NOVDEC
2018
VOL 40/NUM 5“MPI-WI Chapter is the bridge to knowledge, compelling ideas, andrelationships to create a voice in the meetings and events industry.”

STARTPLANNING.

©ADAM SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY; TOWN COUNCIL, NEENAH, WI

The Fox Cities offer
convenience, versatility
and venues for every typeof meeting. An array of
exceptional dining options,3,200+ hotel rooms
and group activities,
along with our walkable
downtown areas willcomplete your experience.
NEW in 2018 —Fox Cities Exhibition
Center (38,000 sq. ft. facility)

FoxCities.org/meeting

Plus Wisconsin’s
Best Shopping!

Contact Amy Karas at akaras@foxcities.org or 800. 236.6338

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November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																	NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

MPI-WISCONSIN
2018 -2019
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENTTAMARA JESSWEIN, CMPHID Global
tjesswein@hidglobal.com
PRESIDENT ELECTJOELLEN GRABER
Verona Area Chamber of Commercejoeygraber1@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
CLAUDIA CABRERA
Madison Marriott West Hotel & Conference Center
claudia.cabrera@atriumhospitality.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
TRACEY BOCKHOP, CMP
Meet Meetings
tracey@meetmeetings.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP
KATIE MCGINNISThe Iron Horse Hotel
kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSCHERYL OSWALD, CMP
Kohl’s Department Stores
cheryl.oswald@kohls.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONDANIELLE ZIEGLER, CMP, CVT
danielleaziegler@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTCATHY CLUFF
Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
cathy@visitoshkosh.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CARE
AMANDA RIDOUT
Harley-Davidson Museum
aridout@levyrestaurants.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMING
LIZ UNRUH
Wisconsin Center District
eunruh@wcd.org
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS, ADS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH
KATHY READINGThe Scan Group, Inc.
reading@scangroup.net

VOL 40 / NUM 5

Feature Articles
January Meeting Preview

8

Summer Socials Sizzle!

12

A Roaring 20s Awards Gala MPI-WI Chapter

14

Community Outreach Partner: Wisconsin Humane Society

16

It Pays to do Business with Members When the Flood Waters Rise

17

February in Madison

21

CMP 101

22

Thank you to our GLES Strategic Partners

272019 Strategic Partner Program27

Bidding for Good30

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Column

6

Food for Thought: Executive Chef Grant Baker

10

Food for Thought: Executive Chef Matt Reichard

21

Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Rieflin		

20

MPI-Wisconsin New Members & Anniversaries

24

Who's in the News

26

Supplier Profile: Joey Greeno

28

Planner Profile: Kellie Kienbaum

28

Board Member Profile: Nicole Ellickson		

30

CalendarBC

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONREBECCA STAATSAAA Wisconsin
rlstaats@aaawisconsin.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSNICOLE ELLICKSON, CMP
AFCC
nellickson@afccnet.org
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC, ALLIANCES, SPONSORSHIPS &FUNDRAISINGMEGAN GOSSENSWPS Health Solutions
megan.gossens@wpsinc.com
DIRECTOR OF WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, & PUBLIC RELATIONSSHERRY WOLFF
Kohler Hospitality
sherry.wolff@kohler.com

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

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|3

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Published bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter
CO-EDITORS
Denise Henson
Hilton Hotels
denise.henson@hilton.com
Chris Alberti, CMP
Derse
calberti@derse.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tracey Bockhop, CMP
Melissa Falendysz, CMP
Megan Gossens
Tamara Jesswein, CMP
Kathy Reading
Jessica Rieflin
Liz Unruh
Danielle Ziegler, CMP, CVT
GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tracey Bockhop, CMP
Tamara Jesswein, CMP
Kathy Reading
Studio 44 Photography

EDITOR'S NOTE

W

elcome to another issue ofAgenda – the premier resource
for communicating thehappenings within our chapter, the industry and more. As we enter into
the Holiday season where we are bustling to meet year end deadlines
and commitments, please take a moment to read and enjoy this issue.
Being privileged to get the first peak at each issue, I am consistently
amazed at the commitment of our leadership and members to provide
insightful and valuable information to us – whether it be on upcoming
events, industry trends, or serious issues facing all of us. What also
is humbling is the reminder that each article submitted is done on a
volunteer basis by industry professionals that we are proud to call ourcolleagues and friends.
We are always looking for volunteers to submit articles for future issues ofAgenda. Please do not be intimidated that you have to be a professional
writer or a guru on a particular subject. If you attended a chapter orindustry event, read an article that you think would be of interest to ourmembers, and would like to recap it for a future issue – please submit it!

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
January/February 2019
Deadline: November 15, 2018
March/April 2019
Deadline: January 15, 2019
May/June 2019
Deadline: March 15, 2019

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

WANT TO STRENGTHENA FRIENDSHIP AND AN INDUSTRY?

Refer aa friend
friend toto MPI.
MPI.
Refer
We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to help a colleague, friend, or young professional
experience the benefits of MPI membership. By giving this voucher to a future MPI member, you
a $50
new
memberjoins,
themwhoto usesusethisthe
will allow themWhen
to waive theapplication
fee. Also,for eachtell
new member
referralvoucher, you will receive $25 off your next membership renewal. Be sure to add your name andMyFriendMPI
promocode,
and
to
list
you
on
the
member ID to each voucher prior to giving it to a new member. After all, what are friends for?

application as the referring member. The newmember will receive $50 off their membership andyou’ll receive a $25 credit to apply toward yournext renewal.

Waive Application Fee of
4|

November/December 2018

New Member Name

$50.00Current Member

MPI Agenda									Address								Member ID
This voucher entitles a new member of MPI to waive the $50 appli-									{Madison, WI}

MEET IN THE FOREGROUND
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Looking to add anticipation and excitement to your next event?
Meet in the heart of the capital city in Wisconsinʼs most iconic
setting, steps away from ﬁne dining and entertainment.
Only at Monona Terrace.
Visit MononaTerrace.com.

©2018 Monona Terrace

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1/19/18 3:48 PM

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|

5

PRESIDENT'S COLUMNOn Sept. 20, the 1920s roared back into downtown Milwaukee with our2018 Gala. The event team exemplified the 2018 WEC theme by not justplanning this event, but creating a spectacular experience! It was an amazing evening;
you can read more about it in on page 14. Thank you to our Gala team, and all who worked
behind the scenes.

