High-Level Panel Will Identify Strategies
to Build Meeting Business at the Wisconsin Center District
Milwaukee … The Wisconsin Center District, the owner and operator of the Midwest Airlines Center, the U.S. Cellular Arena, and the Milwaukee Theater, is launching a new task force aimed at increasing the use of convention center facilities by corporations and associations. The task force will identify strategies and specific approaches that complement the efforts of the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) to attract larger conventions.
“The Midwest Airlines Center is a state-of-the-art facility with high-speed internet connections, flexible meeting spaces, and high-quality, on-site catering,” Wisconsin Center District Board Chairman Franklyn Gimbel said. “We have every amenity that meeting planners want including convenient hotels, a central location, and beautiful buildings. Events that take place at the Midwest Airlines Center are successful events.”
Companies and associations regularly host gatherings at Wisconsin Center District facilities. In fact, next month a chamber of commerce group, a well known community organization, a large law firm and a local private high school all have events scheduled. And those events take place right alongside conventions and big public events such as the Home Builders Expo, the Wedding Planner and Guide Bridal Show, the annual convention of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, and the Wisconsin Kennel Club’s 90th Annual Dog Show all of which are set for January.
The challenge, Gimbel says, is to make sure event planners automatically think of the Midwest Airlines Center as the premier location for meetings and functions.
Joining Gimbel on the task force are Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines; Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Marc Marotta; Julia Taylor, Executive Director of the Greater Milwaukee Committee; John Steinmiller of the Milwaukee Bucks and current Chairman of the GMCVB; Lynn Sprangers President of Brewers Charities and former Chairman of the GMCVB; Bill Otto, President of Marcus Hotels and Resorts and former Chairman of the GMCVB; Gary Grunau of GDP/Gilbane, and the Hyatt Hotel; and Joel Brennan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee.
Council President Hines will serve as the task force chairperson. The group’s work will begin in January, 2005.
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For more information contact Jeff Fleming, 414-319-5700
