Issuu

FALL/WINTER 2026

MIDWEST IN MIDST

OF CASINO RENAISSANCE

»P UT YOUR MEETING ON THE MAP

» T ELL YOUR

SUSTAINABILITY STORY

e s o o h c

THE FOX CITIES! ACCESSIBLE

Easy to reach. Award-winning airport. Midwest convenience.

WALKABLE Hotels, dining & entertainment, just steps away.

FLEXIBLE Spaces for groups of all sizes.

MEMORABLE Arts, culture, outdoor adventure & more.

WELCOMING A destination your attendees will enjoy.

Contact Samantha Brown to bring your next meeting to the Fox Cities. sbrown@foxcities.org

The Next Chapter Is Waiting to Be Written Lake Lawn Resort makes room for fresh thinking, renewed energy, and meaningful connections. Flexible meeting spaces and an inspiring lakeside backdrop create room to collaborate, reconnect, recharge, and bring new possibilities to life.

2400 E. Geneva St. Delavan, WI 53115 | 262.728.7950 | LakeLawnResort.com

We're Dearborn County, Southeast Indiana — the perfect place to meet! Set along the Ohio River minutes from Cincinnati, we're home to Hollywood Casino, the Lawrenceburg Event Center, and the DoubleTree by Hilton, all connected under one roof for meetings and conventions of any size. Give attendees a reason to extend the trip. Downtown Cincinnati is a short drive away for a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park or a cruise on the Ohio River with BB Riverboats — easy add-ons for a group outing or a spouse program. Closer to home, Hillforest Victorian House Museum, Perfect North Slopes, and Lawrenceburg Speedway round out the options.

• • • • •

18,000 sq. ft. exhibition and concert facility 7,500 sq. ft. ballroom, plus 12,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting and board room space 168 hotel rooms connected directly to the Event Center 15 minutes from CVG Airport, 25 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati Walkable Main Street dining, casino gaming, and riverfront trails, steps from your meeting

READY TO SEE WHY WE'RE THE "PERFECT PLACE TO MEET"? Scan the code or visit us online.

6 FROM THE EDITOR

Fall/Winter 2026

7 DESTINATION INDEX

MIDWEST MEETINGS MAGAZINE: CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS 10 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Brush up on industry news. 12 FEATURED SPACES Lights, Camera, Events Movie theaters are full of glitz, glamour and a number of event benefits.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: ©FLIX BREWHOUSE, ©BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS, ©LUUM COLLECTIVE, ©VISIT MIDDLETON

15 TECHNOLOGY What to Know When Hiring an Audiovisual Pro Here’s how to find the right audiovisual and production partner for your next event.

20 FOOD & BEVERAGE Stations, Please Ditch the seating chart in favor of roaming guests, interactive food stations and elevated comfort food. 23 MARKETING Tell Your Sustainability Story Market your event’s green initiatives before, during and after the event.

SPECIAL SECTION STATE SPOTLIGHT 57 Illinois 61 Indiana 73 Michigan 80 Missouri 84 Ohio 86 Wisconsin

ON THE COVER:

FEATURES 28 PUT YOUR MEETING ON THE MAP Midwest convention and visitors bureaus are doing far more than booking hotel rooms: They’re connecting planners with the chefs, makers and stories that turn a destination into part of the program. 42 MIDWEST IN THE MIDST OF A CASINO RENAISSANCE Planners have plenty of options to keep attendees engaged and excited with so many new casinos and casino expansions throughout the Midwest.

48 THE POWER OF ORGANIC COMMUNITY-DRIVEN GROWTH AdeptiCon continues to flourish, year after year, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. 52 PLANNING FOR CHANGE IN AN EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE Build flexibility into your event strategy to navigate shifting policies, funding, compliance demands and attendee needs.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO AURORA

MidwestMeetings.com

From the Editor You’ve got a room to fill, a budget to watch and a lot of expectations to meet. Now, make it memorable. That’s the fun — and sometimes the challenge — of being a meeting or event planner. The best events don’t just check boxes. They surprise attendees and spark connections. And if you’re looking for fresh ways to make that happen, you’re in the right place. There’s no shortage of inspiration across the Midwest. There’s something especially energizing about the Midwest this time of year. Maybe it’s the glow of fall color, dazzle of snow or the way the communities across our 12 Midwest states embrace the season with open arms. Whatever the reason, it’s a good time to gather and this issue of Midwest Meetings is filled with ideas to help you do that. One of the things I love about meeting in the Midwest is the destination can — and should be — part of the experience. In “Put Your Meeting on the Map” on Page 28, we take a closer look at how convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) are becoming true strategic partners, connecting planners with local chefs, makers, attractions and experiences that can transform an event into something attendees cherish after they head home. Hospitality is personal and those local connections can make all the difference. We’re also having a little fun with where meetings can happen. “Lights, Camera, Events” on Page 12 explores the delightful possibility of using a movie theater as an event venue. Think comfortable seating, built-in audiovisual capabilities and a healthy dose of Hollywood-style atmosphere, all without the stuffy ballroom. “What to Know When Hiring an Audiovisual Pro,” which is on Page 15, offers practical guidance for finding the right production partner. And as sustainability continues to shape how we plan and promote events, “Tell Your Sustainability Story” on Page 23 looks at ways to communicate your green efforts before, during and after the event. No Midwest gathering would be complete without good food. In “Stations, Please” on Page 20, we explore a fresh approach to holiday entertaining, from interactive food stations and elevated comfort food to retro cocktails with a modern twist. It’s an invitation to get guests moving and mingling. Then there are the destinations themselves. From a casino renaissance sweeping across the region (Page 42) to the community-driven growth of the AdeptiCon convention in Milwaukee (Page 48), our features showcase the creativity and momentum happening right here in the Heartland. Settle in, pour yourself something warm and start exploring. Whether you’re planning a holiday celebration, a 2027 conference or looking for inspiration, you’ll find plenty of it in these pages. As always, we’re glad you’re here — and even more glad you’re meeting in the Midwest.

MidwestMeetings.com Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Publisher Barb Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com Vice President of Publications Becky Peck bpeck@ntmediagroup.com Editor Carrie Mantey cmantey@ntmediagroup.com Graphic Designer Kimberly Fleming kim@ntmediagroup.com Advertising Coordinator Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com Advertising Sales Manager Steve Van Maanen steve@ntmediagroup.com Advertising Sales Manager Cindy Smith csmith@ntmediagroup.com Digital Director Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com Accounting Nadine Seitz accounting@ntmediagroup.com Midwest Meetings is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President Midwest Meetings is distributed via direct mail three times per year to professional meeting planners; 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. Volume 35, Issue 3 is dated October 2026. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by the publisher. ©2026 Nei-Turner Media Group Inc. All rights reserved. Prepress services and printing by Sheridan, Pontiac, IL. Member of Meeting Professionals International

All the best, To receive copies, call (262) 729-4471.

Carrie Mantey Editor, Midwest Meetings cmantey@ntmediagroup.com 6

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Destination Index

ACROSS THE MIDWEST

Geronimo Hospitality Group................ 8, 9

ILLINOIS

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.....................108 Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau....................................... 58 The Pavilion............................................... 60 Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau....................................... 59 Visit Lake County...................................... 60

PHOTOS: TOP: ©VISIT INDY, BOTTOM: ©FIDELITY HOTEL

INDIANA

Corydon Harrison County...................... 72 Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau.....................................4 French Lick Resort..................................... 63 Grand Wayne Convention Center...70, 71 Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau..... 64, 65 Hamilton County Tourism................. 68, 69 Terre Haute Convention Center.............. 62 Visit Bloomington.............................. 66, 67

IOWA

Meet Ottumwa......................................... 35 Okoboji Tourism....................................... 29

KANSAS

Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau....................................... 40 Visit Hutch................................................. 40 MidwestMeetings.com

Visit Leavenworth..................................... 39 Visit Manhattan........................................ 41 Visit Salina................................................ 37 Visit Topeka.............................................. 33

MICHIGAN

Choose Lansing........................................ 78 Experience Grand Rapids................. 74, 75 MotorCity Casino Hotel................... 76, 77 Southwest Michigan Tourist Council...... 79 Visit Muskegon......................................... 79

MINNESOTA

Explore Willmar Lakes Area................... 37 Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism............................ 39 Visit Greater St. Cloud..............................31

MISSOURI

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks.................................81 St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau................................ 82, 83

WISCONSIN

Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center...................... 18, 19 City of Oak Creek......................... 100, 101 Elkhart Lake Tourism......................... 88, 89 Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau...............................2, 87 Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce................. 98, 99 Hilton Appleton Paper Valley.......... 94, 95 Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau............................ 96, 97 Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.................................90, 91 La Crosse Center....................................105 Lake Lawn Resort........................................3 The Lodge at Manitowish Waters.........106 Milford Hills............................................106 Visit Middleton.................................. 92, 93 Waukesha Pewaukee Convention and Visitor Bureau..............................104 Wisconsin Department of Tourism...................................102, 103

NEBRASKA

Kearney Convention & Visitors Bureau................................ 26, 27 Visit Columbus/Platte County................. 41

OHIO

Shores & Islands Ohio............................. 85 7

Kick boring to the curb and host your team retreat, celebratory drinks, dinner and any other group activity at the Geronimo Hospitality Group location of your choice. Our meetings are anything but business as usual.

VISIT geronimohospitalitygroup.com/meetings TO PLAN YOUR NEXT MIDWEST MEETING OR EVENT!

BELOIT, WI INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Industry Insights JW MARRIOTT DETROIT WATER SQUARE ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, the city’s first JW Marriott, recently introduced its executive committee ahead of the hotel’s February 2027 debut. Bringing together leaders with decades of experience, the appointments span roles in operations, sales and marketing, finance, human resources and events. The hotel joins the JW Marriott brand portfolio of over 130 properties globally. The city’s first luxury convention hotel, JW Marriott Detroit Water Square will add more than 600 guest rooms, four dining concepts, an 11,000-square-foot Spa by JW, and more than 53,000 square feet of meeting and event space with direct access via skybridge to Huntington Place, the 2.4-million-square-foot convention center located downtown.

MAJOR EVENTS FUEL BUSINESS TRAVEL IN 2026

American Express released its latest “Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition” report, finding that major events are shaping the business travel landscape as companies seek new ways to strengthen client relationships and drive growth. In fact, 93% of travelers surveyed say they will attend major events, such as sporting events, concerts, festivals or cultural events, while traveling for business in 2026 to build new relationships and stand out from competitors. “In a landmark year of sports and cultural events, businesses are using travel to deepen relationships, create memorable client experiences and win business,” says Fernando Iraola, executive vice president and general manager of global and U.S. large enterprises at American Express. American Express also observed spending on business travel increasing in certain destinations where those shifts are taking place. The company identified the Midwestern city of St. Louis, Missouri, as one of the U.S. benefactors. (Hello, World Cup?) 10

The U.S. Trending Business Travel Destinations were selected based on American Express commercial customer transactions at U.S. hotels, looking at growth over a 12-month period between 2024 and 2025. Based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. business travelers and 500 U.S. business travel decision-makers, American Express found major events are raising the bar for business development, with 85% of business travelers and decisionmakers agreeing that bringing clients or prospects to major events can be more effective for building relationships than traditional business activities like dining. This is translating to real results: More than 82% business travelers agree they are more likely to win new business after hosting a client or prospect at a major event, with nearly half reporting that these experiences generate new business opportunities or retain or expand existing client relationships. A majority of business travelers agree that investing in these memorable experiences represents a more creative approach to business development.

JW Marriott Detroit Water Square’s executive committee includes: • Joleisha Bradley, who has nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, as general manager. She will lead the pre-opening journey, overseeing the opening team and guest experience as the hotel prepares to welcome guests in 2027. • Scott Stinebaugh, who brings more than 30 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience, as the director of sales and marketing. A longtime Detroit hospitality leader, Stinebaugh most recently served in the same capacity at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, where he helped lead the hotel’s growth, repositioning and record-setting performance. • John Ridge, who offers more than a decade of Marriott Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

finance leadership experience, as the director of finance and accounting. He most recently served as the director of finance and accounting at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. • Lisa Proctor, who brings experience from human resources and hotel operations, as the director of human resources. She began her Marriott career in the early 1990s at JW Marriott Washington, DC, the first ever JW Marriott property, and has since held leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn and Vail Marriott Mountain Resort. • Dale Reyes, who arrives with more than 16 years of hospitality leadership, as director of event planning. She most recently served as the director of event management at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. She led one of the hotel’s largest operational divisions, overseeing group and catering operations, while driving improvements in event satisfaction, associate engagement and hotel performance. • Desmond Vasquez, who has 13 years of experience with Marriott International, as resident manager. Most recently, he served as the director of operations at the Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection, where he led the team through the hotel’s renovation and reopening. • Daniele Trivero, who brings extensive international luxury hospitality experience, as the director of food and beverage. Most recently, he served as the executive chef at The RitzCarlton, Tysons Corner, where he led MidwestMeetings.com

culinary operations across the hotel’s restaurant, events, Club Lounge and in-room dining. For more information on the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, turn to Page 69.

GRAND WAYNE CONVENTION CENTER LAUNCHES GOODMAPS ACCESSIBILITY

The Grand Wayne Convention Center and Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), along with the WindSwell Foundation, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana, have officially launched GoodMaps, technology designed to make navigating public spaces easier and more accessible for everyone.

The adoption of GoodMaps technology was made possible through a grant from the WindSwell Foundation, whose mission is to support children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be involved in the community, and to live their life to the fullest.

CODY DISBENNET HIRED AS HUNTINGTON PLACE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Huntington Place in Detroit recently announced the appointment of Cody Disbennet as its new director of operations, bringing extensive event operations and venue management experience to the city’s convention center.

In his new role, Disbennet will oversee a large operations team responsible for the environmental and production services of events throughout Huntington Place’s 2.5 million-square-foot facility. The new technology is now available for His responsibilities will also include use for visitors to both the Grand Wayne supporting the venue’s ongoing Convention Center and FWA, giving sustainability initiatives, and helping visitors and community members another Huntington Place maintain its Leadership tool to independently and confidently in Energy and Environmental Design navigate two of the community’s most (LEED) Gold certification through visited public facilities. Those wanting thoughtful operational practices and to access GoodMaps in each facility can collaboration across departments. simply go to the GoodMaps mobile app for easier navigation. Disbennet joins Huntington Place with more than a decade of experience in GoodMaps uses precise indoor mapping large-scale event and venue operations. technology and accessible wayfinding to Most recently, he served more than four provide users with real-time, turn-by-turn years as the assistant general manager of directions through their mobile devices. ballpark operations at Goodyear Ballpark, Designed with accessibility at its core, this the Arizona ballpark that serves as a technology offers an especially valuable Spring Training home for the Cleveland resource for individuals who are blind or Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. have vision impairment. Prior to his time in Arizona, Disbennet The launch of GoodMaps builds upon served as the event logistics and ongoing accessibility efforts throughout operations manager for the Houston the Fort Wayne community, and reflects Texans, as well as the promotions and a shared interest among community game day operations coordinator for partners to create the best experience the New Orleans Pelicans, building his possible for visitors and residents. expertise in event operations and largescale guest experiences. According to Bart Shaw, the executive director of the Grand Wayne Convention As Huntington Place continues to Center, “It is important that we create an welcome more conventions, meetings, accessible and inclusive experience for events and visitors to Detroit, he will play all that walk through the Grand Wayne an important role in ensuring the facility doors, so we can continue to position our is prepared to deliver quality experiences community as a first-in-class destination from the moment an event moves in until for events of all types.” the final piece is moved out. 11

Featured Spaces

With a movie theater, you can have an unconventional event venue that’s filled with glitz, glamour and a surprising number of benefits. BY SHELBY DEERING

magine this: a regional tech company launches a new product in a private auditorium. A financial firm puts on a splashy annual employee appreciation event. A webinar hosts more than 100 guests in person. And guess what?

All of these successful events were held in none other than a movie theater. Although they’re typically thought of as entertainment venues, today’s movie theaters have been transformed into flexible event spaces ideal for corporate meetings, team-building activities, holiday parties and more. They offer everything an event could possibly need, including state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, stadium seating, large-format screens, and food and beverage options. “A theater is a homey and exciting environment,” says Rachel Lamparski, sales manager at Emagine Entertainment, which has locations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. “Picture this: You walk into a building that smells of butter popcorn and head into your meeting: a movie auditorium with recliner seating and the lights dim for presentation time.” Thankfully, a number of movie theaters enable these experiences across the Midwest. 12

THE BEST EVENTS FOR A MOVIE THEATER

“Movie events are perfect for team meetings, presentations, retirement parties, client or employee appreciation events, networking events, product launches, trainings and fundraisers,” Lamparski shares. With its private and semi-private auditoriums, Flix Brewhouse, which has locations in Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin, among other states, has hosted an array of events that could be replicated at other theaters. Sarah McGowan, its national director of sales, shares that the company has successfully held all-hands meetings and offsite outings, among other events. No matter what kind of event you plan at a movie theater, there are clear benefits. As McGowan mentions, theaters typically sit idle weekday mornings, so rental fees may be lower than what a hotel would charge. She also says that built-in tiered seating means everyone can actually see, Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTO: ©FLIX BREWHOUSE

Lights, Camera, Events

unlike a f lat conference room where guests in the back may struggle.