Tamara Jesswein, CMP
President, MPI-WI Chapter

We celebrated so many gracious and deserving award recipients! My sincerest
congratulations to one and all. We thank this year’s extraordinary award winners along withall of our member volunteers.
A volunteer is “a person
who expresses awillingness to undertakea service.” Beinga volunteer meansthat you are offeringsomething – somethingthat is not required nor
an obligation. You do notvolunteer for the pursuitof a monetary prize or
recognition.

A volunteer is “a person who expresses a willingness to undertake a service.” Being a
volunteer means that you are offering something – something that is not required nor an
obligation. You do not volunteer for the pursuit of a monetary prize or recognition.
I’d like to add a note to that last word “recognition.” Although we don’t volunteer specificallyto be recognized, when you volunteer and share your strengths within our MPI Community,
you do get recognized. Whether you are selling raffle tickets, working behind the scenes,or heading up an event team, your strengths shine and your peers recognize this. You areappreciated in our chapter, in MPI and in our industry.
I talked about offering more opportunities to volunteer as part of our mission for 2018-19.
With our new Community Outreach program there are many ways to volunteer. Pleasereach out to our Vice President of Communications, Cheryl Oswald, CMP to find out
more. If your interest lies in monthly programs, please reach out to our Vice President of
Education, Danielle Ziegler, CMP, CVT. If you have a skill set that includes sales, perhaps
assisting with sponsorships, raffle items or Bidding for Good would suit you, please reachout to our Vice President of Finance, Tracey Bockhop, CMP. Membership is always inneed of volunteers to assist with member care and recruitment, and you can contact ourVice President of Membership, Katie McGinnis.
I have mentioned how we need to build each other up and use our personal strengths tostrengthen our chapter. As you can see there are many ways to do this and I ask you all tothink about how best you can engage in our chapter. The rewards are plentiful!
With a break before our next chapter meeting on January 10, 2019, and as we enter theholiday season, consider during this mini-hiatus offering your volunteer services to local
community efforts throughout this time of giving.
Enthusiastically yours and Happy Holidays everyone,

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November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																		MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|7

January Meeting Preview
By: Liz Unruh

Join us at the January monthly programming event on Thursday, January 10 at the Great Wolf Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells.
During the month of December at the Great Wolf Lodge, thegrand lobby is decorated like a winter wonderland! One of
the main features is our ginger bread house, which guests
can actually eat inside of for an extra fee that goes to benefit
the Ronald McDonald House of Dane County. Santa makes
regular appearances, and it snows in the lobby 4 times a day!
The event will include lunch prior to an informative session by
by award-winning corporate and association event strategist
Lisa Meller CMP, CIS. Lisa will help bust myths, identify
roadblocks and give key industry insight in her presentation
Demystifying Strategic Meetings Management and Making a
Case to Stakeholders, followed by a reception hosted by theGreat Wolf Lodge.

If you are working towards earning your CMP, be sure toattend our pre-event, 90-minute CMP 101 session covering
the following five domains:• Strategic Planning• Site Management• Stakeholder Management• Financial Management• Marketing

This session will include presentations on the above topics,
along with handouts and sample test questions only available
to session attendees.
We also encourage you to invite your family and extend
your stay for a little winter getaway. The Great Wolf Lodge isknown for their awesome water parks which the whole family
would enjoy.

For more information on the event, visit www.mpiwi.org/events.

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November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																		January Speaker: Lisa Meller, CMP, CIS

L

isa is an award-winning corporate and association
event strategist with leadership skills and experiencein strategic event design, policy, project management,
sourcing, execution and analysis. Engaging, energetic,
and enthusiastic about our industry, she advocates for bestpractices in event management for rewarding experiences.
Lisa has been a third-party full service event management
entrepreneur and business leader in the industry since 2003 andis a Past President for MPI Orange County. Formerly Directorof Worldview Events North America, she is now Managing
Director for Meller Performance Events Group She was awarded
MPIOC’s 2014 Meeting Planner of the Year, 2016 Worldview Travel
Chairman’s Award, and is a 2018 Successful Women in Meetings
award recipient for Industry Leadership.
Lisa holds professional credentials as a Certified Meeting Planner,
Certified Incentive Specialist, and Certified Exhibition Manager.
She also earned her Green Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma for
Meetings in 2018 and in Event Design. On a personal note, she is
the current US Masters Diving reigning champion for Springboard& Platform diving. Her passion for excellence and her enthusiasm
for life is shared with those she touches.

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|

9

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Executive Chef Grant Baker
Great Wolf Lodge, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in North Carolina andlater Southwest Florida, Grant’s culinary journey started at an earlyage. Exposed to a multitude of cuisines and cultures in his childhoodcaused his passion for food to flourish. Combined with the timespent in his mother and grandmother’s kitchens, he knew a career inculinary arts was the path he wanted to take.
Prior to culinary school, Grant spent all 4 years of high school in
the prestigious Culinary Arts program at Hickory Ridge High School
under the guidance of former Johnson and Wales Associate Professor
and private business owner, Chef Felicia Pritchett. While in the
program, the foundation was laid for all he would encounter both inculinary school and working in professional commercial kitchens.
From there, Grant attended Johnson and Wales University inCharlotte, North Carolina, achieving his Associates Degree in
Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management. While attending culinary
school, Grant’s storied career with Great Wolf Lodge began at theproperty in Concord, North Carolina. Originally hired as a prep
cook, only performing simple tasks such as buffet carving, Grant
quickly excelled into roles across all areas of the food and beverage
operation at the lodge.
His jobs and responsibilities included execution of the Loose Moose
Kitchen buffet and ala carte restaurant Camp Critter. He also played
a role in the Lodge’s many banquet and catering events. By year
two, Grant was promoted to the role of Culinary Lead and earned aposition in the Great Wolf Lodge Emerging Wolves Program as well
as became a member of the mobile “SWAT” team, traveling to lodges
in Williamsburg, Virginia and Poconos, Pennsylvania to assist theiroperations. He took part in the opening of 2014, achieving “Pack
Member of the Month” honors twice along the way.
In 2016, Grant took his talents to the brand new Great Wolf Lodge
Resort opening in Southern California, and was promoted to therole of Sous Chef. Catering to a demanding market and high profile
guests, his skills and knowledge of the Great Wolf brand and productrefined copiously. Managing a staff of over 70 Pack Members acrosseight different F&B outlets brought out the best in his capabilities as aleader. During his time in California, Grant was also a part of the team
who travelled to Colorado to help open up the new Great Wolf Lodge
property located in Colorado Springs.

