Discover the ultimate lakeside destination for your next meeting at Lake Lawn Resort. Nestled on the private shores of Delavan Lake and over 32,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, we ensure an unparalleled meeting experience that inspires creativity and fosters collaboration. Enjoy breathtaking lake views, luxurious accommodations, and a variety of recreational activities that provide the ideal balance between work and relaxation.
12 DESTINATION: WISCONSIN DELLS
The venues and attractions that make Wisconsin Dells a meeting must.
20 MEETINGS IN
BLOOM
Move meetings from the boardroom to the botanical garden.
24
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
Small-town baseball venues that will hit a home run.
28
FLYING HIGH WITH DRONES
Visit Milwaukee debuts immersive drone tour of Baird Center.
DEPARTMENTS
6 IN THE NEWS
Explore the latest happenings in the meetings and conventions industry.
10 VENUE SPOTLIGHT
Garver Feed Mill
A historic Madison building gets new life as an event venue.
32 PLANNER TIPS
Let video put your meeting in the spotlight.
34 PLANNER PROFILE
Planner Kristi Johnson shares her tips for creating unforgettable events.
A blizzard dumped 10 inches of snow on the Northwoods yesterday and we are still digging out. But even as I marvel at the beauty of snow-covered pine trees and ice-covered lakes, my mind is thinking spring.
For most of us, it doesn’t really feel like spring until the flowers start to bloom. Research shows that inhaling floral fragrances can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone that can make us feel anxious or overloaded. So, why not consider hosting your next event in one of Wisconsin’s stunning botanical gardens? “Meetings in Bloom” on page 20 shares that a garden gathering allows teams to escape the boardroom and immerse themselves in nature, fostering creativity and collaboration amidst the flowers.
As a mom who spent many years at the ball diamond, I know for certain baseball is the quintessential spring sport. The Milwaukee Brewers began their spring training in March and games are starting.
But did you know that baseball venues can also be great places to host a team building event? “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on page 24 covers all the bases for winning events at these venues.
Water parks are also a popular way to step into spring. And where better to do this than the Waterpark Capital of the World?
Wisconsin Dells has become a hot spot for “bleisure” travel — a place for corporations to connect during the day and focus on family fun at night.
Wisconsin Dells is showcased on page 12, featuring updates on attractions, restaurants, hotels, and water parks. Check out the article to see why more planners are choosing Wisconsin Dells.
That’s just a taste of what we have in store for you in this issue. Think spring and enjoy the read.
Ronnie Wendt Editor
If you’re looking for the best meeting venues and suppliers Wisconsin has to offer, check out wisconsinmeetings.com to more easily plan your next event.
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Wisconsin Meetings is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President.
Wisconsin Meetings is distributed via direct mail, trade shows and conferences, four times per year to: Regional Professional Meeting Planners; Wisconsin Corporate Executives; Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal Organizations; Corporate Travel Agents; Sales and Marketing Executives; and Association Executives by Nei-Turner Media Group Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Vol. 23, Issue 2 is dated March 2025.
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IMAGINATION
You dream it; we make it happen. Our team is here to support meeting planners in creating customizable, one-of-a-kind events your guests will be talking about for years. That’s beyond conventional.
BAIRD CENTER SETS NEW STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The $456 million Baird Center expansion has earned LEED ® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system and provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Gold certification is only given to projects that have gone above and beyond to ensure the building is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability.
Baird Center earned its Gold certification by meeting rigorous standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, material sustainability, and indoor environmental quality in its modernization and expansion project, which opened in May 2024.
The expansion, which increased the convention center’s footprint to 1.3 million square feet, included recycled materials in its construction and was equipped with state-of-the-art green building features.
The building’s new sustainable features include a solar roof, reclaimed urban wood, recycled steel, a stormwater detention system, bird-friendly glass, and a food digester which diverts food waste from landfills.
Baird Center is among roughly 30 U.S. convention centers, out of the nation’s 400+ convention and conference facilities, that have been ranked at
Platinum and Gold levels, according to Deisy Verdinez, the council’s PR and communications director.
SAND VALLEY PLANS SIXTH COURSE
Sand Valley in Nekoosa will add a new 12-hole golf course designed by Jim Craig on the northern side of the main resort area. The new course, which will open in 2026, will be the sixth course at the popular resort, joining the Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, the Lido, Sedge Valley and the par-3 course Sandbox. Golfweek’s Best ranks all four of Sand Valley’s 18-hole courses among the nation’s top 25 resort courses.
DOOR COUNTY STATE PARKS RECEIVE GRANT FUNDING
Two Door County state parks will receive $20,000 in matching state grants, one for a mountain bike trail and the other for a dark sky experience, reported the Green Bay Press Gazette.
The grants were awarded to the parks’ volunteer support organizations that are sponsoring each project. Friends of Peninsula State Park received a grant for a gathering area at Peninsula’s new mountain bike trails, while the Newport Wilderness Society received funds for a new natural seating
amphitheater to host its dark sky programming and daytime programs, the article noted.
The awards were approved by the Wisconsin State Building Commission through its Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Property Development grants.
THREE BROTHERS NABS RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Three Brothers Restaurant was ranked by USA Today as one of the top 44 places to eat in the United States in 2025. The Serbian restaurant has been a mainstay of Milwaukee’s Bay View food scene for almost 70 years. The family-run restaurant features a cozy dining room and dishes up homestyle Serbian fare.
MADISON AIRPORT SEES RECORD TRAVEL IN 2024
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) closed out 2024 with its second-highest passenger traffic year in its 85-year history, reaching pre-pandemic levels.
A DCRA press release noted the airport served 2,347,990 total passengers — just 1.4% shy of its all-time record in 2019. Notably, the last four months of 2024 (September through December) outpaced the same period in 2019, with early indicators suggesting this growth has continued into early 2025.
DCRA attributes this success to the return of key destinations, the introduction of new services and a new airline, the ability to accommodate larger commercial aircraft, and sustained high demand for air travel.
VISIT MILWAUKEE RELEASES NEW VISITOR TOOLS
Visit Milwaukee has released a suite of trip planning tools that include the 2025 Official Visitors Guide, Official Visitors Map and new digital map powered by Map King. This suite of planning resources makes discovering Milwaukee’s attractions
and business more interactive and engaging than ever before, finds a Visit Milwaukee press release.
The 2025 Official Visitors Guide will soon appear at over 125 welcome centers and kiosks throughout Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and in mailboxes and digital devices around the globe. The tools include a guide to find the perfect festival, top thrifting spots from local HGTV star Jenni Yolo, and itinerary ideas from Milwaukee’s own powerhouse comic Charlie Berens.
