MAR
APR
2019
VOL 41/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

THE MODERN SIDE OF LAKE GENEVA
RidgeLakeGeneva.com

H OT EL

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

		

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

MARCH/APRIL 2019
VOL 41 / NUM 2

Feature Articles
New Year! Great Event!

8

February Meeting Preview: Morning at Monona

10

Annual Spring Education Day Moves to April in 2019 			at the Ingleside Hotel
12
Meet the Spring Education Day Speakers

13

As Technology Changes Events, These Five Elements 		
Will Likely Stay the Same

14

Great News for MPI-WI Planners

15

First Annual Trivia Night at the Ingleside!

15

Changes on the Way

16

SH--T with the Times

20

Share Your Smarts

24

CMP: What's it all about?

25

2018 Bidding for Good Success!

26

Our Fluffy Friends Need Your Valuable Expertise!

27

May in Milwaukee

28

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Column

6

Food for Thought: Executive Sous Chef, Michael Mars

11

Supplier Profile: Laura MacIsaac, CMP			22

New Members & Anniversaries				30

Who's in the News

31

Volunteer Spotlight: Wanda Gilles		31

Planner Profile: Melissa Falendysz, CMP

32

Board Member Profile: Catherine Cluff		

34

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 &FUNDRAISINGDIRECTOR OF WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, & PUBLIC RELATIONSSHERRY WOLFF
Kohler Hospitality
sherry.wolff@kohler.com

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

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 										MPI Agenda
March/April 2019| 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
Kathy Reading
Marin Medema
Deana HeinischMaria Peot, CMP
Corbin Ball
Nicole Ellickson, CMP
JoEllen Graber
Chris Gasbarro
Melissa Falendysz, CMP
Greta McCue

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

PHOTOGRAPHY
Wanda Gilles

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
May/June 2019
Deadline: March 15, 2019
July/August 2019
Deadline: May 15, 2019

EDITOR'S NOTEAs we areapproaching thespring season
in Wisconsin, it makes me think of new life,
positive change and paving a new road ofaccomplishments. Personally, my rebirth has
begun by taking on a new career path with thecompany that I have been employed at for the past 24 years. With thattransition, has come the need to step out of my comfort zone and takeon additional educational opportunities, and put them into practice on adaily basis to ensure my future success.
As I was reviewing the articles for this issue of Agenda, I was struckby how our Chapter’s leadership continues to offer new and evolving
educational opportunities for our members to continue to experiencean enriched, valuable membership. Plan to attend Spring Education
Day – taking place in April rather than May – at the newly renovatedIngleside Hotel in Pewaukee. All Wisconsin Planner Members receive
complimentary access to our annual education day (read more about
it in this issue). Kick off the education event by participating in the new
Trivia Night event the prior evening – test your knowledge on all things
MPI and beyond. The following day, you will learn from a variety of new
educational topics – consider signing up for a session that may take youout of your comfort zone.
Most importantly, education is only as effective as how it is applied after
the event. To get the most value and retention from your Spring Education
Day experience - practice it in a day-to-day application. Whether you
take away personal enrichment, or a new professional technique, use it. I
promise you will feel empowered to propel yourself forward!

Enjoy!

September/October 2019
Deadline: July 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.
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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

				{Madison, WI}

WHERE ANNUAL MEETINGS

feel like annual retreats.
Plan an event your team will look forward to — and remember. Book aspace, and a city, that inspires productivity but feels like a getaway.
Visit MononaTerrace.com.

©2019 Monona Terrace

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1/31/19 9:48 AM

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|5

PRESIDENT'S COLUMNP

ay it forward is an expression describing the beneficiary of a good deed
repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor. It is a wonderful way
to live.

Tamara Jesswein, CMP
President, MPI-WI Chapter

Most of us know this phrase from the popular 2002 film of the same name, but the “pay it
forward” concept is actually much older. The phrase may have been originally coined by
Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight (a great read, by the way).
This is something that I strive to do as often as possible. Although I have been a recipientof a Starbucks beverage and sent the same to a car behind me, it doesn’t have to be inmonetary fashion. One of my favorites is leaving anonymous thank you notes for people
that you know are having a rough day.
Last edition I talked about upping your EQ, and although this is important to our career andpersonal growth, we are always looking forward to the next great thing, the next vacation,
the next gathering of friends. In our daily lives I feel it is just as important to stay planted,
enjoy the here and now and pay it forward when the opportunity presents.
Literally stop. Experience the moments as they happen. Slow down and appreciate
your family, friends and accomplishments and then when you see an opportunity to
be anonymously kind, without reward - that can be your greatest moment of humanachievement.
Roles in our industry consistently make the list of the most stressful careers, matching all
first responders, yet we are not saving lives, curing cancer or finding world peace. In ourown small way, we can make a difference. I see this in each and every one of you! We havegifts and benefits to share. Be that person. Embrace the good that you have to offer.
I do not hold a masters in psychology, nor am I a student of the latest self-help method, I
do know that each of you have so much to offer and pay forward to those who might need it
most. Let’s collectively lead the charge of paying it forward in small ways to create a muchlarger positive outcome.
I am enthusiastically proud of you, my MPI family. Let’s pay it forward!

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March/April 2019

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Voted Best Lakeshore Resort by Best of Wisconsin Meetings
2019, The Osthoff Resort offers 38,000 sq. ft. of elegant,state-of-the-art function space.

Grand Libelle Ballroom

With spacious accommodations, recreational lakefront,
Aspira Spa, cooking school, nearby golf and many otherpremier amenities, including team building activities andprograms, The Osthoff Resort is one of the Midwest’s premiermeeting destinations.
For more information on The Osthoff Resort, visit
OsthoffMeetings.com or call 888.748.1136.

