For more information contact: Lisa Marshall, 608/267-3773
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIXING WORK WITH PLEASURE: WISCONSIN INCORPORATES FUN AND RELAXATION INTO BUSINESS MEETINGS
MADISON, Wis. (April 20, 2007) - As mixing business with pleasure becomes a more prominent trend in today's conference culture, meeting planners are being constantly challenged to find destinations that are of interest to a variety of travelers. Fortunately, finding the perfect spot for business travelers - whether it be a fun-filled family vacation or a quiet getaway for two - is right here in Wisconsin.
Take Your Meeting to a Resort Community
Resort communities provide the perfect opportunity to take travelers out of the hustle and bustle of the typical business scene and into a true getaway. Many Northwoods towns offer limitless outdoor pursuits for the traveler looking to spend some time doing anything from snowshoeing to bird watching. Not an outdoorsman? Not a problem, since many of Wisconsin's charming and historic communities provide travelers with a backdrop of eclectic arts, culinary diversions and plenty of unique shopping.
Eagle River is famous for its 28 freshwater lakes, the world's largest chain of inland freshwater lakes. While in the area, conference travelers can enjoy one of the seven area golf courses, two nearby casinos, outdoor trails and many museums that make Eagle River a top Northwoods vacation destination. If your group is looking for some downtown dining options, suggest grabbing a bite at Eagle River's Riverstone Restaurant and Tavern, which has received Wine Spectator Magazine's "Award of Excellence" for the past four years. The Eagle River Inn & Resort is surrounded by trails for the adventurer and also offers meeting rooms for up to 275 guests. The Chanticleer Inn also gives guests the ability to literally step out of their rooms and into a trail…or the inn's restaurant, which can accommodate groups of up to 100 people and plenty of watercraft with its free docking. For a truly out of the ordinary meeting experience, Eagle Waters Resort offers 30 lodging units ranging from one-bedroom condos to five-bedroom cottages that capture the essence of a Northwoods retreat. Guests to the Wild Eagle Lodge can drop off the kids at one of the many summer activity programs available through the lodge's Camp Run-A-Muk.
In north central Wisconsin, Minocqua's Pointe Hotel & Suites offers meeting and banquet facilities overlooking beautiful Lake Minocqua. Travelers can take advantage of the indoor pool and fitness center or spend some time outdoors around the campfire patio. Nearby in Arbor Vitae, the Red Crown Lodge is a meeting center and corporate retreat that focuses on customer service. The Wisconsin State Journal describes it as the "Camp David of Wisconsin," and the lodge adheres to an exclusive booking policy that allows only one group on site at a time.
Venturing further west are the towns of Hayward and Cable. This location, famous for its fishing and cross-country skiing opportunities, is now gaining stature in meeting planning circles. Cable's Telemark Resort is an excellent choice for large groups, as it has 20,000 square feet of meeting space. Outside of meeting time, guests to this area can partake in a little gambling or tee up at one of the 13 area golf courses such as the 18-hole courses at Hayward's Lakewoods Resort and at Forest Ridges Golf Course. Lakewood has meeting space for groups up to 300 people.
"One of the Top 10 Vacation Destinations in America" as reported by Money Magazine, it only makes sense to plan the next business affair at one of Door County's fine meeting and conference facilities. This "Cape Cod of the Midwest" offers multiple state parks, lighthouses, golf courses, sightseeing options and sandy beaches. When the meetings are concluded, guests can enjoy the galleries, music and theater performances, art exhibits, shopping and variety of fine dining options.
Another Wisconsin tourism gem that shouldn't be overlooked for the next business meeting is Bayfield, "Gateway to the Apostle Islands." It's often called the best little town in the Midwest, but while it may be small, don't underestimate its conference facilities or attractions. The community has a flourishing artistic scene that is host to many galleries in its downtown area. Bayfield is also home to riding stables, golf courses, cross-country and downhill skiing opportunities, fine dining, eclectic shopping and apple orchards. Meeting facilities are typically available in the variety of charming inns & B&Bs that make up the area's lodging.
Originally made a popular resort town as a result of its railroad access from Chicago, Lake Geneva today is commonly referred to as the "Newport of the Midwest." Located about ten miles north of the Illinois state line, Lake Geneva boasts a number of historic lakeside mansions, several tour boats and ample golf courses. The area is well prepared to handle meetings from the largest trade shows to the most intimate corporate retreat. Go first class with The Grand Geneva Resort, The Abbey Resort, Lake Lawn Resort, or something more rustic like the Wesley Woods Conference Center, which offers a Team Building Course.
For a resort community with a bit of a European village feel, take your business travelers or corporate retreat to the oasis that is Mineral Point. The Comfort Inn hotel can accommodate up to 400 people and is conveniently located near art galleries, antique shops, museums and fine dining. Mineral Point is also located close to many area attractions including Little Norway, Cave of the Mounds and the House on the Rock. This meeting experience will definitely take your guests back to the days when the living was easy.
