All Eyes on Green Bay
B. NICOLE ALAVI-DUNN, MD Urologist
DIANA LOPATEGUI, MD Urologist
All Eyes on Green Bay
At the heart of every community lies a unique economic rhythm that is often influenced by local events from festivals and sports to concerts and conventions. These events, large and small, don’t just offer entertainment. They play a critical role in the local economy, driving everything from tourism and retail spending to job creation and infrastructure development.
In this issue, we focus on the economic impact of local events in Greater Green Bay. We’ll explore some of the events that bring people together and make up our local economic landscape, creating new business opportunities, fostering innovation and sometimes even triggering long-term changes.
Join us as we explore the collective efforts taking place to attract events to Greater Green Bay and take a closer look at what makes our community a great host.
Promoting EventDriven Economic Vitality: Alignment & Conferences Task Force
Written By: Lisa Jossart, Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Green Bay Chamber
The Greater Green Bay Economic Development Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive set of communitydriven initiatives aimed at strengthening both our economy and community. Last updated in 2021, the plan highlights Alignment & Conferences as one of 7 key focus areas. These initiatives seek to foster greater collaboration with the Green Bay Packers and elevate the role of conferences and events within the Greater Green Bay region.
As a path to the implementation of these initiatives, the Greater Green Bay Chamber convenes the Alignment & Conferences Task Force. The task force’s primary objective is to enhance regional awareness of Greater Green Bay as a premier destination for hosting events, while emphasizing the significant role that such events play in fostering a thriving economy and community. Hosting events not only adds value to our existing community members but also generates highprofile exposure that attracts new talent, businesses and visitors to the region.
The task force convenes quarterly to exchange ideas and provide progress updates. Comprised of subject matter experts from local municipalities and organizations such as PMI, Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, the Green Bay Packers and Discover Green
Bay, the group works collaboratively to drive these initiatives forward.
Members of the Alignment & Conferences Task Force were instrumental in bringing the 2025 NFL Draft to Green Bay—the largest event our community has ever hosted. This success is a testament to the power of collaboration in attracting events. Whether large or small, education-focused or industryspecific, we continue to highlight the diverse array of attractions and resources that make Greater Green Bay an ideal location for events.
The Alignment & Conferences Task Force is open to individuals interested in taking a more active role in this work.
For more information on how to join, please visit the Greater Green Bay Chamber website
Farmer’s Market On Broadway, Inc.
Estamos Aquí: A Celebration of Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Community Growth
Written By: Estamos Aquí Festival Committee
The Estamos Aquí Festival has quickly become a cultural and economic powerhouse in Green Bay. Held annually at and in partnership with the Weidner Center at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, this festival is more than a celebration—it’s a platform for Latino entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses to gain exposure, generate revenue, and build connections.
Created and organized by a dedicated team of Latino volunteers, the festival brings the community together through music, food, art, and tradition. Taking place on the Saturday closest to Mexican Independence Day, the event carries deep cultural pride and significance, making it a high-energy experience for both participants and attendees. But beyond the celebration, Estamos Aquí is a catalyst for Latino economic empowerment.
Since its inception, the festival has prioritized Latino vendors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring that event dollars stay within the community. Over the past two years, it has supported over 100 Latino-owned businesses, giving them a space to showcase their products, connect with customers, and gain credibility. Many vendors have shared how this
opportunity has helped them expand their reach and, in some cases, take the next step in their business journey.
This matters because Latinos are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., starting businesses at a rate three times higher than the national average. Despite this, they often face barriers in accessing funding, networking, and mainstream opportunities. Events like Estamos Aquí play a crucial role in leveling the playing field, helping Latino businesses gain visibility and thrive in a market that too often overlooks them.
Beyond economic impact, Estamos Aquí also serves as a major tourism driver. Visitors travel from across Northeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison, to attend the event. This influx of people benefits not just festival vendors, but also local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses, reinforcing the festival’s role in strengthening Green Bay’s economy.
Estamos Aquí proves that when communities invest in diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship, everyone benefits. It’s more than a festival—it’s a movement that continues to build momentum, ensuring that Latino culture and business success remain at the heart of Green Bay’s growth.