UNIQUE AMENITIES

Movie theaters also offer several amenities “that hotels and conference centers generally can’t replicate,” McGowan explains. She says these can include immersive audiovisual that’s built in rather than rented; cutting-edge surround-sound systems; waitstaff who deliver food and drinks during the event; and dramatic “reveal” capabilities with lights down and a “big-screen” moment. Plus, you can’t go wrong with those comfy recliner seats (which Lamparski says are heated at some locations), along with “unlimited popcorn and drinks.” “You have comfortable seating, a huge screen and a room that naturally keeps everyone focused on what’s happening in front of them,” according to Jessi Swiderski, the regional account manager at Marcus Theatres, which has locations across the Midwest in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

TECHNOLOGY AND LAYOUT

Technology is where movie theaters shine. As McGowan says, large-format screens are built for presentations, which means “no fumbling with a projector or squinting at a laptop from Row 10.” She also says that professional sound systems eliminate the “can everyone hear me?” problem entirely. Here are three easy ways to make the most of a theater’s technology at your event: 1. Use the movie screen for a big reveal, an award announcement, a hype video or a countdown. 2. Use the sound system to set the mood with music and sound. McGowan says you could play a “swelling soundtrack” before a CEO walks out or ambient music during a cocktail-hour segment, for instance.

PHOTOS: TOP & MIDDLE: ©FLIX BREWHOUSE, BOTTOM: ©MARCUS THEATRES

3. Put live polling results, a video call with a remote executive or industry celebrity, or a real-time data presentation up on the big screen. Swiderski notes that, when it comes to space and layout, theaters generally offer auditoriums in several sizes for additional f lexibility. “Whether you have a group of 50 or 300, there are different sizes to accommodate your group and make presentations feel lively and full,” she says. McGowan adds that you can use adjacent spaces for anything that might require a different layout, such as networking, registration, a cocktail hour or breakout conversations that wouldn’t work as well in forwardfacing theater seating. She suggests, “Structure the event as arrival/mingling, auditorium program, optional post-program mingling rather than trying to force interaction inside the theater.” MidwestMeetings.com

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Beyond the usual considerations, there are a few additional things to keep in mind when the venue is a movie theater. McGowan emphasizes the importance of checking breakout space availability if your event needs any small-group activity. She also says to inquire about the house lights: Can they be adjusted for note-taking or will the theater be dark? And, she says, you should be aware of the service style and timing since it affects your run of show: “Is food delivered to the seats during, before or after the program? Can it be customized?” she asks. You’ll also want to think about when to hold your event. “If you’re looking for a traditional meeting where your content is the focus and your date is flexible, I would recommend scheduling for a week that does not include major movie releases,” Swiderski says. “On the other hand, if you’re looking to pair your presentation with a movie as part of a client or employee event, a new release might be exactly what you want.”

ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT

A movie theater might also be exactly what you need to energize a group. “The novelty itself boosts engagement,” McGowan says.

“A team that’s sat through a hundred beige conference rooms will remember a meeting held somewhere unusual.” She says that the single focal point of the screen reduces side conversations and distractions.

McGowan suggests movie-focused games, themed happy hours or a movie screening. “When you build that experience into the day, you’re not just hosting a meeting, you’re giving your guests something they’ll remember,” she concludes.

“There are a lot of movie-themed activities that can enhance networking and attendee engagement,” Lamparski adds. “Start the night off with a red carpet experience. Then give [guests] a reason to dress up and have photos taken,” which could extend into a movierelated best-dressed competition.

Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Madison, Wisconsin. She contributes to several meetings publications, in addition to national outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Midwest Living, Parade and more. When she’s not writing, she’s thrifting, and spending time with her husband and corgi.

7 Ways to Elevate the Experience Many theaters offer add-on experiences to boost engagement. At Flix Brewhouse, for example, you can visit the on-site brewery and pick a movie of your choosing, whether it’s one of the latest Hollywood blockbusters or a throwback film. Whenever you book an event at a movie theater, be sure to ask about extras such as: • Custom-branded popcorn boxes or concession items • Signature cocktails • “Red carpet” arrivals and photo opportunities • Oscar-style awards presentations • Behind-the-scenes tours • VIP lounge receptions And if a theater doesn’t offer these specific upgrades, feel free to plan and add them yourself. 14

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©EMAGINE ENTERTAINMENT

• Movie trivia or team competitions

Technology

What to Know When Hiring an Audiovisual Pro Modern event production is more than screens and speakers. Here’s how to find the right audiovisual and production partner for your next meeting or event. BY AMANDA WEGNER

ou locked in the venue. The agenda is taking shape. Now comes the question that can make or break how the message and meeting land: What’s the plan for audiovisual?

Audiovisual and meeting production is no longer a PowerPoint and a mediocre sound system. It has undergone a significant shift in recent years, and meeting and event planners who treat it as another checklist item risk undermining the entire experience they’ve worked so hard to create. “If you’re still thinking in terms of screens, speakers and breakout packages,” says Amanda Eberle, vice president of ShowREADY (formerly AV Chicago), “you’re already behind. The conversation has shifted to how production drives engagement, content delivery and return on investment (ROI).” MidwestMeetings.com

Daniel Nickleski, chief operating officer of Vantage AV by Sound Works, agrees. “Events are increasingly being produced more like live broadcasts than traditional meetings,” he explains. “Even in-person events are now designed with cameras, content capture and audience engagement in mind.” To deliver on this, there has been rapid advancement in audio systems, video and network-based workflows. The result is a production environment that offers higher quality and greater efficiency, but only when systems are properly designed and integrated. That means more specialized crews, tighter timelines and a greater need for early coordination. This is where meeting and event planners can play a key role.

COME PREPARED

To set the stage for success, planners should come to the first conversation with potential audiovisual partners armed with a clear vision. 15

Events are increasingly being produced more like live broadcasts than traditional meetings. Even in-person events are now designed with cameras, content capture and audience engagement in mind. — DANIEL NICKLESKI, VANTAGE AV BY SOUND WORKS “Clarity up front leads to better outcomes,” Nickleski says. That means sharing event goals, venue options, audience size, format, content needs, and any hybrid or streaming components. A general budget range is helpful as well, as it allows the production team to align solutions appropriately and avoid unnecessary revisions later. Eberle adds that the biggest cost driver typically isn’t gear but labor, which is 16

driven by schedule and show flow. “If you want accurate pricing and smart design, you need to show up with more than dates and a venue,” she says. “And, if [your agenda is] undefined, your estimate will be, too.”

professionals also caution against red flags, such as cookie-cutter responses, overpromising, or a reluctance to discuss either cost or constraints.

Share the agenda, even if it’s a draft, and know the planned content. This will help develop a more accurate and actionable quote.

Not every event needs a full production partner, but determining what is needed requires an honest assessment. Eberle provides this framework: • Basic audiovisual support for simple meetings or events with low content complexity. • An embedded audiovisual team for multi-room events, tighter show flow and moderate complexity. • A full production partner for general sessions, high-stakes content and brand storytelling. • Hybrid/broadcast-level for multiaudience events, content capture and distribution strategy. Then apply a complexity-visibilityrisk filter. “How complex is your content? How visible is the event? How high is the risk of failure? If the answer is ‘high’ to any of those, you need a production partner, not just a vendor,” she says.

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK

While many planners ask about equipment, it should be a lower priority on the list of questions for potential vendors. Instead, Eberle suggests asking questions that get at process, thinking and accountability. For instance: • How do you design events around outcomes? • What are the biggest cost drivers for my event? • Where do events like mine typically go wrong? • How do you handle unforeseen lastminute changes? • What would you push back on in my current plan? Strong answers, Eberle says, are specific and grounded in what the vendor heard during the intake conversation. Good vendors will also be transparent about trade-offs, such as prioritizing resources and scaling back elsewhere. They will proactively identify risks. Nickleski agrees, “Strong answers are specific, transparent and based on real-world experience. Weak answers tend to be vague or overly generic, or avoid details about execution.” Both

MATCH THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT TO THE EVENT

Nickleski adds that, while even simpler audiovisual setups deserve thoughtful, intentional design, a strong production partner will not only scale the solution appropriately, but also ensure the meeting or event is supported without being unnecessarily overbuilt.

AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES

Both Eberle and Nickleski point to a common mistake they’ve seen planners make: Treating audiovisual as an Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Great production doesn’t just support your event — it determines whether it’s a success. — AMANDA EBERLE, SHOWREADY afterthought instead of a strategic priority and partnership. “A common [blunder] is treating audiovisual as a commodity rather than a production partner,” says Nickleski. “Two proposals may look similar on paper, but result in different on-site experiences” for both the planner and the attendees. “If audiovisual is the last partner to the table, and you haven’t accounted for how people are going to hear or see your message,” according to Eberle, “then you are at risk of bringing people together for a good time, but them leaving without knowing what you were trying to get across to them.” Nickleski seconds that, adding, “The best approach is to involve a production partner

early and focus on the overall experience, not just equipment.”

like they are part of the session, not like passive observers.

On this point, both also emphasize the need to engage a partner before solidifying the venue and design. “Bringing your audiovisual partners to on-site visits allows them to give you vital information before locking everything in,” says Eberle.

On the production side, Eberle suggests at minimum two cameras — one for a close-up of the speaker and one for a wider shot — so the stream has visual movement and context.

Another common pitfall is starting with the budget rather than the goals. Budget matters, but without understanding the goals of the meeting or event, it’s just a number. With goals defined, an audiovisual partner can help make the most of every dollar.

HYBRID EVENTS: TWO EXPERIENCES, NOT ONE

Hybrid production has become an expectation for many meetings and planners who treat it as simply streaming will likely disappoint the remote audience they worked to include. “Hybrid success comes down to one thing: Designing two experiences, not one compromised one,” Eberle says. That means having a strong run of show for each audience and thinking carefully about what content translates across both audiences. It also includes building a dedicated virtual engagement plan and ensuring platform features, such as live polls, attendee chat and formal Q&A, are in place so that remote participants feel

Nickleski emphasizes the importance of high-quality audio capture, reliable connectivity and system redundancy. “The most successful hybrid events are designed with both audiences in mind from the beginning,” he explains, “rather than treating the remote experience as an add-on.”

THE INGREDIENTS FOR A GREAT AUDIOVISUAL PARTNER

When evaluating proposals, experience, communication and control over execution are critical considerations. “Teams that handle key elements in house and communicate clearly tend to deliver more consistent results,” says Nickleski. “Planners are not just hiring equipment. They’re trusting a team to execute a critical part of the event.” Eberle views the discovery process as a key differentiator: “Do they ask better questions than you expected? Are they listening to understand and does that show up in the quote?” she asks. She also values transparency in both pricing and tradeoffs, the ability to connect production decisions to outcomes, and proactive planning and communication throughout. The best meetings and events happen when production is treated as a critical strategic function rather than a logistical checkbox and when it is aligned with the event’s purpose from the beginning. Eberle summarizes it best: “Great production doesn’t just support your event — it determines whether it’s a success.”

Amanda Wegner is an experienced freelance writer, web designer and communications consultant based in McFarland, Wisconsin. MidwestMeetings.com

BUSINESS WITH A SIDE OF RELAXATION

Scan to learn why Bleisure is better at The Blue!

Food & Beverage

Planners are ditching the seating chart in favor of roaming guests, interactive food stations, elevated comfort food and retro cocktails with a twist. BY KRISTINE HANSEN

he number-one trend party planners want for holiday events is not having guests seated the entire time. The reason is simple: Mingling, networking and socializing are harder — if not impossible — when you’re locked into a seating chart with table service. “Guests want to move around the room so they can network better. They don’t want to sit at a table with people they don’t know,” explains Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner of événement and Story Hill FireHouse, an intimate event venue tucked into a restored 1927 firehouse in Milwaukee.

BEYOND THE PLATED DINNER

The good news is that moving away from seating charts and plated meals creates opportunities for more interactive experiences. That could be build-your-own dessert bars, chef-attended action stations, holiday grazing tables or late-night stations serving comfort food. Or it could be something guests have never seen before at an event. Maria Bartolotta, director of catering for The Bartolotta Restaurants, recently started 20

bringing “cannoli boys” to events. Like the cigarette girls of vintage supper clubs, they walk around the room carrying a box of cannoli in various flavors (such as chocolate chip, pistachio or Nutella), some dipped in chocolate. “The guest comes up to the cannoli boy and says, ‘Oh, I’ll have this, this and this.’ They choose what they want the filling to be, and the guys are very animated, over the top and having fun,” explains Bartolotta. For another group, she organized a candy station in lieu of a dessert station loaded with heavy concoctions. Only it wasn’t just candies arranged in bowls and on platters: Every candy was blue, in a shade that matched the company’s logo. “People were taking bags and shoving the candy in their purses. It’s hard to get those colors. You have to send away for them,” laughs Bartolotta. For many event pros, no request for a station is too weird — or impossible. You just need the right partners to pull it off. Meyer-Brown often works with Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTO: ©ÉVÉNEMENT

Stations, Please

Noble Catering & Events and 41Fork Hospitality in Milwaukee, both owned by Kaelyn Cervero. “They’re always willing to be creative. If I have a client who wants to go wacky and wild, they’re great,” says Meyer-Brown. “And they’re known for their quality.” If you’re worried about overcrowding at the stations, stagger guests’ arrival. “We serve an amazing holiday salad, then we release the tables [to visit the stations],” says Bartolotta. “We’ll serve bread at the table as well, so that everyone has something and they’re not starving.”

COMFORT FOOD, ELEVATED

Comfort food almost always wins. An easy way to serve these traditional recipes with a twist — so they feel fresh and unique — is to trade up the ingredients while staying true to the dish’s flavor profile and presentation. Often, it takes just one ingredient swap. “What I’m getting requests for is to think outside of the box, but still have the comfort food people like,” MeyerBrown says. “The short ribs, the green beans. Put a little spin on it, make it fancier. Put some truffles in it.” Truffles, for instance, are delicious in macaroni and cheese, as is lobster. Meyer-Brown also suggests French fry stations with a variety of flavors so guests can customize them, as well as a late-night, deep-fried cheese curd station. “You can even swap out ground beef for a more elevated meat so it’s familiar to guests,” says Bartolotta.

PHOTO: ©BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS

In fact, at a recent event she catered, the focus was on Wagyu beef. But it went deeper than just the meat — the farm was invited to the event, too, and the farmer was none other than Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, who operates Hall of Fame Farms with his wife, Annie, in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. Carving stations served the farm’s Wagyu. “Thomas was a football player born in Brookfield,” says Bartolotta. “You’re not only bringing in someone people can relate to — he’s a football player, which is huge — but he also has great meat. Guests love to hear where [their food] came from.” MidwestMeetings.com

Making the stations enticing is the next step. “People eat with their eyes first. If they see something that catches them, they will go over to that station,” says Bartolotta. Even a health-minded grazing station — filled with salads, hummus, fruit salads and baba ganoush (a creamy eggplant-based dip) — will be attractive because it’s colorful. The more color you can add to your spread, the better.

LET A THEME LEAD THE WAY

A theme helps pull all of these culinary experiences together so they build on one another instead of competing for attendees’ attention. It also keeps the stations from feeling disconnected. An ambulance company that books its holiday party with The Bartolotta Restaurants’ Catering & Events team every year always picks a theme, like Charles Dickens or nutcrackers. Bartolotta then helps the company run with it, focusing on how the food can make the event more memorable. “They might do traditional English [cuisine] with the clotted cream, prime rib and

Yorkshire pudding, which is a popover,” says Bartolotta. “Nobody makes those anymore. People were reintroduced to it.” Carolers from the Florentine Opera Company added to the entertainment. A Midwestern theme that attendees know and love opens up many options. In Wisconsin, that could mean recreating a supper club, with dishes often found on the menus of these culinary institutions. “The grazing stations can include major relish trays and other beautiful-looking food,” notes Meyer-Brown. This approach also works as a way to introduce out-of-town attendees to your state’s culinary traditions. “I just did this huge ‘Welcome to Wisconsin’ theme for a company out of Washington, D.C., at the Streets of Old Milwaukee [at the Milwaukee Public Museum],” says Meyer-Brown. Her team built towering pretzel stands so guests could pluck a pretzel and walk around the room. “It was a highlight for the group,” she says. 21

is a desire to feature libations with less (or no) alcohol. For an event at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Meyer-Brown worked with a group to serve mocktails featuring lavender and hibiscus, two trending f lavors. “They want the zero alcohol. It’s very trendy right now,” she confirms. Or, if they are serving alcohol, “they don’t want to be responsible for hosting it. They’ll host mocktails or give two drink tickets per employee, and then have a cash bar.” If alcohol is served, classic cocktails are back. “They love their smoked bourbons,” says Meyer-Brown of event planners’ common requests. “They also want every kind of martini: lemon drop, dirty, espresso. Ice cream drinks are hard because not everyone has a blender, but we can do tiny ones.” “These events are not only about the food. Cocktails are a huge part,” agrees Bartolotta. Ice cream–infused cocktails, she says, are an example of what planners crave these days and have “made a huge comeback,” as it’s “making something old new again.” At a recent event, guests “went crazy” for Pink Squirrels — only instead of full-size drinks, these were miniature versions with a straw crafted out of chocolate. Champagne fountains are another retro favorite that is back. “I’m booking two for this holiday season,” according to Bartolotta. For a new twist on a glass of bubbly, try adding a sprig of rosemary and St-Germain, or Chambord with a fresh raspberry.

