Driving Tourism Visibility: WHLA Joins Travel Wisconsin at State Fair Opening Day

By Monica Goeke, CAE, WHLA Vice President

Wisconsin State Fair season has arrived, and WHLA will be right in the middle of the Opening Day action tomorrow, Thursday, August 6.

​From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, association staff will be stationed inside the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at the Travel Wisconsin booth, putting WHLA member properties front and center for thousands of in-state and visiting travelers.

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Direct Member Visibility

During the day, WHLA team members will distribute complimentary physical copies of the 2026 Wisconsin Lodging Directory.

​As fairgoers start planning their late-summer staycations, fall color trips, and winter getaways, this publication serves as a trusted resource—directly connecting potential guests with WHLA member hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfasts across the state.

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Interactive Family Engagement

To create a fun, memorable connection with fairgoers of all ages, WHLA is featuring a brand-new interactive coloring page at the booth.

This year's coloring sheet highlights the 2026 Cover Contest winner, showcasing the scenic lakeside shot of Lake Lawn Resort featured on the front cover of every 2026 Lodging Directory. Fairgoers can pick up a printout at the booth to color their very own version of the directory cover, celebrating one of Wisconsin's premier member properties while inspiring creative travel conversations.

Download the 2026 Lodging Directory Coloring Page

Amplifying Hospitality & Tourism Advocacy

​WHLA’s presence alongside Travel Wisconsin reinforces our shared mission to drive statewide tourism and highlight the critical economic impact of the lodging sector. Tourism serves as a vital financial engine for local communities across Wisconsin, and WHLA works year-round to support member properties through targeted marketing, industry education, and active advocacy.

Participating in high-profile events like State Fair Opening Day provides a powerful platform to keep WHLA member accommodations front-of-mind for thousands of consumers while celebrating the dedicated professionals who welcome guests to our state every day.