Teamwork and Persistence Get Credit For Bringing NFL Draft To Green Bay
Written By: Aaron Popkey, Director of Public Affairs, Green Bay Packers
When the NFL first began hosting the Draft in a different city each year, it didn’t take long for the Packers, led by President and CEO Mark Murphy and our local partners, to imagine the league’s premier offseason event here in Green Bay.
We’ve always been incredibly proud of what our region has to offer visitors and residents alike. Our community is special, and we’re constantly looking for ways to share it with the world.
As the scope of the Draft has grown into an even larger, more fan-focused event as it’s traveled from city to city, the expectations for each host city have grown, too. But as we continued developing our vision over the last several years, we only became more certain that the NFL Draft and Green Bay are a wonderful match.
Bringing the Draft to Green Bay has been a decade-long exercise in teamwork and persistence. We are so proud of how our community has delivered so far. As we approach the home stretch, we’re even more excited to share northeastern Wisconsin with the world.
Our vision for the Draft in Green Bay, of course, centers around our home, Lambeau Field, and our development to the west, Titletown.
In many ways, this event is a culmination of the countless enhancements made to Lambeau Field and the community as a whole in the last 20-plus years. Since the Lambeau Field redevelopment in 2003, events on non-gamedays have become an increasingly important part of our business and our economic impact. While Lambeau Field has maintained its aura and reputation as a historic venue for sports, it’s also become a legendary location for unique event offerings, serving as the backdrop for weddings, parties, banquets, meetings and gatherings of all sizes.
Though Green Bay is still the smallest market in the NFL, it’s no stranger to hosting significant stadium events. Since the redevelopment, Lambeau Field has become a prime location for more than just Packers games, playing host to a bevy of substantial in-stadium events in the last decade alone, including a Wisconsin-LSU college football game, Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel and Paul McCartney concerts, and a soccer friendly between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Each event provided the excellent experience fans have come to expect from Lambeau Field, benefiting the local economy and providing us with the opportunity to showcase historic Lambeau Field to nontraditional audiences and have it serve as a gateway to Greater Green Bay.
Building on the transformative impact of the stadium’s redevelopment, we were proud to introduce Titletown in 2017, aimed at attracting visitors, creating community for residents and spurring economic growth and opportunity. The 45-acre development has exceeded our expectations, growing exponentially and becoming a place for friends and neighbors to work, live, create and play, no matter the season. Situated just west of Lambeau Field, Titletown’s success was instrumental in our successful bid to bring the Draft to Green Bay.
Titletown has complemented and catalyzed other development in the area within the last eight years, as well, with our region primed for more multi-use developments and future growth. One key piece of the puzzle is TitletownTech, our partnership with
Microsoft that includes a venture capital firm and innovation hub.
TitletownTech is getting involved in the Draft, too, with its “Startup Draft” nationwide pitch competition awarding a $1 million investment to the winning startup in conjunction with the Draft.
We’ve also been exceptionally pleased with the mix of businesses, residences and offerings at Titletown, including anchor tenants Hinterland Brewery, Lodge Kohler and Bellin Health Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.
TitletownFlats and TitletownHomes, along with Associated Bank, The Turn, the U.S. Venture Center, BelAir Cantina and the Packers Athletic Club, have also helped this dynamic community flourish. Titletown’s year-round daily programming and activities also have allowed us to create a vibrant setting
for gathering, whether for formal events at Rockwood Terrace or for happy hour at the night market.
Along with daily offerings, Titletown’s success has sparked more opportunities for entertainment in tandem with Lambeau Field, with concerts held in the Lambeau Field parking lot and Titletown drawing tens of thousands of people to the campus, featuring national touring artists such as Kid Rock, Steve Miller Band, Train, Jason Derulo and Flo Rida.
And now during the Draft, Titletown will host the NFL Draft Experience, the NFL’s free football festival and one of the highlights of the Draft. Fans of all ages will be able to enjoy games, interactive exhibits, player appearances, sponsor experiences and opportunities to test their football skills.