Even when the food skews casual, like the pretzels and holiday market fare, groups still expect to see that a lot of thought and curation went into the 22

decisions. That can include food trucks at an event. “Because those tend to be full service,” hints Meyer-Brown, “make sure they’re chef-manned.”

Kristine Hansen is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee. She writes about RAISE A food, drink, design and travel for a mix (LOW-PROOF) GLASS of regional and national audiences. We all know no holiday event is Her clients include Architecturalcomplete without drinks. In step with Digest.com, Fodors.com, Vogue.com, the mocktail trend — which, at bars and Midwest Living and Milwaukee and restaurants, includes both lowermagazines. She also published and zero-proof options that don’t skimp “Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook,” which on craftsmanship or unique f lavors — is available on Amazon.com. Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©ÉVÉNEMENT

Another theme she’s promoting to clients for the upcoming holiday season is a holiday market like those held in Europe, with small huts serving street food such as hot cocoa, s’mores or cheese. “This could also work with a ‘Streets of New York’ theme, complete with magazine stands,” she says.

Everyone’s been to a holiday party, which makes the stakes high. Food and beverage options that stand out will make yours even more memorable.

Marketing

Tell Your Sustainability Story Market your meeting’s green initiatives before, during and after the event. BY AMANDA WEGNER

A PHOTOS: ©LUUM COLLECTIVE

planner spends months securing a LEED-certified venue, lining up a food donation partner and building a comprehensive waste-diversion plan into the run of show — then never mentions any of it to attendees. It happens more often than sustainability-minded planners would care to admit and it means real effort quietly falling short of the experience it was meant to create.

SET THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

Przedwiecki advises planners to communicate their sustainability initiatives early and often.

“Communication is key when it comes to implementing a sustainable event,” she says. “Not only do you need to get your vendors on board from the beginning, but keeping them motivated and on task is critical to the execution of the sustainability components so they aren’t brushed aside last minute. We ensure that sustainability is a part of every conversation and meeting

“Even the best sustainability initiatives have limited impact if people don’t know about them or understand how they can participate,” says Jen Johnson, CVP, CMP, SEPC, senior event coordinator at the Minneapolis Convention Center, a LEED-certified venue that also holds Gold Level certification under the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Events Standards. “Sharing those efforts helps build engagement, transparency and a sense of shared responsibility.” To help ensure your next sustainability-focused event gets the credit it deserves, sustainable event planners Johnson and Ashleyn Przedwiecki, creative director and founder of Minneapolis-based LUUM Collective, a sustainable event design and consulting studio, share insights on how to ensure success from start to finish. MidwestMeetings.com

Attendees are paying attention. Przedwiecki cites survey data showing that 60% of respondents prefer to attend sustainably hosted conferences, while 27% strongly prefer them. “Your staff, vendors and guests will be excited to be a part of something that creates a positive impact on the community and planet,” she says. Sustainability messaging, says Johnson, works best when it integrates into the event itself. She describes the goal as making it feel like “part of the event’s identity rather than a separate initiative” — carried from the website and registration emails through the event app and on-site signage. Przedwiecki echoes this, adding: “Sustainability should feel woven into

the event and not like an extra message layered on top.” She adds that showing is better than telling. “While sustainability storytelling is a part of the puzzle, it’s important to do your best to show your attendees, not just tell them,” she says. “Highlighting a venue’s LEED certification, naming the local farms behind the menu or crediting a food-rescue partner by name all do double duty — proving the commitment and building a sense of community around it.”

BEFORE THE EVENT

Both planners start the sustainability conversation long before attendees arrive. Przedwiecki embeds it in procurement, writing sustainability requirements into requests for proposal (RFPs) and contracts so vendors understand expectations from day one. From there, planners should make the sustainable choice the obvious one for attendees: “Be sure it’s very easy,” she says.

DURING THE EVENT

At the event itself, signage should explain choices, not just label them. “Use signage and storytelling to explain why you made certain choices, highlight local food or farm partners, and give attendees simple ways to participate,” Przedwiecki says. For example, Johnson suggests, if water isn’t pre-poured at a meal, tell people how the practice reduces waste rather than leaving the choice unexplained. Przedwiecki builds her food and beverage strategy around defaults, making the plant-based option the appealing centerpiece of the menu, for example, then using signage to spell out what that choice accomplishes, whether it saves water, supports local farms or reduces food waste. Waste stations deserve the same care. Her rule of thumb is three clearly marked bins — trash, recycling and composting — backed by staff sorting behind the scenes.

Even the best sustainability initiatives have limited impact if people don’t know about them or understand how they can participate. Sharing those efforts helps build engagement, transparency and a sense of shared responsibility. — JEN JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER 24

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

agenda, ensuring that our team — staff and vendors — know that sustainability is everyone’s job. Communication is what keeps everyone aligned and excited to achieve goals together.”

Johnson encourages planners to communicate sustainability details before attendees even step through the door. Share the venue’s sustainability practices and why it was selected, sustainable transportation options, such as direct flights, and opportunities for attendees to participate in community service or corporate social responsibility activities. Providing these details, she adds, can shift behavior; for example, letting attendees know about water-filling stations may encourage them to bring a reusable bottle.

Johnson sees an opening for some friendly competition. “I think there’s an opportunity to use gamification to make participation more engaging,” she advises. “Sustainability doesn’t always have to feel like a list of rules — it can be something attendees enjoy being part of.”

AFTER THE EVENT

Showcasing the benefits of your event’s sustainability commitments is more than a numbers game — it’s numbers tied to a story. Johnson gives the example of a large food show at the Minneapolis Convention Center that was expected to have a significant amount of food waste. Working with a local food shelter and volunteers, Minneapolis Convention Center staff helped divert 163 pallets — over 20 tons of food — from the landfill to families. “What made that experience particularly meaningful was seeing the impact firsthand,” says Johnson. “It wasn’t just a statistic; we could see where those resources were going and the people they were helping.” Przedwiecki has a comparable milestone from LUUM’s first year of running a food-rescue program, coordinated with local Feeding America partners, across its events: More than 6,000 pounds of food were diverted to neighbors in need. Both planners emphasize translating data into clear, relatable terms. Johnson suggests putting numbers in visual terms — comparing gallons of water saved to the size of a swimming

pool or a football field — so an abstract becomes something people can picture.

LESSONS LEARNED

Both planners have learned key lessons to share. For Przedwiecki, one such lesson is that, the earlier you build sustainability into the event, the more successful it can be. “Waiting until the final planning stages often means you’re working around decisions that have already been made,” she explains. She has also learned to leave room for f lexibility, noting that “sometimes the most sustainable solution isn’t the one I originally imagined.” This lesson came after she asked a hotel to skip individually wrapped creamers and

jams at a conference breakfast only to watch a full bowl of peanut butter get thrown out at the end of each day. Told well, a sustainability story does more than document an event — it shapes perceptions and outcomes. Planners unsure of where to begin can start talking about work already underway. Johnson suggests using current channels — a newsletter, LinkedIn, etc. — rather than waiting for a major campaign. Przedwiecki recommends tapping into the human element:“Metrics are important for setting goals, but people stay committed because of the relationships and impact.”

6 Quick Tips for Sustainability Storytelling 1. Write sustainability requirements into RFPs and vendor contracts from the start, not as an afterthought.

2. Make the sustainable option, such as a plant-forward

menu, digital materials or reusable signage, the default rather than an opt-in.

3. Explain the “why” on signage, not just that sustainable action happened, but what a eco-friendly choice saves, or how it benefits the environment or local community.

4. Set clear parameters for donations and leftover materials before the event, so nothing usable goes to waste after it. PHOTOS: ©LUUM COLLECTIVE

5. Translate metrics into visuals instead of numbers alone. 6. Share what fell short alongside what succeeded; transparency builds more trust than a perfect record. MidwestMeetings.com

Kearney - Nebraska

FOR

BUILT

M E E T I N G S

3 CONFERENCE CENTERS WITH 150,000 SQ FEET OF FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACE

WALKING DISTANCE FROM RESTAURANTS, HOTELS & SHOPPING

NO F & B MINIMUMS OR HOTEL ATTRITION AT THE YOUNES CAMPUS

With versatile meeting spaces, convenient hotels, exceptional service and lots to explore beyond the agenda, Kearney has everything to make your event a success. All in a destination that’s easy to get to and even easier to enjoy.

EASY TO plan. FUN TO attend.

Younes Campus With experienced event staff, exceptional service and thoughtful amenities, Younes Campus makes meeting planning a breeze. Enjoy on-site catering, built-in technology, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking and no hotel attrition fees or food and beverage minimums. All conveniently located just off I-80.

New Additions Younes Campus continues to grow, with exciting additions making this meeting destination even better. Younes Landing brings new options for lakeside dining and drinks at Kinkaider Brewing, Bierhaus Maisschäler, Sip & Swirl Wine Bar and more, while Drop Zone adds golf and pickleball to the mix. And there’s even more on the way!

Bring your next meeting or event to Kearney. Connect with us to get started.

Sarah Focke

sfocke@visitkearney.org - 308-237-3178

N E B R A S K A

V I S I T K E A R N E Y .O RG

Put Your Meeting on the Map

Midwest convention and visitors bureaus are doing far more than booking hotel rooms: They’re connecting planners with the chefs, makers and stories that turn a destination into part of the program. By Maura Keller

The more memorable event may be the one where a local chef explains why a particular dish matters to the community, where a small-business owner welcomes attendees into a neighborhood shop, where a local historian tells the story behind a landmark or where a coffee break introduces a regional roaster whose products guests can later purchase. Those experiences are becoming a bigger part of the value proposition of Midwest destinations, and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) are uniquely positioned to make them happen. While CVBs and destination 28

marketing organizations (DMOs) have traditionally helped planners find hotels, meeting venues, transportation and other logistical necessities, many are increasingly serving as community connectors, using local relationships and knowledge to uncover experiences that may not appear in a standard search for “things to do.” “When an event works with its local [CVB or] DMO to brainstorm ideas to encourage shoulder stays before or after an event, or goes so far as to plan activities and excursions, the event is automatically elevated from work to leisure for that attendee,” according to Mari Olson, the director of tourism at Visit Middleton in Wisconsin. “Something like a scheduled tour or dine-around can make a conference feel more like an experience.” That distinction matters because the destination can become part of how attendees evaluate an event. The goal isn’t to entertain attendees after the sessions, but to weave enough of the community into the program that people leave feeling like they visited someplace special.

START THE CONVERSATION EARLY

The best time to involve a CVB may be earlier than many meeting planners realize — before the itinerary has been filled and, ideally, before a venue has been selected. In fact, Glenda Smith, director of conventions and tourism at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in Minnesota, encourages planners to begin with a conversation about what they want the meeting to accomplish and what they want attendees to experience. “Before you’ve selected your location, give us a call — share with us your goals and what kind of experience you’re trying to create,” Smith says. “Then let us help you build our community into your itinerary or agenda.” That approach changes the conversation from a checklist of meeting requirements into a discussion about possibilities. A planner may need a hotel with 150 rooms and a ballroom for 200, but the CVB can also help determine which local restaurants can accommodate a group, which attractions offer private tours and Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS : ©VISIT MIDDLETON

A ballroom can be virtually anywhere. So can a chickenand-rice lunch, a branded tote bag and a reception with a playlist that could have been created anywhere in America. None of those things are necessarily bad — but they do little to give attendees a sense of place.

OKOBOJI Meetings Made Memorable

Okoboji offers more than a meeting space — it’s an experience. From modern venues and professional services to sunset dinners, golf, and lakefront relaxation, your group will find the perfect balance of work and play. Make your next event unforgettable in the Iowa Great Lakes. Learn more at vacationokoboji.com vacationokoboji.com.

which businesses are comfortable working with meeting groups. Brandy Johnson, CAE, of Johnson Association Services has seen that value firsthand while planning meetings and events in Topeka, Kansas. “Having a local partner who understands the community, venues, attractions and service providers is incredibly valuable,” Johnson says. “They also help identify opportunities and services that I may not have known existed.” Melissa Sowers, the vice president of convention sales and marketing at Visit Topeka, says the information planners provide about their attendees can help a CVB narrow the possibilities to experiences that genuinely fit the group. “Don’t just ask, ‘What is there to do in Topeka?’” she says. “Tell us who your attendees are, what they enjoy, what has worked at past meetings and what you want them to remember.” That last point may be the most important. If the desired takeaway is stronger connections among attendees, a hands-on local activity might be more effective than a formal tour. If the audience is interested in history, a landmark or museum may become part of the program. For a group interested in food, local restaurants, producers or culinary experiences can become the destination’s calling card. The objective isn’t to force local flavor into the program. It’s to find the right flavor for the audience.

THE POWER OF AN INTRODUCTION

For CVBs and DMOs, community connection often comes down to something remarkably simple: knowing whom to call. “A list is inventory. A connector is somebody who makes the introduction and stays in the room afterward,” says Jodi Thoele, tourism director at Visit Effingham in Illinois.

PHOTOS : ©VISIT EFFINGHAM

That distinction is particularly important in smaller Midwest communities, where many interesting experiences may be offered by businesses that don’t have dedicated group sales departments. A planner Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

SAY YES TO WARM HOSPITALITY. QUARRY PARK & NATURE RESERVE RIVER’S EDGE CONVENTION CENTER

BRING YOUR MEETING IN FROM THE COLD.

WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP, KEEP YOUR GATHERING WARM AND CONNECTED IN GREATER ST. CLOUD. FROM FLEXIBLE VENUE LAYOUTS AND SCENIC RIVER VIEWS TO WALKABLE DOWNTOWN DINING, WE’LL HELP YOU HANDLE EVERY DETAIL.

THE PARK EVENT CENTER

VISITSTCLOUD.COM/MEET

can find a restaurant online, for example, but a local CVB may know which restaurant can accommodate a particular group, which owner is willing to customize a menu or which business has successfully hosted similar events. “It’s the small-market advantage and I’d argue it’s a real one,” Thoele says. “We don’t hand a planner a database. We hand them a phone number, and usually we’ve already made the call to give the owner or manager a heads up.” That personal knowledge also allows CVB staff to act as translators between planners and local businesses. Planners naturally approach an experience in terms of capacity, food and beverage minimums, insurance requirements and schedules, while a small-business owner may be thinking about staffing and resources. “Both sides want the yes,” Thoele says. “Somebody has to sit in the middle and get them speaking the same language and that’s usually us.” In Topeka, those introductions can open doors to experiences a planner might never discover independently, including behind-the-scenes opportunities at Hazel Hill Chocolate, cooking demonstrations or classes at Moburts specialty spice shop, and visits to Cashmere Popcorn.

Rather than handing planners a massive list of attractions, convention services teams can filter possibilities based on group size, interests, timing, budget and the type of experience the planner wants to create. “I would rather find a couple of really memorable things that fit their group than give them a giant list of attractions and tell them to choose,” emphasizes Sowers.

DON’T SAVE THE DESTINATION FOR AFTER HOURS

A common mistake meeting planners make is treating local experiences as something that happens after the “real” meeting is over. But attendees who spend eight hours in sessions may be 32

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: TOP: ©VISIT EFFINGHAM, MIDDLE & BOTTOM: VISIT TOPEKA

“Sometimes the best thing we can give a planner isn’t another brochure or list,” Sowers says. “It’s an introduction.”

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT IN

KANSAS’ CAPITAL!

Our 224-room hotel is connected to the Maner Conference Center, offering 28,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, plus direct access to the Stormont Vail Events Center with over 100,000 square feet of tradeshow space—all on one convenient campus. With more than 2,000 hotel rooms available within a 15-minute radius, unique after-hours event venues, and a dedicated sales team to make planning stress-free, Topeka is the capital of convenience for your next event.

CONTACT MELISSA SOWERS

for assistance in booking your next event.

785-215-8582 melissa@visittopeka.com visittopeka.com/meetings

“Give the driver two minutes of material from the local historical society and the ride becomes part of the program,” Thoele says.

the experience. A shuttle ride between hotels and meeting venues is little more than dead time, but a local historian or community expert can provide stories and context along the way.

built into every meeting and event agenda. “Food does the heaviest lifting,” reinforces Thoele. “It’s the one local element every attendee is guaranteed to encounter, usually three times a day.”

