparty and WEC knows how to throw some great parties! The
opening night celebration at Allegiant Stadium was one forthe books!

THE EXPERIENCES.

WEC does allow you access to some great experiences
while attending the conference. As a CSR project,
MPI partnered with Foundation for Hospital Art where
attendees were able to paint pieces of a mural that will
go to local hospitals. And the President’s Dinner hosted“The Bumbys.” This is a group of anonymous performance
artists who provide “A Fair and Honest Appraisal of Your
Appearance” using nothing more than analog typewriters
and charming wit. Immediate-Past President Alison
Hutchinson got to take part in the fun!

Enjoying the “on the field” experience with chapter
members.

President, Shannon Timmerman, CMP and newmember Grace Donlin testing out their passing game

July/August 2021

(Top)The Bumbys(Above) Presidents Dinner – Alison

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WEC RECAP: in person experience5.
THE DESTINATION.

What’s a better place to host a conference
than Vegas? After re-opening on June 1st,
Vegas did not disappoint in showing WEC
attendees a great time. Vegas is open andready for business!

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WEC RECAP: virtual attendees on big screen

The MPI WEC Las Vegas
2021 Digital Experience
By Rebecca Staats & Melissa Falendysz, CMP

Meeting Professionals International always doessuch an amazing job with World Education
Congress, and this year was no exception –even for the online audience. After registering
for the MPI WEC Las Vegas Digital experience, registeredattendees received an email offering a short platform
introductory session called “Maximize Your WEC Digital
Experience + Pre-Event networking on twine.” The pre-event
webinar was hosted on June 8, 2021, and was informativeand showed us digital attendees how to build our schedules
and maximize our experience.
As MPI put it, “the live digital WEC” included a fully live andcomprehensive individualized experience with the ability tolearn, network and engage like never seen before, and they
delivered. In addition to that, the WEC Digital Experience
included programming exclusive only to the online audience,
like the WEC Today TV Show, (which I, Rebecca, tuned
into just to watch all of the in-person attendees pass byin the background!). The WEC Digital Experience also
included a Digital Connection and Career Center which wasavailable 24 hours a day. This was an area where digitalattendees could make appointments and find new businessconnections and sign up for help with their resumes or get
answers to questions from career guides.

Much like the in-person experience, the MPI WEC
digital experience was three exciting days full ofgreat content, and we digital attendees were able
to sit in on all the keynote speakers at WEC Las
Vegas through a live stream experience.

Much like the in-person experience, the MPI WEC digital
experience was three exciting days full of great content,
and we digital attendees were able to sit in on all the

July/August 2021... some of us virtual attendees even made it on the big
screen a few times during those keynotes!

keynote speakers at WEC Las Vegas through a live stream
experience. And some of us virtual attendees even made iton the big screen a few times during those keynotes!
All the virtual attendees we chatted with during the event
agreed that not being there gave us all major FOMO. There
were so many great education sessions, an awesome
women’s leadership panel discussion - and Melissa’s
personal favorite, an interview with Usher! Thank you to MPI
WEC and Freeman Company for all of your hard work behindthe scenes. While it was a bummer we weren’t able to attend
in person, you really provided a great experience for the
online audience. And of course - we are all hoping to be able
to attend MPI WEC San Francisco 2022 in person!

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WEC: wish you were here!

Wish You Were Here!
Mark your calendar for June 21 - 23, 2022 and make plans to celebrate MPI’s 50th anniversary at WEC in San Francisco, CA!!
Keep an eye on your email for updates on WEC 2022, registration opening, Hosted Buyer information and scholarships available
from the MPI Foundation to attend!

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WEC: wish you were here!

July/August 2021

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It’s Good to Do Business at Your place on the lake!
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Elkhart Lake, WI

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|

47

TM

SupplierProfile:Ed
Buchner
Tell us about your family: I have been married to my wife
Jenna for 20 years, and I have two great kids; Ellie is 10 and
Wyatt is 7.

Employer: Majic Productions
Job Title: Senior Account Representative
How many years have you been in the industry? 31 years!
What is your favorite thing about being an MPI-WI
member? The members I know are great, but I can’t wait totalk to the people I don’t know.
What is your favorite team or project you’ve worked on as
an MPI-WI member? I think the way the technology partners
have come together to form the Tech Avengers has beenpretty amazing. We love being able to educate MPI Wisconsin
members!
3-7 Things Unique to Your Company:
1. We have worked on five continents.
2. Majic has produced events for presidents, vice presidents, governors, prime ministers, and princes!
3. Our company was founded in 1999 by a 12-year-old.
4. Some musical artists we have worked with include José
Feliciano, Sheila E., KC and the Sunshine Band, andChicago.
5. We have done work for the NFL at two Super Bowls andfor the USGA at the US Open.
6. Majic is active in the community and commits nearly amillion dollars to charities and non-profit organizations.

July/August 2021

What are your hobbies and interests? One of my favorite
things I ever got to do was coach high school football. If I
could do that full-time I would (maybe when I retire).
Tell us about who you admire most and why: Baseballplayer Henry Aaron was one of the greatest people to haveever lived. What he did in a tumultuous time in American
history was amazing. Besides what he did on the field, hemade incredible accomplishments in forwarding the civilrights movement. He never bragged about it. He just did theright thing.
Favorite…
Song: Eleanor Rigby
Band: Pink Floyd
Artist: Todd McFarlane
Movie: The Lord of the Rings
Book: I Had a Hammer: The Hank Aaron Story
What is something that is still on your bucket list?
Australia
Tell us your words to live by or a favorite quote: Those
who stand for nothing fall for anything. -Alexander Hamilton

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July/August 2021

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49Enhance your meeting planningcareer with the MPI Academy
With hundreds of hours of free education for MPI members, the MPI Academy is your one-stop
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DATEBOOK: C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

NOVEMBEROCTOBERSEPTEMBER

AUGUST

2021
12

CHAPTER AWARDS GALA
Bradley Symphony Center
Milwaukee, WI

16

SEPTEMBER EDUCATION
Titletown District & Lodge
Green Bay, WI

21

OCTOBER EDUCATION
Marriott Madison West
Madison, WI

14-16

GREAT LAKES EDUCATIONSUMMIT
Fort Wayne, IN