The 2025 visitors map features over 200 local businesses throughout the area and includes hotels, attractions, restaurants, breweries, food halls, recreation, shopping, and more throughout Milwaukee’s downtown and Wauwatosa.
Visit Milwaukee partnered with Map King to create a new digital mapping experience that complements the print Official Visitors Map. The digital map offers visitors a curated list of the city’s must-visit attractions, award-winning restaurants, top-notch shops and world-class hotels.
Visit Milwaukee reports the new Milwaukee Digital Visitors Map will roll out curated itineraries as well as in-app promotions, like the current Milwaukee Admirals’ ticket giveaway throughout the year.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL OPENING IN FISH CREEK
Katie Wanzer, Mitch Ehly, and Luke and Katie Nelsen, operating under The Refresh Collection Hospitality Group, will open The Spruce & Shore Motel in mid-May at the site of the former Fish Creek Motel & Cottages in downtown Fish Creek.
The group, known for their successful revitalization of Fresh Coast Motel — the former By-the-Bay Motel on Main Street — will bring the same modern touch while preserving the charm of the historic property. Fresh Coast has quickly gained popularity for its 15-room luxury boutique accommodations since opening a year ago, and the team hopes to replicate that success at The Spruce & Shore.
The new motel will offer a variety of lodging options, including 13 motel rooms, eight one-bedroom suites with gas fireplaces and kitchenettes, a one-bedroom standalone cottage with a full kitchen, and a duplex with two-bedroom suites. Amenities will include an in-ground pool, off-street parking, and dog-friendly rooms.
Renovations focus on updating the motel’s aesthetics while preserving its historic roots. The rooms will feature modern design elements, eco-friendly bath products, luxury mattresses, and upgraded amenities.
The motel will operate without a traditional front desk, using a keyless, contactless check-in system via guests’ smartphones. WM
DANE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
choose
Start planning for your next meeting or event in the Fox Cities. With a wide variety of spaces and places, we have the perfect venue to inspire any group to get down to business.
Looking for a modern, state-of-the-art option with room for a crowd?
Check out the Fox Cities Exhibition Center— 38,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed space built right into the hillside of Downtown Appleton.
GARVER FEED MILL
A STORIED AND ONCE-EMPTY BUILDING IN MADISON GETS A SECOND ACT AS A UNIQUE EVENT VENUE.
BY SHELBY DEERING
Some old buildings never get to relive their glory days and are demolished to make way for modern-day structures. Madison’s Garver Feed Mill, originally constructed in 1906 and serving as a sugar beet processing facility, could have met the same fate.
The building sat empty for nearly two decades, until a Chicago developer saw it still had many good years left and could serve an entirely new purpose, and construction got underway in 2017.
Garver Feed Mill has been a hustling, bustling East Side hub since 2019, brimming with businesses like beloved local chain Ian’s Pizza, Perennial Yoga and Kosa Ayurvedic Spa. Live music and the sounds of Dane County Farmers’ Market shoppers fill its expanse.
And that’s just a typical day for the public at the feed mill. It also holds one-of-a-kind event spaces, such as the Garver Lounge, a private, rentable space where craft cocktails and chic eats abound, and Garver Canvas, which hosts art exhibitions and events for regional artists.
IDEAL FOR EVENTS
Bethany Jurewicz, director of Business Operations at Garver Events, explains they offer a totally customizable experience featuring multiple spaces, in-house food and beverage options and audio-visual equipment. They also have all-inclusive packages.
The main space, otherwise known as the atrium, can seat 400 lecture-style or host a 500-person reception. As a bonus, all atrium rentals include use of a double-sided bar with lounge spaces on each side.
“Each lounge is available as a standalone space, perfect for breakout space, a VIP section or a small gathering. The smaller lounge seats 25 at tables and the larger doubles that capacity,” Jurewicz explains.
As for Garver Canvas, the art-filled space can accommodate 100 lecture-style and 75 seated at tables. It also includes a private bathroom, private entrance and dedicated break-out space.
LOCAL & SUSTAINABLE
Garver Feed Mill is truly a celebration of Madison and its surrounding areas. Garver Kitchen is their in-house catering entity that “values supporting the local food economy,” as Jurewicz puts it. They have a keen emphasis on working with local farmers and distributors whenever possible, in order to create menus that highlight Wisconsin’s vibrant food scene. Even the bar almost exclusively serves regional beer and spirits.
Jurewicz notes Garver supports the local food economy through sourcing and provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and farmers to vend. “We host the Dane County Late Winter Farmers’ Market (DCFM) January through April and an all-female art and food festival, Femmestival, every February,” she says.
Garver Events also strives to reduce as much waste as possible. For instance, kegged wine is primarily served at events, which reduces bottle waste. Clients are encouraged to use in-house plates and utensils by including cost in the rental fee. And single-use products are compostable.
A UNIQUE VENUE
Between the 40-foot ceilings and wall of windows, not to mention the industrial-cool brick-clad walls, Garver Feed Mill has room to move and visual appeal. That feeling of spaciousness continues onto the sizable outdoor patio. And did you know that if you hold an event at Garver on a Friday between May and September, you’ll get to end the day with free live music and food trucks on the patio? As Jurewicz says, it’s “definitely a unique perk that only comes with having your event at a space that also programs for the general public.”
The building’s tenants can also provide add-ons like spa treatments, candle making and take-home terrariums. All things considered, an event at Garver Feed Mill is simply a study in style from beginning to end. WM
Shelby Deering is a Madison-based lifestyle writer contributing to national and regional publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping and Experience Wisconsin.
NOVEL ATTRACTIONS, THRILLING WATER PARKS, AND DIVERSE VENUES CONTINUE TO EXPAND WISCONSIN DELLS’ MEETING AND EVENT OFFERINGS.
By Ronnie Wendt
Believe it or not, Wisconsin Dells is more than a vacation destination. It’s also a hub for meetings and events of all types and sizes.
Andy Larsen, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau, notes that though some still view the area as a seasonal retreat, that perception is outdated.
Things are different now. Wisconsin Dells’ indoor water parks have made the area a popular tourist destination, and their integration with local resorts has established it as an excellent place for conventions.
Today Wisconsin Dells is a hotspot for
“bleisure” travel, where business and leisure seamlessly blend. “Visitors can mix work with play, making it an enjoyable experience for the entire family,” Larsen explains.
Shannon Timmerman, CMP and the director of sales at the Wilderness Resort, describes the region as a “true family destination” where “there’s never a dull moment and it’s only natural to include the entire family.”
Making Changes
As the area’s reputation as a convention destination swelled, so has demand, which has led to some major changes.
The first of which is with the Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau itself, which
needed a new facility to handle the influx of tourism and convention activity. This summer, the bureau will move into a new, 39,000-square-foot building in Lake Delton. Among the employees, there are event specialists who can help meeting planners find the perfect venue. (They even have a meetings website, meetinthedells.com.)
