Creating Connections in 2024

By Monica Goeke, CAE; WHLA Vice President
This article was originally published in WHLA's 2024 InnTouch with WHLA Magazine.

​There are a plethora of ways to connect with members and staff. Make the most out of your membership by taking advantage of opportunities to volunteer, join chapter and affiliate groups, and attend events in-person and online.

Chapters & Affiliate Groups

WHLA members are invited to join their local chapter! A local board runs each chapter and hosts several events and meetings to discuss region-specific needs & issues and to promote industry engagement and camaraderie.

WisconsinLodging.org/chapters

Greater Green Bay Area Hotel & Lodging Association

Greater Madison Hotel & Lodging Association

Greater Milwaukee Hotel & Lodging Association

Wisconsin Women in Lodging (WWIL)

The Wisconsin Women in Lodging is a female-based organization, a chapter of WHLA, and a state affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
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Established in 2013, WWIL membership continues to grow, now boasting over 200 members, and gives female hoteliers and their allies the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain career momentum, and be inspired to contribe to the Wisconsin lodging industry! Membership is free to anyone employed at a WHLA member property, company, or CVB/chamber, as well as students and instructors at WHLA member colleges and universities.

Committees & Task Forces

By providing valuable input to the WHLA Board of Directors, committees and task forces help establish the policies, priorities, and objectives of the association throughout the year. Committees meet as needed and are led by a Chair elected by the Board and a staff liaison. Individuals employed at a member property, organization, or company are invited to get involved by joining an open committee.

This volunteering opportunity provides connections with other industry professionals, builds leadership skills, and contributes to the success of the association. Service on a committee can be a pathway to additional leadership opportunities, such as being elected to serve on the Board of Directors.

WisconsinLodging.org/committees

Events

​Events are core to the WHLA membership experience. Our events afford the opportunity to network, build relationships, and learn about the issues impacting the industry. The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association has a proud tradition of providing the knowledge and resources lodging professionals need to be successful. Members have access to multiple avenues for education & professional development. Our board emphasizes moving the events to different areas of the state.

WisconsinLodging.org/events

Lodging Innsights

Lodging Innsights is an award-winning live event series that was launched in January 2023. Each quarter, the leadership and members of WHLA gather at a different member hotel or lodging property for an afternoon of education, followed by dinner and an evening reception. Attending a Lodging Innsights day is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and network with like-minded professionals in the industry.

Learn more

Stars of the Industry Awards

The WHLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognize and celebrate exemplary performance and qualities that set the benchmark for the entire industry to strive towards. Awards are presented each fall to individuals who are making a difference in our organization and the Wisconsin lodging industry. Award categories include Spirit of Hospitality, Associate, Corporate Champion, Innkeeper, and Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame.

Learn more

WHLA Action Day

WHLA Action Day provides Wisconsin hoteliers and industry supporters with an opportunity to not only hear an inside view on the latest proposals and plans impacting our industry at the state level of government, but also to meet afterward with your state elected officials or their key staff so that they can better understand the concerns of Wisconsin’s lodging properties.

While the WHLA staff is always advocating for the industry in Madison, sharing your personal stories directly with legislators can be an incredibly constructive exercise. It provides essential context to the issues we lobby for, and since these legislators represent the same cities and towns as you, they are more likely to take note of your concerns.

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Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show

The Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show is our largest annual event, bringing together professionals in the hotel and hospitality industry. This event offers timely educational sessions and provides a platform for industry peers and suppliers to interact. Hoteliers, hospitality vendors, educators, and students come together for a period of just over two days to engage in the exchange of cutting-edge educational content.

​The Conference schedule is designed to accommodate and educate lodging industry professionals with varying levels of expertise. The programming is hand-picked each year by our Education/Conference Committee volunteers to ensure that the content is both relevant and practical. At the Conference, attendees can learn from industry experts on a range of topics, including marketing, legal, leadership, human resources, sales, and more. 

The Wisconsin Lodging Trade Show, held annually during the conference, is the state’s only lodging-specific trade show. It is a premier destination for hotel and lodging owners to shop, learn, and connect with industry peers and suppliers. The event provides industry suppliers with a great opportunity to broaden their network. Attendees eagerly anticipate the Trade Show as it affords them the chance to connect with valued suppliers and learn about new products and services for their businesses. The Wisconsin Lodging Conference is a great platform to meet with industry peers, converse with experts, and forge lasting connections.

Learn more

Read More Articles from InnTouch with WHLA Magazine

This article was originally featured in the 2024 InnTouch with WHLA Magazine

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