California Heirloom
Tomato and Avocado
Salad
INGREDIENTS½ ea. Hass Avocado, Sliced
7 ea. Cherry Tomato Halves
2 ea. Yellow Tomato Slices
2 ea. 5x6 Tomato Slices½ ea. Lime, Juiced
1 TBS olive oil
Salt and Pepper, TT
1 oz. Red Onion, Julienned
2 TBS. Cilantro, Chopped
1 ea. French Baguette Slice, Bias Cut, Grilled
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS• Arrange the 4 slices of tomato on center ofplate. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a bowl, combine avocado, cherry
tomatoes, lime juice, onion and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
• Arrange on top of tomato slices.
• Sprinkle top with cilantro.
• Garnish with baguette slice.

In February of 2018, Grant relocated once again to the Great Wolf
Lodge property in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, earning the title of
Executive Chef. He and his team wasted no time in updating theF&B operation with fresh new ideas, food, and service. Installing
creative and exciting new menu offerings, banquet presentation, anddisplays, he and his team are focused on providing their guests an
unforgettable experience.

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November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																										MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|11

SummerSocials Sizzle!

Milwaukee Summer Social

by Tamara Jesswein, CMP & Kathy Reading

Summer meeting recess is never a reason to stay away from
our MPI friends. Members gathered in three cities over thesummer for networking and fun.

M A DI SON
In July, we gathered at the Capital Square in Madison to
enjoy Jeans 'n Classics, featuring the music of Journey
and Queen. Thank you, Greater Madison Convention
and Visitors Bureau, for sponsoring this “Concerts on the
Square” gathering.

O S H KOSH
On August 7, we met for a reception at the Ground Roundand then enjoyed the Country Rock sounds of the 308’s
outside at the Leach Amphitheater in Oshkosh. Thanks to
the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention
Center and the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau forsponsoring.

Photo by Kathy Reading

Fox Cities Summer Social

M I LWAU K EE
On August 16, the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel and Visit
Milwaukee treated us to an elegant rooftop gathering. Thankyou to our sponsors for the spectacular venue, appetizers,
cocktails and hospitality!

Photo by Tamara Jesswein, CMP

Madison Summer Social

Photo by Tracey Bockhop, CMP
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November/December 2018

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

MPI Agenda

Formerly Country Springs Hotel2 6 2 . 5 4 7. 0 2 0 12810 Golf Road
Pewaukee, WI 53072
theinglesidehotel.com

November/December 2018|13

A ROARING 20s Awards Gala

MPI-WI Chapter
By: Jessica Rieflin... WEC 2018
planners wentout of their
way to ensure
delightful
experiences at
every turn ...

A roaring good time was had by all at this year’s 2018 MPI-Wisconsin Gala! The Miller High Life Theatre
was the perfect venue to execute such a spectacular event. Over 115 members and guests attended theglamourous affair.
The Awards Gala Team worked assiduously to put together this year’s event, which went off without a hitch!
The night began with a lively reception in the Miller Highlife Theatre Ticket Lobby. Dapper gent’s and darlingdames enjoyed specialty era cocktails while bidding on the large array of silent auction items.
From there we moved to the Grand Rotunda, where we enjoyed delicious 20s era themed dinner and wine,compliments of Levy. Thank you Levy!
Wanda Gilles, Shannon Timmerman, CMP, and Michelle Tyo-Johnson were our emcees for the evening,
and they did a bang-up job of keeping us entertained! Well done ladies, you’re the cat’s meow!
For 2018-2019 we announced a new format for our charitable giving. Instead of working with multiple
organizations, we will be joining exclusively with the Wisconsin Humane Society! With our donations
throughout the next year, we will be able maximize our giving dollars to help our furry friends in need.
Our Live Auction was a smash, thank you to everyone who bid in our live and silent auctions. Our Chapter
would not be able to thrive without your support.
Claudia Cabrera passed the torch to our new MPI-Wisconsin President, Tamara Jesswein, CMP. Thankyou to Claudia for a very successful 2017-2018! Tamara, we are looking forward to having you as our leader
and Chapter President for the 2018-2019 year. Your hard work and dedication paid off. Congratulations!

Congratulate
our Award Winners
President’s Award ~ Danielle Ziegler, CMP, CVT
Industry Partner Award ~ Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau

President's Award

Team of the Year Award ~ Spring Education Day
Rising Star Award ~ Sherry Wolff
Industry Advocate Award ~ Shannon Timmerman, CMP
Supplier of the Year ~ Cathy Cluff
Planner of the Year ~ Alison Huber, CMP

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November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																		This year we honored our newest MPI-Wisconsin
Hall of Fame Recipient, Laura MacIsaac, CMP.
With numerous accolades already under her belt
Laura was honored for her many contributions to
our Chapter. Congratulations Laura, well deserved!
Now onto our 2018 Award Recipients. You all are
all extremely talented and well-deserving. We
appreciate all of your efforts over the past year.

Silent Auction Winner

After a great evening at the Miller High Life Theatre,
we had the pleasure of attending the Afterglow
Reception at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center’s
Monarch Lounge.
Champagne was flowing, extraordinary desserts
were had, and fantastic music was provided, allcourtesy of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center/
Marcus Hotels and Resorts.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank all of oursponsors who made this event possible:

Mugging

Miller High Life Theatre
Levy
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Majic Productions
Studio 44
Marqee Event Rentals
The Scan Group
Metcalfe’s Market
Travel Dubuque
Grand Geneva

Our success as a Chapter would not be
possible without you, so thank you!
What an incredible night it was. Thank you to
the 2018 Awards Gala for your diligent efforts
to make this event happen. Hat’s off to the2018 Awards Gala Team!

In the Spirit

Until next time Ladies and Gents.
Toodle–oo!

Photography provided by Shaun Pitts and Luke
Mekuly of Studio 44. Please see mpiwi.org for
more photos of this event.

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|15

Community Outreach Partner:
Wisconsin Humane Society
By Kathy Reading

We’re feeling all warm and fuzzy about our new 2018-19
Community Outreach Partner, the Wisconsin Humane Society.
This exciting new partnership was announced at our MPI
Annual Gala, where we were introduced to Vice Presidentof Development, Jenny Nimtz Mueller and her puppy friend,
Octavia.
Thank you all for your outstanding voting response to oursurvey. Our member choice will allow us to nurture a richer,friendlier, long-term commitment and fulfill our goals to:• Engage and excite us all• Share our members’ hearts and substantial talents to serve
our partner, and...