Guest RoomElkhart Lake, WI
Culinary Team Building

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|7

New Year! Great Event!
By: Marin Medema

The Wisconsin Dells is a favorite year-rounddestination. The January 10th MPI Wisconsin
meeting at Great Wolf Lodge kicked off our 2019education season with a warm welcome. We
can’t thank them enough for everything they did to make our
event so memorable.
With just under 80 attendees, Lisa Meller CMP, CED,
CIS was an engaging speaker on Demystifying Strategic
Meetings Management. We discussed how to approach andidentify the process. Lisa explained the benefits of an SMMP
(Strategic Meetings Management Plan) and showed us how
to improve it. We also learned how to recognize and avoid
the seven deadly wastes.
As a group, we engaged in interesting table discussions
focusing on our own challenges. We then presented highpoints on actionable items and discussed how to improve
performance and cost savings.

With just under 80
attendees, Lisa Meller
CMP, CED, CIS was anengaging speaker on
Demystifying Strategic
Meetings Management.

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																	Meet
inWisconsin!
search these properties& hundreds more at

We also heard about opportunities to serve our
Community Outreach Partner, the Wisconsin Humane
Society. They’re looking for help for with committees andday-of-event volunteers for their fundraising Pet Walksand Gala. (See the Community Outreach article later inthis Agenda, or contact Kathy Reading for more info:
414-202-8361, reading@scangroup.net).
Throughout the event, we were treated to an international
theme for the menus. The entire group enjoyed a VERY
tasty Asian buffet lunch and spectacular French food at the
post-session networking reception. We’re all grateful for theinspired cuisine sponsored and presented by Great Wolf
Lodge’s talented chef Grant Baker, and his team.

WisconsinLodging.org
DELAVAN
Lake Lawn Resort
2400 E. Geneva Street, Delavan, WI
262/728-7950 | lakelawnresort.com/meetings
Meeting rooms: 20; Sleeping rooms: 271; F&B: Yes
Lake Lawn Resort is the ultimate year-roundlakeside destination for groups and meetings. Callor visit our website for complete details.
GREEN BAY
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.
MT. HOREB
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
175 Lillehammer Lane, Mt. Horeb, WI
608/437-5200 | grandstaymounthoreb.com
Meeting rooms: 2; Sleeping rooms: 60; F&B: Yes
Our versatile meeting spaces are ideal for avariety of social events, all-day meetings,
and other business functions.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS
Hotel Mead & Conference Center
451 E. Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
715/423-1500 | hotelmead.com
Meeting rooms: 12; Sleeping rooms: 150; F&B: Yes
Meetings are made easy at the Hotel Mead &Conference Center. We offer 12 stylish rooms
spanning 17,000 square feet of versatile space.

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|9

Unique
Venues &LocationshChritaiinl
a
s
n
t
rl s
t
n
l
v
n, l
i
c
l
i
soi mevn ePhoto courtesy of the Janesville Woman’s Club

Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside is theideal destination to hold your next meeting,convention or retreat! Janesville offers a variety
of meeting spaces and a wide selection of hotels,
restaurants and attractions including manyaffordable options that provide you with greatvalue. Our team will work with you every stepof the way to ensure the best experience for you
and your group. Janesville is easily accessible right off of I-39/90. Planners - call today andbe sure to ask how you can earn money backwhen you hold your meeting in Janesville!

janesvillecvb.com · (800) 487-2757 F

10|March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

				

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Executive Sous Chef
Michael MarsThe Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, WIA

s a child, Michael Mars spent a lot of time cooking withboth his grandmother and mother. His grandma showed
him how to make things like soup and Sicilian pork
chops. His mother showed him how to use what you
have around the house to make a delicious simple meal.

At 16, a friend helped him get a job at a local restaurant where thechef was impressed by his attitude and work ethic. Michael was
inspired by this chef to attend culinary school. He spent a year
at the CIA New York and then transferred to Chicago’s Kendall
College to finish his degree and be closer to his family in Kenosha.

C

Following college, Michael moved home to Kenosha and worked atboth locations of Brewmasters, a microbrewery and catering venue.
He says it was the first time everything really clicked for him. He
knew what he was good at and it was his calling. He then moved
on to Kenosha Country Club, where the Executive Chef was also
impressed and took Michael under his wing, teaching him things
like menu planning, inventory, and overall management.
In 2004, Michael joined The Ingleside Hotel, formerly known as
Country Springs Hotel. He spent the first few years bouncing
between banquets, pantry, and eventually, morning line, which hesays made him a stronger cook. At this time he met his wife Kristen
who was also a line cook at the hotel.
When asked what keeps you going, Michael answers, “My wife! Her
success in every role she takes is inspiring.” The benefit of working
morning shift allowed him time to spend his nights learning at othervenues. For a time, Michael assisted his wife who was Banquet
Chef at the Delafield Hotel. The two also catered several friends’
weddings -- including their own! Michael has spent his career
gaining inspiration, pushing harder, and expanding his craft.
In 2015, Michael was promoted to sous chef, followed by anotherpromotion to executive sous chef. He says his longevity at the hotel
is largely due to the people there. "Kitchen dynamic is special. You
become a team, a family."
According to Chef Michael: “I like the idea of recipe-free cooking,putting the food first, using the best ingredients and holding
yourself responsible for what you create. It also allows you to takea few risks... it pushes me to continue to be creative, and bring joy
to people through food using my gifts.”

BRUSSEL SPROUTS W/
CARAMELIZED ONIONSAND APPLEWOOD BACON
2 lbs. Brussel sprouts
6 strips of bacon
Olive oil as needed
Salt and pepper
Onion powder and garlic powder
6 cloves of fresh garlic
2 yellow onions
1 red onion• Cut brussel sprouts in half, length wise. Mince garlic
•
•
•
•
•
•

combined with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder
and garlic powder.
Cook on sheet tray at 425 degrees until brussel
sprouts are tender with a charred exterior.
Dice bacon (freezing it first, makes it easier to dice).
Render bacon in large sauté pan until about half
way done.
Next, add yellow and red onions, continuing on low
heat until onions are nicely caramelized, and baconcooked softly.
Then, combine all ingredients together and put on aserving plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon
to taste.

