Start Planning: Make the Fox Cities Your Meeting Place

The following article is sponsored by Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Nestled along the shores of the Fox River in Wisconsin, the Fox Cities include Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha, and Neenah, as well as several other villages and towns. Together, they form the third largest metropolitan area in the state, and Appleton, the largest of the Fox Cities communities, is home to the area’s newest and largest convention center – the Fox Cities Exhibition Center – which opened in 2018.

Located in the heart of downtown Appleton, it not only boasts beautifully and functionally designed 38,000-plus square feet of flexible meeting space and direct connection to a convention hotel, but its prime location gives attendees ample opportunities to experience a variety of delightful activities and amenities steps from its doors. How do attendees take in the town?

Fuel up. From chef-owned scratch kitchens specializing in locally grown and freshly made dishes to authentic ethnic food experiences from the area’s diverse cultural influences to classic Midwestern favorites, the Fox Cities is home to a robust food scene. Whether looking to grab a morning coffee or in need of an evening fine dining spot, find them all along the blocks of downtown Appleton.

Get moving. The Fox Cities Exhibition Center is steps from easily getting in those extra steps. The center is built into a cliffside and adjacent to the recently expanded and renovated Jones Park. Sidewalks and paths wind through the park and connect the greenspace to other neighborhood, downtown, and riverside walking trails. The downtown corridor – clean, well-lit, and a perfect mix of commercial, residential, and cultural features – is remarkably simple to navigate and enjoy, and on its eastern end, Lawrence University in Appleton – named the most beautiful college town in the state – offers attendees even more safe, convenient, and scenic routes to get moving.

Relax and rejuvenate. Whether shopping, spas, or greenspaces give solace and relaxation, find them all downtown. From cute boutiques to spa options to outdoor areas, people can find time away from the work to partake in ways that allow them to rejuvenate and reduce stress.

Get social. In addition to a robust restaurant scene, downtown Appleton is home to bars, breweries, live music venues, and other art/cultural venues. These varying venues offer unique drink options, different music acts, outdoor spaces, and plenty of friendly people! Trolleys and mobile/pedal social stations are also a mainstay during warm months in downtown Appleton – not only providing transportation but providing an experience like no other in the process.

Learn something new. From the History Museum at the Castle to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center to the Trout Museum of Art, expand horizons, learn a bit of local history, or take in the remarkable history of the region at a variety of cultural, historical, and educational stops along the Avenue. Just steps from the front doors of the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, a world of wonder and excitement awaits.

Contact the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau (FCCVB) convention and sales team to learn more about making the Fox Cities Exhibition Center or other Fox Cities venues your next meeting spot at [email protected] or 920-734-3358.