The Draft campus will stretch from Titletown, down Lombardi Avenue and through the Lambeau Field parking lots, to the Draft Theater, the stage where picks are announced, which will be located on Oneida Street. The theater will face Lambeau Field, with much of the backstage and media area in the Resch Expo. The Resch complex has also been instrumental in bringing the Draft to Lambeau Field, with its flexible spaces and hospitality excellence serving as an invaluable piece of the landscape. Lambeau Field’s Atrium businesses will operate with special hours during the Draft, providing event attendees the opportunity to visit the iconic stadium.
The 2025 NFL Draft will be a statewide event with its impact spanning miles. Our hospitality partners throughout Wisconsin are ready
Teamwork And Persistence Get Credit For Bringing NFL Draft To Green Bay
to shine on one of the most significant stages the region will see. Food and beverage, lodging, entertainment and transportation providers across the state will come together to serve the hundreds of thousands of expected attendees.
We anticipate the economic impact of the 2025 NFL Draft itself to exceed $94 million statewide, including $20 million in Brown County. Throughout the Draft, we will share Green Bay and Wisconsin’s unique offerings and culture with in-person attendees and millions of television viewers across the country and world. We are confident that people will be inspired to return to the state or plan a trip in the future, positively impacting Wisconsin communities and their economies well beyond the three-day event.
None of this would be possible without the collaborative partnership between the Green Bay Packers, Discover Green Bay and PMI Entertainment Group, working hand in hand with the NFL to ensure this once-in-a-generation event is a success. Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, Brown County, and Travel Wisconsin, as well as countless other organizations
have also played key roles and we are endlessly appreciative of the energy and resources being devoted to the Draft.
Since the NFL first announced that Green Bay had been chosen as the 2025 host city back in 2023, I’ve been constantly reminded how fortunate we are to live and work in such a supportive community. The NFL’s smallest market is ready to put on the league’s largest offseason event, thanks to the overwhelming support of the Green Bay community and entire state of Wisconsin.
We are incredibly excited for the world’s eyes to be on our home in just a few short weeks. While the Packers’ success on the field has made Green Bay a bucket list stop for football fans, the 2025 NFL Draft will showcase to a global audience what we’ve always known: the city’s attractions, culinary scene, recreation opportunities and arts and entertainment offerings position Green Bay as a year-round destination as well as an attractive place to call home.
To put it in football terms: We’ve been training for this. We’ve been drafted. Now it’s time to show the world what we’ve got.
Runway to the Draft
Written By: Susan Levitte, Marketing Communications Manager, Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
In 1940 the Green Bay Packers became the first NFL team to fly to a game. Today they fly out of Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport(GRB), often with a crowd of fans cheering as they make their way through the airport. Over the years GRB has been host to the titans of football, entertainment and industry. It’s a unique combination for an airport in a market this size.
Airport Director Marty Piette explains what it’s like to talk about GRB outside of the state. “Whenever we meet with current or potential airlines, I am surprised at the number of Packers fans we encounter outside of the state.” He continued with a smile, “they always hope we have an inside scoop on the season and either gush about their visit to Lambeau or express their wish to see the stadium.”
The GRB team meets with airlines several times over the year to talk about how they can do business in the region as well as updates and unique things in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. About three years ago they started talking about the potential for Green Bay to host the NFL Draft, always explaining that it was several years away. When it was announced that it was happening in 2025 it was an easy switch to strategizing with the airlines on additional nonstop routes. American, Delta and United Airlines have all responded. American has added more seats and nonstop from Chicago as well as new nonstop to New York. Delta added more seats and nonstop options from Minneapolis, Detroit and Atlanta as well as new nonstop routes from New York, Salt Lake City, Orlando and Los Angeles. United has added more seats and nonstop options from Chicago. All the flights are currently available and can also be flown in the reverse direction if you are looking to get away from Green Bay that week.
In addition to the main terminal preparing for the Draft, both Executive Air and Jet Air Group, GRB’s fixed base operators (FBO’s) have been busy planning for the influx of private aircraft anticipated that week. During a home game the airport can see more than 150 small jets, turbo props and twin-engine aircraft and they anticipate being even busier for the Draft.