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|11

Annual Spring Education Day Moves toApril in 2019 at The Ingleside Hotel
BE READY TO GET “AMPED UP” SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR STYLE!
By: Deana Heinisch and Maria Peot, CMP

New Year, New MPI! We’re excited to be changing things up a bit for the 2019 Spring
Education Day by moving the event from May to April. This year’s event will be heldat the stunning, newly renovated, Ingleside Hotel in the Waukesha/Pewaukee area on
Thursday, April 11th.
Complimentary registration isextended to MPI-WI planner
members for the second year ina row! Thanks to the support ofour chapter’s Strategic AlliancePartners and sponsors, ourSpring Education Day will be
more accessible to our planner
members.

Compelling education sessions
will be held from 8:45 a.m. until
4:00 p.m. Speakers for the day
include:We’ll be kicking off on
Wednesday evening, April 10th
with another new and exciting
event for our chapter - Trivia
Night! This won’t be the typicalwelcome reception. Get ready to test your knowledge on abroad range of topics. Everyone will have their opportunity
to shine. Simply show up with your thinking cap on and get
amped in the hometown of Les Paul, solid-body electricguitar pioneer.
Beginning early on Thursday, we will take all the energy
from our amped up evening the night before, and enjoy afull day of education. Registration and breakfast will begin
at 7:30 followed by official welcome and announcementsfrom our fantastic president, Tamara Jesswein, starting at
8:30 a.m. (Does Tamara have hidden guitar talent?).

• Corbin Ball: The
Top Technology Trends
Transforming the Events andTradeshow Industries (morning
keynote) and Moving from“Attendee” to “Participant” –Audience Engagement Ideas
to Improve Events (afternoon
breakout session)• Melanie Spring: Rock Your Brand Story: Business is
Human to Human (mid-morning keynote)• Chris Gasbarro: Dimensionalize the Attendee
Experience (afternoon breakout session) and SH - - T(afternoon keynote)
There will also be a fun activity supporting our community
outreach efforts with this year’s partner, the Wisconsin
Humane Society. We look forward to supporting our furry
little friends!
Don’t forget to make your sleeping room reservation at The
Ingleside Hotel as well. At the low rate of $109, rooms willgo fast! The room block cut-off date is April 3, 2019. Contact
The Ingleside Hotel at 262-547-0201 today to make yourreservation.
Visit the MPI-WI website to view full session descriptions,register for the event, and for other details.
We’ll make sure to have plenty of time for breaks so you
can check in back at the office, visit with our exhibitors, andnetwork with fellow planners and suppliers. We will also taketime on this day to conduct the Board Installation Ceremony.
Don’t miss out on this electrifying day!

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

		

Meet the Spring Education Day Speakers
CORBIN BALL, CSP, CMP, DES, MS is an international speaker, consultant
and writer helping clients worldwide use technology to save time and improve
productivity. With 20 years of experience running international technology meetings,
he now is a highly acclaimed speaker with the ability to make complex subjects
understandable and fun. His articles have appeared in hundreds of national andinternational publications and he has been quoted in the U.S. News & World Report,
Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Fast Company, PC Magazine
and others.
Corbin serves or has served on numerous hotel, corporate, convention bureau andassociation boards. Corbin is being inducted into the EIC Hall of Leaders for 2018,the most prestigious honor in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events
industry. He is the only person to have received both the MPI International Supplierof the Year and the MPI International Chapter Leader of the Year awards. Corbin has
been named as one of "The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry" fivetimes by Successful Meetings/MeetingNews magazines.

CORBINMELANIE SPRING is one of those people who walks into aroom and lights it up. She’ll make you want to be her best friend,
yet when she gets to know enough of your story, she’ll findthe perfect way to push you outside of your box. Her brand isApproachable Badass and it fits her perfectly. She even got outof her own box when she went on a 7,000-mile road trip collecting
stories on how companies lived their brand. The Live Your Brand
Tour was published in Entrepreneur Magazine, where she earned
her title as a veteran brand strategist.

MELANIE

With entrepreneurship in her blood, she ran Sisarina for eight
years, building websites and brands only to rebrand as herself as
Branded Confidence by Melanie Spring. Speaking and facilitating
workshops all over the world, she becomes a part of your teamas she builds your brand from the inside out - with humans first.
But you have to be a kickass human in order to work with her.
(She even has a club for that - www.kickasshumansclub.com)

As President of gathering agency, Ember, CHRIS GASBARRO helps toinfluence the meeting and event portfolios for wicked awesome brands
that include Bauer Hockey, Saucony, Keds, Footjoy Golf, Wolverine
Worldwide Inc, Hanover Insurance and the National Association of Mutual
Insurance Companies. From a humble beginning as a touring guitar tech
to now shutting down Wall Street for an IPO launch event or collaboratingwith Taylor Swift, Keds and Nordstrom’s for a shoe launch, Chris has been
lucky to assemble and lead a team of some of the best meeting and event
people in the industry.
Chris is a past President of both MPI New England and ILEA New Englandchapters, and also served on the MPI International Board of Directors.
He is a recipient of numerous awards including Collaborate Magazine’s“40 under 40”, BizBash’s “Innovator of the year” and multiple MPI awards.
Prior to the events industry, Chris was a roadie, sound engineer and tour
manager for some very obscure bands - touring North America in Jeep
Cherokee’s and the occasional converted 1974 MCI tour bus.

		

CHRIS
MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|13

As Technology Changes Events, These
Five Elements Will Likely Stay the SameBy: Corbin Ball

We are living in a time of unprecedented technology
change. How will these changes affect meetings andtradeshows? Will they remain a central form of education,
networking and marketing? Will virtual meetings and othercommunication technologies replace the need for face-toface events and exhibitions? Although there will likely bevery significant changes in these next few years, there aresome strong drivers that bode well for the future of events.

Here are five constants that will keep meetings
viable in the future:
1. Human gregariousness
Humans are social animals. We like to get together. Indeed,
there is a biological imperative to do so! This basic drive willcontinue to bring people together for face-to-face events ofsome form for as long as we roam this planet.
2. Social connectivity -- the desire to meet with people oflike interests
Meetings can be considered the original social media andassociations the original social networking platforms. The riseof social media tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter,enhances our ability to connect with people of like interests– the same goal of many events! As our social network
expands, this continuing desire to connect with thesecolleagues will keep meetings as an important method of
doing so. Social media may expand our contacts; meetings
will provide the opportunity to meet them face-to-face!
3. The value of tradeshow and exhibitions as important
marketing vehicles
If a product is a commodity, there are opportunities toautomate the sales process online. However, there aremany businesses that are highly service oriented (such as
the hotels, convention centers and meetings management)– they rely on people to deliver the product. Tradeshowsand exhibitions afford a great way to meet these service
providers and gather information in a condensed, timeefficient and cost-efficient manner.