Having a local partner who after-hours slot is the easy one, and Visit Middleton also uses vendor understands the “The it’s often the one people pass on after a markets to bring the community inside day of meetings and travel,” Thoele when an agenda doesn’t allow enough community, venues, long says. “The good stuff happens when time for attendees to explore outside attractions and local flavor shows up in the parts of the on their own. Local businesses can agenda people can’t skip.” set up in a hotel or meeting venue service providers lobby, allowing attendees to meet That could mean replacing a generic makers, sample products and purchase is incredibly pastry tray with products from a local something to take home. valuable. They bakery, bringing a regional coffee into the coffee break, hiring a “It’s a great way to help attendees also help identify roaster neighborhood restaurant to provide a experience the destination, especially or tucking locally made products if their schedule does not allow a lot of opportunities and meal into a welcome bag. Likewise, a local off-site time,” Olson says. services that I may artist or musician can add a sense of to a reception without requiring LET FOOD TELL THE STORY not have known place attendees to go anywhere. Of all the ways to introduce attendees to a destination, food may be the easiest existed. Even transportation can become part of place to start because it is already — BRANDY JOHNSON, JOHNSON ASSOCIATION SERVICES

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©VISIT EFFINGHAM

too tired to leave the hotel for a formal evening excursion, which can make small moments built into the existing agenda more effective.

The opportunity isn’t necessarily about serving the most elaborate meal. A local bakery at breakfast, a regional snack at registration or a neighborhood restaurant for a dine-around can establish a sense of place without adding significant cost or complexity, for example. Olson says Wisconsin visitors often arrive expecting beer, cheese and brats, but the state’s culinary identity is considerably broader. CVBs can help planners uncover restaurants and food traditions that go beyond the obvious. “We suggest everything from supper clubs to diners, depending on the vibe they are going for, but we also add suggestions of places they might not think about,” she says. Visit Topeka brought Cashmere Popcorn into the registration area for the African American Travel Conference, creating a popcorn bar that added a local touch to what would otherwise have been a routine check-in. For the NAIA Cheer and Dance National Championships, the CVB added a Kansas Museum of History experience and brought in a newly opened local restaurant for a meal. “It was a fairly simple addition, but it took something that would normally just be checking in and picking up materials, and made it a little more fun and local,” Sowers says.

FIND THE STORY BEHIND THE ATTRACTION

Authenticity isn’t necessarily about choosing the biggest or most famous attraction. Often, the most effective destination experiences are the ones with a story attendees don’t expect. For instance, Topeka offers nationally significant history through the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical 36

Park, as well as the Kansas State Capitol and the Kansas Museum of History. For smaller groups, Visit Topeka can look beyond traditional tours to behind-thescenes experiences at the Topeka Zoo and local businesses. “I had no idea this was in Topeka” is one of Sowers’ favorite reactions, because it signals that an attendee discovered something rather than simply checking an attraction off a list. Owatonna has its own distinctive stories, including the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum, the Steele County Historical Society and National Farmers’ Bank designed by architect Louis Sullivan.

Thoele points to Sculptures on the Avenues, a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibition, as well as Lake Sara, where visitors can find lakeside dining and outdoor recreation minutes from downtown Effingham. Even a city’s location can become part of a meeting or event’s story, particularly for groups who might be interested in logistics and distribution. Effingham sits where interstates 57 and 70 meet, earning it the nickname “Crossroads of America,” for example. “The crossroads story is not just geography trivia — it’s a live logistics and distribution economy,” Thoele says. Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS : ©VISIT TOPEKA

Food also offers an opportunity to connect attendees with the people behind the destination, whether through a chef presentation, a visit from a local producer, a tasting or a conversation about the history of a regional dish.

Elevate Your Meeting Conveniently Located in West Central MN Array of Meeting Venues

Pre and Post Meeting Activities Free Event Planning Assistance

Let’s plan your perfect event!

www.willmarlakesarea.com

MidwestMeetings.com

and introducing visitors to the people and places that give a destination its identity. When planners use that bridge early and intentionally, the destination stops being the backdrop to the meeting and becomes part of the story attendees take home. That means sharing more than dates, room counts and meeting space requirements. Tell the CVB what attendees care about, what has worked in the past, what hasn’t worked in the past and what you want people to remember. Then leave some room for discovery.

The lesson for planners is to ask not only what a destination has, but also what it might mean.

GIVE ATTENDEES SOMETHING TO DO

Passive sightseeing has its place, but our Midwest CVBs say that participatory experiences often resonate more strongly with meeting and event groups. “Groups that have been sitting since eight in the morning don’t want to be shown things,” Thoele says. “They want to use their hands or feet.” A walking route through an outdoor sculpture installation, a cooking class, a nature tour, kayaking, yoga or a handson visit with a local maker can turn attendees from passive observers into active participants.

incorporate service or team-building into their programs. CVBs can also help planners take advantage of seasonal opportunities, from hiking and kayaking to winter recreation and festivals.

LEAVE ROOM FOR THE UNEXPECTED

For planners who want to make authenticity part of their next meeting or event, the advice from CVBs across the Midwest is consistent: Make the local CVB or DMO one of your first calls. “Contact your local CVB from the beginning of the planning stages,” Johnson reiterates. “We can be a true partner in the process.” The CVB is often the bridge that makes local connections possible, translating a planner’s objectives into experiences,

“A piece of advice: Leave one slot open,” according to Thoele. “Not a whole day ... just one hour somewhere in the middle that isn’t yet assigned. If every block is spoken for before you call us, we can only help you execute the meeting you already planned. That’s a fine meeting. It’s just not one anybody’s going to describe on the drive home.” In an industry where destinations increasingly compete not only on convention facilities and hotel inventory, but also on the overall attendee experience, that distinction can be significant. After all, the Midwest’s advantage may be something a generic ballroom can never replicate: a genuine connection to the community right outside its doors.

Based in Minneapolis, Maura Keller is a seasoned writer, editor and author, with more than 24 years of experience. She has written about business, meetings, event planning and design, marketing and healthcare for dozens of publications, as well as Fortune 50 companies.

PHOTOS : TOP: ©VISIT TOPEKA, BOTTOM: ©VISIT MIDDLETON

Visit Middleton has helped coordinate a volunteer experience in which groups take a lasagna cooking class, enjoy snacks and wine, and then donate the finished meals to a local food pantry. The activity combines food, teamwork and community involvement with a tangible local impact. Other destinations can similarly help planners connect groups with nonprofits, community organizations and local events, which can be particularly meaningful for associations and corporate groups looking to 38

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Celebrate in the First City of Kansas

LEAVENWORTH

HOST YOUR SPECIAL EVENT IN OUR HISTORIC CITY JUST MINUTES FROM KANSAS CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

MidwestMeetings.com

visitleavenworthks.com

913-758-2948 n CVB@leavenworthks.gov

Plan your next event in Hutch! The state-of-the-art Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center offers an upscale conference destination with all the modern amenities.

visithutch.com 40

14,500 sq. ft. of meeting space

112 sleeping rooms

Five breakout rooms

On-site Old Chicago Pizza+ Taproom

Holly Leiker Director of National Sales & Sports Events

hollyl@hutchchamber.com 620.662.3391 Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

visitcolumbusne.com

columbus nebraska

Meet

Connect

We would love to help you plan your next meeting in Columbus, Nebraska. We have a small town feel with upscale amenities. CALL us at 402.276.3606. EMAIL us at VisitColumbusNE@gmail.com or VISIT VisitColumbusNE.com. We look forward to hosting your next meeting. Theresa Grape, Director

Experience

VISITMANHATTANKS.ORG MidwestMeetings.com

Midwest in the Midst of a Casino Renaissance Planners have plenty of options to keep attendees engaged and excited with so many new casinos and casino expansions throughout the Midwest. By Sara Karnish

ago are long gone. Many casinos are now smoke-free, and offer meeting attendees and guests alike an exciting, bright environment conducive to learning, networking with other attendees and exploring the host city after the day’s events have wrapped.

“Casinos have certainly evolved in their offerings and atmosphere, and they have all the built-in amenities,” says John Groh, CEO of GoRockford. The hazy environments found in many casinos even 20 years

CEDAR CROSSING CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

The Midwest is capitalizing on this demand and is in the midst of a casino renaissance, with several projects slated for completion within the next 18 to 24 months.

The expansive Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is a 100,000-square-foot facility

with a host of amenities and entertainment options all under one roof. The venue is slated to open in mid-November. In addition to its casino, which will feature 700 slot machines and 22 table games, its Event Center will accommodate up to 1,100 guests seated and can be rented for private events, depending upon availability. Moreover, the Compass Center will host traveling exhibitions, artists, immersive experiences and special programs, providing another unique space for events. A f ter business concludes, attendees can rela x and have a bite to eat, take in a show or have some laughs at Jocko’s Comedy Club. Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©HARD ROCK CASINO ROCKFORD

When it comes to choosing a venue that offers convenience, entertainment and a long list of amenities, it’s tough to beat a casino. A longtime favorite of meeting and event planners, these venues create seamless bleisure experiences for attendees as well.

MidwestMeetings.com

PHOTOS: ©HARD ROCK CASINO ROCKFORD

Attendees are not just going to a meeting at a casino; they are experiencing a music and entertainment destination. For Midwest planners, Rockford offers a convenient regional location with the feel of a destination property, without requiring attendees to travel to a major metro market. — LORIE MORAN, HARD ROCK CASINO ROCKFORD

Attendees will f ind plenty of dining options at the venue’s three restaurants. The Clubhouse was developed with Zach Johnson, a Cedar Rapids native and top golfer on the PGA Tour who has won both the Masters and the Open. Kim Pang, the executive vice president and general manager of Cedar Crossing, calls the restaurant “an elevated dining experience. We want people to come here not once a year, but three times a month. It’s a restaurant where you can plan an occasion.” The Clubhouse includes a private dining room for up to 12 guests, with a menu that features a selection of locally sourced steaks and chops, local brews and cocktails.

With so much available on site, Cedar Crossing makes it easy for both planners and attendees. “The meeting doesn’t have to end when the meeting ends,” says Pang. “We’re a casino and an entertainment destination. You can essentially have your meeting, private dinner, concert, comedy, gaming and 44

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©HARD ROCK CASINO ROCKFORD

World’s Fare takes visitors on a culinary street food adventure, from Indian street food tacos and Mediterranean wraps to Spanish churros. Pang promises the barbecue at Party Pit Smokehouse & Tap “will rival any in the area,” noting the team has asked a pitmaster from the South to bring the authentic f lavor of the area to Cedar Rapids.

cocktails all under one roof.” He adds the venue’s event team stands ready to help with any phase of planning. To add another element of convenience, Cedar Crossing has partnered with other hotels in Cedar Rapids for shuttle service. If a planner is already hosting an event in other areas of the city and wants to add a trip to the casino to the itinerary, shuttle service is now available.

HARD ROCK CASINO ROCKFORD, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

One of the most recognized brands in both the hospitality and entertainment industries, Hard Rock brings high energy to the Midwest at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford. The company recently announced the hotel would be debuting soon, featuring more than 200 rooms, luxury suites, a spa and expanded conference space. This expansion will essentially double the venue’s existing meeting space.

PHOTOS: ©HARD ROCK CASINO ROCKFORD

“We hope to break ground in late 2026, with the hotel expected to open in early 2028. But our existing event spaces and amenities are fully operational now,” says Lorie Moran, director of events and entertainment at Hard Rock Casino Rockford. The existing event space currently doubles as a concert venue; Moran calls the room “super versatile. We’ve had all kinds of events in there.” She says the experienced staff at Hard Rock Casino Rockford sets it apart. “Between the sales manager and me, we bring a combined 25 years of experience in events and entertainment, and our production team has over 50 years combined experience. That allows us to anticipate challenges, understand a planner’s vision and turn it into a successful event.” The addition of the hotel will give planners even more options. “It allows attendees to stay, meet, dine, relax at the spa and enjoy entertainment without leaving the property, and it increases the types of events we can host, like multi-day conventions,” MidwestMeetings.com

the feel of a destination property, without requiring attendees to travel to a major metro market. It gives groups a memorable setting while still being accessible for regional meetings, conferences, retreats and celebrations,” according to Moran. She echoes a common theme: Casinos provide much more than gaming. “Planners can combine event space, catering, technology, dining and after-hours entertainment in one destination. There is something for everyone, even attendees who do not gamble. When the scheduled event ends, the guest experience doesn’t have to — the music and energy continue throughout the property.”

HO-CHUNK GAMING BELOIT, BELOIT, WISCONSIN

Construction on the Ho-Chunk Nation’s seventh location in the region, Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit, started in 2024. The venue includes 1,500 slot machines, 44 table games, a 312room hotel with a rooftop lounge, a 2,000-seat conference space, three restaurants and a coffee bar. The casino opened in 2025 and the hotel will open in 2027.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO AURORA, AURORA, ILLINOIS

The venue already includes the casino and event space (which has two stages), numerous restaurants, including the Hard Rock Cafe, the Marketplace international food court and Constant Grind cafe. Meeting and event attendees have plenty of things to see and do, but the addition of the 46

hotel now gives them a convenient place to stay overnight, too. Plus, the globally recognized Hard Rock brand adds another level of excitement to any event. “Attendees are not just going to a meeting at a casino; they are experiencing a music and entertainment destination. For Midwest planners, Rockford offers a convenient regional location with

With so many new and expanded casino and gaming options in the Midwest, meeting and event planners have plenty of options to keep attendees engaged and excited long after the day’s agenda has ended.

Sara Karnish is a freelance writer with bylines in over 50 consumer, trade and custom publications, covering small business, meeting and event planning, and lifestyle topics. Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©HOLLYWOOD CASINO AND HOTEL AURORA

explains Moran. “For Midwest planners, that means a more complete destination experience with fewer moving parts for planning.”

The Hollywood Casino Aurora officially opened in June 2026 after several years of construction. The new gaming and entertainment destination includes a casino with a mix of 1,000 slot machines and table games, a luxury hotel with over 220 rooms, a full-service spa, an outdoor entertainment space and a dedicated 12,000-square-foot event center.

START BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR MEETING AND EVENT SUCCESS

BE AN INSIDER! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news and venue updates. Visit us at midwestmeetings.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

While travel is currently fraught with uncertainty, the lull is giving planners an opportunity to explore other destinations closer to home. That’s why the trend of hosting smarter gatherings throughout the Midwest is growing, and our destinations are stepping into the spotlight with style and serious value. Midwest Meetings will help you stay up to date on these latest trends and on destinations, venues and more to guide your everchanging planning needs.

PROMOTE YOUR DESTINATION OR VENUE! Reach 27,000 meeting and event professionals. Contact us for information on advertising opportunities. Steve Van Maanen, Advertising Sales Manager steve@ntmediagroup.com (605) 690-3351

Cindy Smith, Advertising Sales Manager csmith@ntmediagroup.com (262) 215-2997

Scan to Join!

The Power of Organic CommunityDriven Growth

AdeptiCon continues to flourish, year after year, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. By Catherine McCoy | Photos Courtesy of AdeptiCon When an event serves a deeply passionate audience, and partners with a venue equipped to scale and tailor the experience, growth happens naturally. There is no need to manufacture a great event; it magnetically draws in individuals who are engaged and enthusiastic about the subject matter. This is the case with AdeptiCon, whose rapid growth led it to the Baird Center in 2025. Tethered by a strong community and supported by a robust on-site event team committed to providing 48

an exemplary guest experience, AdeptiCon’s growth trajectory shows no sign of slowing.

THE ORIGIN STORY

AdeptiCon first began as a 110-person event in 2003. It served as a coalition to bring together groups and individuals passionate about wargaming. As the community around these hobbies grew, the convention did, too. The event rarely pursues growth through traditional marketing; it does not rely on ad campaigns or chase attendee numbers. Despite this, the event has dramatically expanded over the years, hosting more than 12,000 attendees in 2026. “I don’t think we ever sat down and said, ‘Let’s build a 12,000-person convention,’” explains

Matthias Weeks, AdeptiCon co-founder. “AdeptiCon has always been built by hobbyists who wanted a place to share something they love — and when you do that authentically, people show up.” The event is open to the public, so one of AdeptiCon’s main focuses is on making sure there is something for everyone. Direct engagement from the on-site gaming partners provides more handson interactions with the attendees and, in turn, the partners get a room full of genuinely interested people interacting with the hobbies they are showing. “You can experience a huge amount of what makes this convention special without spending a dime,” explains Weeks. “We’ve always believed that, if you can get someone through the door Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

and let them see what this community is about, the hobby sells itself.” Many visitors have found a new favorite hobby at AdeptiCon over the years, and the openness of the community and event format is what has drawn in so many new attendees and hobbyists. “When you get 12,000 people who care about the same things into the same space, the energy is there — you don’t have to manufacture it,” Weeks says. “People find each other, they try games they’ve never played and they [organically] discover a new part of the hobby they didn’t know existed.”