Next is the Wisconsin Hotel, which a press release promises “will lean into the state’s heritage in a big way, from architecture and interior design to culinary and event space.”
The 111-room hotel and convention space will replace the Wintergreen Hotel and draw its design inspiration from traditional farm buildings. An on-site restaurant,
named Farmer in the Dells, carries this theme forward with dishes made from locally sourced food. A four-story Silo Bar, which boasts an open-air rooftop bar that overlooks Mirror Lake State Park, completes the look.
According to Larsen, the hotel boasts many amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools and fire pits, plus a large corporate event space for up to 300 attendees. “This hotel is opening in phases, but should be fully open this summer,” he says.
Aquavia Lumina, an enchanted, illuminated night walk that follows a mystical deer on a quest for the meaning of water, opened at Wilderness Resort in the fall of 2024. This
captivating experience invites groups to embark on a one-mile, hour-long luminary journey. “We hosted several group events this past fall and winter, but this spring, we’re truly beginning to build momentum as a group activity,” Timmerman shares. “The immersion of sounds, lights, a story and music make it a really amazing experience.”
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Wisconsin Dells on May 4, has unveiled plans for an $85 million expansion, which will include a glass-enclosed water park with a retractable roof. The open-air water park, scheduled to open in 2026, will have two six-person raft slides and a four-lane racing slide.
Kalahari will also debut its Treehouse Collection; 21 partially supported luxury treehouses alongside 31 ground-supported ones. Every treehouse, designed in collaboration with treehouse masters at Nelson’s Treehouse, will have will have a screened porch and a kitchenette.
“These will be an exciting option for a very experiential corporate retreat,” says Kyra Popp, corporate director of sales at Kalahari. “There will also be a traditional Wisconsin supper club on site, right on Lake Delton.”
Variety of Venues
The greater Wisconsin Dells area boasts over 500,000 square feet of venue space and 9,000+ guest rooms. Its ability to
host meetings from 10 to over 3,000 attendees attracts over 5,600 meetings and conventions each year, according to Larsen.
In 2019, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions opened a $35 million expansion, doubling its convention space. It now offers 212,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, making it the state’s second largest venue for meetings and events, eclipsed in size only by the Baird Center in Milwaukee.
The venue has three sizable ballrooms, the largest of which, the African Ballroom, is 52,000 square feet and able to seat 3,600 people at round tables or be partitioned into 10 smaller rooms. The 20,560-squarefoot Kilimanjaro Ballroom, and the 17,200-square-foot Kalahari Ballroom can be used as a single space or divided into eight rooms each.
“With these event spaces, we can host multiple events at the same time without groups feeling like they are on top of each other,” Popp says. “There’s also direct access to the convention center from the outdoors. All parking is on site and free. There are no huge parking garages or expensive fees to park.”
In 2024, the resort added 237 additional guest rooms, in a wing known as the Hillside, to support the additional meeting and event space. Now Kalahari offers an impressive 1,035 guest rooms. “This wing has been a game changer for groups because everything is truly under one roof for an event,” she says.
The Chula Vista Resort sits in a secluded, wooded location on the Wisconsin River, just north of downtown. It boasts 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, offering a total of up to 20 meeting rooms and three ballrooms with prime views. The 541-room resort also features indoor and outdoor water parks, Dells Zipline Adventures and the Coldwater Canyon Golf Course.
Glacier Canyon Conference Center at the Wilderness offers 56,000 square feet of adaptable meeting space, encompassing the Sandstone and Wilderness Ballrooms. The Sandstone ballroom can also be divided into nine individual rooms. The Wilderness has 446 guest rooms, 40 Vacation Villas, 76 Frontier Condominiums, 36 cabins and
eight treehouse cabins. It is also home to Wilderness on the Lake, which features 108 two- and three-bedroom condominium units overlooking Lake Delton; and Glacier Canyon Lodge, which features 460 upscale condominium units. The cabins are near the Wild Rock Golf Club and the largest, the treehouse cabins can sleep up to 22 guests. “We often rent out the treehouses to groups that come in for a golf outing,”
Timmerman says. “We have enough rooms that no matter the size of the group, we can accommodate them on site. Another plus is our convention center is located away
from the indoor water parks. There will be no one in a swimsuit accidentally walking into your event.”
Timmerman remarks patios off the convention center with full bars just inside are also popular with groups. “They can have a dinner outside or an outside cocktail hour,” she says. “Some of our groups do a luau on the patios and we work with them to have dishes outside the scope of our traditional catering menu.”
Ho-Chunk Gaming-Wisconsin Dells has 29,810 square feet of flexible meeting space,
which includes upper and lower ballrooms and boardrooms, and three smaller breakout rooms. Its amenities include 300 guest rooms, an on-site casino and live entertainment.
“We can handle anything from really small meetings of less than 10 people to events with up to 600 attendees,” says Monika Lobsinger, group sales manager of HoChunk Gaming-Wisconsin Dells.
Larsen mentions other potential event spaces including Great Wolf Lodge, which features 8,419 square feet of meeting space and 435 hotel rooms.
He also urges planners to consider outdoor meeting places, like The Pavilion, a 700-square foot facility equipped with a bar, food serving space, fireplace, and a large seating area. “You can also have a meeting on one of the Dells Boats, which can hold up to 150 people,” he says.
Larsen also recommends Vennubu Hill, a rustic barn facility with 4,500 square feet of meeting space; Wild Rock Golf Club, which offers an open-air covered patio for receptions and a banquet room that can seat up to 120 people; Trappers Turn Golf Club, with over 10,000 square feet of event space; and The Swan Barn Door, with 12,000 square feet of event space.
Foodie Delights
Food is central to every event. Fortunately, Wisconsin Dells can dish up menus that tickle every tastebud. “Our larger resorts offer on-site dining options that are sure to please,“ Larsen says. “There are also some can’t miss places off site, such as The DelBar, Ishnala Supper Club and The Embers.”
In 2024, Kalahari opened two new signature restaurants: Sortino’s Italian Kitchen and Cinco Niños, a Mexican restaurant. “Sortino’s is a freestanding restaurant that the Nelson family fell in love with and brought to our properties in Pennsylvania, Texas and now Wisconsin,” Popp says. “There’s also a full wine bar off of the restaurant, which is a great place for groups to gather.”
Ho-Chunk has a few new restaurants too, including Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant and Adi’s Chinese Food. “We also have Red 6 Pizzeria Plus and just
reopened Copper Oak Steakhouse, our fine dining restaurant,” Lobsinger says. “And we have a new, 21-page catering menu, with ala carte and hors d’oeuvre, pizza night and breakout snack options.”