In addition to the planning with the airlines, GRB has been planning improvements and
construction projects for the day that Green Bay would be on this international stage. Upgraded parking lot, exterior lighting, painting, awning and runway construction are some of the key infrastructure projects that will be complete for the Draft. Interior improvements include a new area dedicated to our local veterans, a Packers heritage area with artifacts from the first team, new furniture, a more Wisconsin-like main gathering area, new plants, passenger flex spaces and new signage have been completed before this spring. There may even be a few more surprise updates!
Events Bring Business to Downtown Green Bay
Written By: Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director, Downtown Green Bay, Inc.
Special events, meetings and conferences are key ingredients to the momentum and success of Downtown Green Bay. For almost thirty years, Downtown Green Bay, Inc., a non-profit Business Improvement District, has been committed to coordinating memorable and welcoming special events such as The Saturday Farmers Market, Fridays on the Fox, and The Green Bay Holiday Parade. We also take on new events as we prepare for our third year coordinating ArtFest Green Bay. While some organizations produce events to raise funds, our main intent is to create unique experiences to welcome visitors from near and far. Most of our events are free to attend and made possible by generous event sponsors. Over the past two decades, the connection between event programming and business development has become stronger than ever. Following the opening of The CityDeck, over $250 million in development has occurred near the Fox River. We believe that the current interest in residential development is also strengthened by the positive vibe that results from hundreds of unique events produced annually throughout the Broadway, Olde Main, and Downtown Districts. We are thankful that numerous non-profit organizations are choosing Downtown locations for their events.
Events large and small are vital to downtown businesses that attract potential patrons when coordinated activities are happening. An event may attract many first-time visitors, and it’s our hope that while here, they discover plenty of reasons to return. A recent example was our annual Café Crawl, held
on a Saturday morning in February. The event attracted over 900 participants who rode complimentary trolleys and enjoyed caffeinated or scrumptious samples at nine, locally owned shops or cafes. We heard many comments from attendees that they loved the event and were inspired by the businesses, and the progress taking place in our Districts.
On a significantly larger scale, when the NFL Draft takes place in Green Bay, we have a great opportunity to create experiences for visitors and community members that contribute to the hometown culture of Green Bay, and to showcase our city worldwide to 75 million viewers.
Our Downtown GB team, in partnership with On Broadway and The City of Green Bay, is proud to be involved with significant Draft week programming and first impression initiatives that will shine a spotlight on our Downtown’s vibrancy, and opportunities for residential and corporate development. Check out www.TouchdownDowntown.com for the exciting Draft week details for the Booyah Battle, Draft Day 5k, Draft City Music Fest, Fireworks, Saturday Farmers Market, Living Packers Heritage Trail and more, all happening in the Downtown Districts.
While many special events take place on the streets and parks throughout Downtown, there are numerous unique meeting venues that are just as vital in generating retail, restaurant and lodging activity throughout the year. Notable meeting venues include The KI Convention Center, The Meyer Theatre and Backstage, The Automobile Gallery, Hagemeister Park, and The Washington Ballroom.
Wisconsin’s Time to Shine While on the Clock
Maximizing
the Draft’s Economic Impact
Written By: Barb LaMue, New North President & CEO, New North
By now, the community is well aware of the significant economic impact the NFL Draft will bring—an estimated $20 million for Green Bay and $94 million statewide. This monumental event presents a unique opportunity to showcase the economic strength and collaborative spirit of Northeast Wisconsin.
At New North, Inc.—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and regional economic development corporation—we are committed to fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders across the 18-county New North region. This NFL opportunity aligns with our efforts to for talent development, brand promotion, and business growth to elevate the region’s collective economic power.
NEW NORTH’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE DRAFT
New North plays a supporting role to the Green Bay Packers and Discover Green Bay in ensuring the region is wellprepared for this historic event. Our involvement began with organizing workshops to help diverse, women-, and veteran-owned and small businesses access opportunities as suppliers through the NFL’s ‘Source’ procurement platform. These workshops—held in Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee—paved the way for additional supplier diversity initiatives and deeper business engagement.