• Provide a more meaningful connection with the charity's
missionAs Jenny stated: “Octavia and our entire team are honored
to be selected by your group for this new partnership. The
Wisconsin Humane Society is so gratified by the warm heartsin Wisconsin. It’s only through community partners like you that
we are able to successfully serve animals and people acrossour six locations.”
The Wisconsin Humane Society’s work includes a comprehensive adoption program that finds homes for 13,000 homelesscompanion animals annually, humane education opportunities
that serve more than 8,000 children each year, and a wildlife
hospital that cares for more than 5,000 wild animals every year.

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November/December 2018

With our MPI member’s commitment, generosity, and talent,
we know we can help our new partner!
WANT TO START HELPING?
• Holiday gift idea
Purchase delicious coffee from Grounds & Hounds and 20%of the proceeds comes back to WHS. 			
http://groundsandhoundscoffee.com (mention WHS as
beneficiary in comment section)• Donate your old cell phones!
WHS can earn up to $100 per phone! WHS participatesin a cell phone recycling program which helps protect theenvironment while simultaneously bringing in funds to help
animals in Wisconsin. Save your old cell phones and depositin donation box at any MPI WI event.
• Corporate payroll deduction
WHS is part of a workplace giving organization called
Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee. If your company
would like to participate in this payroll deduction support,
contact Jenny Nimtz Mueller at (414) 431-6128.
We’ll have more opportunities for support as volunteers,
event committees, cash and in-kind donations to help serve
our furry, finned and feathered friends. If you’re interested
in helping as a Community Outreach Director, please let theCommunications Team know.
Thank you!

MPI Agenda																										It Pays to do Business with Members
When the Flood Waters Rise“

By: Tracey Bockhop

When it rains it pours!” On Monday,
Aug. 20, it literally and figuratively
poured and it did not stop. Overall
12 inches fell in less than 24hours around the Middleton area while, as athird-party planner, I had over 480 attendees
enjoying beverages at a reception.
The rain started off heavy and never slowed
down. Numerous times during the reception
we made announcements to hang tight andwait it out rather than drive home. Little did
we know some local attendees would need
to wade through water to get home. Around
9 p.m., after cleaning up registration anda quick stop to change out the bad shoedecision I made, I was off to the bar to mingle
with attendees and see how we can improve.
Shortly after getting a drink I started to notice
how bad it really was outside.
Within a short time, we knew we had totake some action steps. I remember sitting in on MPI
emergency preparedness sessions thinking “when will I
ever need this?” Those valuable sessions helped me takeaction. Throughout the night my client and I checked inon all attendees asking if they had a place to stay and ifthey needed anything. We were using two overflow hotels
that we no longer could send attendees back to due tothe high waters. We proceeded to pass out toothbrushes
and toothpaste to attendees who could not get home andensure them, we were there if they needed anything.
It was nearing midnight when I contacted my sales contact,
Jen Hlavachek who was checking in on the status of theother guests at their hotels. We were using both the Hilton
Garden Inn Madison West/Middleton and Fairfield Inn &Suites by Marriott Madison West/Middleton for overflow
rooms. She stepped right into action and never stopped;even when I called back again at 5:30 a.m., she answered.
Jen and her staff did everything they could to make sure
our attendees were safe and as comfortable as possible.
With all of the flooding, communicating directly with the
hotels were difficult. Their staff drove back and forththrough the water to ensure everyone was able to get out
safely and start the recovery.
In total, we lost over 22 cars. The staff with the North
Central Group helped us retrieve items left in vehicles. I
was so grateful to be working with an MPI-WI member who
I consider a good friend through our time together with thechapter. When it
really came down tohard conversations
and the reassurance
I needed that we
could get throughit, it was amazing tohave them always
pick up the phoneand say yes. I knowthat they were also
going through a lot
with the safety of
their own staff, butthey still managed tosmile and take careof us as well without
question.
Now I am not saying
we did everythingright, looking back I made one major mistake in not taking
a role call for attendance to see who was missing during
breakfast. If we knew who did not make it in, I could have
had their manager give them a call just to do a safety checkon them. However, I do know that I am so glad I was working
with Jen and that I had a reliable MPI friend to call when I
needed one.

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|17

Coming in 2020

Brookfield is located along the I-94
corridor, and conveniently situatedbetween Milwaukee, Madison, Racine/
Kenosha and the Green Bay area. Home
to 16 hotels, 150 restaurants 3 million
square feet of shopping, Brookfieldprovides a cost-effective option forcorporate events and social functions ina safe, suburban setting. The Brookfield
Conference Center, with an anticipatedopening date in 2020, is a natural choice;desired by event planners and guests
alike. See pictures of the ground breaking
ceremony and construction progress atvisitbrookfield.com!

54,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose conference center.
18,000 sq. ft. ballroom and a 6,000 sq. ft. ballroom are modular toaccommodate events of all types and sizes.
State of the art boardroom has built-in technology suited for all formsof conferencing and presentations.
10,000 sq ft pre-function atrium.
9,000 sq ft outdoor space.
On-site catering and beverage service available.
168 sleeping rooms available at attached Hilton Garden Inn.
Additional 389 sleeping rooms within walking distance of Conference Center.
1,116 more rooms within a 1-mile radius of the Conference Center.
2,512 sleeping rooms within a 3-mile radius making Brookfield the
2nd largest cluster of hotel rooms in SE Wisconsin.

800-388-1835 www.visitbrookfield.com

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November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																										Brookfield Conference Center
Project Underway

Restrooms

Pre-Function
Restrooms

Link to Hilton Garden Inn

Ballroom
18,000 sq
sq.. ft.

Outdoor Courtyard
9,000
000 sq.. ft.

Ballroom
6,000 sq
sq.. ft.