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March/April 2019

4. People like attractive destinations and are enrichedby the travel experience
Travel broadens horizons and provides great ways toexperience cultures, cuisines, new ideas and much more.
Meetings often afford the opportunity to get away fromtheir day-to-day business routine and to experience 		
new horizons.
5. Live face-to-face events provide a much richer
experience than virtual meetings
Webinars and other virtual meetings are great for short
information exchange. However, in today’s multi-tasking
and often distracting work environment, attention spansare short. Thirty minutes to an hour is usually the maximum
you can expect someone to pay attention sitting in front ofa monitor.
Face-to-face meetings, on the other hand, take people toa more focused location with fewer distractions. As long as
people are informed, entertained and fed, event hosts cankeep people engaged for days. At the minimum, there is asocial contract to at least look like you are paying attention
at an event. This is very different than most virtual events.
The opportunities for networking, brainstorming, andrelationship building are usually far greater at face-to-faceevents than online. To put it succinctly, there is no suchthing as a virtual beer!
Meetings provide opportunities for people to connect. Our
gregarious nature, our desire to meet with people of likeinterests, our curiosity to experience new locations andideas will be constant driving forces to keep meetings
a viable means on connecting, educating, and bringing
people of like interests together for the foreseeable future.

MPI Agenda																

		

		Great Newsfor MPI-WI
Planners!!
The Wisconsin Chapter of MPI is excited to announce
that the 2019 April Education meeting will again becomplimentary for all Wisconsin Meeting Planner
members. Thank you to all of our enthusiastic sponsors
and our financial team for making this possible.
We are thrilled to now make this a long-term commitment.
Due to the generous and dependable support from our
MPI-WI Strategic Partners and sponsors, this offering
will be available each year for the foreseeable future.
Meeting planner memberships will now automatically
include free attendance at our spring education event.

First Annual
Trivia Night at theIngleside!

Thank you to our MPI-WI Strategic Partners and all of
our sponsors for making this possible!

By: Nicole Ellickson, CMP
Don’t miss out on our First Annual Trivia Night Wednesday
evening, April 10 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This exciting
event will take place the evening before our Spring Education
event at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee.

THIS IS ENTERTAINING!

MPI-WI Trivia Night’s competition will feature a broad rangeof topics including movies, celebrities, sports, and fun facts
from our sponsors. The fun filled evening will also include a
reception, cocktails, silent auction, prizes, and more.

For more information visit www.mpiweb.org/wisconsin.
Want to take advantage of being a sponsor on thisinaugural evening? Contact Nicole Ellickson at
nellickson@afccnet.org for opportunities.

THIS IS WHY

CMP 101 SUMMARY
MAY 16, 201910:45 am – 11:30 am (45 minutes)• Review application process

ALLIANTENERGYCENTER.COM
SHIRLEY KALTENBERG
608-267-1549• Take sample test
• Receive clarification on test materials and concepts• Get advice on “day of” exam preparation

KALTENBERG@ALLIANTENERGYCENTER.COM

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|15

Changes on the Way
By: JoEllen Graber
CHANGESYou may have noticed that MPI-Wisconsin is making a few
changes. The February meeting was a breakfast, we’rehosting a trivia night this year instead of golf, and we’removing the gala to August. We are hoping to keep things new
and fresh and help each member to get the most out of theirmembership.
MPI-WI AWARDS
We are also giving a facelift to our annual MPI-WI awards andprocess. Some of you are saying “It’s about time” while others
may be scratching your heads saying, “I can win an award?”
Let me start by saying we have kept some of our old awards,
let some go, and added a new category. These awards arefocused on service to our MPI Wisconsin Chapter members
and goals.
THE AWARDS FOR 2018-19 WILL BE:
Rising Star			

Outstanding Leader

Industry Advocate		

Team of the Year

Hall of Fame			

President’s Award

In the past, a points system was used to ensure nominees
were all starting from a level playing field no matter their MPI
tenure. These points were weighed along with the member
vote to identify winners. The committee who is working on thisprocess still sees value in the point system and hope to use it
in a new manner.
There will continue to be an open call for nominations as
usual, and nominees will fill out the application. These
applications will be reviewed for clarity and the points system
will be applied to each. The top four-point earners from eachcategory will then move on and be judged by another MPI
chapter. The exception will be Team of the Year, which will
still be voted on by our members, Team of the Year will honoran MPI-WI team that worked on a special project, fundraising
event, or monthly meeting.
More detail about the definition of each award will be provided
when nominations open. We also hope to do a better job ofcommunicating important information in the future by having
write-ups about each nominee in the Agenda publication andemail as time allows. The MPI-WI awards have always been an
honor for nominees, as well as winners. We hope to keep thistradition with the new format of the awards.

Meetings meet Convenience

Complimentary services

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Conveniently located directly off I-94, between Milwaukee and Madison, we offer
complimentary personalized services to help make your meeting a success.
Additionally, our area offers:
 More than 100,000 square feet of affordable, flexible meeting space 1,100 guestrooms with complimentary parking
 Plenty of after-hours dining and entertainment options for your attendees

Learn more at visitwaukesha.org/meetings
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March/April 2019

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.

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

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March/April 2019|17

WE’LL TIE UP ALL THE DETAILSFOR A ONE-OF-A-KIND CONFERENCE

ONE-OF-A-KIND UNWIND.
Create a unique destination experience for your conference.
Your next meeting destination - Lake Geneva.

