Best of Wisconsin Meetings 2018

Recognizing industry suppliers who exceeded expectations in 2017

Thank you to the hundreds of readers that contributed to our annual survey of meetings industry suppliers and venues. Each year suppliers have a tough task: provide innovative ideas, products and services with great customer support, all while meeting the ever-tightening budgets of planners. It’s a delicate balance and those that we recognize here have proven their dedication to their customers and the industry by doing just that.

BEST LARGE CONVENTION CENTER:

Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort is a popular choice among our readers. As one of the largest non-water park resort convention centers (62,000 square feet), it offers a variety of options for attendees after they clock out. An onsite spa and fitness center, horseback riding, ski hill, golf course and adventure center will keep your guests busy well into the night—not to mention its fascinating past as the Playboy Club.
grandgeneva.com

BEST CONFERENCE CENTER:

Heidel House Resort, Green Lake

The Heidel House often shows up in our survey and this year is no exception. With a stunning location on Green Lake, attendees can enjoy an excursion on the resort’s Escapade yacht after dinner, relax at the onsite Evensong spa, connect with their peers at a lakeside bonfire after dinner or hit the links at any of several local golf courses.
heidelhouse.com

BEST RECEPTION FACILITY:

Lambeau Atrium, Green Bay

While the Green Bay Packers may not have made the playoffs, meeting planners still find the Lambeau Field Atrium to be a huge win for their events. For the past six years, the Atrium has been the hands down winner as best reception facility in our survey. Offering space for up to 1,000, planners can add a private stadium tour or take guests through the hallowed halls of the Hall of Fame.
packers.com

BEST GOLF RESORT:

Geneva National Resort & Club, Lake Geneva

New to our survey this year, Geneva National Resort & Club earns a hole in one among readers for its scenic 54 holes located along the shores of Lake Como. Three championship courses designed by golf greats Lee Trevino, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer offer meticulously manicured bent grass tees, fairways and greens, plus five tee boxes. Onsite reception and dining space provides flexibility for your events. Plus, nearby, The Ridge Hotel offers an additional 30,000 square feet of flexible space.
genevanationalresort.com

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH MEETING SPACE:

Hotel Red, Madison

When planners want to step up their game, they take their event to a boutique property such as Hotel Red. Located adjacent to the University of Wisconsin, Hotel Red pays tribute to the university and its neighbor, Camp Randall, home of BIG 10 Badger football. Offering several spaces, the property can host groups of up to 100 comfortably. Balconies overlook the stadium and pets are always welcome!
hotelred.com

BEST PROPERTY FOR A CORPORATE RETREAT:

Geneva Inn, Lake Geneva

Wanting to mix business with pleasure for your next corporate retreat? Our readers say you should consider the Geneva Inn. Offering one of the best views of Geneva Lake, this property, recently renovated, is a great destination for small groups. Host a cocktail reception lakeside after a day of meetings, break up your day with a boat cruise, or wind down with a hike on the Shore Path, just steps from the property.
genevainn.com

BEST CASINO WITH MEETING SPACE:

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

Looking for a location that will keep your guests on site throughout your event? Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offers just that with an array of convention space, dining options, gaming and entertainment. And soon, they will offer even more when an expansion adding 119 guest rooms and more meeting space is completed early next year.
paysbig.com

HOTEL WITH BEST SERVICE:

Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Planners need a trusted partner when it comes to producing successful events. And according to our readers, you can find that support at Glacier Canyon Lodge. With 56,000 square feet of meeting space, 8 indoor and outdoor waterparks, several dining options, a golf course and more, your attendees are guaranteed to have a great experience.
wildernessresort.com

BEST LAKESHORE RESORT:

The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake

Considering Wisconsin is home to more than 15,000 lakes, this is one of the most competitive categories in our survey! The Osthoff Resort is recognized by our readers once again for its scenic setting and superior offerings. The AAA four diamond resort offers 38,000 square feet of space, an onsite spa and culinary school, plus a variety of teambuilding opportunities.
osthoff.com

BEST GROUP OUTING:

Lake Geneva Cruise Line

With a fleet of boats that (the largest able to hold up to 225 for a reception or 120 seated) your group will enjoy a memorable experience as they cruise Geneva Lake. Enjoy a narrated cruise that details the history of the beautiful mansions that line the lake, or bring your own entertainment on board for a unique experience.
cruiselakegeneva.com

HOTEL WITH BEST OUTDOOR RECEPTION SPACE:

The Ridge Hotel, Lake Geneva

Requirements for amazing outdoor space: a fire pit, scenic views and an outdoor bar! The Aspen Patio at The Ridge Hotel checks all of those boxes. The only thing out of your control is the weather. The comfortable space accommodates up to 150 and is the perfect space for groups to enjoy pre- or post-dinner. Network around the fire pit while enjoying views of Lake Como. It doesn’t get much better than this!
ridgelakegeneva.com

MOST HELPFUL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU:

Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau

This year almost every Wisconsin CVB or DMO was represented in our survey, highlighting the connection planners have with their suppliers. However, only one stood out. “When we adopted our organization brand of Going > Beyond, our goal was to represent how and what we deliver to our partners and clients. To be recognized by our clients and peers is a fantastic honor and a tribute to our team, who embody and live our brand every day,” noted GMCVB President/CEO Deb Archer.
visitmadison.com