Kalahari also dishes up the Wisconsin Brew Pub with Wisconsin craft beers, cheese curds and cocktails, and Double Cut Steak House for classic steaks and seafood. Chula Vista presents Kaminski’s Chop House, considered one of America’s top chophouses; the Tavern Restaurant for low-key dining; and Luigi’s Pizza, just to name a few. Sarento’s
Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, and Field’s at the Wilderness, offer Italian and steakhouse dining at the Wilderness Resort.
Exceptional Entertainment
“There’s no lack of things to do in Wisconsin Dells,” Timmerman adds.
A fan favorite, she says, is always the Dells Ducks Tours, which has been a Wisconsin Dells attraction for over 75 years. Guests board an Original World War II-era Dells Army Duck for a sightseeing experience that covers land and water and takes visitors
to see striking sandstone rock formations and scenic wilderness trails along the Wisconsin River.
The Legacy Dinner Theater brings in diverse shows that appeal to varied tastes. Timmerman recommends the theater’s spectacular holiday show. “They also bring in different tribute bands on the weekends,” she says. “We’ve had Ozzy Osbourne and Elvis tribute bands. You name it.”
Larsen recommends a visit to the Dells’ six spas, including the award-winning Sundara Inn & Spa, which was named the No. 1 Domestic Destination Spa in Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Awards” in 2024.
Spa Kalahari received a revamp in 2023 that revitalized its reception area, relaxation lounge and locker rooms. “We have expanded locker rooms and treatments and a dry sauna,” Popp says. “It’s absolutely lovely and very popular with convention guests.”
Larsen also recommends any of the area’s six golf courses, which include Trappers Turn Golf Club, a course crafted by twotime U.S. Open Champion Andy North and world renowned golf course designer Roger Packard. Wild Rock Golf Club was also designed by famous course architects, Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry. It is currently getting a major bunker refurbishment to provide guests with the best possible playing conditions, he adds.
Also, Larsen suggests visiting the region’s many wineries and distilleries. Trips to wineries like Broken Bottle Winery, Balanced Rock Winery, Dells Distillery or Driftless Glenn Distillery — to name a few — have become “very popular with groups,” he says.
For groups looking for a thrill, Larsen recommends the area’s zipline adventures, which include BigFoot Zipline Tours, Dells Zipline Adventures, Wilderness Canyon Zip Line Canopy Tour, and Vertical Illusions Zipline.
The Wilderness also operates three escape rooms. D.O.A. Unlocked will even set up an escape room at the conference center. “We just added an 80s-themed escape
challenge,” Timmerman says. “You can plan an 80s-themed party, have everyone dress to the theme and then divide up into teams to solve the challenge.”
Kalahari’s on-site theme park is also a hit with groups. “The theme park has 24 lanes of bowling, which is an experience that’s very popular with event planners,” Popp says. “Bowling is great for teams because you do not have to be super skilled to play.”
Ho-Chunk Gaming also offers Rewards Play for groups, where every attendee receives
$15 for the gaming floor. “We also can set up gaming on the event show floor,” Lobsinger says. “We bring in people from our table games department to teach blackjack, do demos, and let attendees play some games for fun.”
The Wisconsin Dells region features excellent meeting venues, diverse dining options, and thrilling activities for attendees and their families. With endless adventures and accommodations, boredom is not an option for event planners choosing Wisconsin Dells. WM
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Meetings in Bloom
MOVE FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN WITH A MEETING FILLED WITH NATURE’S BEAUTY AND UNIQUE ACTIVITIES.
By Shelby Deering
Atraditional meeting room is undoubtedly a place where participants can sit, converse, and focus. But to really get those creative juices flowing, encourage teamwork and provide a feast for the eyes, look no further than a botanical garden venue. With a variety of botanical gardens to choose from across the state, many of these venues have a lot to offer besides beautiful plants, such as indoor and outdoor spaces for gatherings of all sizes.
“There’s something about stepping away from the usual office environment that makes people think differently,” says Laura Kenyon, community engagement manager at Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens.
It’s a sentiment that Kaytie Ruesch, program manager at Wausau’s Monk Botanical Gardens, echoes as well: “A break in routine is stimulating for the brain and may help to provoke new ideas and creative thought.”
Rachel Mueller, PR and content coordinator at Green Bay Botanical Garden, believes in the power of the outdoors when it comes to meetings, saying, “Seeing how different parts of nature interact with each other — like a monarch’s reliance on milkweed plants — can encourage transformation for a team.”
For something completely different and unexpected for your next meeting, and to give participants a breath of fresh air, look to one of these Wisconsin botanical garden venues.
Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville
Sitting on 20 acres, this non-profit garden in Janesville (located just over an hour from Milwaukee and 45 minutes from Lake Geneva) boasts 26 different garden spaces, including a Japanese garden, an English Cottage garden and even a French Formal garden.
“But what really makes us unique is that we’re not just about plants — we’re here for the community,” Kenyon says. “Since we’re a nonprofit, everything we do — whether it’s hosting wellness programs, educational workshops or just providing a peaceful escape — happens because of memberships, donations and event rentals.”
The gardens have several indoor spaces to choose from, including four tech-outfitted multipurpose rooms that each fit 40 and can be combined for a larger space that accommodates 250, a light-filled atrium that holds 50 and provides garden views, and two small classrooms geared toward breakout sessions. The outdoor spaces include the Celebration Garden, with a gazebo and lawn area, and the Sunken Garden, cozy, tucked away and surrounded by greenery.
Solo or small-group work can be done from benches throughout the gardens, offering lovely views of the lake and scenery.
And it doesn’t stop at the gorgeous, flower-filled visuals. “Groups can take a self-guided stroll through our themed spaces, join a guided tour or dive into hands-on plant education sessions,” Kenyon says. “Looking for something more interactive? We can arrange
scavenger hunts, team-building activities or even a horticultural workshop tailored to your interests.”
For more of a wellness slant to add to your meeting, Kenyon explains they’ve hosted yoga sessions, and naturally, the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens serves as an ideal place to unwind. She adds, “Whether you’re here to learn, create, relax or just soak in the beauty, we’re all about making your experience as engaging, and refreshing, as possible.”
Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay
Another community-supported nonprofit garden where you can hold an event is the Green Bay Botanical Garden, situated on 47 acres brimming with display gardens and natural areas. Here, you’ll spy an astounding 120,000 plants native to Wisconsin and from around the world.
“Green Bay Botanical Garden is the ideal place to hold a meeting because there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for
an indoor experience, an outdoor excursion or a little bit of both,” says corporate and social events coordinator Noely Gomand.