For a one of a kind meeting destination, try White's Wildwood Retreat in the Chippewa Valley area. This creative workshop and retreat destination is actually a brand new, 4,500 foot home built to accommodate 21 guests. The log cabin architecture of the building creates a Northwoods atmosphere that promotes rest and relaxation. The Chippewa Valley serves up outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and horseback riding on a variety of trails, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the Red Cedar and Chippewa River State Trails.
Spas to Relax in After the Meeting
An ever-growing trend in today's vacation facilities is the spa services. After a long day of meetings, many guests want nothing more than a rejuvenating boost to kick-start their energy or to help take away the day's stresses. Most of Wisconsin's largest resorts with meeting facilities have added spas to their amenity lists. Consider one of the following as a possible future meeting destination.
The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake will not only provide meeting facilities for groups up to 1000 people, it is also the home of Aspira Spa. This state-of-the-art spa offers the Midwest's first spa team building program that includes a spa activity and mini rejuvenation breaks designed to increase productivity, retention and enjoyment of your attendees. The Osthoff also has countless amenities for your group members and their families to enjoy in addition to the spa.
Whether your guests have been sitting in meetings all day or have been out on the golf course while attending meetings in Kohler, it is important to mention the Kohler Waters Spa. Ranked #1 for treatments and services among resort spas in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's Readers' Survey, Kohler Waters Spa offers everything from relaxation and massage to hair and makeup services.
It seems Wisconsin's resorts have a knack for winning awards. Green Lake's Heidel House Resort was named "Best Wisconsin Resort" by Wisconsin Trails Magazine readers, and for good reason. If your guests are traveling with their families, the resort's Kids Kamp allows grown-ups to spend some time alone while the kids safely play. Where to spend that alone time? A good choice is the Evensong Spa. The spa caters to guest's individual needs ranging from nail treatment to massage and offers an indoor labyrinth, a walking path designed to be a contemplative tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation.
Whether guests want to be treated to a single spa service or spend the whole day relaxing in the presence of a whirlpool, steam and eucalyptus room, O Spa at Olympia Resort, Hotel & Spa in Oconomowoc has just the package to accommodate any need. O Spa has quite a wide variety of services from basic tanning to herbal wraps that will keep your guests refreshed throughout their stay. With 45,000 square feet of function space, Olympia is also the third largest conference center/hotel in Wisconsin and can accommodate groups ranging from ten people to 1,000.
In Lake Geneva, Well Spa and Sports Center at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa covers 44,000 square feet and features not only spa services, but a sports facility as well. Well Spa itself focuses on the basic four elements as recognized by the Native American philosophy: air, fire, earth and water. The resort also offers excellent meeting facilities and 35 convenient breakout rooms. This resort and spa has something for everyone.
Kid-Friendly Meetings
Who said a family vacation couldn't be made out of your next meeting? If many of your guests are bringing along children, it's a good idea to consider holding your next meeting at a kid-friendly destination where both the meeting and the time away can be shared in the spotlight.
It is no surprise that the first stop on a kid-friendly tour would be to the "Waterpark Capital of the World," Wisconsin Dells. In the summertime, stroll along the downtown boardwalk and check out the wax museum, or spend the day at one of the area's waterparks. All of the large indoor waterpark resorts such as Chula Vista, Wintergreen, Kalahari and the Wilderness Resort, have added comprehensive conference centers, sports facilities and expo centers to host even the largest events.
The Fox Cities is another meeting possibility for family-oriented guests with its full excellent conference centers as well as its extensive menu of kid-friendly fun. Appleton's Funset Boulevard is just the place to visit outside of meeting time. Kids can enjoy everything from bumper cars to laser tag, and families can watch the newest film on one of the Funset movie theatre's 14 screens. The Fox Valley area is also host to disc golf courses, a popular minor league baseball team, museums such as the Fox River Trolley Museum, and the largest concentration of shopping opportunities in the entire state. Meeting facilities are available throughout the area, the largest of them being the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel & Conference Center in Appleton.
Nearby Fond du Lac is another kid-friendly meeting choice. If your group is feeling adventurous, suggest an aerial tour of the city and of Lake Winnebago aboard one of Fond du Lac Skyport's half-hour airplane rides. If your guests are looking to stay on the ground, direct them to Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac's 400 acre family-friendly park that has picnic areas, playgrounds, bumper boats and even an old fashioned carousel. The selection of rental equipment presents guests with a variety of recreational options, and the park offers covered shelters, one heated, to accommodate up to 225 guests.
