Call for Speakers: Share Your Expertise at the 2025 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show

3/21/2025

Are you a dynamic speaker with insights to share? The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) is now accepting proposals for keynotes and breakout sessions at the 2025 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show, which will be held November 3-5 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Why Speak at the Wisconsin Lodging Conference?

The Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show is the largest event focused specifically on lodging in the state, bringing together attendees from all corners of Wisconsin. This annual gathering attracts a diverse audience, including hotel and lodging property owners, operators, general managers, department heads, aspiring professionals, hospitality educators, and industry vendors. They all come seeking inspiration, industry knowledge, and practical strategies to propel their success.

Call for Speakers: Share Your Expertise at the 2025 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show

As a speaker, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to an event renowned for its high-quality educational content, engaging discussions, and thought leadership in the industry.

Selected speakers will:

Gain visibility among Wisconsin’s top lodging professionals and decision-makers.
Position themselves as industry thought leaders by sharing expertise with a highly engaged audience.
Receive high-profile exposure—all selected speakers are promoted heavily to WHLA members through event promotions, WHLA publications, and social media channels, amplifying their reach across the state’s hospitality industry.
Expand their professional network and build relationships with hospitality leaders, hotel executives, and industry influencers.
Enhance their professional brand through association with WHLA’s prestigious annual event.

Who We’re Looking For

WHLA is seeking two types of speakers for this year’s conference:

1. Professional Speakers (Keynotes)

Keynote speakers should be experienced professionals who can deliver engaging, high-impact presentations on topics relevant to hospitality leaders.

Preferred topics include:

Leadership & Management – Strategies for leading high-performing teams, motivating employees, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Personal & Professional Growth – Mindset shifts, resilience, and career development strategies for managers and executives.
Innovation & Business Success – Trends shaping the future of hospitality, navigating disruption, and embracing change.
Customer Experience & Service Excellence – Creating memorable guest experiences, exceeding expectations, and driving loyalty.

A modest honorarium is available for keynote speakers.

2. Industry Professionals (Breakout Sessions)

Breakout session speakers should be hospitality professionals or industry vendors with expertise in key areas such as hotel operations, marketing, revenue management, workforce development, and guest experience. These sessions are a prime opportunity for industry experts to share insights, position themselves as thought leaders, and elevate their professional brand.

Breakout sessions are unpaid, and preference is given to individuals who are employed at organizations in membership with WHLA. For vendor-lead breakout sessions, preference is given to WHLA Associate Members who are also exhibiting at the Trade Show or sponsoring the event.

The Selection Process

The WHLA Education/Conference Committee, a volunteer-led group of industry professionals, is responsible for selecting all sessions for the conference. The committee reviews every proposal submitted and aims to create a diverse, well-balanced program that reflects the lodging industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

How to Apply

Complete the Speaker Proposal Form by April 30.

Important: The committee will begin reviewing proposals in May, and meetings will only be scheduled at WHLA’s request after a complete proposal has been received. Incomplete proposals may not be reviewed.

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