2026 WHLA Action Day Brings Wisconsin’s Lodging Industry Voice to the Capitol

​On January 21 more than 55 Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) members gathered in Madison for WHLA Action Day, the association’s signature advocacy event. Hosted at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel, the day empowered lodging leaders from across the state to engage directly with policymakers and advocate for issues critical to Wisconsin’s hospitality industry.

Wisconsin Women in Lodging Leadership Breakfast

The day began with the Wisconsin Women in Lodging (WWIL) Leadership Breakfast, setting an inspiring and energizing tone for Action Day. Attendees heard from two strong voices in the Wisconsin State Senate--Senator Mary Felzkowski and Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein—who shared their personal leadership journeys and perspectives on advocacy, public service, and the importance of civic engagement.

Their candid discussion offered valuable insight into navigating leadership roles, building influence, and showing up authentically—resonating strongly with attendees and reinforcing the important role women play in shaping Wisconsin’s hospitality industry and public policy landscape.

Action Day Program & Advocacy Preparation

Following breakfast, the broader Action Day program focused on preparing members for impactful legislative engagement. Bill Elliott, CAE, WHLA President & CEO, provided an Issues Overview, outlining WHLA’s 2026 legislative priorities and the key challenges and opportunities facing Wisconsin’s lodging industry.

Attendees also received practical guidance from Kathi Kilgore, WHLA’s contract lobbyist, who shared tips and best practices for meeting with legislators, including how to effectively communicate business impacts, tell compelling stories, and build long-term relationships with elected officials.

Legislative Leaders Address WHLA Members

The program featured remarks from respected legislative leaders, including:

• Rep. Robin Vos, Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly
• Rep. Greta Neubauer, Minority Leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly

Their participation underscored the importance of the lodging industry to Wisconsin’s economy and highlighted the value of ongoing dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers.

Bringing WHLA Priorities to the Capitol

Armed with knowledge and preparation, WHLA members then headed to the Wisconsin State Capitol for scheduled meetings with legislators. During these conversations, attendees shared firsthand perspectives from their properties and communities, with a strong focus on WHLA’s priority legislation--Tourism Promotion Improvement Districts (TPIDs) (LRB-2882).

WHLA is proposing enabling legislation that would allow local communities and hotels to collaboratively create Tourism Promotion Improvement Districts, similar to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). TPIDs would assess overnight stays within a district to fund local tourism promotion efforts—such as attracting major events, increasing advertising to drive overnight visitation, or expanding sales efforts to secure conferences and meetings. Passage of this legislation would position Wisconsin alongside 25 other states that already have similar programs in place.

Evening Networking & Industry Insights

Action Day concluded back at the hotel with the Innsights Reception & Dinner, offering continued opportunities for connection and conversation.

The dinner program featured a Fireside Chat with Rosanna Maietta, President of the American Hotel & Lodging Association(AHLA), and Stephen Beaumont, President of Kohler Hospitality, facilitated by Krissy Sigmund, Vice President at Chula Vista Resort and WHLA Legislative Chair. The discussion explored key industry trends, advocacy priorities, and what hotel leaders should watch in the year ahead, providing attendees with forward-looking insights to take back to their teams and properties.

Thank You & Looking Ahead

WHLA extends a special thank you to Jason Salus, General Manager of the Best Western Premier Park Hotel, and his entire team for their outstanding hospitality and for hosting WHLA during this important event.

Advocacy doesn’t stop in Madison. Many WHLA leaders will continue these conversations on the national level when they travel to Washington, DC, in May for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Hotels on the Hill event, ensuring Wisconsin’s lodging industry remains well represented at every level of government. All members are welcome to join us, registration is free and expected to fill up, so register early. After you do, please email [email protected] so we can fill you in on some extra special events for the Wisconsin delegation.

WHLA Action Day 2026 once again demonstrated the power of collective advocacy—and the impact that informed, engaged industry leaders can make when they come together with a shared purpose.

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