VISITLAKEGENEVA.COM

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																	CREATING AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE IS KEY TO ANY MEETINGOR CONFERENCE. The Lake Geneva Region offers a unique, non-traditional resort
atmosphere with amenities and services that are among the top-rated in the Midwest.
Four-diamond resorts, historic mansions and beautiful hotels will personalize yourstay, and make your conference feel like a vacation. For a more flexible layout, a cruise
boat, magic theater, winery or an entertainment venue with live music and a gameshow will capture your attendees’ attention!
Off-the-clock and team-building activities include wine tastings, culinary classes,
ziplining, and of course, our own museum!
VISIT Lake Geneva will help you plan and personalize your meeting and source yourvenue to create the best experience ever.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT OUR MEETINGS CONCIERGE TODAY!
Meetings@VisitLakeGeneva.com | 262-812-0022 | www.VisitLakeGeneva.com/Meetings

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|19

SH--T with the Times
By Chris Gasbarro, President of EmberT

he year is 2008...Sam Adams
is the #1 Craft Beer in North
America, Amazon is an online
bookseller trying to keep up with
Borders, and 95% of college students
attend classes on a college campus. My how
ten years have changed, and here's possibly themost alarming question, do your meetings still
look like they did in 2008? Do you still have mint
candies and classroom seating with white linensthat don't reach the ﬂoor? Do you still invest 90% of
your AV budget on a 90-minute general session, while
your breakouts total over 30 hours of the agenda? Do you
have 2,500 lumen projectors your procurement made youpurchase and lug around? Attention span has shrunk andmobile devices are in the hands of 100% of your attendees.
If you haven't SHIFTED your meetings and events to evolvefor 2019, it may be time to shift with the times.
First and foremost, SHIFT is not a bad word, and truth betold 2019 is more ready for this kind of thinking than back in2008. If you had told Sam Adams' leadership in 2008 that inten years IPA would be the #1 style of beer and independent
craft brewers would account for 15% market share (up from
3% in 2008), they most likely would have laughed (and Sam
Adams didn't release their ﬁrst IPA until 2015).
The Boardroom.
Whatever form it takes in your organization, Executive
Director to CEO, most meetings of value have some C-suite
folks with skin in the game. This is the ﬁrst place to start
to SHIFT! All you have to do is ask a question. Simply ask
the CMO, COO or CEO, what's keeping you up at night?
After they answer follow up with, how could our meeting(s)help solve that? Most leaders are faced with sleeplessnights thinking, how do I grow revenue? How do I motivate
our sales team? How do I improve culture? Most leaders
don't have stakeholders to ask questions and provide
solutions. Great leaders will take you up on, “Hey CEO, if I

get an extra $50,000 for the meeting, I can improve our Net
Promoter Score (NPS) by two points.”
Beyond the boardroom.
The next layers to ask great SHIFT questions are with your
AV team. Ask them, if you could do one thing better, what
would it be? Ask your catering team, with ﬁve hours of“ﬁrehose” information after lunch, what kind of F&B break
could you design that would have attendees 20% moreengaged?
The truth is, the ﬁrst SHIFT starts with you. Your meetings
may already be great and don't need a change, and that's
awesome. But, if you're feeling like your meeting portfolio
needs a little spark, chances are there are other people
who feel the same way. Take the leap.

Chris Gasbarro will be on of our speakers at April's Education Event. You can find his biography on page 13 of this issue.

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

		

		

GREAT
GREAT

LAKE

CITY
GREAT

TEAM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
Contact Denise Humphrey

Schedule Your Tour Today

MeetInGreenBay.com
NOW
OPEN

HOTEL NORTHLAND 160 Room Historic Hotel • 2 Blocks from Convention Center

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|21

SUPPLIER

Laura MacIsaac, CMP
Place of Employment: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Job Title: Director of Sales
How long in the meetings industry: 20+ years
Tell a bit about your company and/or current position:
I have been working at Monona Terrace since February 1997. We opened inJuly of 1997. I feel very fortunate to represent the Frank Lloyd Wright designed
convention center located on the shore of Lake Monona in the heart ofdowntown Madison. I have been in various roles within the sales department forthe center, but for the past 10 years I have been the Director of Sales and am
still loving every minute of it!
Tell us about your family: Married for 7 years to my wonderful husband Dan.
Two dogs: Tiki (Portuguese Water Dog) and Rudy (Boston Terrier). My parents
are retired and still live in the house I grew up in Illinois. I have a brother in Oak
Creek, WI and my Mother-in-Law who will be 90 in January! She lives outside of
Washington, DC in Oakton, VA.
Where were you born: Lincolnshire, IL
Where do you currently live: Monona, WI
Favorite Pastimes: I love to read and travel. I am scuba
certified and love warm water diving. Recently I have beenworking on my lawn and garden. Additionally, I love spendingtime with my husband and dogs and family up at the cabin in
northern Wisconsin as well as admiring my lawn and garden
from the back deck (in nice weather).
Favorite Musical Group: Alternative 80’s music, for sure……
too many bands to list.
Person you admire and why: I have long admired Michelle
Obama for her grace, her dignity, her intelligence and her
spirit—and her famous side-eye! She seems like the kind of
person I would like to hang out with.
Dream Vacation: I have a couple—I would travel to Europe
and drive from Portugal to Poland (and try to hit all points in
between). I would also like to drive from Maine to the Key West,
Florida. I don’t mind flying; I just think you can see so much
more when driving. I have traveled to so many great places,
but that has just increased my desire to go to so many more!

Our Strategic Partners, sponsors and suppliers support
our association and industry with their financial, in-kindand volunteer support at every level. Please consider
MPI-WI suppliers when planning your own events. Theirindustry knowledge will serve you well.

If I won the lottery I would: I would take my dream vacations(and many more) and I would donate money to the charities
that my husband and I support.
Words to live by: If you are coasting, you are going downhill.