BRINGING THE EVENT TO THE BAIRD CENTER

In 2022, AdeptiCon was still operating out of its previous location in Schaumburg, Illinois, but it was bursting at the seams. Megan Husband, a national account and tourism sales executive at Visit Milwaukee, knew of Milwaukee’s rich engagement with similar gaming conventions and decided to take a closer look. “In 2023, I traveled to Illinois to meet with the organizers, and what I found was a venue packed wall to wall with thousands of hobbyists enjoying open tabletop gaming, miniature painting, tournaments and more,” Husband says. “There were gaming tables in every nook and cranny of the venue.”

MidwestMeetings.com

AdeptiCon has always been built by hobbyists who wanted a place to share something they love — and when you do that authentically, people show up. — MATTHIAS WEEKS, ADEPTICON

Concurrently, the Wisconsin Center was amid a major expansion project, doubling the convention center space to total more than 1.3 million square feet. Projected to be completed in the spring of 2024, this expansion would soon become the Baird Center, and would have the capacity to give AdeptiCon more than four times the convention space, hotel availability and parking than at their previous location. Given the need to book an event at the Baird Center years in advance, the timing for securing the venue for the 2025 AdeptiCon convention panned out perfectly. “With the expansion of the convention center completed in May 2024, AdeptiCon was able to secure nearly 80% of the facility for its 2025 event, immediately unlocking a new level of growth,” according to Megan Seppmann, vice president and chief

framework to do it well: deadlines, submission requirements and tools to manage their attendees. We set the standard and then we trust people to meet it,” says Weeks.

A Closer Look Name: AdeptiCon Type of Event: Multi-day convention covering all aspects of the miniature wargaming hobby

Location: Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Number of Attendees: 12,000 Goal: Presenting attendees with the highest quality event possible Standout Experiences: • More than 160 exhibitors showcasing new products, running demonstrations and interacting with the community • A specialty energy-drink bar, featuring cocktails made with Monster, tailored specifically to the audience • Small group sessions, grab-and-go snacks, and bartenders deployed with carts and hawker trays to help attendees maximize their time with exhibitors • Partnerships with local establishments, who offered specialty drinks, food options and promotions, driving increased foot traffic and local economic impact commercial officer at the Wisconsin Center District, and owner and operator of the Baird Center. AdeptiCon’s presence paired with the new facility set the stage for the next several years of growth, expanding the capacity of the gaming conference while bringing new vibrancy to the event.

in 2026, the convention used more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, in addition to the Grand Ballroom and multiple meeting room corridors, each programmed with a distinct purpose.

Uniquely, AdeptiCon does not run many of the event’s tournaments and seminars directly, but works with BRINGING THE community organizers who specialize EVENT TO LIFE in the games. The convention partners With a new state-of-the-art facility as with local game companies and brands a canvas, the Baird Center took the who are running small events, hosting welcome opportunity to tailor its offerings demos and showcasing their games to the event. At the most recent AdeptiCon as well. “Our job is to give them the 50

With lots of moving pieces, the Wisconsin Center District team prioritized wayfinding to ensure smooth navigation across the campus. This helped the event run smoothly while connecting attendees to event sessions, the city of Milwaukee and one another. “Our guest services team was equipped with the tools and knowledge to support attendees at every touchpoint, from event schedules to recommendations across Milwaukee,” says Seppmann. “The goal was simple: make a large, complex event feel both intuitive and easy to navigate.” These thoughtful design and operational strategies ensured AdeptiCon delivered a seamless, community-driven experience that felt expansive and highly personalized for every attendee.

DESIGNED AROUND THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

The key to creating a seamless guest experience is to lead with the on-site services that attendees would expect and want. Given AdeptiCon’s strong following and visitor-driven experience, the Wisconsin Center District team knew that there was an opportunity to thoughtfully create moments that reflected the needs and expectations of the community. This strategy focused on access, speed and meeting the energy of the audience. The team knew that many attendees would be dialed in on the hobbies and games on site, which meant that the vendor teams would need to go to them rather than wait for guests to come to the bar or sit down for food. “Mobility was key. Bartenders were deployed with carts and hawker trays directly onto the show floor. We also expanded grab-and-go offerings, including stocking all bars with prepackaged snacks to keep lines moving,” explains Seppmann. The on-site team also incorporated several creative elements to provide unique offerings, such as launching a Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

not just about increasing the event’s breathing room, but also elevating the overall guest experience. “It would have been easy to move into a venue that felt sterile or corporate, and lose something in the process,” Weeks admits. “Instead, we ended up in the middle of downtown Milwaukee. People can explore the city, grab dinner somewhere great and make a whole trip of it. It does not feel like we just relocated to a bigger box. It feels like the convention found a city that fits.” Throughout the event, Visit Milwaukee encouraged attendees to use the city to their advantage. Local gaming retailers like Old Guard Games and Tabletop Bookshelf saw heightened sales. Local bars and restaurants welcomed the foot traffic. Major Goolsby’s offered a bourbon cocktail called “The Demolisher.” Layman Brewing released a Warhammer 40,000-themed beer. Other local establishments invited gamers to stop by and 3rd St. Market Hall, a nearby food hall, rented out private event spaces. “Milwaukee is a city built by makers, creators and innovators, and that spirit aligns perfectly with communities like AdeptiCon,” Seppmann says. “We see continued momentum with niche, high-growth events choosing Milwaukee not just for our facilities, but for the authenticity and energy of the destination. It is a place where events can grow, evolve and truly belong.” With strong local buy-in and a destination that enhances the experience, AdeptiCon has found not just a venue, but a home for the future.

specialty energy-drink bar featuring cocktails made with Monster. “It was an immediate success and we have plans to expand [the drink offerings] next year,” says Seppmann. The Wisconsin Center District and Baird Center also partnered with Edible Impressions to create custom AdeptiCon-branded cookies, and Wild Bill’s Soda provided collectible refillable mugs as an interactive keepsake. These MidwestMeetings.com

personalized touches helped create shareable moments that both resonated with attendees and reflected the spirit of the community.

WHERE THE EVENT MEETS MILWAUKEE

Milwaukee itself was an appealing destination as the venue’s downtown location provided plenty of parking, walkable hotels and top-tier dining. Bringing the event to a new venue was

The Baird Centerd is already planning to host next year’s AdeptiCon. As the convention grows, Weeks hopes that it maintains the same community-driven approach from which it originated. If so, its momentum will continue to accelerate without losing what has allowed it to flourish.

Catherine McCoy is a Milwaukeebased writer specializing in businessto-business and consumer content. She has contributed to a range of industry and lifestyle publications, covering a range of topics. 51

Planning for Change in an Ever-Evolving Landscape

Build flexibility into your event strategy to navigate shifting policies, funding, compliance demands and attendee needs. By Maura Keller The shifting landscape around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), accessibility and government funding is creating a new consideration for planners: how to remain flexible without allowing uncertainty to compromise the attendee experience or legal compliance.

events are branded, programmed or financed, particularly when federal dollars are involved.

As federal priorities and guidance evolves, organizations are reassessing policies, partnerships and funding arrangements, which can affect how

“At the end of the day, the goal is to create events that are accessible and welcoming, regardless of what may be changing at the policy level,” says

One important distinction remains, however: Changes in federal policy surrounding DEI initiatives do not eliminate existing accessibility obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For planners, that means accessibility should remain foundational to event strategy, while other elements of a program may need to accommodate changing client policies, funding requirements or organizational priorities.

Shaun Ballard, marketing director at Visit Bloomington, Indiana. “Flexibility, transparency and early planning are the best tools for navigating change while ensuring events remain accessible, welcoming and successful.”

KNOW THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

One of the most important steps planners can take is separating legally required accessibility measures from broader organizational DEI initiatives. Under the ADA, venues and other covered entities remain responsible for providing access for people with disabilities, including accessible routes and entrances, seating, restrooms, effective communication and reasonable modifications to policies. Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

At the end of the day, the goal is to create events that are accessible and welcoming, regardless of what may be changing at the policy level. Flexibility, transparency and early planning are the best tools for navigating change while ensuring events remain accessible, welcoming and successful. — SHAUN BALLARD, VISIT BLOOMINGTON

or lower priority,” she says. “It isn’t. Accessibility is a legal requirement under civil rights law, not a diversity initiative, and it applies to every event regardless of who is hosting it.” Ballard echoes that sentiment: “One misconception is that broader policy discussions have changed accessibility obligations when, in reality, the commitment to accessibility remains an essential part of event planning.”

“For us, the day-to-day work of being accessible and welcoming hasn’t changed with the shifts in federal guidance because most of it is grounded in honoring ADA requirements, practical hospitality, and what our clients and attendees ask for,” says Sue Ellen Moore, director of sales at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Moore says the DECC has not seen a change to its fundamental accessibility obligations, a distinction that is important as planners navigate headlines and organizational conversations surrounding DEI. “A misconception we hear is that the broader shift in federal policy around DEI somehow ‘rolled back’ accessibility, or that accessibility is now optional MidwestMeetings.com

The practical takeaway is to treat legally required accessibility as a core operational consideration, not a discretionary program element that can be removed if a client’s DEI strategy changes. Instead, planners should build accessibility into the event from the beginning, just as they would other operational requirements.

UNDERSTAND THE FUNDING PICTURE

Government funding can add another layer of complexity. Organizations receiving federal funding may have reporting obligations or other requirements associated with those funds, making it important for planners to understand where an event’s money comes from and whether funding conditions could affect the program.

“Planners should understand whether federal funding is involved, and ask about any reporting or accessibility requirements tied to that funding,” Ballard says. “Having those conversations early helps avoid surprises and ensures all partners are aligned on expectations.” Planners also should not assume that a venue is subject to federal requirements simply because it has a government affiliation. Asking who owns or operates a facility, whether federal funding is involved and what specific compliance obligations apply can help clarify the situation before an event is contracted. For Dayton, Ohio, those questions are particularly relevant because of the region’s connection to WrightPatterson Air Force Base, and its government, military and defense presence. “Understand the funding source, who controls the event, and whether federal requirements affect the venue, vendors, programming or attendees,” advises Bev Rose, the director of marketing and strategic partnerships at Destination Dayton. Rose says federal and military events can involve additional steps, which can affect the planning timeline. 53

design rather than a last-minute accommodation. Moore recommends starting the conversation with the venue as soon as planning begins; for large events, that can mean three to five years before the event takes place. “Early on, we don’t need a finalized list of accommodations,” she says. “We need to know that accessibility is on the table so we can build it into the f loor plan, the schedule and the budget from the beginning rather than retrofitting it later.” That conversation should go beyond asking whether a building is ADA compliant. Planners should discuss communication access, including sign language interpreters, captioning and assistive listening systems, as well as sightlines and staging requirements. Sensory considerations, such as quiet rooms, adjusted lighting or sound levels, and lower-stimulation areas, can also be more easily incorporated when considered during the initial design. Food and beverage planning should account for medically necessary diets and allergens. Registration forms should give attendees an opportunity to identify accommodation needs well in advance. The DECC communicates accessibility information to attendees through “Know Before You Go” materials and individual event webpages, giving attendees an opportunity to review accessible entrances and contact the facility with questions before arriving.

“We recommend building extra time into the schedule,” she says. “Federal and military organizations can have additional approval, procurement, security and compliance needs that take longer than a typical meeting.” The best approach is to start those conversations early, particularly because Destination Dayton works with convention centers, hotels, universities, government and military organizations, nonprofits and 54

community venues, each of which have different policies and expectations. “Our role is to help planners navigate, not interpret, those requirements,” Rose says. “We can identify appropriate venues, connect planners with the right government or community contacts, and help address potential issues early.”

ADDRESS ACCESSIBILITY EARLY IN THE PROCESS

Accessibility is easiest to address when it is treated as part of the event

The newly renovated Dayton Convention Center includes ADAcompliant restrooms, accessible entrances and elevators, a universal changing table, wheelchairs available upon request and assistive listening devices. Destination Dayton has also added online accessibility tools to help visitors find information before arriving. “Accessibility continues to be a tangible priority for planners,” Rose says. “Planners want to create welcoming, accessible and successful experiences for attendees.” For Rose, that work extends beyond the physical venue. “From Destination Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Dayton’s standpoint, our focus remains on what we can control: providing excellent hospitality, helping planners understand accessibility resources, connecting them with community partners and creating a welcoming experience for all visitors,” she says.

BUILD IN ROOM TO ADAPT

While accessibility requirements are not negotiable, other elements of an event may need to remain f lexible as organizational policies, budgets or funding sources evolve. Moore says planners should be candid with venues when circumstances are uncertain, because early disclosure gives both sides more options. “The single most effective form of f lexibility isn’t a contract clause; it’s a planner who tells us early and honestly what’s uncertain,” she says. “When we know an event’s funding source is under review or an organization’s policies are in f lux, we can plan around that together instead of f inding out when something has already gone wrong.” That starts with the RFP. If it’s possible attendance, funding or programming could change, planners should explain the uncertainty and ask venues how they would accommodate potential changes. Contracts can also provide f lexibility through attrition provisions, room-block review dates, food and beverage commitments, MidwestMeetings.com

and deadlines for f inal attendance numbers, with staged reviews allowing both sides to adjust as circumstances become clearer. Rose also recommends addressing potential changes before f inalizing contracts. “Planners should build f lexibility into the RFP and contract from the beginning,” she says. “Be f lexible, transparent and put contingencies in writing early.” Moore recommends creating a tiered event strategy, with a base program outlining the essential event experience and a scaled version providing a roadmap if funding or attendance changes. Shared decision calendars can help keep those moving parts organized, particularly because changes become more difficult when they occur after key deadlines. “Most of the friction we see comes not from change itself, but from change arriving after a deadline has quietly passed,” she says.

MAKE THE CVB A PLANNING PARTNER

CVBs can become especially valuable when an event involves multiple stakeholders with different policies and requirements. Rose encourages planners to bring the CVB into the process during the RFP or siteselection stage rather than waiting until a contract has been signed. “The earlier the conversation happens, the more options everyone has to solve potential issues,” she says.

Those conversations should address attendee needs such as accessibility, transportation and lodging; program requirements such as room sets and off-site events; and any government or military involvement that could introduce security, procurement, funding or vendor requirements. Planners should determine whether additional accessibility services, such as captioning, interpreters, assistive listening or accessible transportation, will be necessary.

KEEP THE ATTENDEE CENTER

Ultimately, adaptability means building an event strategy capable of absorbing change while protecting the elements that matter most to attendees. That requires ongoing communication among planners, clients, venues, CVBs and funding partners. “Planners should discuss attendee demographics, accessibility needs and organizational policies that may impact the event,” according to Ballard. “Early communication allows us to identify solutions, connect planners with local resources and address potential challenges before they even arise.” For Midwest planners, the framework is straightforward: Distinguish what cannot change from what can. Accessibility requirements provide the foundation, while funding and organizational policies may require f lexibility. Strong communication allows adjustments without unnecessary disruption. 55

STATE SPOTLIGHT

ith its picturesque cityscapes and its awe-inspiring landscapes, from the expansive plains of Nebraska to the valleys and rivers of Minnesota, the Midwest offers ample destinations for unique meeting options. Teeming with historic sites, quaint towns and mighty metropolis experiences, the Midwest appeals to many planners because of its unique venues, distinct Midwest charm and natural beauty. And thanks to the cultural offerings throughout cities such as Galena, Fort Wayne, St. Louis and Stevens Point, the Midwest truly has something for everyone. Illinois............................................................... 57 Indiana..............................................................61 Michigan.......................................................... 73 Missouri............................................................ 80 Ohio................................................................. 84 Wisconsin......................................................... 86

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

ILLINOIS F

rom the energy of Chicago’s River North to the rolling hills of northwest Illinois, the Land of Lincoln is full of new hospitality offerings and four-season experiences to add even more possibilities for groups looking to meet, gather and explore. The RIVVY, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, recently debuted in the heart of Chicago’s River North. Its identity draws inspiration from the energy outside its doors, where restaurants, galleries, nightlife, architecture and some of Chicago’s best-known destinations come together. The 297-room hotel blends the character of an independent property with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy, creating a welcoming home base for groups ready to experience the best of the city. Steps from Michigan Avenue, its location places guests within blocks of the Magnificent Mile and near the Chicago Riverwalk. The Grand Red Line station is less than a five-minute walk. The RIVVY offers eight event rooms, from intimate boardrooms to larger spaces for up to 250 guests, encompassing 8,187 square feet. Food and beverage from Lure Fishbar extend the restaurant’s culinary program into meetings and events.