One indoor option is the George Kress Suite of Classrooms, which can be split up into three different rooms. They can hold up to 64 guests, feature floor-to-ceiling windows and you can walk out onto the adjoining Mabel Thome Patio to experience the outdoor garden.
There’s also the indoor, recently updated Cornerstone Foundation Hall, with a capacity of up to 200, a customizable layout, views of the accompanying Schneider Family Grand Garden and an adjacent patio.
As for the outdoors, you can hold your event in the Schneider Family Grand Garden, tailored to large events, and the Raisanen Lodge Shelter, with seating for up to 40 and readied with picnic tables. In fact, the gardens can plan picnics indoors and out for large corporations “who want to provide a unique outing for their employees and their loved ones,” as Gomand says.
To round out your botanical garden experience, all meeting participants receive free admission to explore the outdoor garden. You can punctuate the itinerary with team-building scavenger hunts, hikes on the trails and paths, meditation and yoga. Participants can even volunteer to weed and plant right alongside the gardening team.
Consider also adding a guided tour, like the Botanical Wonders Tour that highlights current blooms, or Herbal Adventure, in which guests will soak up the sights and smells of culinary and medicinal herbs. “Holding meetings at a botanical garden lends itself to focusing on mental health and overall wellness,” Mueller says. “It’s a place where teams can relax, recharge and refocus with the support of nature itself.”
Monk Botanical Gardens, Wausau
In central Wisconsin, you’ll find the 29-acre Monk Botanical Gardens, a mix of themed, cultivated gardens and natural areas. Open yearround, there’s Sara’s Storybook Garden featuring a treehouse and shipwreck, a National Hosta Society Display Garden, a peaceful Meditation Garden and the new English garden, among others.
“Holding a meeting here provides for a relaxing and natural setting that increases creativity, interaction and overall participant wellbeing,” Ruesch says.
Cities in Bloom
Blooming botanical gardens can be found across the state. Groups planning events in Milwaukee or Madison can also consider these lovely gardens.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
This Madison-based garden connects people and plants with three rooms inside the botanical center that are available for rental year-round. Each room overlooks the stunning scenery of the Outdoor Gardens. The Bolz Conservatory is also available as an add-on for evening rentals.
Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee
This horticultural conservatory is available for rent for special events. It can accommodate up to 30 people in the Tropical, Desert or Show Domes. For larger events of up to 500 guests, the Atrium or Greenhouse No. 7 can be used. Catering is available by Zilli Hospitality Group for a memorable experience.
For an indoors-meets-outdoors experience, look no further than the botanical gardens’ unique yurt space. Round and tent-like with a wooden frame and fabric covering, the yurt has all the “comforts and conveniences” of an indoor meeting space, as Ruesch says, and it can accommodate 25 people. Although it feels as if it’s been pulled from another era, the yurt has its own wireless Internet access.
Then there’s the Potager, a French word that translates to “kitchen garden” and is perfect for those foodie participants attending your event.
“This is a beautiful outdoor covered space perfect for gatherings of up to 150 people,” Ruesch says. “It features a wood fire pizza oven, propane stovetop, sink and countertop. It is an ideal space for enjoying a meal or refreshments while gazing out at the vibrant produce being grown in our kitchen garden.”
The gardens are also ideal for walking meetings, with a mile of accessible walking trails. “A walking meeting serves the same purpose as a traditional meeting but incorporates movement into the workday,” Ruesch says.
In addition to these creative ways to weave the venue into your event, there are bonus activity options. For instance, you can add a tour or a workshop, such as wreath-making, to your event.
“A change of scenery and exposure to nature provides meeting attendees with an escape from typical workplace distractions,” Ruesch says, adding that you can always count on fresh air and sunlight to raise spirits. WM
Could hosting an event at a baseball stadium lead to a home run in your team’s synergy?
Whether treating employees on game day, renting out a ballpark for a holiday party or company-wide event, or using the facilities to host a meeting or awards ceremony, these unexpected venues provide a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. They also cater to a range of group sizes, from 10 people to a few thousand people.
“We’ve been really fortunate to have support from the corporate community in the Madison area. People turn to us now to host client outings and employee appreciation events,” says Monica Wagner, vice president of corporate ticket sales for the Madison Mallards, a team that plays in the Northwoods League. Its home field is in Warner Park, on Madison’s Northeast side.
Among the options on tap during a non-game-day event at these stadiums are a private fireworks show, batting practice and lawn games on the field, and usage of the Jumbotron or videoboard, while groups can also lock in the best game-day views from an open-air spot or VIP suite. With most stadiums, it’s a one-stop-shop as they can also handle food and beverage, and
their meeting rooms are stocked with audio-visual equipment, avoiding any third-party vendors.
“The atmosphere is very inviting,” says Lynn Sukow, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ banquet sales and event manager, who books groups for non-game-day events at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, where the Minor League Baseball team that’s an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers plays their home games. “It really helps with morale. People don’t like to get pulled away and are forced to attend meetings. It’s not your typical meeting space.”
New Stadiums Around the State
“We wanted to create a gathering place year-round,” says Maria Valentyn, vice president of entertainment for Beloit Sky Carp, the Midwest League Affiliate team for the Miami Marlins whose home field is ABC Supply Stadium in Beloit. “We specifically built our clubs and suites to be meeting spaces. When you’re in them, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a baseball stadium.”
Completed in 2021, the stadium replaced Pohlman Field just outside of Beloit and is in the heart of downtown Beloit. “You’re
a five-minute walk from all the shops and restaurants downtown,” says Valentyn. “We offer so many things in one location where you’re not bussing people from place to place.”
Another new stadium is the 17-acre Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, home to the Lake Country DockHounds, a team that plays in the American Association of Professional Baseball. In 2021, the DockHounds debuted their home-field stadium in Oconomowoc, and played their first season in 2022. Suites include a food buffet, drink tickets, big-screen televisions and couch seating, and can hold between 20 and 70 people.
Stadiums around the state have also undergone renovations. In 2022, Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium added a 360-degree concourse where you can now walk around the ballpark with ease. Also, “2023 was the first season we added on two more group areas. The Fox Club is behind home plate,” says Samantha Hartman, senior account manager for Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, which was named Ballpark of the Year by Ballpark Digest in 2023.
Madison Mallards renovated its stadium to feature club levels, private areas and party decks. “Companies are looking for places to engage with their clients in a social setting,” says Wagner.
Diversity in Venues
Whether it’s a group of 10 or 1,000, and if an indoor or outdoor setting is preferred, these stadiums can accommodate.
That said, the reason baseball season spans late spring through early fall is because that’s during the nicest weather. At Herr-Baker Field, home field for the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, a team in the Northwoods League, the rooftop deck is popular. Food and beverage packages are available and there’s a view of the game.