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

				

Meet in Brookfield, Wisconsin

Located on I–94 between Milwaukee and Madison
Home to 150 restaurants
Home to 15 hotels with over 2,200 hotel rooms
Home to 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
Home to the Brookfield Conference Center- 18,000 and 6,000 sq. ft. ballrooms- 9,000 sq. ft. outdoor plaza- On-site food and beverage- 1,168 sleeping rooms within a one mile radius

800-388-1835

www.visitbrookfield.com

MPI Feb full page ad Ad.indd 1

1/31/19 1:39 PM

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|23

SHARE YOUR SMARTS!
MPI-WI’s AGENDA magazine is a bimonthly magazine reaching an exclusive readership (our chapter members) of over
300 key meeting and event professionals in Wisconsin and beyond. In addition to advertising opportunities, MPI-WI
encourages article submissions on topics that are relevant to our readings. Examples include tips and trends in AV, F&B, newtechnologies, meeting management, meeting design, experiences as planners, etc. Articles can be submitted via email toadmin@mpiwi.org. Below are a list of guidelines that may help you in your writing.

DOs

DON’Ts•Do provide readers with relevant information aboutindustry trends.

•

Don’t use the article to promote your business. Articles
that come across as too “salesy” will not be published.

•

Do share tips and tricks you’ve learned from yourexperience in the industry.

•Don’t list specific product names in your article unlessnecessary. Include generic terms when possible.

••

Do share your expertise on a topic.

•

Don’t forget to proofread your submission! Our co-editors
will review articles, but it’s best to provide a clean andcomplete article.

•

Do research, make sure what you’re stating is factualand reference your sources.

•

Do your best to be concise and to the point. Lists,“Top 5”s and the like are popular reads.

Do include high res photos or images that can be
included with the article.

exploreLA CROSSEYOUR CONFERENCE DESTINATION

Note: If you have a great story but may not be comfortablewriting a full article, fear not! Our Communications team ishere to help write your article. Just contact Kathy Reading(reading@scangroup,net).

ONE OF WESTERN WISCONSIN’S
MOST ENERGETIC CITIES SET ALONG
THE BANKS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
• 100,000 sq. ft. award-winning convention center• Diverse dining and exciting nightlife
within walking distance• Recreational activities and festivals• Affordable amenities

Make your convention or event a memorable experience!
Book it now! Call 800-658-9424
or visit explorelacrosse.com/mwm.

La Crosse
La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

WWW.EXPLORELACROSSE.COM

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March/April 2019

WWW.LACROSSECENTER.COM

MPI Agenda																

				

CMP: What’s it all about?
Source: MPI Global

The Events Industry Council (EIC) certifies
individuals through an internationally recognizedcertification program that evaluates thecompetency of meeting professionals. With morethan 11,000 meeting professionals in 55 countries aroundthe globe holding the CMP designation, it represents thestandard of excellence in today's meetings, conventions
and exhibitions industry.

The CMP program aims to increase the professionalismof meeting management professionals in all sectors of theindustry by:•

Identifying a comprehensive body of knowledge in themeeting management profession••

Promoting industry standards, practices and ethics•

Increasing the value of Certified Meeting Professionals totheir employers•

Maximizing the value received from the products andservices provided by CMPs

Stimulating the advancement of the art and science ofmeeting management

If you're interested in pursuing your CMP, the CMP 101
sessions available at MPI-WI events are a great place to start.
Find more information on page 15 of this issue.

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|25

2018 Bidding for Good Success!
By: Melissa Falendysz, CMP

A huge thank you goes out to the members of our Bidding for Good team (Alison Huber, CMP, Brooke Miller, CMP, Melissa
Falendysz, CMP, Nicole Ellickson, CMP, and Tracey Bockhop, CMP), all of our chapter members that helped obtain
donations, and those that helped spread the word to others! Because of all of you, our MPI-WI Bidding for Good raised a
total of $8,334. This is an increase of more than $1,700 from 2017. That’s an outstanding amount to put towards our valuablechapter education, events, and networking opportunities! If you’re interested in finding out more about Bidding for Good or
how you can contribute to it in 2019, please contact Melissa Falendysz at mfalendysz@natptax.com. We extend our sincere
appreciation to the following donors:

AC Madison Downtown
AT&T Center at University of Texas
Chicago Marriott Naperville
Cincinnati USA CVBCMIAV, Audio Visual Services
Conrad Chicago
Courtyard Phoenix Chandler/Fashion Center
Crowne Plaza Miami Airport
Destination DC
DMI Hotels
Doubletree by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport
Drury Hotels
Eaglewood Resort Golf Course
Explore St. Louis
Fireside Dinner Theatre
Hilton Anaheim
Hilton Minneapolis
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Holiday Inn Orange County Airport
Hotel Julien Dubuque
HotelRED
International Group Sales (Secrets)

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March/April 2019

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Poconos
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky
Lake Lawn Resort
Loews Hotel Universal Orlando
Marriott Wardman Park, Washington DC
Meet AC (Atlantic City)
Metropolis Resort
New Orleans Marriott
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni William Penn Pittsburgh
Peabody Memphis
Red Lion Paper Valley Hotel
Renaissance Seattle
Sheraton Denver West
Tempe Mission Palms
The Broadmoor Hotel
The Godfrey
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Los Angeles
The Westin Harbour Castle
The Westin San Diego Hotel
Visit Austin
Visit Baltimore
Wyndham Atlanta Galleria

MPI Agenda																				

Our Fluffy Friends Need Your
Valuable Expertise!
By Kathy Reading

Our MPI-WI members possess
talent and knowledge which
can distinctly serve our 2018-19
Community Outreach partner.
You voted to support the
Wisconsin Humane Society. Let’s
make this real with your unique
MPI-WI power. The Wisconsin
Humane Society relies on a few
significant fund-raising events
each year.

GREEN BAY PET WALK SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019
MILWAUKEE PET WALK SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019
COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR EACH PET WALK EVENT:••••

Sponsorship – Work with the team to help secure monetary and in-kind
support from individuals and businesses.
Vendors & On-Site Activities – Work with the team to secure vendors to sellgoods/services/ f&b, or to offer pet services/attendee activities.
Teams/Recruitment – Work with the team to encourage companies, schools,
individuals to start their own teams.
Street Team – Promote with flyers, postcards, yard signs, etc. at businesses,
events, & more.

