Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10149
SITE REVIEW# 2 THE MANY FACES OF WISCONSIN BY SHEA SCOTT G reen, bold and surprisingly progressive, Wisconsin is a place where strong tradition, warm hospitality and an emphasis on cultural diversity reign. Overlooking one of Lake Michigan’s most beautiful bays, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. With its rich Native American influence, Milwaukee was named “Millioki” meaning “gathering place by the waters” – creating an astonishing destina- tion for planners to choose for a meeting, convention or incentive program. A resourceful meeting planner must consider hosting an event in Milwaukee’s sister town of Madison. A stimulating, youthful metropolis and one of the most beautifully set cities in the U.S., Madison is home to the Monona Terrace Convention Center – giving the city versatility to host groups from 10 to 10,000. In addi- tion, Madison offers planners and attendees more than 8,000 hotel rooms, diverse and low cost attractions, innumerable cultur- al opportunities, fabulous shopping and a wealth of restaurants. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Convention Center is located in the heart of Madison’s vibrant downtown on the shore of Lake Monona. This spectacular 250,00-sq. ft., multi- level structure features public promenades, a 68,000-sq. ft. garden, meeting rooms with striking lake views and the attached 240- room Hilton Hotel. Wishing to go green? Monona Terrace was the first U.S. convention center to become certified as a “green building”. To handle your transportation needs, over 90 cities are served nonstop or direct from Mitchell International, Wisconsin’s largest airport. The Milwaukee County Transit System provides courte- ous and prompt public transportation throughout the city. Furthermore, the Lake Express High Speed Ferry is a modern yet affordable ferry that transports cars and passengers across Lake Michigan. With African-Americans making up 37% of the population, Milwaukee is a booming town and unique location for a planner to introduce their group to year round attractions. Heralded as the “City of Festivals,” Milwaukee is home to “Summerfest” the world’s largest music festival. This 11-day event has performanc- es on 10 ground stages with a 23,000-seat lakefront Marcus Amphitheater featuring a variety of music from legends such as Stevie Wonder and Bon Jovi. Potowami Bingo and Casino There are a total of 13,724 hotel rooms in greater Milwaukee to accommodate your destination ameni- ties. Positioned blocks from the Midwest Airlines Convention Center and near the new Harley Davidson Museum, lies the industry’s first modern luxury bou- tique hotel geared toward business and leisure travelers. After a day of meetings, your group deserves to play hard! Following a $240 million dollar expansion, Potowami Bingo and Casino is the top Midwest enter- tainment destination. Ranked the #1 Casino by the Chicago Tribune, visitors can expect to find not only a world class gaming facility, but award winning dining options and Vegas-style entertainment. If you are looking for an unforgettable time, the House on the Rock in Spring Green is the place for you! This bizarre attraction show- cases room after room of the world’s most unique, unusual and eclectic collections, which proves as a jaw-dropping experience for thousands of visitors each year. Lodging can be found at the House on the Rock Resort. Overlooking the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin Dells’ Wintergreen Conference Center is a stellar meeting ground offering legendary golf, exceptional cuisine, and luxurious suites. As one of the top cities in the nation for donations to the arts, Milwaukee is rich in cultural activities. Visitors can spend an evening in the downtown dis- trict, home to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Ballet, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the nationally celebrated Ko-Thi African Dance Company. Home of the Milwaukee Bucks [NBA] and Brewers [MLB], Milwaukee offers year round sport- ing activities. Being the lakefront haven for fishing, boating, and water sports, more than 100 species of fish have been recorded in the lake, making Lake Michigan the largest sport fishery of all the Great Lakes. From calming lakefront views to exciting nightlife gaming, Wisconsin is one of the industry’s most exciting quiet kept destinations! Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 33