PHOTOS: TOP & MIDDLE: ©THE RIVVY, BOTTOM: ©EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA

For a change of pace, planners can head west to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena to find unexpected fall or winter escapes in the Driftless Region, known for rolling hills, wooded ridges and valleys. Set amid 6,800 scenic acres overlooking Lake Galena and offering more than 15,000 square feet of event space, the resort sits in a landscape largely untouched by the glaciers that flattened much of the surrounding region. The result is dramatic terrain, brilliant fall color and sweeping views. This fall, visitors can experience the landscape across four championship golf courses, including The General, known for its elevation changes and countryside views, as well as hiking, horseback riding and seasonal recreation on Lake Galena. And the resort’s Nordic Center transforms the area surrounding The General into a winter playground with ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding. Whether drawn to city lights or the quiet beauty of the Driftless Region, Illinois offers planners the flexibility to create an experience that goes beyond the venue. MidwestMeetings.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Visit Effingham

effingh

eet in Effingham and discover what makes our vibrant, Midwestern community so irresistible to travelers, near and far.

Check out the sprawling conference rooms at the Thelma Keller Convention Center, with its convenient connection to the Holiday Inn and its in-house restaurant, TK Grille. This space is ideal for meetings and conventions. If your appetite for collaboration is as strong as it is for haute cuisine, we encourage you to plan a lunch meeting at our farm-to-table restaurant, Firefly Grill, where creativity abounds and the menu is as fresh as the atmosphere is inspiring.

GET MEETING!

ILLINOIS

• 17 hotels and more than 70 restaurants

For more information about our meeting spaces, both conventional and otherwise, visit visiteffinghamil.com or call 1-800-772-0750 to speak with a representative or request a guide.

• The perfect centralized location to connect with others, where I-57 and 70 meet, in central Illinois

Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau

• XCHNG, a co-working space that is nestled between Wheat Penny, an underground speakeasy, and Airbnb rentals in downtown Effingham

201 E. Jefferson Ave. Effingham, IL 62401 800.772.0750 visiteffinghamil.com

Come for the crossroads. Stay for everything else. Seventy restaurants, a walkable downtown, a winery that feels a world away... and room for the whole group to settle in. Find just what you need right here.

START PLANNING AT

visiteffinghamil.com

EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS | TUSCAN HILLS WINERY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Always Legendary Springfield

lways Legendary Springfield, located on iconic, historic Route 66, is the history-filled capital of Illinois! Your attendees are in for an experience that’s one for the history books. With charming and walkable streets, plenty of Abraham Lincoln legend and lore, and exciting special events, this is a destination that will help you fully maximize your convention attendance and have your attendees asking for more. Imagine Abraham Lincoln himself stopping by your convention or special event to welcome your group to his hometown, and providing photo opportunities for your guests to enjoy. Groups meeting in Springfield can find world-class sites that explore the life and legend of Abraham Lincoln.

GET MEETING! • The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and event venue • The Lincoln Home National Historic Site • The Old State Capitol

MidwestMeetings.com

Visit Springfield 109 N. Seventh St., Springfield, IL 62701 800.545.7300 visitspringfieldillinois.com

ILLINOIS

• The Lincoln Tomb, the second-most visited cemetery in the U.S.

Springfield is ready and able to assist planners with a successful, stress-free experience that will leave their attendees thanking them for years to come!

The Pavilion

1602 Sioux Dr, Marion, IL 62959

618-993-2657 thepavilionevents.com The Pavilion is a premier event center located in Marion, Illinois, offering more than 40,000 square feet of versatile space designed to host events of all sizes. From elegant weddings and community celebrations to large-scale concerts, conventions, and corporate gatherings, the venue provides a modern, flexible setting tailored to each occasion. At a Glance Over 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible With customizable layouts and state-of-the-art exhibit space amenities, The Pavilion is built to deliver seamless experiences and memorable moments.

Nearest Airport

Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) – minutes away

Hotel Rooms Nearly 2,000 rooms within 30 minutes

Area Highlights

ILLINOIS

Boutique wineries, scenic escapes, elevated Midwest charm

Situated in the heart of Southern Illinois, Marion offers convenient access via Interstate 57 and is just minutes from Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois. The region combines small-town charm with modern conveniences, along with nearby hotels, dining, and attractions. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, boutique wineries, and outdoor destinations, The Pavilion’s location enhances every event with both accessibility and a distinctive sense of place. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

We bring more to meetings (including more savings)

Book your next meeting in Lake County, Illinois and you not only get an amazing location with world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, you can also enjoy significant savings with qualifying group bookings. Make your next meeting a success in Lake County. Discover how you can save at VisitLakeCounty.org/Incentives.

Illinois Beach Hotel

The Ten Hotel & Convention Center

Doubletree Mundelein

Embassy Suites Deerfield Hyatt Regency

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

INDIANA I

ndiana is moving forward — and meeting and event planners have plenty of reasons to take notice. Across the state, major developments are expanding the possibilities for meetings, conventions, sporting events and memorable group experiences. Nowhere is that momentum more evident than in Indianapolis, where more than $3 billion in tourism-related projects are transforming the visitor experience. At the center of the action is the Indiana Convention Center, which is adding 143,500 square feet of space, including a 50,000-square-foot ballroom. The expansion connects directly to the new 38-story, 803-room Signia by Hilton, creating an impressive convention package designed with convenience in mind. Indianapolis already boasts the most hotels and hotel rooms connected to a convention center by enclosed skywalks in the U.S., but now, planners will have access to 13 connected properties and approximately 5,500 hotel rooms all under one roof. For groups that value access between meeting spaces, guest rooms and downtown attractions, that kind of connectivity is an advantage. More hotel options are on the way, too. The Westin Indianapolis International Airport broke ground last summer and is expected to open by December 2027. Connected to the Indianapolis International Airport terminal garage, the 253-room hotel will feature a full-service restaurant, fitness center, rooftop bar and meeting space, offering travelers a seamless arrival experience and planners a convenient option for airport-adjacent events.

PHOTOS: ©VISIT INDY

Downtown, historic architecture is getting a fresh purpose. The former Odd Fellows building, once one of the city’s tallest office tower, is being transformed into the luxury Kimpton Indianapolis. The 167-room hotel will feature a restaurant, a rooftop bar, a 4,500-square-foot ballroom and pre-function space, as well as a boardroom. The historic King Cole Building is also getting a new life as Motto Hotel, a boutique 116room property on a prime downtown corner with views of Monument Circle. A rooftop bar and restaurant, street-level cafe and street-level bar will add options for informal gatherings, networking and post-meeting celebrations. MidwestMeetings.com

And Indianapolis isn’t the only Indiana destination investing in experiences. In For t Wayne, the For t Wayne Football Club now has a soccer-specific home at Ruoff Mor tgage Stadium. With seating for 9,200 spectators and additional capacit y for other events, it is the largest outdoor stadium in nor theastern Indiana. Plus, 14 premium suites and seven special group areas are available for matchday and special event rentals, giving planners another venue for ever ything from corporate gatherings to celebrations. From convention connectivit y and new hotels to histor ic renovations , outdoor event spaces and spor ts venues , the Hoosier State is a destination that is investing in what comes nex t. That ’s why meeting and event planners keep coming back , again and again.

INDIANA

Beyond downtown, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is expanding its legacy beyond the track with a new 87,000 -squarefoot Restoration and Event Center in Speedway. Expected to open next year, the facilit y will feature restoration bays, rotating exhibits, public tours and hands-on education programs, along with a 4,500 -squarefoot event venue.

For planners seeking an experience with authentic Indiana character, it will offer a setting that is difficult to duplicate.

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: ©VISIT INDY

Meanwhile, Indianapolis is rethinking how planners can use the outdoors. Georgia Street, which was transformed from a four-lane road into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use space ahead of Super Bowl XLVI, is undergoing another facelif t. The threeblock stretch connecting the Indiana Convention Center and Gainbridge Fieldhouse is being redesigned to be even more pedestrian- and eventfriendly. The vision: an easily activated public space where planners can extend their events into the hear t of downtown.

Luxury Meetings, Unforgettable Moments Turn ordinary meetings into extraordinary experiences. World-class accommodations, championship golf, exceptional dining, historic Ample and versatile meeting space. Golf, sporting clays, archery, spas, bowling and charm and personalized service come together at the Hoosier horseback riding — all on-site. State’s meeting & event destination. Welcome to the meeting destination with everything you want, right here. Discover how French Lick Resort is the perfect mix of business + pleasure.

SCAN CODE OR VISIT FRENCHLICK.COM TO START PLANNING.

Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT or text INGAMB to 53342!

s t n e v e l a n Exceptio

MAKE LASTING IMPRESSIONS.

LEAVE YOUR MARK AT MIDWEST’S NEWEST VENUE.

With 55,000 square feet, capacity for 1,000, 6 breakout rooms and 108 connected upscale hotel rooms, we have the space and flexibility to bring your vision to life. So, bring your meeting to a one-of-a-kind destination where modern spaces and exceptional cuisine create an experience they’ll talk about long after the drive home. DOWNTOWN KOKOMO, INDIANA

KOKOMOCONFERENCECENTER.COM

ROOTED IN HERITAGE. BUILT FOR WHAT’S NEXT. From small meetings to events for up to 1,000 people, the Kokomo Conference Center was designed for it all. FLEXIBLE EVENT SPACES

Our 7,000-square-foot ballroom boasts nine unique configurations. STATE-OF-THE-ART AV

Sophisticated AV technology helps events make an impact. THE AUTOMOTIVE GALLERY

A distinctive space featuring historic vehicles is the perfect backdrop for intimate gatherings. VIBRANT PREFUNCTION SPACE

Floor-to-ceiling windows create an inviting, open atmosphere.

Host your convention or meeting in Bloomington, IN. Bloomington Convention Center Expansion 26,000 sq. ft. new column-free exhibit/meeting space 60,000 total sq. ft. of meeting space

Opening in 2027

WWW.VISITBLOOMINGTON.COM

Contact Shaun or Matti to book your next event. SHAUN BALLARD CONVENTION SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR shaun@visitbloomington.com

MATTI QUIGGINS CONVENTION SALES REPRESENTATIVE matti@visitbloomington.com

WWW.BLOOMINGTONCONVENTION.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Small Meetings. Big Outcomes. Hamilton County.

INDIANA

n Hamilton County, Indiana, we understand that small meetings need big outcomes. Conveniently located just north of Indianapolis and serviced by the Indianapolis International Airport, our vibrant cities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield offer an exceptional setting to meet all of your organization’s event needs, while delivering an elevated experience for your attendees. From charming barns to sophisticated boardrooms and elegant ballrooms, our community boasts over 5,500 hotel rooms and 30,000 square feet of event space, perfect for larger gatherings. Beyond the meeting rooms, attendees can indulge in boutique shopping, explore rich arts and cultural districts, and savor exquisite dining experiences.

GET MEETING! • 5,500+ hotel rooms • 30,000 square feet of meeting space under one roof with the hotel

Our safe, suburban location offers distinct advantages, including a competitive low hotel tax rate, complimentary parking, a central location and effortless accessibility. Our dedicated visitor experience team is committed to providing personalized assistance and warm welcome services to ensure both your event’s success and your guests’ comfort. Start planning your next meeting at meetinhamiltoncounty.com.

• A location 25 minutes from downtown Indianapolis • 30 minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport • Less than a one-day drive for half the U.S. population

Visit Hamilton County Indiana 37 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 Laura Kelner, DOS 317.445.4988 lkelner@hamiltoncountytourism.com meetInhamiltoncounty.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Small Meetings.

BIG OUTCOMES.

CARMEL

FISHERS

NOBLESVILLE

WESTFIELD

HOST YOUR GROUP’S NEXT MEETING OR CONFERENCE IN HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

30,000

5,500+

SQ. FT. OF HOTEL MEETING SPACE UNDER ONE ROOF

HOTEL ROOMS

MINUTES FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DAY DRIVE FOR HALF THE U.S. POPULATION

AFFORDABLE MEETING DESTINATION

Start planning your next meeting at MeetInHamiltonCounty.com. JUST NORTH OF INDY

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES & CUSTOM ITINERARY PLANNING

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Go Beyond Expectation in Fort Wayne, Indiana

INDIANA

owntown Fort Wayne, Indiana, can be an unexpectedly happy surprise for many visitors. With its flourishing creative arts scene, expanding business base, and thriving culinary and wellness vibe, this welcoming city is earning national recognition as one of the most desirable destinations in the U.S. Grand Wayne Convention Center (GWCC) is an award-winning event venue in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. The facility’s in-house event management, audiovisual technology, catering and creative solutions simplify every event planner’s job without sacrificing quality or consistency; and GWCC’s many amenities and unique hospitality ensure each guest’s comfort.

GET MEETING! • 225,000 square feet of sleek, versatile, creative spaces with intuitive floor plans • Fully carpeted and audiovisual-equipped event and prefunction spaces • Service for 4,500 theater style, 3,100 banquet and 2,900 classroom • Two loading docks with eight easy-access bays and no drayage fees • Free high-performance WiFi for 5,000 simultaneous users • Three adjacent hotels with garage parking and skywalk connectivity

For attendees, downtown Fort Wayne offers welcoming, walkable hospitality, connecting GWCC with more than 60 restaurants, pubs, coffee and dessert houses; boutique shopping and entertainment options; lighted pedestrian walkways and parks; and an amazing outdoor gallery of public art. Live music, pop-ups and festivals fill the calendar, and foodies are welcome at every table. Guests are encouraged to explore and relax along the lazy riverfront at Promenade and Headwaters parks. The very essence of “Hoosier Hospitality” lives in the heart of Fort Wayne. For comparison, meeting and event planners often save up to 15% over comparable cities and venues. All of this could explain why GWCC boasts an 80% rebooking rate and why Fort Wayne, Indiana, ranks among the top Midwest destinations. Visit grandwayne.com for a virtual introduction to this amazing venue and experience.

Grand Wayne Convention Center 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 260.426.4100 grandwayne.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

FOR PLANNERS:

FOR ATTENDEES:

» Full in-house sales & event management, AV technology, F&B & complimentary host & WiFi services » 225,000 sf of beautifully appointed space » 18 versatile, fully equipped spaces & intuitive floor plans » 4500 theater; 3100 banquet; 2900 classroom » 4 downtown full service hotels with garage parking » Award winning service with a nearly 80% rebooking rate » SAVE UP TO 15% vs. comparable cities!

» Walkable, safe, enjoyable downtown » 60+ walk-to restaurants, pubs, cafes, coffee & dessert houses » Boutique shopping » Live entertainment » Vibrant arts & attractions » Riverfront parks, trails & activities for all ages & abilities » Easy Midwest drive-to destination » Easy by air via FWA

IT'S ALL HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

This is

a sure bet

for meetings.

CAESARS OLYMPIA ROOM

CAESARS SO. INDIANA CASINO CAESARS GORDON RAMSAY STEAK

CAESARS SOUTHERN INDIANA is perfect for any size business meeting, corporate event, banquet and more. Make everyone attending your meeting feel like high rollers in Corydon and Harrison CAESARS EVENT CENTER

County, Indiana.

To learn more visit – thisisindiana.org/group-travel

MICHIGAN F

rom Detroit’s riverfront to the walkable streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan is creating new reasons for meeting planners to bring their groups to the Great Lakes State. JW Marriott Detroit Water Square‘s opening signals the next chapter of Detroit’s evolution, expanding its luxury hospitality landscape beyond downtown to the emerging Water Square district. The 25-story hotel will feature 601 guest rooms, including 44 suites and a 2,100-squarefoot Presidential Suite, along with more than 53,000 square feet of meeting and event space. It will also have direct access to Huntington Place, Detroit’s 2.4-million-square-foot convention center via skybridge. For planners, the direct skybridge connection is a major draw. As the city’s first luxury convention hotel, the property is already generating interest, with more than 50 meetings and events booked ahead of its opening. The hotel will also feature more than 11,000 square feet of wellness space, including Spa by JW, home to nine treatment rooms, thermal amenities, a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor lap pool. JW Marriott Detroit Water Square will also boast four dining concepts.

PHOTOS: MIDDLE: ©JW MARRIOTT DETROIT WATER SQUARE TOP & BOTTOM: ©HUNTINGTON PLACE

The new hotel is one of several expansion projects in and around Huntington Place that aim to transform the area into a hub for downtown activity and community connectivity. Speaking of Huntington Place, it achieved LEED Gold recertification this year, the latest milestone in a multiyear sustainability journey. The facility originally gained LEED Gold certification in 2019 and was recertified in 2023. The convention center features 723,000 square feet of exhibit space and its 40,000-square-foot ballroom is the largest in Michigan. For planners looking beyond Detroit, Ann Arbor offers a different meeting experience. The recently opened AC Hotel Ann Arbor Downtown places groups in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the University of Michigan campus, restaurants and shopping. For small gatherings, you can reserve the Executive Boardroom and an Executive Suite with a shared living area and connecting rooms, providing flexible options for executive meetings, intimate events and group stays. Whether you are looking for scale and connectivity or walkability and energy, Michigan delivers for meeting and event planners hosting in the Midwest. MidwestMeetings.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Grand Rapids: Crafted for Meetings

MICHIGAN

onveniently located halfway between Chicago and Detroit, Grand Rapids combines big-city amenities with small-town service. Its downtown convention neighborhood is anchored by a state-of-the-art convention center featuring a 162,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 40,000 square-foot ballroom and 26 breakout rooms that can be customized for any event size and setup. The convention center’s climate-controlled skywalk connects to three first-class hotels (1,200+ guest rooms), while 10 additional hotels (1,300+ rooms) are within a 10-minute walk.