Receiving

KitchenBoardroom

A Complete Destination- A new architectural cornerstone is coming to southeastern Wisconsin. The Brookfield
Conference Center completes Brookfield as Wisconsin’s go-to destination for leisure and business events. Located along the I-94
corridor between Milwaukee, Madison, Racine/Kenosha and the Green Bay area, Brookfield is a convenient, suburban option forcorporate events and social functions. You and your guests will enjoy all the area has to offer- a state of the art conference center, 3
million sq ft of shopping, 17 hotels, 150 restaurants, and a relaxed suburban setting.
The Art of Collaboration- A partnership between The City of Brookfield and Visit Brookfield brought the Brookfield
Conference Center to life. Plans began in 2017 and took major steps forward in June 2018 when the Brookfield Common Council
and Plan Commission voted to accept initial designs. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2018. Anticipated opening
date for the Brookfield Conference Center is first quarter 2020.
Connecting Design and Function- Art and design meet to form a beautiful and functional space for business and leisureevents, while adding a distinctively modern element to event planning. The Brookfield Conference Center boasts 44,000 sq. ft. of total
meeting space. A 10,000 sq. ft. atrium will welcome guests. An elegant glass walkway connects the conference center to an attached
168 room Hilton Garden Inn, while a 9,000 sq. ft. outdoor plaza completes the exterior. Intuitive design of an 18,000 sq. ft. ballroom
and an additional 6,000 sq. ft. ballroom allows both spaces to be modified to accommodate a variety of layouts and events.
Visit Brookfield is pleased to present the Brookfield Conference Center.
We invite you to call (262) 789-0220 for more information or to book your event for 2020 and beyond.

800-388-1835 www.visitbrookfield.com

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|19

VOLUNTEERSPOTLIGHT

JESSICA RIEFLIN

February inMadisonBy: Liz Unruh

We invite you to attend our first Friday morning breakfast
education meeting on February 8th at Monona Terrace
Community & Convention Center in Madison.
The event will start with a delicious breakfast by Monona
Catering prior to our education session with a surprise
speaker. We’ll follow this with a hosted reception andproperty tours by Monona Terrace.
Outstanding events like our recent Gala don’t happen
without a team of happy volunteers. Thank you Gala
team!! One of our behind-the scenes volunteers,
Jessica Rieflin, managed the Gala donations whichcome in from many supportive sources, (including
a generous donation from Jessica’s own Great
Wolf Lodge). Jessica managed donation requests,
coordinated forms and responses, and helped
assemble Gala baskets for the silent auction.
Thank you Jessica!

• Meeting Design 		• Project Management• Risk Management 		

• Human Resources______________________________________________________
MPI-WI appreciates the support of Monona Terrace
Community and Convention Center to help us enhance our
education schedule by offering a Friday breakfast meeting
and we encourage all to attend. For more information, visit
www.mpiwi.org/events.

If you’d like to find a volunteer role that’s justright for you, contact Katie McGinnis
kmcginnis@theironhorsehotel.com
414-831-4619 to hear how you can help.

Current Volunteer Opportunities Include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Community Outreach Coordinator
October Education Day Photographer
Facebook Coordinator
Instagram Coordinator
Twitter Coordinator
Photo File Manager
Team Member(s) January Education Day 		(Great Wolf Lodge)• Team Member(s) February Education Day(Monona Terrace Convention Center)• Team Member(s) April Education Day (Ingleside)20

After the event and a short break for lunch, we invite all
those working on earning their CMP, to attend our last
90-minute CMP 101 session. This session will include
presentations on the remaining domains below, as wellas handouts and sample test questions only available tosession attendees.

|

November/December 2018

Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center - Locatedon the shores of Lake Monona, Monona Terrace is Madison's
premier convention center for any conference, meeting, or
special event. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Monona
Terrace offers guided tours, weekly special events, and arooftop terrace featuring food and drink from Lake Vista Cafe
open June-August.
In November 2015, Monona Terrace was certified as a “green
building” at the Gold Level by the U.S. Green Building Council’s
prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designfor Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) program. Monona Terrace
was previously certified at the Silver Level in 2007. Thisaward recognizes the continued efforts of Monona Terrace topromote a whole-building approach to sustainability.

MPI Agenda																										FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Executive Chef Matt Reichard
Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI

Monona Catering boasts its professionalteam including Executive Chef, Matt
Reichard. Chef Reichard joined the opening
team for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona
Terrace Convention Center as Executive
Chef in April 1997.
Prior to this, he spent eight years as Sous
Chef for Kelber Catering at the Minneapolis
Convention Center. This experience
included an event of 8000 for Super Bowl
XXVI, and a special dietary event for 2000
guests for the American Heart Association,in which each item served was tested for
low fat, low salt, and nutritional value.

Caesar Salad with Fried
Oyster Croutons for Two

Chef Reichard has extraordinaryorganizational skills, which allows

2 ea. egg yolks
1-2 garlic cloves
1 lemon, juiced
6-8 anchovy filets
2 tsp. Dijon mustard½ cup grated parmesan cheese½ cup canola oil½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 head romaine lettuce chopped
16 freshly shucked oysters
Seasoned flour
Egg wash
Panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for deep frying

his Culinary Team to flawlessly
produce as many as 2400 meals,
involving 27 different types ofentrees for 13 separate events in
one evening!

Blend yolks, garlic, lemon juice and Dijon in blender. Slowly add both oils
the cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
Bread oysters by dipping in seasoned flour, then egg and finish in Panko.
Heat oil to 350 degrees, then fry oysters until golden brown. Drain on
paper towel lined plate.
Toss romaine lettuce in an amount of dressing to your taste, place on
dinner plate and arrange oysters around salad. Top with more grated
parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.

MPI Agenda

Chef Reichard and his team are dedicatedto customization of all aspects of yourservice and menu planning, which includes
organic and local products, all mannerof ethnic and cultural needs and, whenpossible, adaptation of favorite family
recipes for your special occasion. At theMonona Terrace Convention Center, ourpassion is to tailor menus that enhanceyour vision and deliver an exceptional andinspirational experience for events.

November/December 2018|21

CMP 101

Thinking about your CMP certification but don’t know where to start?
Join MPI-WI for our new and improved CMP 101 info sessions,occurring the same day as each monthly education event.

CMP 101

CMP 101

CMP 101

DOMAIN REVIEWDOMAIN REVIEWPROCESSSUMMARY OF& CONTENTJANUARY 10, 201910:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
(90 minutes)

FEBRUARY 8, 201912:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(90 minutes)

MAY 16, 201910:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(45 minutes)

Meeting Design
Project Management
Risk Management
Human Resources• Review application process• Take sample test
• Receive clarification on test
materials and concepts• Get advice on “day of” exam
preparation

•
•
•
•
•

Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Site Management
MarketingStakeholder Management

This session will include
presentations on the above
domain topics, as well as handouts
and sample test questions only
available to session attendees.

•
•
•
•

This session will include
presentations on the above
domain topics, as well as handouts
and sample test questions only
available to session attendees.

