The Best of Wisconsin Meetings 2019

By Ronnie Wendt

This issue marks one of our favorite times of year; the time when we count the ballots and discover our readers’ choices for the best the Dairy State has to offer the meetings and events world. We know that in today’s world suppliers need to be ever vigilant in their efforts to provide innovative ideas, products and services with great customer support within the confines of tightened budgets. It’s a delicate balance. The list on the pages that follow are our readers’ choices for those that have achieved this balance and have proven their dedication to their customers and the industry in 2018.

BEST LARGE CONVENTION CENTER: Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva

Readers report there is reason the word ‘grand’ appears in Grand Geneva Resort’s name —the Lake Geneva resort is nothing short of grand. Readers voted to once again put the resort’s 62,000 square feet of conference space at the top of the list. Besides offering one of the largest non-waterpark resort convention centers in the state, readers like that the venue, once the Playboy Club, also offers a host of options for attendees after hours. Being situated on 1,300 acres in the woodlands affords guests a variety of options for their free time, from horseback riding, biking, hiking and golf in the summer to skiing in the winter. grandgeneva.com

BEST CONFERENCE CENTER: Heidel House Resort, Green Lake

Tucked away on the shores of Green Lake, Heidel House Resort and Spa brings a rich history to the conference world. This year-round destination traces its roots back to 1945 when Herb and Lucille Heidel purchased the 12-acre Kelly Estate to turn it into a family-run retreat. The resort has expanded over the years and today the destination offers 177 guest rooms and meeting space for gatherings both large and small. The ideal setting for meetings and events also gives attendees a place to unwind, slow down and recharge. Guests can partake in exquisite on-site dining, enjoy excursions on the resort’s Escapade yacht, relax in its Evensong Spa or venture out for a round of golf. heidelhouse.com

BEST BOUTIQUE PROPERTY WITH MEETING SPACE: The Geneva Inn, Lake Geneva

Looking for understated elegance for your next corporate retreat? Readers say to look no farther than The Geneva Inn, reporting that it offers one of the best views of Geneva Lake, charming accommodations, attentive staff and delectable cuisine. Planning an unforgettable meeting or special event is made easy with the property’s event space, which includes elegant spaces for groups up to 50, intimate settings overlooking the lake for smaller groups and a patio for lakeside cocktail receptions. After your meeting wraps up, attendees can dine at its waterfront restaurant, take a boat cruise around the lake or relax with a hike on the nearby Shore Path. genevainn.com

BEST RECEPTION FACILITY: Lambeau Atrium, Green Bay

For seven years running, readers have pointed out that Lambeau Field is attractive to more than just football fans. The Lambeau Field Atrium offers an ideal place for corporate luncheons, dinners, cocktail receptions, meetings, outings and more. The impressive space, more than five stories high, can accommodate groups up to 1,000. A private stadium tour or a stroll through the hallowed halls of the Hall of Fame can add green and gold pizzazz to your meeting or event. packers.com

BEST GOLF COURSE/GOLF RESORT: Geneva National Resort & Club, Lake Geneva

Geneva National Resort & Club scores a perfect round in this year’s survey for its scenic 54 holes located on the shores of Lake Como. The three championship courses, designed by golf greats Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino, offer meticulously manicured bentgrass tees, fairways and greens, as well as five tee boxes. After play ends, planners can pull together a personalized retreat experience by tapping into the destination’s on-site reception and dining space, which combines stunning views of the fairway and the lake with tasty fare that is sure to be a hole in one. genevanationalresort.com

BEST CASINO WITH MEETING SPACE: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee

The Potawatomi Hotel & Casino recently hosted a ceremony topping off an $80 million expansion, which involves the construction of a new hotel tower that is attached to the property’s existing 19-story hotel tower. The ceremony marked a milestone that would move construction inside the new 180,000-square-foot hotel tower expected to open in the spring. Though this expansion isn’t yet complete, the casino already has a winning hand among readers, who voted it the best casino in the state for its comfortable meeting spaces large enough for events up to 3,000 people, delicious dining options, gaming action and world-class entertainment. paysbig.com

BEST GROUP OUTING: Lake Geneva Cruise Line

Readers share that to get the true Lake Geneva experience, you must get on the lake. They ranked Lake Geneva Cruise Line as the best way to gather a group for a memorable lake experience. Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a variety of narrated boat tours, from unique sightseeing tours of the lake’s beautiful estates and mansions to historical tours of the entire lake. Groups can also enjoy a delicious meal while on board or sip champagne as the sun goes down. Customized tours with entertainment options are also available to make your experience both memorable and unique. cruiselakegeneva.com

BEST LAKESHORE RESORT: The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake

Some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin are on a lake, but few offer as rich a history as The Osthoff Resort. In 1885, Milwaukee resident Paulina Osthoff fell ill, and the family doctor recommended she convalesce at Elkhart Lake to take advantage of the waters “supposed” restorative powers. When she regained full health, the Osthoffs bought a farm on the shores of the spring-fed lake and opened The Osthoff Hotel. Fast forward 132 years, and the AAA Four Diamond hotel is still going strong. Readers appreciate the resort’s spacious accommodations and superior offerings that include four dining areas; a premier cooking school; on-site event space; indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and whirlpools; and a scenic setting with 500 feet of shoreline. osthoff.com

HOTEL WITH BEST SERVICE: The Ridge Hotel, Lake Geneva

The Ridge Hotel in Lake Geneva is a perennial favorite among readers for its top-of-the-line services and well-appointed banquet spaces overlooking a secluded shoreline. The Ridge strives to make every event both personal and memorable. Its professional conference staff works with planners to personalize retreat experiences, from designing the optimal meeting space to customizing catering and fashioning unique team-building options and recreation. Its 10,000 square feet of flexible event space can accommodate groups up to 500. Whether planning a casual barbeque after golf or an elegant gala, readers say The Ridge offers the expertise, equipment and amenities to deliver. ridgelakegeneva.com

BEST PROPERTY FOR A CORPORATE RETREAT: House on the Rock Resort, Spring Green

Travel Wisconsin reports Spring Green teaches visitors that anything at the top of a hill (or rock) is worth the climb, be it the American Players Theatre, the Tower Hill State Park shot tower or the House on the Rock. But our readers say a posh getaway for a corporate retreat is also found nestled in this wooded and rolling terrain. The resort thrills with an exceptional blend of spacious suites, spa services and dining delights with splendid views of the surrounding countryside and championship golf course. houseontherock.com

VENUE WITH THE BEST OUTDOOR RECEPTION SPACE: Monona Terrace, Madison

Not only does Monona Terrace rooftop sport one of the best views in the city, but its William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens bloom with gorgeous, landscaped bursts of color all summer long. The location’s Art on the Rooftop also injects a bit of whimsy atop the roof. This free exhibition of public sculpture showcases beautiful artwork from regional artists. Readers say these features combine to make the venue a planner’s paradise for an outdoor reception. mononaterrace.com

MOST HELPFUL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU: Visit Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva

Meeting planning can be a daunting proposition—but it doesn’t have to be. Convention and visitors’ bureaus join forces with planners and act as an extension of their teams by offering local knowledge and tailored services that can save time and money. This year a clear standout among readers was Visit Lake Geneva. Readers say Visit Lake Geneva personnel stand ready to help planners select the right venue and activities for extraordinary events. The Visit Lake Geneva staff all come from a hospitality background where the customers are the first priority. “With our dedication to our visitors and a steadfast goal of exceeding expectations we are honored to be recognized for all of our efforts,” says Joe Tominaro, director of marketing and development. visitlakegeneva.com