GET MEETING! • A convention center with 162,000 square feet of convention space, 40,000 square feet of ballroom space and 26 meeting rooms • Three hotels (1,200+ rooms) connected to the convention center by skywalk • 10 additional hotels (1,300+ rooms) within a 10-minute walk • 300+ restaurants, shops and entertainment venues within a 10-minute walk • 100+ daily flights and nonstops to 35+ markets

Walkable off-site meeting venues include five museums, eight breweries, 30+ entertainment venues and 170+ restaurants. Downtown is just 16 minutes from Gerald R. Ford International Airport, where eight airlines offer nonstop flights to 35+ markets. Grand Rapids is also within a day’s drive of half the U.S. population and is served by Amtrak. Experience Grand Rapids provides personal assistance at every step of the planning process. A Grand Response™ team connects planners with local resources and more, while the GR Attendee Exclusives program offers special deals at restaurants and attractions. Named LinkedIn’s Number 1 U.S. City on the Rise in 2025, Grand Rapids offers endless opportunities for attendees to relax and have fun, from excellent dining and lively nightlife to four-season outdoor activities and world-ranked Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. With a new outdoor amphitheater, new pro soccer stadium, $600 million in ongoing airport improvements and much more, Grand Rapids is transforming into an even better place to meet and play.

Experience Grand Rapids 616.258.7388 877.VISIT.GR sales@experiencegr.com experiencegr.com/meetings

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Gold Winner:

Best Midwest CVB/DMO 2026 Northstar Stella Award

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Take Your Next Meeting to Legendary Status

MICHIGAN

ith ballrooms, boardrooms, a large theater and spaces with soaring skyline views, it’s no surprise that MotorCity Casino Hotel is Detroit’s leading meeting destination. Our dedicated meeting coordinators will help you find the ideal space to make your event unforgettable. This is where meetings go to the next level and become memories that will last far beyond your agenda. Each space is fully equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including video and teleconferencing capabilities. From the simplest needs to the most extensive, our team will keep you connected and your audience engaged. Customize your experience with help from our expert team and skilled culinary staff, offering service that will exceed your expectations. Then treat your guests to complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and 24-hour business and fitness center access.

GET MEETING! • Three unique venues: Sound Board, Amnesia and Iridescence • No resort fee • Free hotel valet parking

Once the closing speech has been delivered, it’s time to play and there’s no better place to let loose than MotorCity Casino. Play the latest slots and experience the excitement of a myriad of different games. Of course, the sports fans in your crew will flock to the twostory FanDuel Sportsbook. Give us a call to start planning an unforgettable event in an unparalleled setting.

• Non-smoking venue • 400 large hotel rooms and suites • Award-winning culinary experiences

MotorCity Casino Hotel 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201 Michelle Duffy, Director of Sales 313.237.7711 motorcitycasino.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Choose Lansing, Michigan

e understand the unique pressures professional meeting planners face. High expectations demand exceptional venue selection, optimal dates, compelling speakers, convenient locations and meticulous attention to every detail on your extensive checklist, all while maintaining strict budgetary control. Choose Lansing stands ready to partner with you in creating successful, memorable meetings and conferences that exceed expectations.

GET MEETING! • More than 5,100 hotel rooms and venues are situated conveniently close to attractions and dining options that can serve as distinctive breakout meeting spaces.

MICHIGAN

• Find walkable downtowns in both Lansing and East Lansing, making it simple for attendees to locate lunch, dinner or a nearby coffee shop.

Greater Lansing offers diverse venue options spanning from expansive arenas and convention halls to intimate, sophisticated settings. Proximity to Michigan State University provides effortless access to distinguished scholars and subject-matter experts for engaging presentations and panel discussions. Our dedicated team of certified meeting professionals delivers complimentary planning support to ensure your event has every element needed for success. We’re committed to making your role simpler, helping you shine and enabling you to host your finest event yet. Choose Greater Lansing and plan on something Greater.

Choose Lansing 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 180 Lansing, MI 48912 800.648.6630 lansing.org

Need to coordinate your organization’s next meeting or conference? Work with the experts at Choose Lansing. They will help you find the perfect venue, book hotel room blocks and increase attendance. Choose Lansing and plan on something Greater.

Scan this QR Code to unlock the keys to your meeting’s success!

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

MICHIGAN

Spark

MORE THAN GOALS

Ignite their enthusiasm. Recharge and reconnect amidst stunning landscapes, delicious local cuisine, craft beverages and endless outdoor adventures. From paddleboarding on Lake Michigan to exploring charming towns, teams, trainees or anyone seeking a fresh perspective will feel inspired here. Meet with us in Southwest Michigan.

MidwestMeetings.com

M EETIN GS

SWMICHIGAN.ORG/MEETINGS

MISSOURI issouri knows how to make a meeting feel like more. From the Ozarks to the heart of Kansas City to the historic streets of St. Louis, the state is welcoming groups with fresh venues, revitalized gathering spaces and unique experiences. In Branson, a new kind of meeting destination is taking shape. Opening next spring, Silver Dollar City Resort will bring the Midwest’s first theme park resort to the Ozark Mountains. Perched above Table Rock Lake, the 262-room resort is designed for conferences, incentive travel, retreats, multigenerational gatherings and more for groups of up to 350 attendees. The property includes 20,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including a grand ballroom, versatile breakout rooms, an expansive event lawn, scenic terraces, grotto-style gathering spaces and more. (The resort’s Signature Grottos are unique gathering spaces nestled into the natural landscape, ideal for receptions, networking events and memorable conversations beneath the stars.) Silver Dollar City Resort provides full-service catering, event planning and on-site audiovisual support designed to simplify execution from start to finish. Adventurous planners may also be interested to hear about the exclusive resort guest perks, which include complimentary resortto-park shuttle services, theme-park entrance, expedited TrailBlazers ride access and more. Beyond the meeting, the resort makes it easy to build in the kinds of shared experiences that turn business travel into a getaway. In Kansas City, planners are taking events outdoors. Slated to open in early 2027, the reimagined Barney Allis Plaza will create a dynamic public gathering space just steps from the Kansas City Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium and nearby hotels. Within a few blocks, visitors can also reach the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Kansas City Power & Light District and the free-to-ride KC Streetcar. A central gathering place at the heart of Kansas City’s convenient convention district, Barney Allis Plaza will boast a roster of spaces intended to host standalone events and add-ons for groups gathering at the Kansas City Convention Center and other nearby venues. Areas designed for events and activations include: a 9,300-square-foot event plaza, a paved space for large events, pop-up festivals and more; an 11,500-square-foot sloped lawn, 80

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

PHOTOS: TOP: ©VISIT KC, MIDDLE: ©HERSCHEND CREATIVE STUDIOS, COURTESY OF SILVER DOLLAR CITY RESORT, BOTTOM: ©HOK, COURTESY OF VISIT KC

boasting terraces and views onto the event plaza; an 8,800-square-foot pavilion plaza to host food trucks and other pop-up events, as well as a variety of artwork; and a 10,100-square-foot oval lawn, offering a flexible green space for casual events. Below the multipurpose gathering space at street level, a parking garage will offer approximately 580 parking spaces. The Barney Allis Plaza garage is adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center and will maintain connections to the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and Municipal Auditorium via a pedestrian tunnel.

In St. Louis, historic character is getting a fresh chapter, too. Le Méridien St. Louis Downtown recently reopened following a restoration of its distinctive 1913 building. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 96-room boutique

hotel blends original architectural details with contemporary accommodations and European-inspired design. Le Méridien includes more than 1,200 square feet of flexible event space, accommodating up to 100 guests; Longitude Bar, serving specialty espresso beverages and gelato; valet parking; a 24-hour fitness center; and Pine Street Social Kitchen & Wine Bar. Across Missouri, these new and renewed spaces share a common thread: They make it easier to gather, connect and experience something together.

MISSOURI

When it comes to planning an event in Kansas City, the KC Streetcar is an asset that can save time and money. Connecting some of the city’s most vibrant districts, the free streetcar transforms ordinary events into memorable experiences. And there’s plenty to discover along the way. Hit up the Arabia Steamboat Museum to discover sunken treasure from Missouri’s riverboat days. At Berkley Riverfront, get the team together to cheer on the KC Current at CPKC Stadium, the first stadium purposely built for a women’s professional sports team. In the Power & Light

District, sports nuts and athletes will love The College Basketball Experience, where you can literally get in the game or pay homage to the sport’s greats at the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Nearby are two free museums, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

WHERE GREAT MEETINGS Drive Great Results

FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACES

MODERN TECHNOLOGY

DELICIOUS CATERING

COMFORTABLE STAYS

DEDICATED STAFF

From boardrooms to ballrooms, we tailor to your needs.

We offer high-speed internet, A/Vequipment and video conferencing.

Customized menus to keep your team energized.

Relax and refresh in our stylish rooms and suites.

Our events team is with you every step of the way.

494 Tan Tar A Drive | Osage Beach

MidwestMeetings.com

(573) 348-3131

MargaritavilleResortLakeoftheOzarks.com

Sales@MVResortLakeoftheOzarks.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Make Your Meeting Legendary in St. Joseph, Missouri In the heart of the Midwest, just north of Kansas City, lies a city with a history of innovation and a future brimming with opportunity—St. Joseph, Missouri. Once the launchpad of the Pony Express and a vital outfitting post for pioneers heading west, St. Jo has always been a place where big journeys begin. That legendary spirit makes this small town a big hit for meeting planners and their attendees. “St. Joseph is full of nontraditional possibilities,” says Jolene Dempster, Convention & Meeting Sales Manager at the St. Joseph Visitors Bureau. “We work closely with planners to find unique venues that align with their vision—whether that’s a historic mansion, a vibrant theater, or an innovative conference campus.”

VENUES WITH PERSONALITY St. Joseph offers meeting spaces that are anything but ordinary. From heritage sites that tell the city’s story to modern venues designed with today’s planners in mind, every setting brings its own character to the table— and to the delight of meeting attendees.

THE PONY EXPRESS MUSEUM Bring history to life by hosting a reception in the very stable where the Pony Express once operated. Groups can tour the Hall of Riders, participate in a spelling bee in a replica 1860s schoolhouse, or enjoy a themed reception complete with a sarsaparilla.

MISSOURI THEATER A century-old movie palace with gold trim, red velvet curtains, and sky-filled murals, the Missouri Theater provides an unforgettable stage for conferences, performances, or galas and is the pride and joy of St. Jo. While it continues to host entertainment throughout the year, professional planners can also reserve this elegant setting.

ALBRECHT-KEMPER MUSEUM OF ART This elegant red-brick mansion-turned-museum offers inspired backdrops for events, from intimate gatherings in its speakeasy to grand dinners in its café dining room. Guests can dine among works by Mary Cassatt and Thomas Hart Benton, or explore the mansion’s storied architecture on guided tours.

PARKWAY DISTILLERY & LOCAL DINING Shake up your itinerary with a private tasting at Parkway Distillery, complete with cozy lounges and outdoor patios, or book a dinner at one of St. Jo’s iconic steakhouses. From the Fredrick Inn’s classic Midwestern fare to Cajun-inspired cuisine at Boudreaux’s, local dining elevates the experience.

EMPOWERU CAMPUS AT MOSAIC LIFE CARE Housed in a stylish renovated warehouse, this venue features an auditorium for 164, a 2,200-square-foot meeting room, and multiple breakout spaces—perfect for contemporary meetings with flexibility.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

STONEY CREEK HOTEL With 129 guest rooms and 9,282 square feet of event space, Stoney Creek blends convenience with charm. Pony Expressthemed décor, fireside lounges, and breezy patios create a welcoming setting for groups.

MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY This 700-acre campus offers versatility for large events, featuring meeting rooms that accommodate up to 500 guests and unique attractions, including the Walter Cronkite Memorial (a St. Jo. native) and the home of the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp. “What surprises most meeting planners is just how much variety we have in one place. You can hold a morning session in a historic theater and a networking dinner in a warehouse, all within minutes of each other,” says Dempster. “These venues have character. Every space has a sense of place, which makes meetings feel more special and less routine.”

EASY ACCESS, BIG VALUE Located just 55 miles north of downtown Kansas City and 38 miles from Kansas City International Airport, St. Joseph offers easy accessibility without the high price tag of a big city. Attendees can experience the charm of a smaller city while enjoying today’s amenities, robust cultural offerings, and unmatched hospitality. “Being so close to Kansas City makes travel simple, but once you’re here, you feel like you’ve truly escaped the big-city rush,” adds Dempster.

PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING IN ST. JOSEPH You can strike the perfect balance between convenience, creativity, and character when you host your next meeting or event in St. Joseph, Missouri.

CONTACT St. Joseph Visitors Bureau Jolene Dempster, Convention/Meeting Sales Manager 816-233-6688 | 800-785-0360 jdempster@stjomo.com stjomo.com

OHIO F

Cincinnati’s newly renovated downtown convention center is now officially named the First Financial Center (the former Duke Energy Convention Center) after undergoing a $264 million transformation. The 750,000-square-foot facility now features 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, two ballrooms, 28 meeting rooms and a new rooftop terrace. The rebrand accompanied the updated exhibit halls and meeting rooms, improved circulation and natural light, enhanced technology and infrastructure, and new spaces. Adjacent to the new Elm Street Plaza, the center is designed for seamless accessibility, energy efficiency and world-class event experiences. The city‘s convention district is poised for further growth with the Cincinnati Downtown Marriot scheduled to open in late 2028. The 700-room convention headquarters hotel will boast a direct skybridge connection to the First Financial Center, easing movement between guest rooms and meeting spaces. The 21-story hotel will also include 700 guest rooms, approximately 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000-square-foot outdoor events terrace, multiple ballrooms and breakout spaces, and more. Cincinnati’s Gwynne Building offers a compelling, more intimate option. The Beaux-Arts landmark is home to Fidelity Hotel, which opened in July, and brings thoughtful design, personalized service and curated culinary experiences to downtown. Within walking distance of First Financial Center and Fountain Square, the hotel puts attendees close to meetings, entertainment and local attractions. Host your meeting in the 2,575-square-foot Vanderbilt Ballroom; the 1,132-square-foot Cettie Ballroom; the 521-square-foot Claypoole Boardroom; the 509-square-foot Cornelius Boardroom; the 2,585-square-foot pre-function space; or the 250-square-foot Gwynne private dining room. Whether planners need the scale of a major convention district or the character of a boutique hotel, Ohio delivers flexibility, accessibility and fresh possibilities. 84

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

rom the vibrant downtown of Cincinnati to the welcoming communities of Akron and Lima, Ohio offers meeting planners a wealth of options for bringing people together including major convention district investments, distinctive boutique hotels and flexible gathering spaces.

MEET HERE

PLAY HERE

Meet. Connect. Experience More. Great meetings deserve an unforgettable destination. Located along the shores than 8,000 guest rooms, 615,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and unique venues for events of all sizes. Beyond the meeting room, attendees can explore island getaways, waterfront dining, wineries, world-class attractions, and outdoor adventures. Ask eligible events. Let’s bring your next event to the Lake Erie shore! Meetings.SHORESandISLANDS.com Contact Emma Melter at emma@shoresandislands.com or 419-624-6924.

IT’S A SHORE THING

WISCONSIN N

ew developments are adding more ways for groups to gather, connect and experience the Badger State.

Dellshire Resort is introducing an immersive experience to the Waterpark Capital of the World. Wisconsin Dells‘ first new-build resort in more than two decades, Dellshire Resort blends medieval fantasy-inspired storytelling with the refined comfort of an upscale retreat. Guests are greeted by Golspar, a 70-foot-long steel dragon and then transported to a castle once inside. Through Legends of Dellshire, a mixed reality experience delivered via augmented reality headsets, the resort becomes a living, interactive story, with themed locations for guests to discover and unlock as part of an evolving narrative.

Dellshire Resort offers a dramatic setting for corporate retreats, private events and groups with 10,875 square feet of indoor meeting space. The Keystone Event Center can accommodate intimate sessions and grand celebrations. The Chaucer-Troyes Ballroom serves as the centerpiece for larger events, seating up to 280 guests, and showcasing stoneaccented walls, soaring ceilings and a private outdoor balcony. The foyer provides a flexible space for cocktails, buffets and event registration. Central Wisconsin is also welcoming groups with refreshed lodging. In Stevens Point, Dreamscape Hospitality recently assumed management of the Holiday Inn Stevens Point - Convention Center, with 16 rooms and more than 38,000 square feet of multifunctional meeting space, and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Stevens Point, with a 400-square-foot event space for up to 32 guests. Whether seeking an immersive adventure in Wisconsin Dells or the welcoming pace of Stevens Point, the state makes it easy to combine productive meetings with memories. 86

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

The resort’s 208 guest rooms and suites are designed to feel modern and fairytale-like. Dark wood, custom millwork, arched windows and subtle iron accents nod to traditional craftsmanship, while spacious layouts ensure a comfortable stay. Across 11 accommodation types, the resort serves a range of travelers. Traditional room options sleep four to six guests, whereas six suite configurations provide residential-style accommodations for larger groups.