Recently, a non-profit group reserved this space. “We opened the gates a little early for their group,” says General Manager Jim Misudek. “They used the rooftop for a meeting to have
presentations from community members to help decide what they were going to fund, and they stayed for the game.”
Alternatively, there’s a pre-game picnic area. “It’s kind of like a tailgate before the game,” says Misudek, “but it’s inside the park. It could be a meeting space to entertain clients or have a group gathering.” The park also hosts small groups in private suites.
In addition to helping entertain clients on game day, Madison Mallards has set up town halls for groups, which might mean renting out the stadium on a non-game day and making use of the video board to give an address. “People get out on the field and play kickball or softball,” says Wagner. “We have a bunch of yard games.”
At Beloit Sky Carps’ ABC Supply Stadium, groups can also play yard games on the field, as well as engage in batting practice. A fireworks show can also be arranged. Another way Valentyn worked with a group to make the stadium their own is to host an awards ceremony and plated dinner at an indoor space with a stage. Smaller suites can accommodate between 10 and 50 people. There’s also enough room for a trade show: a landscaping company will soon host their biannual conference at the stadium where vendors can promote products and services to attendees.
Groups of between 20 and 300 people can find an ideal spot at Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. Wednesday afternoon games are popular as they fall during business hours and “lately Thursday nights have been the most popular, so people aren’t taking away weekends for their employees,” says Hartman. VIP suites for between 14 and 20 people are booked in such a way that a meeting might take place before the first pitch and employees stick around to watch the game.
The Fox Club is a popular indoor venue on the upper deck and can hold between 20 and 130 guests. A view of the game is the allure, although a full bar and food menus are also available. “We
customize based on each event,” says Sukow. “We try to make the space fit the group — we utilize floorplan tweaking and different furnishings. We don’t just use a cookie-cutter floorplan.”
Two other spaces at the stadium that are seasonal are the Leinie Lodge, with catered food and drinks; and Brews on Third, an outdoor beer garden.
Beyond Burgers and Brats
Offering more than typical game-day fare such as popcorn and hot dogs, stadiums up their game when courting private events. They also aim to make the selection process easy.
“All of our packages are all-inclusive,” says Wagner. “Everything is included in the ticket price — their ticket to the game, rental of the suite, limited food and beverage, taxes, gratuities and fees.”
The same is true for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Group pricing includes game tickets, a 90-minute, all-you-can-eat buffet and two beverages per person. Each venue has its own food menu.
“Once you get everything reserved, you don’t have to worry about handling food. Our most classic option is our Leadoff Hitter menu that includes hot dogs, brats, hamburgers,” says Hartman, while others fold in ribs, chicken breasts and pulled pork. “All, for the most part, have cowboy baked beans, pasta salad, assorted potato chips and an assorted dessert tray.”
Some groups, she says, will tailgate before the game and organize their own food that way.
“We have an extremely robust menu,” says Valentyn. “A lot of people, when they think baseball, they think all we do is hot
dogs, burgers and brats. (Our catering company) does everything from a pig roast to paella making and a prime rib carving station. They’re extremely creative and their food is high quality.”
Company picnics either incorporate game-day fare or offer tasty alternatives. ABC Supply hosts an annual picnic for its 3,000 employees at ABC Supply Stadium, bringing in food trucks as the group size is so large. Similarly, for a group that’s between 400 people and a few thousand people at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, a tent can be set up in the parking lot with the food catered.
Located in the heart of vibrant downtown Appleton, the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley is a fully connected event campus designed for both business and leisure Enjoy three exceptional onsite restaurants Harvest Kitchen & Pantry, Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar, and the renowned Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse along with 388 guest rooms and expansive, versatile event spaces, all in one location
Small-town baseball stadiums are unique, flexible event venues that combine fun and productivity for client outings, team building or corporate events. With so many customizable options available, these venues can help planners knock their next event out of the park. WM
Kristine Hansen is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee. She writes about food and drink, design and travel for a mix of regional and national audiences. Her clients include ArchitecturalDigest.com, Fodors.com, Vogue.com, Midwest Living magazine and Milwaukee magazine. She recently also published the “Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook” and “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wisconsin,” which are available on Amazon.com.
Meeting Spaces
With a combined 80,000 square feet of event space, Hilton Appleton Paper Valley and the Fox Cities Exhibition Center offer a seamless setting for meetings, conferences, trade shows, and special events. Together, our 30+ unique spaces provide the ideal backdrop for gatherings of any size from intimate meetings of five to exhibitions for several thousand
At Hilton Appleton Paper Valley, everything is connected, everything is in one place, and everything is designed to deliver an effortless experience
VISIT MILWAUKEE DEBUTS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND IMMERSIVE DRONE TOUR OF BAIRD CENTER
By Amanda N. Wegner
Meeting and event planners can now experience the Baird Center in a whole new way.
In mid-December, Visit Milwaukee unveiled a groundbreaking immersive drone tour of the recently expanded Baird Center at Expo! Expo! 2024, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Annual Meeting & Exhibition.
“With Baird Center’s recent completion of a state-of-the-art $456 million expansion, there was a need to market Milwaukee’s premier event venue to garner interest as a world-class destination for meetings and conventions,” says Josh Albrecht, chief marketing officer of Visit Milwaukee.
Considered the first video of its kind in the destination marketing industry, the drone tour was created to showcase Baird Center to meeting planners and industry professionals.
“We are really impressed with how the video captures the essence of Baird Center and doesn’t overwhelm the viewer,” adds Wisconsin Center District’s Vice President of Sales Megan Seppmann. “The video showcases Baird Center’s warmth and welcoming atmosphere, which can be hard to do with a 1.3-million-square-foot venue.”
Drawing on Experience
The drone tour was developed in partnership with Baird Center, which is owned and operated by Wisconsin Center District, and Madden Media, a full-service destination marketing agency that works with Visit Milwaukee.
“We’ve been working with them for a number of years, and as plans were progressing for the Baird Center expansion, we wanted to do something different that allowed people to see what the expansion looks like,” says Nick Cusick, destination strategist for Madden Media.
The idea draws on Madden Media’s experience doing drone flythroughs of university campuses and athletic facilities to attract potential athletes and future students.
“They provide a nearly a first-person view of what a place can offer,” Cusick says. “And with Baird Center, it is a great tool to see how it has changed from what it was before.”
Completed in May 2024, the expansion doubled the Baird Center’s convention space, added advanced technological features, and included new amenities to help event planners create memorable experiences. The center was named a 2025 winner of EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Centers of Excellence awards.
A First-Person View
Shooting the immersive tour involved many moving parts, explains Cusick. Even before filming, the project team scripted and storyboarded the video to piece together what they wanted the end product to look like. The team also wanted the video to be full of life and showcase what’s possible, so they coordinated room setups and people to be active in the meeting spaces. Captured on a beautiful summer day, volunteers from Baird Center, Madden Media and Visit Milwaukee served as talent for the video.