WE ARE BUSINESS MEETS PLEASURE
THIS IS WHO WE ARE. Conferences and meetings, celebrations and beginnings. We are galasand dinners, speakers and conversations. We are the meeting place of business and pleasure.

800.867.9453
WildernessResort.com

22|56,000 SQ. FT. • 1,055 LODGING UNITS • FREE PARKINGGRAND BALLROOMS • BREAKOUT ROOMS • ON-SITE CATERING

Part of Wilderness Resort...America’s Largest Waterpark Resort!
Wilderness Hotel | Glacier Canyon Lodge | Wilderness on the Lake | Wild Rock Golf Club | Sundara Spa

November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																										MEET1 W. Dayton St. Madison WI 53703 | 608 257 6000 | concoursehotel.com

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|

23

MPI WISCONSIN
New Members
GINA M. HARTL
Sales Manager
Red Lion Hotel Paper
ValleyCAITLIN PEIRICK
Events Manager
Wisconsin Cheese Makers
Association

BRENDA KIRBY
Senior Administrative
Specialist
Wipfli LLP

BARBARA PLANTE
Sales Support Specialist
AAA

SARAH LEMMERS
Convention Sales Manager
Greater Madison Convention& Visitors Bureau

GEOFFREY SANDLER
Owner
Celebrations Entertainment
DAWN WHITNEY
Director of Sales
Destination Lake Winnebago
RegionAnniversaries

Meetin
Wisconsin!
search these properties& hundreds more at

WisconsinLodging.org
DOOR COUNTY
Landmark Resort
4929 Landmark Drive, Egg Harbor, WI
920/868-3205 | thelandmarkresort.com
Meeting rooms: 10; Sleeping rooms: 260; F&B: Yes
Simplify your meeting planning.
Beautiful Door County venue with eight of ten
meeting rooms featuring a water view. All suites.
GREEN BAY
Kress Inn & Bemis Conference Center
300 Grant Street, De Pere, WI
920/403-5100 | kressinn.com
Meeting rooms: 10; Sleeping rooms: 46 F&B: Yes
Experience our boutique style Inn on the scenic
St. Norbert College campus. Exceptional lodging &conference facilities in a quiet educational setting.

1 YEARSLORI KONKLERGroup Sales Manager
Visit Eau Claire

MEGAN J. BRUCKSCHEN
Sales Associate
Manitowoc Area Visitor &Convention Bureau

CINDI MCLEOD
Director of Sales & Business
Development
Bartolotta Restaurant
Group

KAYLA CHATTERTON
Education Coordinator
Wisconsin Hospital
Association
GERALDINE CIANCANELLI
Wedding Sales Manager
The Abbey Resort

TRICIA SMITH
Hotel and RestaurantManagement Instructor
WCTC

GREEN LAKE
Heidel House Resort & Spa
643 Illinois Avenue, Green Lake, WI
920/294-3344 | heidelhouse.com
Meeting rooms: 16; Sleeping rooms: 177; F&B: Yes
Inspire your attendees with creative team-building
activities and stunning lake views from meeting
spaces at Heidel House Resort & Spa.

BREANNE IVENS
Event Manager
Rev360

5 YEARSNICOLE R. ELLICKSON
Meeting Manager
Association of Family andConciliation Courts

24|

JUDY KELLER
Events Manager
Wisconsin Cheese Makers
Association

November/December 2018

SHEBOYGANBlue Harbor Resort & Spa
725 Blue Harbor Drive, Sheboygan, WI
920/452-2900 | BlueHarborResort.com
Meeting rooms: 10; Sleeping rooms: 180; F&B: Yes
Blue Harbor on Lake Michigan offers scenic meetings
spaces for groups of 10 to 1000. Just one houraway from Milwaukee and Green Bay.

MPI Agenda																										WHY THE“FOOT OF THE LAKE”
SHOULD NOW BE AT THE
TOP OF YOUR LIST.

Hotel Retlaw Lobby | thehotelretlaw.com

Dedicated to meeting excellence andexceeding expectations.
In December, downtown Fond du Lac will celebrate the opening of theHotel Retlaw, one of the Midwest’s finest affordable urban luxury
properties. This historic hotel features 127 luxurious guest rooms
including 11 Specialty Suites and a Grand Presidential Suite. Flexible
meeting space and upscale boardrooms coupled with modern
technology, provides an exceptional setting for corporate meetings,
conferences, and social events.
The region’s Conference District features 14,000 square feet of event
space, including a 10,000 square foot reception area, multiple breakout
rooms, pre-function areas and 440 combined partner guest rooms(700 rooms citywide).

Thinking (and meeting) outside the box.
Beyond the traditional, Fond du Lac and the Lake Winnebago
Region offers meeting planners a variety of creative (and memorable)
event venues.
Most prominent among these venues is the world-class Thelma Sadoff
Center for the Arts (just one block from the new Hotel Retlaw).
Check out our website for more unexpected venues! If you dreamit, Fond du Lac can make it happen.

And that thing about all work and no play?
Fond du Lac and theLake Winnebago Region
Featuring
Legendary Wisconsin
Hospitality!
The fact is, there’s no more convenient
meeting location in Wisconsin than
Fond du Lac — within an hour of 70% of
the state’s major population centers. Thatmeans less time on the road, and moretime for work and play (or is it play
and work?).

That concept doesn’t exist in Fond du Lac and the Lake Winnebago
Region. We know that the success of business events is often just as
much a function of the fun attendees have after hours — fun they takehome with them, and share with their peers.
Fond du Lac doesn’t disappoint with one of the largest fresh water lakes
in America for fishing, boating, sailing and other water sports.
There’s also the natural beauty of Kettle Moraine State Forest andHoricon Marsh.
Spectacular golfing, scenic biking and hiking trails, boutique shopping,adventurous dining.
A downtown that lights it up with arts, entertainment and nightlife.

Enjoy a FAM tour of the Region, take a tour of our new luxury hotel,
hear about the $5 million in new construction and remodeling in our
Conference District and enjoy all that’ll put Fond du Lac and theLake Winnebago Region at the top of your meeting destination list.

FDLmeetings.com | 800.937.9123 x104
MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|25

Please let us know of any MPI member news for
future Agenda issues: reading@scangroup.net.