Beyond supplier development, New North facilitated conversations with local communities on how to prepare for the influx of visitors and maximize their experiences. This led to our participation in the Business of the Draft Tour, organized by the Green Bay Packers. The tour included five stops—Oneida, Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee, and Neenah— where local businesses and stakeholders explored ways to build events leading up to the draft. Additionally, we continue to share the Business Resource Kit developed by Discover Green Bay to help businesses leverage this opportunity.
DRIVING BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Recognizing the draft as a prime opportunity to attract corporate investment, New North is
coordinating events for site selectors and corporate real estate executives through familiarization tours across Wisconsin. In addition, we are excited to host our own familiarization event at Timber Rattlers Stadium just before the draft. Throughout these activities, site selectors will receive updates on regional development opportunities from our local partners, culminating in insights from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leadership, an immersive draft experience, a top pick viewing party, and further opportunities to showcase Wisconsin as a prime location for business expansion and relocation.
Additionally, plans are in the works to highlight high-tech, highgrowth startups to the national media as part of draft week.
ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS AND SHOWCASING WISCONSIN
Another key event in our Circles of Influence Day on the Friday of the draft. This gathering will bring together partners, colleagues, and stakeholders who support New North’s mission to drive regional business and talent development.
New North is proud to collaborate with the Green Bay Packers, Discover Green Bay, and state, regional, and local partners to maximize the benefits of this once-in-ageneration event. With the national and global spotlight on Wisconsin during the draft, we are eager to showcase everything that makes our state and region extraordinary.
#NEWNORTHPROUD
New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.TheNewNorth.com
‘Draft’ing Opportunities
Written By: Eric Page, Creative Services/ Promotions Manager, WBAY-TV
Once-in-a-lifetime. Epic. Legendary.
No matter what adjective you use to describe Green Bay hosting the 2025 NFL Draft next month, there is no doubt it is an opportunity to shine a very bright spotlight on the city of Green Bay and the entire state of Wisconsin.
Throughout our 71-year history serving Northeast Wisconsin, WBAY-TV has been there for every big moment, and this is no different. We are embracing the opportunity and the challenges that come along with showing the world exactly why the NFL chose Green Bay and Lambeau Field as the home of the 2025 Draft. We also look forward to being the broadcast home of the 2025 NFL Draft, as ABC will carry every round of the draft live.
Starting with the formal announcement from the NFL in May of 2023, WBAY made the commitment to utilize all our platforms to cover every aspect of the single biggest event this city
has ever hosted. We want to make every story available to not only the people of Northeast Wisconsin but to people all over the world planning to make their way to Green Bay.
With one year to go, our news department began a weekly series called “Countdown 2 the Draft.” The series kicked off in April of 2024, when Emerson Lehmann followed a large contingent of Green Bay officials to Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft. The Green Bay contingent was in Detroit to get an inside look at hosting this event.
We quickly realized that producing stories about the draft just once a week was not going to cut it. The series has evolved to focus on more in-depth stories about the special and amazing things being done to welcome the estimated 250,000 football fans to our area. At the same time, other draft-related news like logistics, security, additional
flights, and road closures have become an almost daily part of our content.
And as the days continue to tick away, planning continues for extensive coverage the week of the draft. We will bring our viewers live reports every day from the draft campus. We will also produce half-hour “Countdown 2 the Draft” specials, airing Monday through Thursday from 6:30-7pm.
The Action 2 Sports team will produce their annual Cover 2: Draft Edition special, airing from 7-8pm on Wednesday, April 23. ABC’s live coverage kicks off Thursday, April 24 at 7pm with the first round. Rounds two and three will take place live on Friday. Rounds four through seven will air live on Saturday.
Once Sunday, April 27 gets here, we can all take a deep breath, looking back on our hard work and knowing we showed the world how great Wisconsin really is.
Bringing Big Events & Big Impact to Green Bay
Written By: Lydia Andersen, Content Marketing Manager, Discover Green Bay
How the Discover Green Bay Sales Team Makes It Happen
Behind every event that comes to Green Bay is a team of people working tirelessly to make it happen. Discover Green Bay’s sales team isn’t your typical sales teamthey’re event matchmakers, tourism advocates, and passionate champions of our city. Unlike traditional sales, they don’t just close deals- they work to bring in the right events that enhance Green Bay’s reputation as a top-tier destination to host incredible events.