IN THE FOX CITIES!

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. Seeking a state-of-the-art venue with room for a crowd? The Fox Cities Exhibition BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE!

Contact Samantha Brown sbrown@foxcities.org

Center delivers 38,000 square feet of flexible space designed to make every event an original experience. Planners value the seamless integration into downtown Appleton, where an impressive array of lodging, dining, and entertainment options await within easy walking distance.

The Setting That Makes A Statement The Osthoff Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond destination set along the shores of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, offering a refined yet approachable lakeside setting for meetings, conferences, and special events. The resort features spacious suitestyle rooms, multiple on-site dining venues, and more than 38,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space ranging from 448 to 10,164 square feet. Attendees enjoy a full range of resort amenities, including the nationally recognized Aspira Spa, and handson culinary experiences at the acclaimed Cooking School—ideal for team-building and networking. Thoughtful service and all-in-one convenience help ensure strong attendance and memorable gatherings year-round. To learn more, visit osthoff.com/meetings or call 855.474.6659.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Designed for What Matters Most: Events that Engage

WISCONSIN

alahari Resorts & Conventions is one of the largest family-owned resort brands in the United States, known for its expansive, all-under-one-roof destinations that blend convention space with entertainment, dining and leisure. With locations across key drive markets and some of the largest indoor waterparks in the country, Kalahari offers over 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting space alongside a fully integrated resort experience designed to keep attendees engaged from arrival through departure. Meeting planners continue to prioritize attendee engagement through creating experiences that are immersive, interactive and memorable. This is not a fleeting preference, but a sustained evolution in how successful events are measured. Kalahari aligns naturally with this trend by making it easy to transform traditional agendas into dynamic, experience-driven programs. For example, planners can incorporate team building through competitive bowling receptions. Evenings can transition seamlessly into networking events at sit-down restaurants or at Redd’s Piano Bar where guests can find nightly entertainment. Meanwhile wellness-focused offerings like spa experiences and group fitness activities provide balance. At Kalahari, meetings move beyond sessions and schedules, becoming shared experiences that leave a lasting impression long after attendees return home. Learn more at kalaharimeetings.com.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions 855.411.4605 ohgroups@kalahariresorts.com wigroups@kalahariresorts.com kalaharimeetings.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Two truths and a lie? Try two martinis and a piano bar instead. Team bonding at Kalahari is beyond conventional. KALAHARICONVENTIONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

It’s the Middle Things in Middleton

WISCONSIN

iddleton, Wisconsin, is a pleasant pairing of historic charm and modern conveniences.The city’s convention hotel, the Madison Marriott West-Middleton, is the largest in the county and has hosted everything from national steampunk conventions to regional conferences. There are also two other conference hotels nearby and a total of nine hotels in the city. Staff at Visit Middleton, the city’s tourism department, are here to help with everything from convention services to marketing assets and customized materials. Visit Middleton also offers a grant program to business coming to its hotels. Qualifying business can apply for assistance in marketing, equipment rentals, shuttle rentals, speaker fees and transportation, and more.

GET MEETING! • Nine hotels with 1,150 rooms and more than 66,000 square feet of conference/flex space • Proximity to several airports, including 20 minutes from Dane County Regional, 90 minutes from Milwaukee Mitchell International and two hours from Chicago O’Hare International • Visit Middleton’s meetings/ events grant program • Many free planner resources through Visit Middleton staff

Staff is also here to help build itineraries and provide resources for planners to ensure attendees who wish to come early, bring family or just explore the wider area have what they need to get started. Middleton is located just 20 minutes to an hour from multiple attractions in south central Wisconsin. Contact Visit Middleton today to learn more about how we can help! See why we say it’s the middle things that make Middleton, Wisconsin, special.

Visit Middleton 1811 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI 53562 800.688.5694 lportz@cityofmiddleton.us meetinmiddleton.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Let’s Make Memories Together

WISCONSIN

ilton Appleton Paper Valley is a newly remodeled pet-friendly hotel located in the heart of vibrant downtown Appleton with 40+ nearby restaurants, the Performing Arts Center and Lawrence University at your doorstep. The hotel offers 388 guest rooms and is connected to the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. The Fox Cities Exhibition Center is designed to host conventions, trade shows, banquets, meetings and entertainment. It includes 38,000+ square feet of flexible indoor space and a 17,000-square-foot outdoor plaza with a skywalk that directly connects to Hilton Appleton Paper Valley.

GET MEETING! • Harvest Kitchen & Pantry offers a variety of upscale American-style dishes and a unique soup and salad bar. • Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar offers a fun and sports-like atmosphere, and includes a new golf simulator and a distinctive menu that will blow you away. • Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse is an award-winning fine dinning establishment that offers an unforgettable experience with over 400 pieces of Vince Lombardi’s memorabilia, extraordinary menu items and an extensive wine list.

The Hilton Appleton Paper Valley has 38,000 square feet of newly remodeled event space, perfect for conferences, meetings and social events. Choose from 27 unique and flexible options that can accommodate five to 1,000 people. We ensure you will experience hospitality like no other at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley, from our amazing and friendly staff to a variety of restaurant options to choose from and a catering menu that individually fits your every need. With our purpose-driven culture, we are recognized for making your memories worth the tell. Let us be a part of your journey!

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley 333 W. College Ave. Appleton, WI 54915 920.733.8000 appletonpapervalley.hilton.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

CONNECTED SPACES, CONNECTING PEOPLE. 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.

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. TAKE A VIRTUAL TRIP:

333. West College Ave. Appleton, WI 54911 appletonpapervalley.hilton.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

WISCONSIN

ring your meeting to a destination designed for both business and connection. Janesville, Wisconsin, combines the professional amenities planners need with the welcoming atmosphere and recreational opportunities attendees appreciate.

Conveniently located in south-central Wisconsin, Janesville sits right off Interstate 39/90, within a 90-minute drive of four major airports. Free parking and affordable lodging across 12 hotels make the experience simple for your attendees so they can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time engaging with your event. From intimate meetings in award-winning historic home locations or botanical gardens, to larger meetings in a conference center with state-of-the-art technology, there really is no place like Janesville to hold your next meeting. Our variety of spaces can accommodate meetings from 10 to 3,600. Outside the meeting rooms, attendees can unwind along the Rock River, explore scenic trails and gardens, and discover locally owned restaurants and shops. Janesville gives opportunities to learn, network, collaborate and experience something together beyond the agenda. The JACVB is here to support you, from coordinating accommodations and local services to providing welcome materials and on-site hospitality — all at no cost.

Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 20 S. Main St., Ste. 11 Janesville, WI 53545 800.487.2757 janesvillecvb.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Plan Confidently. Meet Comfortably. Janesville, Wisconsin's Great Outside Hold your next meeting surrounded by the Great Outside! Bring your event to life in a one-of-a-kind historic space, scenic outdoor venue, or modern facility with state-of-theart technology. With options from small meetings to large conferences our variety of spaces can accommodate meetings from 10 to 3,600.

Contact our Sales Director Lori Johnson is ready to help you plan your next meeting or group event. From venue selection to securing a hotel room block, Lori can help every step of the way. Email her at meetings@ janesvillecvb.com or call (800) 487-2757.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Visit Green Lake, Wisconsin

WISCONSIN

ometimes the most productive thing you can do is slow down. In Green Lake, success isn’t measured by how much you can fit into a day. It’s found in the moments that invite you to slow down.

Whether you’re planning a board retreat, annual conference, incentive trip or corporate getaway, Green Lake offers a refreshing alternative to the fast pace of everyday business. Our welcoming community, scenic beauty and thoughtful accommodations create an environment where teams reconnect, creativity flows and meaningful conversations happen naturally. Beyond the meeting room, discover nationally recognized golf courses, relaxing spa experiences, boutique shopping, local wineries and breweries, and Wisconsin’s deepest natural inland lake.

GET MEETING! • A variety of venues to choose from, including everything from historic landmarks and lakeside resorts to modern conference facilities and unique gathering spaces • The perfect backdrop for productive meetings and meaningful connections no matter the occasion

Every experience encourages your group to step away from the distractions of daily life and focus on what matters most. Come to Green Lake to recharge, reconnect and return inspired. Here, every meeting is balanced by moments worth remembering and every visit reminds you that the little things often leave the biggest impression.

Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce 550 Mill St., Green Lake, WI 54941 920.294.3231 visitgreenlake.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Settle In. Step Out.

WISCONSIN

ust south of Milwaukee and minutes from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Oak Creek is perfectly positioned for your next meeting or event. Here, you can settle in comfortably and step out easily to explore something new.

Our city offers a smart mix of flexible meeting venues, welcoming hotels, scenic parks and local gathering spots that can be uniquely tailored to your group. Oak Creek’s location along I-94 makes travel simple, while its walkable squares and nearby recreation create a natural flow between business and downtime.

GET MEETING! • Convenient location along I-94, minutes from Milwaukee and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

From intimate board meetings to team retreats, Oak Creek combines small-city hospitality with big-city access. Enjoy nearby Milwaukee attractions like the Bucks or Brewers, then return to a community known for its diverse dining, comfortable accommodations and group-friendly experiences. Whether you’re planning a multiday conference or a quick off-site, Oak Creek gives you everything you need without everything you don’t. “Oak Creek is an emerging, dynamic regional leader driving the future of the south shore. We look forward to helping you plan a meeting experience that’s both unique and memorable,” says Marcia Wayer, director of marketing and public relations.

• Diverse meeting venues and flexible accommodations that allow groups to tailor their event experience • Wide variety of team-building and group outing options, from outdoor parks to nearby sports and entertainment • A community that combines small-city hospitality with big-city convenience

100

City of Oak Creek 8040 S. Sixth St., Oak Creek, WI 53154 414.766.7000 visitoakcreek.com/meetings

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

Settle in.

STEP OUT.

The ideal spot for small meetings, big plans, and seamless stays.

Oak Creek’s modern hotels offer outstanding hospitality, free parking, and easy access to meeting spaces, dining, and off-site fun. Perfect for multi-day meetings or team travel, we deliver convenience, comfort, and charm.

Why Oak Creek? • Proximity to General Mitchell International Airport • Minutes to Downtown Milwaukee • Freeway access to I-94 • Walkable dining, entertainment, and green spaces at Drexel Town Square • Seasonal events for all ages • Competitive hotel rates, great group accommodations

Just minutes from the Lake Michigan shoreline, Oak Creek is the smart, stylish choice for your next meeting or group stay.

visitoakcreek.com/OCMeetings

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Come for the Meeting. Stay for the Moments in Between.

WISCONSIN

uccessful meetings are defined not only by what happens in the room, but by the experiences attendees share long after the agenda ends. All of that comes together in Wisconsin, where planners can create events that balance productivity with opportunities to connect, recharge and explore.

GET MEETING!

Across the state, exceptional venues provide the foundation. In Madison, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center combines Frank Lloyd Wright architecture with sweeping lake views in the heart of downtown, while Milwaukee’s Baird Center offers flexible, modern convention space — just steps from world-class dining and entertainment.

• A central location: Centrally located in the Midwest, Wisconsin offers convenient access by car or air, making travel easier for attendees.

Beyond the meeting room, Wisconsin invites attendees to experience the destination together. Groups can unwind with a lake cruise in Lake Geneva, enjoy championship golf in Kohler, discover the natural beauty of Door County or strengthen relationships through team building in Wisconsin Dells. Whether it’s a shared meal, a waterfront walk or an afternoon exploring downtown, these moments strengthen collaboration in ways the meeting room alone cannot.

• Planner-friendly value: Competitive rates, flexible venues and diverse accommodations help planners make the most of every budget.

From executive retreats to citywide conventions, Wisconsin offers planners more than exceptional venues. It offers destinations where meetings inspire stronger teams, closer connections and lasting experiences that attendees carry home well beyond the final session. Plan your next event in Wisconsin to create memorable meetings for every attendee.

• Confidence that comes standard: Welcoming communities and walkable downtowns create a comfortable, seamless attendee experience. • Expert planning support: Experienced destination experts simplify planning with venue guidance, site visits and local recommendations.

102

Travel Wisconsin Sara Brish Group Travel Program Manager 608.266.8773 sbrish@travelwisconsin.com

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

COME FOR THE MEETING STAY FOR THE MOMENTS IN BETWEEN

In Wisconsin, the meeting doesn’t end when the agenda does. From lakeside escapes to charming downtowns and beyond, every break, dinner and evening out becomes another opportunity to connect. Here, the moments between meetings become memories.

Submit Your RFP at

MeetInWisconsin.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Waukesha Pewaukee Convention and Visitor Bureau

rom a historic downtown where the Fox River winds to the scenic Pewaukee lakefront, our communities offer a mix of natural beauty, rich history and eclectic experiences.

With venues designed to accommodate everything from small gatherings to 500-person conferences, Waukesha and Pewaukee are ready to host your next event. From early planning to on-site support, we offer complimentary services that add real value for planners and an authentic local touch for attendees. We can also help promote public events and connect your group with memorable local experiences.

GET MEETING!

We offer everything from free-to-use games for receptions and breaks to more than 30 group activities to choose from — ranging from golf and lake adventures to cooking classes, art workshops and custom gifts.

• A convenient location directly off I-94, within 30 minutes of Mitchell International Airport

WISCONSIN

• 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 1,300 guest rooms and complimentary surface parking • Charming downtown areas, Pewaukee Lake and proximity to all southeast Wisconsin offers!

Waukesha Pewaukee Convention and Visitor Bureau N14 W23755 Stone Ridge Dr., Ste. 225 Waukesha, WI 53188 262.542.0330 visitwaukesha.org

G ROU P FUN FOR TEAMS

Discover Why Waukesha Pewaukee is Where People Meet! With ample space for your gathering and exciting team activities to keep everyone engaged, we make meeting planning easier. Conveniently located directly off I-94, we’re ready to help you create a great experience for you and your team.

LET’S GET PLANNING!

visitwaukesha.org/meet-more WHERE CITIES MEET...

104

AND PEOPLE DO, TOO.

Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Photo credit: Dylan Overhouse

La Crosse Center

he La Crosse Center is a premier convention and entertainment destination in the Midwest, bringing people together to meet, celebrate, connect and create memorable experiences.

With versatile, multipurpose spaces, the facility can accommodate a wide variety of events, including weddings, business meetings, conferences, trade shows, banquets, concerts and more. Our experienced event staff is dedicated to helping bring each event to life, with professional support tailored to your specific needs. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown La Crosse, the La Crosse Center is within walking distance to more than 50 restaurants, shops and local attractions, making it an ideal destination for both event organizers and guests.

GET MEETING! • More than 10 boardrooms with 165,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space • Customizable services and video boards

• In-house catering

300 Harborview Plaza La Crosse, WI 54601 608.789.7400 office@lacrossecenter.com lacrossecenter.com

WISCONSIN

• A connected parking garage

La Crosse Center

lacrossecenter.com | (608) 789-7400 | office@lacrossecenter.com

10+ Boardrooms 165,000 Sq. Ft. of Meeting & Event Space Customizable Services and Video Boards Located in Historic Downtown La Crosse

Walking Distance to Hotels Views of the Mississippi River Connected Parking Garage In-House Catering

Nestled between towering bluffs and the Mississippi River, the La Crosse Region is rich in scenic beauty, diverse attractions and first-class hospitality. Elevate your next rendezvous in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Learn More at MeetinLaCrosse.com MidwestMeetings.com

105

YOUR EXCLUSIVE RETREAT CENTER

CONFERENCE ROOM Seat up to 20 in Northwoods style

ATTRACTIVE GROUNDS

GATHERING ROOM

Perfect for casual meetings

• Upscale facilities in a serene, tranquil setting perfect for groups of up to 20 people.

WISCONSIN

• Northwoods activities complete your event – The famous 10-Lake Chain, fine dining and over 50 miles of trails.

715-543-2024 • Manitowish Waters • lodgemw.com

Now Booking 2026 Holiday Parties & Meetings

www.milfordhills.com 106

info@milfordhills.com | 920.699.2249 Midwest Meetings | Fall/Winter 2026

It’s Your Business, Let’s Amplify It! Work with us to build your effective digital advertising strategy

TARGETED DISPLAY PAID SOCIAL TARGETED EMAIL ADVERTISING MEDIA CAMPAIGNS MARKETING

ADVERTISE ON STREAMING NETWORKS

Contact us for case studies from some of our highly successful advertisers. See what it will take to stand out in your market. Contact Cindy Smith for more details. csmith@ntmediagroup.com | 262.215.2997

Cindy Smith Digital Specialist

A PUBLICATION OF