LET'S WALK AS AN MPI TEAM!
••

Volunteer Needs – Set-up, tear-down, refilling water stations, route markers,
finish line food and treat prep, parking.
Join A Team – Just let me know if you’d like to walk with your own proud pet:
Kathy Reading e: reading@scangroup.net or text: 414-202-8361.

PAWS & CLAWS GALA SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019
PFISTER HOTEL, MILWAUKEE, WI
COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE:• Sponsorship - Work with the team to help secure monetary and in-kind
support from individuals and businesses.
• Auction solicitation - Help to support this important event by working withthe team to secure donations to be used in the Paws & Claws Gala’s silent
and live auctions.

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|27

May in Milwaukee
By: Greta McCue

Come and join us at the May monthly programming event on
Thursday, May 16 at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport.
The event will include lunch prior to an informative session by
Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC, followed by a reception
hosted by the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport.

Tracy is the founder and president of Thrive! meetings& events, a first-of-its-kind company that specializes
in accommodating the diverse dietary requirements of
employees, clients and patrons in safe, yet deliciously
satisfying ways. By understanding the wide range of foodrestrictions and how to manage them, Tracy delivers an
unrivaled guest experience in which everyone feels valued.
May’s session “Diversity & Inclusion: What’s F&B Got to do With
it?” will give attendees the opportunity to learn how to create
more inclusive food and beverage environments, manage fordiversity and capitalize on the unique perspectives of a diverse
participant base.
If you are working towards earning your CMP and haveattended our last CMP 101 sessions, make sure to attend our

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month AND Celiac Disease
Awareness Month, so we are excited to announce Tracy
Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC as our featured speaker. Tracy
is a professional speaker, published author, award-winningmeeting industry consultant, and food allergy expert. With a27-year career in corporate, association and private event
planning, she is known for creating unforgettable events.

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MPI Agenda																

				pre-event recap session of CMP 101
with instructor Jodi Goldbeck, CMP.
This 45-minute session will cover thefollowing:• Review application process• Take a sample test
• Receive clarification on test
materials and concepts• Get advice on “day of” exam
preparation
We look forward to you joining us in
Milwaukee for our May program!
For more information on the event, visit
www.mpiweb.org/Wisconsin.

MPI-WI Awards Gala • Emerald City
August 8, 2019 • Hotel Retlaw • Fond du Lac, WIMPI Agenda

March/April 2019|29

MPI WISCONSIN
New Members
SARA BEUTHIEN
Senior Events Coordinator
Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation
STEPHANIE COPSEY
Director of Group
Experiences
Meet at the Lake: Lake
Geneva Meetings &Conventions
LISSA HANSEN
Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Manitowoc
DAVID HOCHMUTH
Rentals Supervisor
Full Compass Systems
DARCIE HOLTENational Sales Manager
Destination Lake
Winnebago Region
MIREK JANOWIAKProgram AssistantOmnipress

KAREN M LOWERRCorporate Events Planner
Dematic Corporation
GEDA MATTNERLODES
Director of Sales
DoubleTree MilwaukeeBrookfield
MINDY NEESE
Student
RAECHEL RESCH
Conference and Meetings
Manager
American Academy of
Cosmetic Dentistry
AMANDA SOELLE
Principal
AJS Consulting
MORGAN ZURMOND
Events Sales
Thelma Sadoff Center for
the Arts

Anniversaries
1 YEARNICK BURKE
Director of Sales
Omnipress
MICHELLE FERRAROSales Manager
Q Center-a Dolce
Conference Center
SUSAN M. IRIZARRY
Director of Sales
Hotel Retlaw
ANGELA JELLUMGroup Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Green Bay/KI Convention Center
DANIEL MCCLUSKEY
Marketing Services
Specialist
National Guardian Life
Insurance Company

5 YEARSWANT 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 themember 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
New Member NameEmailJENNY SEFFROODManager, Conferences &Meeting Experiences
Credit Union National
Association
QUENTIN SERSTADWATSON
Group Sales Manager
Erin Hills Golf Course
KATHY STRONGLANGOLF
Special Events
Coordinator
UW - Fond du Lac
CALEB SUDA
Student

10 YEARS
JOEY READER
Owner
A-mazing Events

SARA KERN
Senior Sales Manager
Blue Harbor Resort & Spa
JULIE WILLSProgram AssistantState Bar of Wisconsin

Current Member

Address
Address$50.00RONNY L HILL
Meetings Consultant/Sr.
Meeting Planner
Northwestern Mutual

HOUA MOUA
Financial Specialist
University of Wisconsin
MadisonMember ID

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March/April 2019

This voucher entitles a new member of MPI to waive the $50 application fee. To apply by mail/fax/email, the voucher must accompany
the New Member application. If applying online, use discountcode “MyFriendMPI” and enter the current member’s name in the“Referred by” field.

MPI Agenda																

				

BRANDON SMITH is now Directorof Sales for North Central Group’s
Brookfield Conference Center.
Never one to back away froma challenge, Brandon will bebooking conferences and events
for the 54,000-square-foot facility,
scheduled to open in early 2020.
Carpe diem, Brandon!

JESSICA RIEFLIN has joined
the Wisconsin Dells Visitor &Convention Bureau. In her new
position as Sales Manager, she will
be responsible for soliciting andmarketing the Wisconsin Dells as a
viable destination for meetings andconventions. Smart move, Jessica;
they’re lucky to have you!

DENISE HENSON has beenpromoted to Regional Directorof Revenue Management
for New Castle Hotels andResorts. With her vast
experience, Denise will beoverseeing revenue strategies
for their Hilton-branded
properties in the U.S. andCanada. Your team is in great
shape with your leadership, Denise!

EXPANSION IN MADISON: Plans are moving along for an
expansion of the exhibition hall at Madison’s 164-acre Alliant
Energy Center. The first phase will include a hotel, expanded
parking, residential, retail and office space. This project
would be sourced by public and private funding.

AMANDA RIDOUT has beenpromoted to the position of
Senior Sales Manager for
the iconic Harley-Davidson
Museum®. With a focus on
creating exceptional corporate
events, Amanda works with herclients to coordinate a day ornight to remember – no matterthe size, shape or scope.
You’ve earned this promotion, Amanda!