In the editing process, Madden Media added critical enhancements such as textual and graphic overlays to help viewers understand the flow of the space and what they’re seeing and to visualize room setups.
“The different elements we included make it truly unique and with a first-person view,” Cusick says. “You can see tables magically popping up, helping planners see a space come to life before their eyes.”
The video captures Baird Center’s versatility, flexibility and unique artistic features.
Through the video, planners can see how the meeting rooms can be changed using air walls, that room setups are customizable and that all spaces, including the Baird Sky View Terrace, can be adjusted for one-of-a-kind experiences. It also highlights how the north and south buildings seamlessly integrate.
“We didn’t only expand Baird Center, but we completely modernized
the original building as well,” says Seppmann. “The video shows planners how the two venues flow together to ensure attendees have the same spectacular aesthetic experience regardless of which building their event is hosted in.”
The video also brings to life the beauty of Baird Center, including comfortable common areas, ample natural light and the amazing We Energies Foundation Art Collection that highlights Milwaukee and its diverse communities.
A New Way to Engage
The video is especially helpful for planners who haven’t yet experienced the expanded and modernized Baird Center in person.
“The drone tour video is a fresh and exciting new way to engage event planners,” says Seppmann. “It lets them quickly tour the venue without having to be on-site, which can be a great introduction to the amenities and features of the venue before booking a site tour. Not only is the video cinematically spectacular, but it can also serve as a great first step in the planner’s selection process.”
While the drone tour is a great introduction to Baird Center, Albrecht adds that nothing compares to experiencing Milwaukee in person.
And based on initial interest, that’s a likely outcome of this immersive drone tour.
The teaser video debuted at Expo! Expo! 2024 was a resounding success, says Albrecht. Afterward, the tradeshow booth was filled
with meeting planners wanting to learn more about Baird Center and Milwaukee. He adds that the incredibly positive response has resulted in continued bookings of Baird Center.
The full video was released in January.
“We believe that once someone experiences Baird Center the way they will with the drone video, they will simply have to have their next event here,” says Seppmann. “Releasing this video demonstrates our commitment to offering an unrivaled experience to event planners and their attendees.”
While no current plans exist to replicate this immersive drone experience with other area venues, Albrecht notes that Visit Milwaukee is always looking for fun and inventive ways to market the city.
“We have encouraged venues all around the city to partner with companies to creatively market our destination and their unique offerings.”
Visit the drone tour here: visitmilwaukee.org/meetings-andconventions/meeting-and-event-venues/building-more/ WM
Amanda N. Wegner is a freelance writer, web designer and communications consultant based in McFarland, Wis.
Engage Attendees With Aerial Views
Drones allow planners to capture meetings and events in new and exciting ways, says Cody Retlich.
As owner and founder of Milwaukee Drones and Midwest Aerial Productions, Retlich, a drone pilot, has seen a rise in FPV, or First-Person View, tours. Using a smaller drone that can be safely flown indoors, FPVs “capture the space
and the event in a whole new way that you might not have been able to in the past.”
In addition to showing a space’s meeting potential, Retlich recommends capturing FPV footage during meetings and events to show the space and attendance. This can then be turned into event marketing content to promote future events. And this isn’t just to drive attendees; it can help attract new speakers and presenters.
Another way to leverage FPV is to sell and secure sponsorships and partnerships. By grabbing drone footage of where banners will hang or unique advertising spaces available and how attendees might experience or interact with them, planners can help potential sponsors and partners “see” themselves as part of the event.
Outdoors, planners can capture drone footage of the area to showcase a meeting or event’s location in relation to other landmarks. This can help attendees navigate a site or drive business in the local area.
“There are many different ways to incorporate drones into an event to get the most out of your investment,” says Retlich. “Everyone is watching video, and ultimately, seeing an event and how it takes place gives people comfort, something to connect with and a reason to attend.”
IT’S IN OUR NATURE
PLANNER TIPS
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
PUT YOUR MEETING IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH VIDEO.
BY AMANDA N. WEGNER
Lights, camera, action are words most people associate with a Hollywood film set, not a corporate meeting or event.
However, the meetings and events industry thrives on creating experiences and video is a fantastic way to capture attention and foster engagement at every event planning stage, from pre-event promotion to post-event follow-up.
“Video is a highly effective communication tool that helps bring interest and credibility to your event,” says Natalie Hinckley, owner of Hinckley Productions, a Wisconsin company that creates branding video content and live event video production. “Done right, it can be an asset to leverage for much longer than the duration of your event alone.”
To avoid falling behind, Noelle Schneider, co-owner of Fatbird Creative, a creative cooperative, says integrating video into your marketing is a must.
“With the studies to back it up, video content is at the top of the list to bring awareness, create engagement, make conversions, and amplify your message!” she says.
RESEARCH AND PLAN BEFORE THE CAMERA ROLLS
Start with a solid plan that includes research, planning, implementation and evaluation before making video marketing part of your meeting or event strategy.
“Video folds into a marketing plan, leading up to, during and after an event,” Hinckley explains.
Schneider adds that delivering the best message involves research, staying on top of the latest trends, observing what is being done in video worldwide, and analyzing data.
To start, she says to get crystal clear on the goal of your event’s video marketing strategy. Do you want to:
• Create a vibe and draw interest to drive attendance and registrations?
• Share information, such as event details or what to expect?
• Make a splash with a new product or offering?
Knowing the answers to these questions is critical to determining your audience and the best video format and platforms for developing your video marketing strategy, she adds.
Next, know your audience and tailor your message to their interests and current situations. Also, Hinckley adds, it’s important to decide early if your content is for public viewing or private use. “This is a significant driver for the type and format of video needed,” she stresses.
“The demographic you are targeting will determine the direction of your messaging and creative strategy and identify where those individuals are viewing their content,” says Schneider, who is based in Lake Mills. She stresses this information helps identify the right platforms to post video.
With so many online platforms available, Hinckley recommends starting small. “Keep in mind you can always change if it’s not meeting your needs,” she says.
When planning the actual videos, keep them short and to the point. One to two minutes long is sufficient for sales and promotional videos used on a website or in an email, which is “where you have attention,” says Hinckley. Videos used for social media or digital marketing should be even shorter — 30 seconds or less — and designed to generate awareness and build visibility.
As part of your plan, remember supporting pieces, such as interviews and testimonials, which can be used as content leading up to an event to draw attendees, drive registration, and build buzz for the meeting or event.
Also, don’t think video marketing is just to attract attendees, Hinckley adds. Video can — and should be used — to attract speakers or panelists and meeting or event sponsors.
