Destination Oshkosh

By Maura Keller | Photo © Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center

When you think of Oshkosh, Wisconsin what comes to mind? Small-town charm? Absolutely. Innovative, state-of-the- art venues? Definitely. Idyllic natural surroundings that allow meeting attendees to get away from it all? Certainly.

Tucked on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh caters groups of all sizes and has made a proverbial name for itself among event planning professionals. According to Amy Albright, executive director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oshkosh, which boasts the tagline “Wisconsin’s Event City” is home to one of the largest events in the state – EAA AirVenture. Every July, the city welcomes more than 600,000 aviation enthusiasts to the town of about 70,000.

“EAA AirVenture, along with everything else we have here – earned us the name of ‘Event City.’ We truly can handle the largest of events to the smallest of events and everything in between,” Albright says.

Indeed, the surrounding lakes, rivers and trails provide year-round opportunities to explore the outdoors, while Oshkosh’s invigorating downtown district features a big-city feel within a small-city setting.

“Oshkosh is everything but ordinary – and is the perfect spot for any group,” Albright says.

Janet Rohloff, manager, administration division at the Winnebago County Human Services Department, agrees. Recently, Rohloff planned the annual Wisconsin Human Services Financial Management Association (WHSFMA) conference, which was held at the Oshkosh Convention Center in early May. Approximately 150 people from across the state were in attendance.

“The annual conference is held at a different location around the state each year. It was held in Oshkosh two years ago as well,” Rohloff says. “Normally, it would not be at the same location within such a short time period. However, because the planning committee had such a positive experience with staff at the convention and visitors’ bureau when the conference was canceled due to COVID, they decided they wanted to schedule again here as soon as possible.”

The recent conference was indeed a success, as attendees enjoyed the proximity to restaurants and local shops (many within walking distance of the Convention Center and hotel). The walking trail along the river was appreciated during breaks and before/after conference hours.

“Amy Albright and her team were great to work with. They are very responsive and helpful. They assembled reusable bags with local information to be handed out at registration to conference attendees. The conference committee asked for a ‘things to do’ list which was also included,” Rohloff says. “The bags were dropped off right at the convention center the day prior to the conference so it could not have been more convenient. I would highly recommend Oshkosh for this type of event; proximity to the Highway 41 corridor, activities, restaurants and shopping are all readily available to conference attendees.”

Venues Aplenty

In the real estate arena, the mantra, “location, location, location” is paramount. The same can be said for venues that cater to corporate and business meetings and events, which include attendees who are looking for innovative experiences at the conferences, meetings, exhibitions and trade sho ws that they attend.

In addition to beautiful lakeside environs, Oshkosh has many facilities that groups can utilize. The Oshkosh Convention Center is located in Downtown Oshkosh on the Fox River. In addition to the Convention Center, Oshkosh is home to several beautiful historic sites: The Waters, located on Lake Winnebago; The Paine Art Center; The Gibson Social Club and The Howard.

“The EAA Aviation Museum is another ideal event space that planners should know about, as well as the Sunnyview Expo Center, the Culver Family Welcome Center on the campus of UW Oshkosh and the Oshkosh Arena,” Albright says. “And there is always something to do – there is so much to discover in Oshkosh – from dive bars to art museums and everything in between.”

EAA has a variety of venues that offer a range of attendance capabilities, built-in audio/video options and locations around the museum and EAA grounds. As Dick Knapinski, director of communications at EAA explains, these venues range from basic meeting rooms, museum galleries that surround your group with historic aircraft and aviation artifacts, to large 40,000-square-foot exhibit buildings and adjoining parking.

“The EAA Aviation Museum, for instance, is regarded as one of the nation’s top aviation museums by such media outlets as CNN and Travel + Leisure,” Knapinski says. “Outside of our collection of more than 200 airplanes, we offer free admission to event attendees with most facility rentals. We also offer additional add-on programs such as a scavenger hunt and our education programs that can be geared to ward adult attendees in our brand new Youth Education Center.”

