The Best of Wisconsin Meetings 2017

Readers give nod to the suppliers that go above and beyond.

We’ve counted all of the votes, and now it’s time to honor our readers’ choices for Wisconsin’s best meetings suppliers. We see a number of past winners return to the list, as well as a newcomer. Those selected by our readers represent every corner of the state, from urban to rural, and range from quaint and charming to trendy and chic.

Whether your group seeks a high-energy destination that has a variety of dining and nightlife options or is looking for a quieter locale, where they can unwind and reconnect, look no further than Wisconsin. Our suppliers are ready to help you plan a successful event that your group will be talking about for years to come.

Best Large Convention Center:

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Wisconsin Dells

There’s no need for your guests to wander off premise when you plan a meeting at this expansive resort. There’s 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 756 guest rooms, an onsite spa, amusement park, steakhouse — and did we mention one of the largest indoor waterparks in the country? kalahariresorts.com

Best Conference Center:

Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club

Just a stone’s thrown from some of Madison’s most beloved attractions like the State Capitol, State Street and UW-Madison campus, The Concourse is the city’s largest conference hotel with 27,000 square feet of flexible space and 373 guestrooms. Your attendees will appreciate its location, close to trendy restaurants, bike paths, lakes and more.  concoursehotel.com

Best Reception Facility:

Lambeau Atrium, Green Bay

For the quintessential Wisconsin experience sure to wow your guests — as it has our readers for another consecutive year — the Lambeau Field Atrium offers a unique setting for special events. With almost 40,000 square feet of space, located within steps of the famed “Frozen Tundra,” the facility can accommodate large groups, as well as smaller, more intimate gatherings. Expand the experience to include tours of the Hall of Fame or stadium. packers.com

Best Golf Resort:

American Club, Kohler

Making Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,” the American Club is home to well known courses Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. Both have hosted professional tournaments and Whistling Straits will host the 2020 Ryder Cup. For those wishing to elevate their game, the Kohler Golf Academy is ranked as a top 50 U.S. golf school. A number of lodging and dining options are available onsite as well. americanclubresort.com/golf

Best Boutique Hotel with Meeting Space:

Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee

This century-old former warehouse has been transformed into a posh, urban boutique hotel perfect for that need-to-impress group. Large, loft-style guestrooms feature upscale finishes and exposed brick and beams. A spa, plus restaurant and bar will keep your group onsite during their stay. Groups will enjoy meeting in the unique “Library” space or the scenic outdoor patio. Oh, and did we mention the property is pet friendly? theironhorsehotel.com

Best Property for a Corporate Retreat:

Geneva Inn, Lake Geneva

Recent renovations to the Geneva Inn have helped to keep it top of mind for our readers, as this quaint inn located along Geneva Lake returns to our list this year.

Panoramic views of the lake and downtown Lake Geneva, combined with the charming accommodations and elegant dining will provide the perfect setting for your next retreat. genevainn.com

Best Casino with Meeting Space:

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

The odds of executing a successful event at Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Hotel & Casino are very high! With space able to accommodate up to 3,000, this massive 19-story property allows your guests to let loose after the meetings wrap up. With gaming, entertainment, dining and 386 guestrooms on site, your attendees will not be ready to leave at the end of your conference. paysbig.com

Hotel with Best Service:

The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee

A perennial favorite, The Pfister Hotel returns to our list, as readers recognize this historic property for its outstanding customer service. The century-old property’s Victorian art collection is the largest of any hotel in the world. And a unique Artist in Residence program allows one lucky artist each year to maintain a workspace and gallery within the hotel. Other perks include 24-hour room service and amazing views from the 23rd floor martini lounge, Blu. thepfisterhotel.com

Best Lakeshore Resort:

Heidel House Resort & Spa, Green Lake

Green Lake is the main attraction when you bring your group to this lakeshore resort. Take full advantage of the beautiful  location and enjoy the resort’s Escapade yacht cruise, enjoy water-themed teambuilding, and for the ultimate relaxation after a long day of meetings, book time at Evensong Spa, located onsite. heidelhouse.com

Best Group Outing:

Miller Park, Milwaukee

Our readers say that you will score a home run when taking your group to a Milwaukee Brewers game at Miller Park. Plan to tailgate before the first pitch with classics like brats, burgers and some cold beverages. No need to worry about weather, as the retractable roof means no rainouts! And make sure you don’t miss the nail-biting sausage race at the bottom of the sixth inning. millerpark.com

Hotel with Best Outdoor Reception Space:

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva

All-day meetings may have your group climbing the walls by 5 p.m. So what better way to wrap up a day than to take your group outside. Embers Terrace at Grand Geneva Resort features a large, cozy fire pit and overlooks the beautiful golf course. Need more outdoor time? Check out the resort’s adventure center, offering hiking and mountain bike trails, disc golf and more.  grandgeneva.com

Most Helpful Convention & Visitors Bureau:

Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau

It takes a team to produce every great meeting. And when meeting planners need some extra support, they often reach out to the host city convention and visitors bureau. “We do everything we can to make a planner’s event successful. When they need a team they can count on, we step in and fill the voids. Our staff has a combined 185 years in the hospitality industry. That’s a lot of expert experience to share!” notes Brenda Krainik, director of marketing, Greater Green Bay CVB.  greenbay.com