AMANDA RIDOUT was featured on
the October issue of The Meeting
Professional – the MPI monthly magazine.
The issue shines the spotlight onmuseums as unique venues for distinctive
events. As the sales manager of HarleyDavidson Museum, Amanda’s role allows
her to create memorable experiences forher clients’ events.
BECKY MELCHI, CMP, has been
appointed as director of sales for
Wingspread Retreat & Executive
Conference Center, the landmark Frank
Lloyd Wright property located in Racine,
Wisconsin. Chris Steffich, Benchmark’s
general manager at Wingspread, says:

VISIT Milwaukee. “The website uses
stunning photography, engaging
videos, and interactive tools to highlightthe wonderfully random ways thatmake Milwaukee a must-experience
destination, and it is thrilling to bechosen as this year’s Destiny Award
recipient,” Suardini said. Check out
the website for a treasure trove of
information. We love the new look andthe terrific work from VISIT Milwaukee.

“We are very pleased that Becky has
accepted this position with the Johnson
Foundation at Wingspread Retreat &Executive Conference Center,” said
Mr. Steffich. “We look forward to her
successful leadership of this new
initiative, created by the Johnson
Foundation and Benchmark.

Amanda calls the Harley-Davidson
Museum “quintessentially Milwaukee,”and describes how it tells a fantastic
story about the growth and tenacityof an American icon. According toAmanda,“Many of the stories told in
the museum exhibit about the HarleyDavidson Motor Company are relatable
and inspiring to our corporate clients.”
We think Amanda’s story is just as
inspirational. Don’t miss it!

CAMERON TESKE of Greater Green
Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
was recognized by Meetings &Conventions as one of this year’s 30
under 30 Class of 2018. http://www.
meetings-conventions.com/News/
Industry-Associations/DestinationsInternational-30-Under-30-2018/26|

Becky Melchi previously held theposition of senior sales manager for
The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, in
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where she
specialized in the national corporate
and association markets. Becky, wewish you all the best in your newleadership position!

VISIT MILWAUKEE was recently
recognized at the U.S. Travel
Association’s ESTO Conference witha Destiny Award for its website, www.
visitmilwaukee.org. The DestinyAwards acknowledge outstanding
destination marketing at local andregional level. The site was redesigned
and relaunched earlier this year inpartnership with Hanson Dodge agency.
“It is an honor to be recognized byour peers in the tourism industry,”
said Megan Suardini, vice president
of marketing & communications for

November/December 2018

MPI Agenda

JOELLEN GRABER was featured inthe Verona News, reporting on her newrole as the Verona Area Chamber ofCommerce’s new tourism coordinator.
The role will have her coming up withand recruiting new events to the city,
working with other municipalities’
chambers, marketing events andencouraging people to visit Verona.
“We’re very excited,” Le Jordan, thechamber’s executive director, said. “It’sbeen a long time coming for Verona.
We’re looking forward to all of the
progress that it’s going to produce.”
JoEllen’s prior experience as an
event planner for Special Olympics
Wisconsin, Vitense Golfland, H+H
Surgical Technologies, Harley Davidson
and the Wisconsin Lottery allows her tounderstand event planners' needs. She
can sell Verona better because sheknows what event planners are looking
for in a venue. JoEllen, Verona is lucky
to have you!

									to our current GLES StrategicPartners. This event would not
be successful without you!

2019 StrategicPartner Program
By: Megan Gossens

M

PI-WI has had an extremely successful year thus far,both as a chapter and as individual members. 2018has brought many exciting opportunities for MPI-WI
and we hope to continue this for years to come. Our chapter’s
accomplishments could not have been attained without ourstrong partners and the support of our industry and members.
At this time, we are reaching out to past partners and arelooking to secure new partners to join us in this great adventure.
As a team, we have given the strategic partner programa facelift. We’ve streamlined benefits to better serve ourpartners and to help focus on what they need. All of the same
opportunities are available, with added offerings for 2019.
We’re excited to connect with you and are available to answer
any questions you may have about the program or otheropportunities that arise during the year. Thank you for yourcontinued support and consideration – please let us know if you
would like to join this elite group of partners!

2018 STRATEGICALLIANCE PARTNERS
PLATINUM LEVEL
Kalahari Resort
Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau

GOLD LEVEL
Alliant Energy Center
Best Western Premier Waterfront Oshkosh
Blue Harbor Resort
Fond du Lac Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau
Grand Geneva
Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Ingleside Hotel (Country Springs)
Lambeau Field - Green Bay Packers
The Madison Concourse Hotel
Metropolis Resort
Monona Terrace
The Osthoff Resort
The Ridge
Visit Brookfield
Visit Lake Geneva
Visit Milwaukee
Waukesha Pewaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau
Wilderness Territory

SILVER LEVEL
Explore La CrosseGreater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Stevens Point Convention and Visitors Bureau
MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|27

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|27

SUPPLIER

PLANNER

Joey Greeno

Kellie Kienbaum

Kalahari Resorts andConventions
Assistant Director of SalesWPS Health Solutions
Event Specialist
How long in the meetingsindustry? Six years

How long in the meetingsindustry? 26 years
Tell a bit about your company
and/or current position:
Dedicated to making event
planning a breeze, Kalahari
Resorts and Conventions has
unparalleled hospitality andeverything you need for a
successful event — first-class service, premium dining,customizable meeting spaces, world class spa, America's
biggest and best in family-friendly entertainment, plus awhole lot more — all under one roof. Opening September
2019, we’re also adding 125,000 square feet of additional
meeting and convention space in the Dells, including a
52,000-square-foot ballroom, for a grand total of 234,000
square feet. I have been with Kalahari Resorts since 2003,
and am currently the Assistant Director of Sales. My goal withevery group is to make the event planner look like a star in theeyes of their attendees, and I will do whatever it takes to makesure this happens. When groups choose Kalahari Resorts& Conventions as their location, it’s no longer a meetingsomeone has to attend; it becomes an experience the wholefamily gets to attend.

How long in MPI? Three years
Tell us about your company
and/or position: WPS Health
Solutions is Wisconsin’s leading
non-profit health insurer and thestate’s third largest government
contractor. We hold offices in fourstates with over 3,000 employees.
The WPS team I am a part of turns our leaders’ visions into
well-executed events.
Teams or projects that you have worked on for MPI or
would like to be involved with: I haven’t been on any teamor projects with MPI but I think it would be a fun opportunity
to work with the Special Events team to help plan the Awards
banquet.
Tell us about your family: My husband and I were recently
married in April. We have a 2 ½-year-old daughter together
and are expecting a baby boy in January. We also have a
5-year-old spoiled chocolate lab!
Where do you currently live? We currently live in Edgerton, WI.