“Once you have your spots, ideally, they do an excellent job of capturing your event and can be used for various applications. Or you can adjust them or dial in on messaging to use that is specific to your audiences, such as attendees versus sponsors,” she says.
HOW TO HARNESS THE POWER OF VIDEO
Want to harness the power of video but aren’t sure how it might fit into your meeting or event? Here are some suggestions:
• Promotional Videos: Whether a highlight reel of last year’s notable notes or a fresh, new speaker interview series to pique interest, a captivating video can be the cornerstone of your pre-event promotional marketing.
• Showcase the Venue: Immerse potential attendees in the event experience with a virtual tour, particularly if your meeting or event is slated for an exciting venue or destination. Highlight key features of the event and space, as well as the destination’s allure and potential activities that attendees can pursue during non-meeting hours.
• Spotlight Speakers: Introduce your more esteemed keynotes, speakers and panelists through short video interviews, highlighting their expertise and topics they’re covering. This can increase attendee interest in specific sessions and encourage them to pre-plan their conference schedule.
• Influencer Marketing: Schneider identifies influencer marketing as a trend on Fatbird Creative’s radar. Influencer marketing is a way to leverage another individual’s online/social presence to bring awareness to your brand, product or service, which can be beneficial — when done right. She stresses it is critical to vet the influencer and to ensure they are recognized by, and are the right fit, for your audience.
“Video is a highly effective communication tool that helps bring interest and credibility to your event.”
— Natalie Hinckley, Owner, Hinckley Productions
• Testimonials and Successes: Feature testimonials from past attendees or highlight the success stories of previous events. Seeing the positive impact of past events builds trust and motivates potential attendees to register. Also, at the event, capture new testimonials for future promotional materials and event proposals to showcase the value your events deliver.
• Interactive Features: Enhance engagement through interactive video elements. Consider live Q&A sessions during streamed presentations or polls and surveys embedded within videos to capture audience feedback.
• Live-Streaming: Even if your meeting or event is primarily in-person, take it global by live-streaming key sessions or keynote addresses. This allows remote attendees to participate in real time, expanding your reach and maximizing event impact. It also provides an additional revenue opportunity. With live-streaming, Hinckley reminds planners of the opportunity to provide better accessibility through captions and sign language interpreters.
• Capture Memorable Moments: During the event, record presentations, award ceremonies, or networking events. Edited highlights can be repurposed for future marketing campaigns or shared with attendees as a post-event memento.
• Recap Videos: The memorable moments captured can also create a captivating recap video to reignite event buzz. Share this summary on social media or your event website, reminding
attendees of the key takeaways and the overall experience. Then, rinse and repeat this content for the next event.
• On-Demand Content: Offer recorded presentations or sessions as on-demand content for registered attendees or as a valuable investment for non-attendees. This allows attendees to revisit key information and extend the experience beyond the event. “Recording events helps to extend the life of an event, with the ability to continue to grow revenue or be used as another marketing tool for future events,” Hinckley says.
• Animations: According to Schneider, animation is becoming more prevalent in video marketing and allows limitless creative possibilities. Animation makes for a great explainer video or a way to introduce interactive content.
Reflecting on his 32 years in television news, former reporter Bill McGinty reveals the key elements of a great video story as this: “Real people and real emotion. If we can reach people and get them to feel something, laughter, sadness, anger, then the project was worth doing.”
Schneider agrees, noting planners can accomplish a lot with video.
“Video is the perfect way to gain momentum and excitement around a product launch, an upcoming event or service you offer. Using the right style and platform for your audience is key to a successful event. It is important to creatively use unusual content to grab and maintain the viewers’ attention in a world where attention spans are declining. Stand out from the crowd!” WM
PLANNER PROFILE
TRANSFORM MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES
VETERAN EVENT PLANNER KRISTI JOHNSON SHARES INSIGHTS ON HOW TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AT EVERY EVENT.
BY SARAH KARNISH
Planner Kristi Johnson never imagined her path would lead to a career where she could turn moments into memories.
“When I was in college, I didn’t know there was such a thing as an event planner,” she reflects, recalling the simpler, more modest gatherings of her youth — weddings held in church basements or at the local VFW hall.
Like countless others in the hospitality industry, Johnson started her journey to event planner as a server at the North Star Hotel in Minneapolis, where she worked her way up to event manager.
“I started doing special events — weddings, brunches — and I fell in love with all of that,” she recalls.
The Marcus family managed the North Star Hotel as well as the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, and through that relationship, Johnson came to Grand Geneva in 1995.
PINTEREST-WORTHY PLANNING
Over the last 30 years, Johnson says she’s witnessed many industry shifts, with the influence of social media standing out as one of the most significant.
“[Before, event planning] was more of an order-taking position. There was no Pinterest, no Instagram. People didn’t
have all of these ideas — they had to rely more on their own creativity,” she recalls. “We had basic menus, not custom. Things kept evolving as social media evolved.”
Technology itself was another big game changer, she adds.
“I used to handwrite all my orders and notes, and my assistant would fax them to wherever they had to go,” she says. “Email changed my world. Having a laptop changed my world. Now I’m available whenever a client needs me, which is both good and bad.”
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
The fast pace and dynamic atmosphere of planning events means every day is different, and no day is boring. Johnson shares a few key lessons she feels would benefit new planners:
“Many new planners are not used to picking up the phone and calling someone, but response time is huge in this industry. You want to let people know you’re working on it and will have an answer for them,” she says. “People are afraid to say they don’t know, so they don’t respond.
“I would also tell new planners to ask questions [for events]: Why are you coming here [to this venue]? What do you want to do here?” she adds. “The more questions you ask, the more information you’ll know. There are no stupid questions. Ask those questions of clients so we can put you in a better spot for success.”
And finally, “Wear comfortable shoes,” she says. “We’re spread out on this property — we’re not a hotel. I once had an intern walking around the property with me, and on her first day, we put in 40,000 steps.”
MORE THAN JUST A PARTY
Johnson is quick to say planning events is not just planning parties. Event planning is much broader in scope, with far more details.
“Party planning is not on a grand scale — it doesn’t usually involve transportation, lodging, flights, contracts,” she explains. “[Event planning] has long days. It can be incredibly stressful.”
But in the end, Johnson says, she loves the work because it’s about nurturing connections and helping people make memories.
“Building those relationships is the key to success with clients, coworkers, and vendors. I was married 10 years ago and many of my clients came. The personal relationships matter.” WM
Sara Karnish’s byline has appeared in over 50 consumer, trade, and custom publications, including several focused on meeting and event planning.
Immerse your delegates in unique activities that incorporate all the senses. Build a true meeting design that offers a complete experience creating a lasting impact, vibrant memories, and energized attendees.
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