2022 Wisconsin Lodging Conference: Education Recap

Hoteliers from across Wisconsin traveled to The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake for the 2022 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show! From November 6–8, WHLA members gathered to learn from experts, network with industry peers, connect with suppliers, and celebrate the stars of the industry.

​Themed “Resilience & Reinvention”, and planned by WHLA’s Education/ Conference Committee, event programming highlighted the opportunity for the industry to evolve practices to address changing guest expectations, shifting workplace dynamics and technological advancements. Expert speakers covered an array of topics including human resources, advocacy, marketing, technology, wellness, supply chain and more.

2022 General Sessions

Straight Talk on Staffing Solutions to Combat the Labor Crisis: During this session, panelists shared insights on the lodging industry’s staffing crisis, and shared new approaches to navigate this complicated landscape.

Moderated by: WHLA 2022 Education/ Conference Committee Chair Cory Latourell, Hotel Marshfield.
Featured panelists: Tasha Jenkins, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development; Krissy Sigmund, Chula Vista Resort; Carmen Smalley, Milwaukee Area Technical College; Anthony Steffek, Amundsen Davis

Unpacking Hotel Industry Advocacy: Attendees learned about WHLA’s industry advocacy efforts, successes, and opportunities in 2023 and beyond.

Session participants: WHLA President & CEO Bill Elliott; WHLA contract-lobbyist Kathi Kilgore; 2022 WHLA
Board Chair Brandon McConnell

Well-Being: Job 1 starts with putting YOU first: During this general session, Dr. Lynea LaVoy and Jodi Goldbeck from Madison College discussed the importance of mindfulness and resilience, and shared strategies for incorporating mindfulness into daily activities.

Have A Good Ripple Effect. Building Strong Team Culture: In this inspiring closing keynote, Lisa Even shared tips and strategies to cultivate more joy in the workplace.

Conference Breakout Sessions

Reimagine Hospitality - The Digitized Guest Experience: IDM Hospitality’s Becky Rogers provided best practices and lessons learned from incorporating new technologies onsite at Wisconsin lodging properties.

Connecting the Missing Sourcing Links in the Supply Chain: WHLA vendor members participated in this panel discussion led by Erin McDonald, Geronimo Hospitality Group.

Panelists: Marc Gensler, Furniture Industries; Dawn Langelier, Standard Textile; Danielle Monhollon, Food Buy Hospitality.

Student Session: WHLA leaders (Rory Madsen, Gordon Lodge; Brandon McConnell, Arbor Lodging; Krissy Sigmund, Chula Vista Resort) shared industry insights.

Condo Concerns: An Condotel Roundtable: Facilitated by WHLA’s President & CEO Bill Elliott, this open discussion provided an opportunity for condo property owners and operators to share best practices.

Renovating Your Property’s Online Presence: Presented by Lori Highby, Keystone Click and Lexie Mallary, WHLA.

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