Each team member specializes in different categories, whether it’s sports tournaments, conventions, shows, or niche events, and they work hard to secure and support events that will have the biggest impact on our community. In 2024 alone, their efforts generated an incredible $139 million in economic impact, bringing thousands of visitors to the area and helping local businesses thrive.
BUILDING A SPORTS TOURISM HUB
Green Bay isn’t just about football- it’s about big-time events across all sports. In 2025, our city will host three major tournaments that will bring thousands of athletes, families, and fans to the area.
WAMO State Dart Tournament May 14-18, 2025
Green Bay is no stranger to the spotlight, and in 2025, the area will once again take center stage, starting with one of the biggest events in sports: the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s an honor to bring this historic event to our city, and the work behind the scenes has been nothing short of incredible. From coordinating with the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to ensuring that local businesses and organizations are part of the excitement, Discover Green Bay has played a key role in making this dream a reality.
Bringing the NFL Draft to Green Bay is a massive undertaking, and Discover Green Bay has been deeply involved in every step of the process. From ensuring local businesses are part of the excitement to coordinating
logistics like transportation, parking, and crowd flow, our team has worked tirelessly to prepare the city for this historic event. We’re collaborating with the NFL, Packers, and LOC, to make sure everything runs smoothly- not just for the league and its fans but for our community as well. An estimated economic impact for the Draft is $20 million locally for Brown County, and $90 million statewide.
But the Draft is just the beginning. Green Bay has established itself as a premier destination for conventions, tournaments, and large-scale events, generating millions in economic impact each year. From national sports championships to citywide tournaments, we’re committed to bringing business to Green Bay, filling hotels, while packing restaurants and attractions along the way.
Green Bay will once again welcome back the WAMO State Dart Tournament, celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Resch Expo. This five-day competition brings dart players from across Wisconsin together for an exciting competition. The event will be held at the Resch Expo, with discounted hotel accommodations available for participants and spectators. This event will bring our area an estimated economic impact of $3.5 million.
YMCA National Gymnastics Championship | June 24-29, 2025
The YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) has selected Green Bay as the host city for its 2025 National Gymnastics Championship, bringing 2,000 athletes from across the country to compete at an elite level. Even more exciting? Two-time Olympian Jordan Chiles will be delivering the keynote address, making this an
unforgettable experience for gymnasts, families, and fans. This event will bring our area an estimated economic impact of $3.3 million.
Junior Gold Championships
July 11-19, 2025
For the first time ever, Green Bay will host the 2025 Junior Gold Championships, a premier national youth bowling event. This tournament, spanning four host destinations- Green Bay, the Fox Cities, Oshkosh, and Wausau, is expected to generate an economic impact of $13 million. Thousands of bowlers and spectators will travel to the region, supporting local businesses and showcasing the area as a top-tier sports destination.
BRINGING EVEN MORE EVENTS TO GREEN BAY
Green Bay’s reputation as a premier event destination continues to grow, and local businesses and organizations can play a role in shaping its future. If you attend an industry conference or convention in another city, consider bringing it home to Green Bay! The Discover Green Bay sales team is always looking for opportunities to host impactful events, and your connections could make a big difference in securing new conventions, meetings, and expos that drive tourism and economic growth.
BEYOND SPORTS: MAJOR EVENTS COMING TO GREEN BAY IN 2025
While sports tournaments and championships bring a massive boost to Green Bay, the city is also a sought-after destination for conventions, conferences, and large-scale events across industries. In 2025, several major non-sports events will bring thousands of visitors to the region, driving economic impact and showcasing Green Bay’s ability to host diverse gatherings.
• Kitsune Kon | July 11-13, 2025 – This annual anime and gaming convention will bring 3,000 attendees to Green Bay, booking 2,950 hotel rooms and generating an estimated $3.5 million in economic impact.
• Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association | August 10-13, 2025 – Law enforcement leaders from across the state will gather in Green Bay, bringing 400 attendees, filling 1,300 hotel rooms, and contributing $559,580 to the local economy.