Kids will be wrapping themselves in towels after spending the day splashing around at the Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center's indoor waterpark in Sheboygan. The 40,000-square-foot waterpark features seven waterslides and a tipping ship that leaves kids little reason to want to leave. Adults are also happy in Blue Harbor's conference center that has plenty of meeting and dining space for varying numbers of guests. Adults can also unwind in the Aveda concept spa located right in the resort. If your guests do venture outdoors, point them towards a hike at Kohler-Andrae State Park or a little bowling, volleyball and comedy at Odyssey Fun Center in Sheboygan Falls.
Kenosha is another perfect destination for families to transition from business to pleasure. The Electric Streetcar Circulator allows for guests and kids to experience the city aboard five beautifully restored streetcars that travel around the area in a two-mile loop. At the Jelly Belly Center in Pleasant Prairie, kids and kids at heart can board another train for a free tour and tasty samples. Meeting planners will find the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center offers a convenient and spacious location.
The cities of Janesville and Beloit team up to offer the perfect combination of family recreation and meeting facilities with a convenient and easy drive from Chicago O'Hare airport. Meeting planners have their choice of conference facilities including the Holiday Inn Express/Janesville Conference Center, Janesville Best Western, Beloit College facilities and the recently opened Pontiac Convention Center. Families can tour the area parks, Riverside Park, Rotary Gardens, the Lincoln-Tallman House, Angel Museum or take in a dinner and a show at the Armory Dinner Theater.
As the gateway to the Northwoods, Wausau presents a unique combination of woods and water fun in a mid-size city. During the winter, families can head to Granite Peak Ski Area at Rib Mountain for snowboarding and downhill skiing. Granite Peaks boasts 74 runs and the state's highest vertical drop. The Lodge at Cedar Creek features an indoor waterpark, family dining and an outlet mall next door. A variety of hotels in the area offer ample meeting space.
Urban Getaway Meetings
If your guests are looking for more of an urban appeal, Madison and Milwaukee are home to world-class hotels and the largest meeting facilities in Wisconsin.
Madison, the state's capital, combines urban culture with small town charm. Located on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, clubs and pubs, the University of Wisconsin, golf courses and, of course, an array of meeting options. The Monona Terrace Convention Center offers 250,000 square feet of meeting space and breathtaking views of Lake Monona. The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites invites families to enjoy their Crawdaddy Cove indoor waterpark. Smaller meeting facilities are also available at the Madison Concourse Hotel and the Middleton Conference Center.
For sport enthusiasts, there's no better place for your next meeting to be scheduled than in Milwaukee. The Bucks, Admirals, Wave and Brewers are just some of the options available to the public. If your guests want the arts, the Milwaukee Art Museum and many performing arts group from the Milwaukee Symphony orchestra to Ko-Thi Dance Company call Milwaukee home. New to Milwaukee is Discovery World, the 120,000 square-foot facility brings the Great Lakes indoors with aquariums and hands-on exhibits of innovation and technology. Milwaukee is also home to the Midwest Airlines Center, an architectural wonder of a convention center that you have to see to believe. One example is the Daniel M. Soref Education and Retreat Center. The area's newest overnight retreat center features a conference complex and accommodations on a 99 acre park-like setting with dozens of activity options. Located just 45 minutes north of Milwaukee, the retreat center features a brand new 20 room hotel style lodge, full service catering department and meeting rooms in a rustic setting.
Casino Meeting Facilities
Wisconsin's casinos make the transition from work to pleasure almost too easy. Most of these state of the art facilities feature live performance venues, gourmet restaurants and a variety of entertainment options under one roof. Meeting planners will find facilities that are prepared to serve with spectacular audiovisual capabilities, full catering services, top of the line hotel amenities and dedicated staff.
Meeting space for up to 900 people and a hospitality suite perfect for small groups under 20 is available at the LCO Casino, Lodge & Convention Center in Hayward. Lake of the Torches Resort Casino in Lac du Flambeau is another option for north central Wisconsin meeting space with a natural setting and conference facilities to accommodate up to 750. The Ho Chunk Casino Hotel & Conference Center in Baraboo is a full-service casino with multiple meeting facilities for groups both large and small. It is also conveniently located in the heart of Wisconsin Dells making it ideal for guests bringing children. The Oneida Bingo Casino in Green Bay is conveniently located adjacent to the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. Together they offer full catering services, five different restaurants and cocktail lounges, and 408 hotel rooms. Guests attending meetings in the Milwaukee area are invited to check out the action, gourmet dining and live entertainment at Potawatomi Bingo Casino.
Visit www.thinkwisconsin.com to search for meeting and convention facilities, contact or request convention and meeting planners from Wisconsin CVBs or to learn the latest news about Wisconsin destinations. For more information on Wisconsin travel destinations and attractions, visit travelwisconsin.com.
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