Where do you currently live? Randolph, WI

Favorite Pastimes: I enjoy photography – I am always thinking
of creative set-ups for holiday themed pictures of my daughter.
My other favorite pastime is doing anything with family. I am ahuge believer of spending time with family as often as we can.

Favorite Pastimes: Playing darts, taking daughters to the zoo
and hunting with my brotherFavorite Musical Group: I don’t have a specific musical group– but I LOVE country music!

Favorite Musical Group: Any type of Hip Hop or 80’s music

Person you admire most and why: My mother, I think it took
becoming a mother to fully appreciate and realize how much I
admire her and everything she does. My mom literally does itall. She’s is so emotionally strong, I don’t know how someone
who raised three daughters doesn’t lose her mind at the end of
the day, or if she does she never lets it show.

Tell us about your family: Two beautiful daughters, Brooklyn
and Addison

Person you admire and why: Martin Svigir, my first GM. He
took a young 22-year-old and taught me all aspects of thehotel business and made me the professional I am today.
If I won the lottery I would: Make sure all my family members
are taken care of and donate to Children’s Hospital or St. Jude.
Words to live by: I heard this Fred Roger’s quote one morning
driving to work and it stuck with me, “My mother would say tome, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are
helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember
my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizingthat there are still so many helpers — so many caring people
in this world.” — Fred Rogers AKA Mister Rogers

28|

November/December 2018

If I won the lottery I would: Pay off my dreaded student loans,
our mortgage, and our vehicles – then invest and plan a trip toDisney with my family!
Words to live by: Live simply, dream big, be grateful, give
love, and laugh lots.
Special personal accomplishments: Graduating fromcollege with my Bachelors in Business Administration
majoring in Marketing then finding a career in the marketing
field that I enjoy.

MPI Agenda																										MILWAUKEE, WI

CHAINS ARE
FOR BIKESLOCAL ISN’T A BUZZWORD IN MILWAUKEE, IT’S JUST HOW WE LIVE. LOCALRESTAURANTS, LOCAL COFFEE, LOCAL RADIO – YOUR ATTENDEES CAN ENJOY A
TRULY AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE THE MOMENT THEY STEP INTO OUR CITY.
300,000 SQ. FT. CONVENTION CENTER | 16,000 HOTEL ROOMS | 150 LOCALLY-OWNED DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTSMEET IN MILWAUKEE

VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG/MEETMPI Agenda

November/December 2018|29

BOARD MEMBER

Nicole Ellickson
Position on the MPI WIBoard: Director of Special
EventsWhat do you like about being on the board? Learning andhearing stories from the other board members about theirexperiences in this amazing industry.

Place of employment &location: Association of
Family and Conciliation Courts(AFCC), Madison, WI

What have you learned most from being on the board? It’s
only been a couple of months, but so far, I’ve enjoyed learning
more about my position and others, as well as our goals to
make this chapter even better.

What is your role with youremployer? Meeting Manager

What is the best advice you can give to someone who isthinking about getting more involved in MPI? Take that stepand get more involved, you won’t regret it. The connections
you’ll make will last forever, you’ll have a blast with this group,learn lots, and always have someone to reach out to when you
need advice or help with work.

How long in the meeting/
event industry? 5 years + 12
years with Marriott Hotels
Tell us 2-3 things you are responsible for on the board: To
help raise money
What drew you to join the board? My best friend, partner incrime, Tracey Bockhop! I wanted to have as much fun as she
was having, and it helped that the organization I worked forsupported MPI.

Where do you currently live? Verona, WI
Favorite hobbies? Traveling the world
Favorite musical artist or band? Justin Timberlake andCountry Music

Help MPI Wisconsin Continue our
Success by Bidding for Good
By: Melissa Falendysz, CMP
Holiday shopping is just around thecorner and we need your help tospread the news for MPI-WI’s Biddingfor Good Auction! Our MPI-WI mission
is to “connect industry professionals together to learn
best practices, build relationships, and enhance business
opportunities.” What better way to support our local chapter
than by fundraising through Bidding for Good? The funds
we raise together will help our MPI-WI Chapter continue toprovide exceptional education, top speakers, and valuable
opportunities for networking and FUN!
We use the Bidding for Good online platform to connect ourorganization with supportive shoppers. Overall, the Biddingfor Good site has over 450,000 bidders and has helped

raised over 293 million dollars. This
year’s MPI-WI Bidding for Good
online auction will take place Nov 16– Dec 3. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements you’ll
receive as the auction nears. Anyone can bid: member,non-member, in-state, out-of-state, relatives, friends, andco-workers. Please feel free to share the links via social
media!
If you have any questions, or would like to contribute a
donation, please contact Melissa Falendysz at mfalendysz@
natptax.com. You may also visit the Bidding for Good
website at biddingforgood.com.
As always, your support is greatly appreciated!

MPI-WI BIDDING FOR GOOD ONLINE AUCTION NOV. 16 – DEC. 3
biddingforgood.com

30|

November/December 2018

MPI Agenda																										15324_Kalahari_2018 Group Sales_MPI Wisconsin_February 2018_v2
Trim: 7.5" W x 9.5" H • Bleed: .125" • Live: .125"› OPENING SEPTEMBER 2019
› ADDING A 52,000-SQUAREFOOT BALLROOM› DOUBLING IN SIZE: NOW
212,000 SQUARE FEET OF
FLEXIBLE CONVENTION SPACE› 10 MORE MEETING ROOMS,FOR A TOTAL OF 45

EXPANDING THE IDEALMEETING & EVENT EXPERIENCE
In September 2019, Kalahari Resorts& Conventions is expanding the venue
that consistently delivers personalized
meetings of all sizes. More space, moreamenities and more first-class service
means that your convention will be evenmore incredible.
WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

KalahariMeetings.com

Call 855-411-4605
to learn more©2018 Kalahari Development LLC

MPI Agenda

November/December 2018|31

2820 Walton Commons, Ste 103
Madison, WI 53718
tel: 608.204.9816
fax: 608.204.9818
email: admin@mpiwi.org
web: www.mpiwi.org

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

JAN

10

January Education Day
Great Wolf Lodge
Wisconsin Dells, WI

FEB

8February Education Day
Monona Terrace Convention Center
Madison, WI

APRIL

4-6

Great Lakes Education Summit
Monona Terrace Community &Convention Center
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace Hotel
Madison, WI

2019
10-11

Spring Education Day
Ingleside Hotel
Pewaukee, WI

MAY

NOV

2018

16

May Education Day
Crowne Plaza
Milwaukee, WI