With a packed 2025 event calendar, from the NFL Draft to national tournaments and industry conferences, Green Bay is proving time and time again that it’s more than ready for the spotlight. With $139.6 million in economic impact in 2024 alone, Discover Green Bay remains focused on bringing major events to our community, creating lasting experiences for visitors, and driving growth for local businesses. Green Bay has always been a premier destination; a city that rises to the occasion, and with everything on the horizon, the future has never looked brighter!
PMI Entertainment Group’s “No Owner” Makeup Good For Events and Economy
Written By: Terry Charles, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, PMI Entertainment Group
While most Brown County residents and visitors know the Resch Center and Resch Expo as entertainment destinations when they drive by, fewer probably think about the economic powerhouse the complex has become. The $45M Resch Center opened in 2002, while the $93M Resch Expo opened in early 2021. Even though they are connected, the buildings offer very different events that are equally impactful to the Green Bay area economy. Over the course of nearly 250 event days, more than a half million people visit the complex.
PMI Entertainment Group (PMI) of Green Bay is the management company of the Resch Complex. It also manages the Meyer Theatre, an economic factor of its own in downtown Green Bay. PMI also owns the Green Bay Gamblers hockey team and the regional ticketing company, TicketStar.
In addition to the management and ownership facets of the company, PMI also produces many of its own events in the Resch Expo including The Wedding Show, Green Bay RV & Camping Expo, Green Bay Boat Show, Green Bay Pet Expo, and Craftoberfest. All these events produce revenue and bring visitors to Brown County pumping money into the economy.
What few people realize is PMI Entertainment Group is a unique company in that it has no owner. Its mission is to provide entertainment and recreation to both visitors and the residents of Northeastern Wisconsin through fiscally responsible operations. PMI is a for-profit, non-stock company. Since there is no owner, all profits are funneled back into the community and into buildings we manage. That means the money stays here, not in a corporate office in a different state.
Perhaps the biggest event in Brown County history will be the 2025 NFL Draft. PMI will be a major player in the draft as the national and international media will be housed in the Resch Expo. Many of the players that will likely be drafted in the first round will also be in the Resch Expo. Our venue will be what we call in the business as “back of house.” That essentially means areas that are not open to the public.
The draft theater will be built just outside the Resch Expo on Oneida Street. PMI will do the food and beverage for the draft picks as well as the media. Our company has been involved in the draft bidding process from the beginning because it’s always been known that the Resch Expo would be part of the draft and in fact, would not have been awarded to Green Bay if the Expo was not built.
The debut of the Resch Expo has
Photo Credit: Angela Austin
allowed us to bring in events that would not have been otherwise possible. The Great Lakes Timbers Producers Association returned with its Great Lakes Logging and Heavy Equipment Expo after a more than 10-year absence because of available space. A new to Green Bay event has been WEMSA, an annual conference organized by the Wisconsin EMS Association. Several hundred first responders come to Green Bay for continuing education and to see the latest in rescue equipment. For the event this past January, WEMSA brought an economic impact of $1.2M.
As a 10,500-seat, all-purpose arena, the Resch Center brings in guests from all over Northeastern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Many spend the day-of and night after a concert or other large event. Many dreams have been realized in the building since it started hosting the WIAA Girls State
Basketball Championships. The WIAA State Volleyball Championships have been held at the Resch Center since it opened. The girls were here from day one and the boys have been holding their championships here for the past few years. Disney On Ice, Monster Jam, Harlem Globetrotters, Gamblers Hockey, Green Bay Men’s Basketball, and Green Bay Blizzard are all regulars at the Resch.
The Meyer Theatre just turned 95 on Valentine’s Day. PMI has been managing and programming the theatre since 2004. With a capacity of 1,011, the historic venue welcomes more than 50,000 guests per year with nearly 150 event days. Let Me Be Frank Productions has been our main tenant or house troupe doing original comedy-musical productions for 18 years. The Meyer board and PMI work every day to make sure the theatre remains an integral part of downtown
Green Bay. The bottom line is every time we host an event at the Meyer, it means people are going downtown and eating at nearby restaurants.