VOLUNTEERCHANGE IN OWNERSHIP: The 128 room Staybridge Suites
has been purchased by KGNMP Hotels LLC, a Wisconsin
limited liability company. The 100 room Hilton Garden Inn, in
the Pabst Farms area, has been purchased by KM Hotel LLC.

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

SPOTLIGHT

Wanda Gilles

Many of our volunteers work behind the scenes. In Wanda Gilles case, she is working
behind the lens to serve our chapter.
Wanda is an Executive Planner with TASC, and has offered her photographic skills to
MPI-WI. We are thankful that she took all of the photos from the January event, andhas committed to assisting the organization with archiving the considerable number ofimages from past events. The Communication Team could not be more grateful!

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March/April 2019|31

PLANNER

Melissa Falendysz, CMP
Place of Employment: National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
Job Title: Meeting & Event PlannerTell us about your company and/or position: NATP consists of over
23,000 tax professionals nationwide. Our members depend on us to deliver
professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides
them with the support they need to best serve the public. We offer 130 live
educational events to our members from the months of July through December
each year. I plan and execute all the contracting, onsite logistics, F&B, AV,transportation, entertainment, staff travel, room accommodations…etc. at eachof the events.
How long in the meetings industry: Almost 8 years
What drew you to become a planner: Growing up near Lambeau, I was
always drawn to the Packer special events that happen within Northeast WI.
I’ve always thought it was very admirable how much our “local celebrities” giveback to the communities and how assisting with those events would be so
rewarding.

What drew you to become a member with MPI and/or
what do you like most about being a member of MPI:
Initially it was to obtain my CMP. As I went to the CMP
prep session each month, I saw how close members werein the chapter and what value the monthly educationalsessions have to offer. I am very grateful for all thefriendships that I have gained through the chapter.

Favorite music: 80’s Rock, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, Pop,some Country...pretty much all over the board.

Favorite pastimes: Photography, road trips, scrolling
Pinterest for my next DIY house project.

Still on my bucket list: Attend a live UFC fight, take avacation via Amtrak only, meet David Tutera, own two
alike animals and name them “Chips & Dip” …. too manythings to list.

Teams or projects that you have worked on for MPI or
would like to be involved with: I’ve volunteered at a few
chapter events and was the Bidding for Good team lead.
I hope to become more involved with the chapter in themonths ahead.

Person you admire and why: My mother-in-law is oneof the smartest, most caring, selfless individuals I know. I
admire her optimistic view on life and the way she uses it
to lift others. I’ve truly been blessed with great in-laws.

Tell us whatever you like about your family and home
town: My husband, John, and I met in Madison and havebeen married for almost 11 years. He grew up in Detroit,
MI and I grew up in the small town of Kewaunee, WI sosettling in Appleton was a perfect compromise. We loveeverything that the Fox Valley has to offer.

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BOARD MEMBERCatherine Cluff

Position on the MPI WI Board:
Director of Awards, Scholarships,
and Recruitment

What drew you to join the board?
A recommendation from a past Board member.
Where do you currently live? Oshkosh, WI

Place of employment & location:
Oshkosh Convention and Visitors
Bureau – Oshkosh, WI
What is your professional role with
the Oshkosh CVB? Director of Sales
How long have you been in the meeting/event industry?
17 Years
Tell us 2-3 things you are responsible for on the board:
The annual nomination and awards process as well as
recruitment of new members to MPI-WI.
What have you learned most from being on the board?
It takes a village. There are so many details to running thisorganization that many (most!) members might not know
about. There are so many people who have a true passion foradvancing the mission of MPI-WI, and the very best way to dothat is to serve on the Board of Directors.

EVENTS BELONG
IN EVENT CITY

What do you like about being on the board? I feel much
more “in tune” with MPI-WI. I’ve learned so many things since
being on the Board that I didn’t know in my past 13 or so
years of being a member.
What is the best advice you can give to someone who isthinking about getting more involved in MPI? Volunteer
for as many things as your schedule allows for. Then join the
Board!
Favorite hobbies or pastimes? Spending time with family.
My husband and I entertain our kids and grandkids at ourhome as often as possible. We up-sized our home in 2017
just for this purpose.
Favorite musical artist, band, movie or book?
My favorite musical performers are Harry Connick, Jr, andJosh Groban. I’m a sucker for romantic music.

Make your meeting an event
to be remembered.
Oshkosh is a place that has all of the amenitiesof the big city, without the price tag or theheadache. Whether your guests want arelaxing evening on the water or a night out on
the town savoring freshly prepared dishes andlocally brewed beer, there’s an opportunity foreveryone to enjoy their time at your event.
Get in touch with our knowledgeable andexperienced staff today!

Events belong in Event City.
It just makes sense.
(877) 303-9200
sales@visitoshkosh.com

VisitOshkosh.com/meetings

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March/April 2019

MPI Agenda																

		

15324_Kalahari_2018 Group Sales_MPI Wisconsin_7.5x9.5_May 2018
Trim: 7.5" W x 9.5" H • Bleed: .125" • Live: .125"

		› EXPANDING 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 thatconsistently delivers personalized meetingsof all sizes. More space, more amenities
and more first-class service means thatyour event will be even more incredible.
WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

KalahariMeetings.com

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

MPI Agenda

March/April 2019|35

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

DATEBOOK: C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
2018-19 Community Outreach partner
Wisconsin Human Society
Green Bay Pet Walk Sunday, June 2, 2019
Milwaukee Pet Walk Saturday, June 22, 2019
Paws & Claws Gala Saturday, October 19, 2019
Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, WI

2019
10-11
16
8

19
10

SPRING EDUCATION DAY
Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, WI
Don't miss: Trivia Night, April 10
Multiple education sessions: April 11
MAY EDUCATION EVENT
Crowne Plaza, Milwaukee, WIMPI WISCONSIN AWARDS GALA
Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac, WI
SEPTEMBER EDUCATION EVENT
Wilderness-Glacier Canyon Lodge
OCTOBER EDUCATION EVENTBest Western Premier Waterfront Hotel
Menomonee Nation Arena
Oshkosh, WI