Oshkosh also brings a central location and easy access to almost all parts of Wisconsin. “Oshkosh offers great facilities, an excellent location on Lake Winnebago and a city that is used to welcoming events large and small,” Knapinski says. “As part of that, EAA’s venues offer a unique experience for guests while being able to fulfill the needs of corporate meetings, luncheons, banquets, weddings, expos and much more in a location known by aviators around the world.”

Another favorite corporate meeting locale is Fox River Brewing, which offers options on seating from 1 to 200 inside, all with viewing of the Fox River, and in a casual upscale feel. As Jay Supple, CEO of Supple Group and Fox River Brewing Co., explains, the brewery is viewable, with tours offered upon request.

“We also feature an outside patio with seating available, and a private deck accommodating 40 along the river,” Supple says. “The menu is adaptable, depending on request, and can be provided via a la carte or buffet, with a wide range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, seafood, steaks and much more.”

Located on the water with amazing views, the Brewery features a full bar with many size group. The venue also provides easy access off Highway 41, with plenty of parking for buses.

Recently, the Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center underwent a major transformation and currently hosts a variety of first-class amenities. The Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel offers 176 guest rooms including eight suites, most rooms with a picturesque waterfront view. The hotel is connected by skywalk to the Oshkosh Convention Center with a combined total of 25,000 square feet of flexible event space.

“Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in our restaurant and lounge overlooking the river and if the weather permits, dine outside along the riverwalk,” says Christy Marquardt, director of sales at Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center. In addition, the Oshkosh Convention Center offers flexible meeting spaces to accommodate a small group of 10 all the way up to a large group of 1,200 attendees.

Marquardt also notes that the Convention Center staff are available to assist with every aspect of event planning. “And our experienced culinary team will create delicious cuisine that is guaranteed to impress,” she adds.

The Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center is conveniently located on the banks of the Fox River in downtown Oshkosh, nestled along the western shore of Lake Winnebago.

“Our historic downtown district offers entertainment, shopping, restaurants, breweries, taprooms and bars within walking distance of the hotel,” Marquardt says. “Oshkosh offers unique, affordable experiences and we have flexible event spaces to fit the needs of any group. Oshkosh has genuine Wisconsin hospitality, a small city with a big city feel.”

Work, Play & Explore

For meeting and event attendees who are looking to work some and play some, the Oshkosh area is teeming with a wide range of activities. Nature lovers will enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities the region has to offer.

In addition, for those who want experience a taste of all things Oshkosh, they can head to two of the city’s unique chocolate shops: Oaks Candy and Hughes Chocolate – both of which offer an array of tempting treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.

For those attendees looking to enjoy a local brew, they will delight in Oshkosh’s inviting brewery scene, which is complete with tours at the Fox River Brewing Company, located on the Fox River; the Bare Bones Brewery on the Wiouwash Trail; and Fifth Ward Brewing in Downtown Oshkosh – all of which satisfy craft beer aficionados in any group. The Sturgeon Spirits Distillery also offers a craft distillery tasting room and cocktail bar experience where visitors can partake in craft gin, vodka and rum. Some unique flavors include blackberry vodka or chocolate liqueur made with locally made Oak’s chocolate. The craft cocktail menu changes monthly, so attendees can delight in some unique specialty crafted flavor offerings.

When it’s time to get outside and explore, Oshkosh boasts several inviting parks, a free zoo at Menominee Park and Zoo, as well as a classic farmer’s market every Saturday. To experience the old-fashioned charm of mid-century drive-in eateries, attendees can enjoy two (yes, two!) distinct vintage drive- ins – Leon’s Frozen Custard and Ardy & Ed’s Drive In – where they can enjoy burgers, fries, malts and plenty of vintage charm.

“Discover Oshkosh is here to help orchestrate gatherings both large and small. “We provide rockstar services to our planners. We can help with as much, or as little as meeting planners need,” Albright says. “We work individually with each group to meet needs – and make connections in the community – so that a meeting in Oshkosh is memorable and productive.”