What’s next other than that draft thing? More big-name concerts like Jason Aldean, Nate Bargatze, Papa Roach, Staind and Breaking Benjamin all at the Resch Center. The Resch Expo has a few national events on tap including the 2025 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational, and the Junior Gold Bowling Championships. The bowling will be taking place throughout the area, but the opening ceremony will be in the Resch Center!
In 2025 and beyond, the Resch Expo, Resch Center, and PMI Entertainment Group will continue to be an important part of the Stadium District, downtown Green Bay and a major player in the area economy.
Brown County Dairy Promotions
Written By: Elizabeth Schwalbach, Secretary, Brown County Dairy Promotions
Brown County Dairy Promotions is a 501 c3 nonprofit that promotes the importance of consuming dairy products and the economic significance of the agriculture industry in Brown County, Wisconsin. Our organization consists of of eight board members and two Dairy Ambassadors. In 2024, Brown County Dairy Promotions provided 107 educational classroom visits in Brown County for K-12 students. These classroom visits can be followed up with a field trip to a dairy farm. Brown County Dairy Promotions offers a bussing grant to Brown County schools. This grant will cover the cost of bussing, up to $500 per fieldtrip, for students to visit a dairy farm. Last year, we co-hosted
and sponsored eleven farm field trips for K-12 students. We also sponsored 67 YMCA programs by providing free dairy education and agriculture programming for kids. In addition, we sponsored eight agriculture education programs at the Boys and Girls club and provided numerous dairy products to community events. In 2024, we began offering annual scholarships to Brown County students pursuing an agriculture related major. Scholarship applications are due April 1, 2025 and more information can be found on our website.
We host two annual events- Brown County Breakfast on the Farm and Taste of Wisconsin. Event proceeds from these events goes towards providing free agriculture education in Brown County. We are thankful for our event sponsors and event attendees that help support our mission of providing free agriculture education to schools and community events within Brown County.
Breakfast on the Farm is an annual event that occurs on the first Sunday in June and invites the public to visit a dairy farm. Each year, this event is hosted by a different dairy farm in Brown County and allows the host farm to tell their farm’s story. This year’s event will be
held on Sunday June 1, 2025 at Wayside Dairy LLC- 7937 Stone Road, Greenleaf, WI. The event is from 8am-noon and includes a dairy breakfast(eggs, sausage, Canadian bacon, deep fried cheese curds, yogurt, pancakes with real maple syrup, milk), farm tours, petting zoo, educational displays, children’s activities, farm equipment displays, and more!
Taste of Wisconsin occurs annually in February and showcases twenty local restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and wineries that utilize commodities grown or raised in Wisconsin. Event attendees are able to sample over twenty different food and drink options and meet the chefs and brewers showcasing their locally sourced menu items.
Photo Credit: Dan Hagenow Video Creation LLC
BUSINESS RECOGNITION LUNCHEON AWARDS
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
KI Convention Center
A celebration designed to recognize and honor individuals’ and companies’ achievements, growth, innovation, and exceptional business practices in Greater Green Bay. Please join us and show your support for the accomplishments of local businesses.
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Morning round: 8 a.m.
Afternoon round: 2 p.m.
Northbrook Golf & Grill
Join us this July for the second year of our unique golf format! We are hosting one of the area’s largest golf outings at a single course in a single day, featuring two rounds of golf! With two dynamic shotgun starts— morning and afternoon—golfers can select the tee time that best suits their game.
FEBRUARY 2025
5 Years
• Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
10 Years
• Erdye’s Pest Control LLC
15 Years
• The UPS Stores of Green Bay
30 Years
• Consolidated Construction Co., Inc.
40 Years
• Baker Tilly, LLP
70 Years
• LaForce
MARCH 2025
5 Years
• LedgeStone Vineyards
• The Community Blood Center
10 Years
• B & L Technologies, LLC
15 Years
• Bergstrom Automotive 25 Years
• Literacy Green Bay 30 Years
• Lamers Bus Lines/Lamers Tour & Travel
• Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
APRIL 2025
10 Years
• Alwin Manufacturing
• BPD Engineering
• Brown County Golf Course
• Cardiology Associates of Bellin Health
25 Years
• Nicolet National Bank 35 Years
• Delta Airlines
