General Info   |   Schedule at a Glance   |   Sessions   |   ​Speakers   |   Exhibitor Info   |   Current Exhibitors   |   Awards   |   Register Now
Dynamic speakers and compelling content are the cornerstones of the Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show. Content for our program is guided by an open call for speakers with an agenda curated by WHLA leaders from Wisconsin hotel and lodging properties and management companies. 

Our event attendees asked, and we listened - the 2024 Wisconsin Lodging Conference will have more educational sessions than ever before! The 2024 Conference Schedule is packed with educational sessions with fifteen breakout sessions and two keynotes. 

Registration

Registration Booth 2

Sunday  |  4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
​Monday  |  7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Pick up your attendee credentials upon arrival at the event. On Sunday, pick up your badge prior to the Opening Reception. Badges will not be available for pickup after 7:00 PM.

Registration Booth - Cypress

Tuesday  |  8:00 am - 1:30 pm

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Opening Reception & WHLA Pub Olympics

Volcano Lounge  |  7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Connect with fellow event attendees, enjoy delectable food and drinks, and partake in the WHLA Pub Olympics! Showcase your skills in darts, virtual golf, and more while vying for the gold on a team of four. Choose your own team or join one on the night of the event. 

Dress casually - jeans and sneakers are encouraged; wear an item of clothing with your property, company, or school logo to earn extra points for your team and represent where you’ve traveled from to “Lodge & Learn”. At Monday's Networking Breakfast, prizes will be presented to first, second, and third-place team members.

Monday, November 4, 2024

Welcome Breakfast

1&8 Kilimanjaro  |  7:30 am - 8:30 am
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast, setting the tone for a day of innovation, learning, and valuable networking opportunities at the conference.

Opening Ceremonies and 2024 WHLA Annual Meeting

1&8 Kilimanjaro  |  8:30 am - 9:00 am
This session officially kicks off the 2024 Wisconsin Lodging Conference. Learn about the day’s events and hear from those coordinating this year’s conference. Then, hear about the official work of the association at WHLA’s 2024 Annual Meeting.

Opening Keynote  |  Innovating with Confidence: How to Surf Big Waves

1&8 Kilimanjaro  |  9:00 am - 10:15 am
Unlock the transformative potential of innovation within the hospitality industry through an engaging session that combines inspiring stories, humor, and cutting-edge scientific insights.  This session will delve into how to develop a confident innovation mindset that fosters creativity and risk-taking.  Attendees will explore what true innovation and confidence mean, learning how to break free from the fear of failure that often hinders growth. Real-world examples from diverse industries demonstrate how embracing uncertainty can lead to groundbreaking solutions.  Through insights from trailblazers like Michael Jordan and Steve Jobs, you'll learn how to reframe challenges into opportunities, build unshakeable confidence, and develop practical skills to surf the waves of innovation.  You’ll leave this session energized and ready to embrace an innovation-driven approach as an essential component of your professional journey in hospitality.


Speaker: Kate Carter

Silent Auction

North Atrium  |  10:15 am - 2:00 pm
​2-7 Kilimanjaro  |  3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The  Silent Auction will run throughout Monday, November 4th, closing at the culmination of the Wisconsin Lodging Trade Show. All earnings from the auction will directly support the winner's selection of the WHLA PAC, Conduit, or Scholarship funds. The auction items will be proudly exhibited at the conference and should be settled for and collected in person by 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 5th.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Exploring Wisconsin's Workforce and Economy: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Track: Innovative Ideas
Tamarind  |  10:30 am - 11:30 am
As a state with a rich history of industry and innovation, Wisconsin stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge in the modern era. In this session, we’ll examine the latest trends, key
drivers, and pressing issues shaping the workforce and economy of the Badger State.

Speaker: Dennis Winters, Department of Workforce Development

Birds of a Feather: Sales & Service to Guest Personalities

Track: Service Solutions
Portia  |  10:30 am - 11:30 am
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of recognizing and delivering unforgettable sales and customer service  to the four different personality styles of guests. This session includes a fun discussion on recognizing and understanding our customer in person, and over the phone.  By the end of this session you will know your personal style, know the four main customer styles and learn some quick and simple ideas on how you and your team can sell more by creating a memorable experience for our customer. Additionally, discover customer service recovery techniques to effectively address and resolve issues based on different personality styles.

Speaker: Brad Anderson, Blueprint Creation

Surfing the AI Current: Next-Gen Content Creation

Track: Sales & Marketing
Guava  |  10:30 am - 11:30 am
Explore the transformative potential of AI for content creation in the hospitality industry and delve into innovative AI-driven tools and strategies to enhance content creation, streamline marketing efforts, and engage customers more effectively. From personalized messaging to automated content generation, discover how AI technologies can revolutionize your marketing campaigns and drive business growth in the digital age.

Legislative Luncheon

Tam, Aloes, Mar, Ara, Man  |  11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Enjoy an informative lunch session and gain valuable insights current legislative priorities and advocacy efforts at the state and national level. This timely session will equip attendees with strategies to navigate the post-election advocacy landscape, ensuring the industry's voice remains strong amidst potential political shifts.

Speaker: Chirag Shah, AHLA

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Effective Delegation: Strategies for Lessening the Load for Leaders

Track: Innovative Ideas
Tamarind  |  1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
In the demanding world of hospitality, hotel managers often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities. Effective delegation is a vital skill that can help lessen the load and improve overall efficiency.  This session will provide hotel leaders with practical strategies to delegate tasks effectively, enabling them to focus on high-priority responsibilities while empowering their teams. Attendees will learn the benefits of delegation, how to assess the urgency of tasks, identify suitable tasks for delegation, select the right team members, and offer them constructive praise and feedback.

Speaker: Brad Anderson, Blueprint Creation

Tech-Tailored Hospitality: Crafting Memorable Stays with Innovation

Track: Service Solutions
Portia  |  1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Delve into the latest innovations transforming the hospitality industry, from AI-powered concierge services and unique design projects to seamless mobile check-ins and personalized digital experiences. Learn how properties in Wisconsin are integrating these technologies to create unique, memorable stays that meet and exceed modern guest expectations.

Speaker: Kevin Gallagher, Marcus Hotels & Resorts and others

Charting Tomorrow's Waters: Lodging Industry Forecast for 2025

Track: Sales & Marketing
Guava  |  1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Prepare for the future with an in-depth analysis of the lodging industry forecast for 2025. From emerging guest preferences to technological innovations and economic impacts, understand the forces at play and how to navigate them effectively. Equip yourself with strategic foresight to safeguard your hotel's future and ensure continued success in an ever-evolving market.

Speaker: Rico Louw, STR

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

The Future of Work: Rethinking Talent, Leadership, and Culture

Track: Innovative Ideas
Tamarind  |  2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Explore innovative talent acquisition and retention approaches, dynamic leadership strategies, and cultivating a resilient, inclusive workplace culture. Gain insights from industry experts on navigating changing workforce expectations and leverage these shifts to create a thriving, future-ready organization.

Speaker: Kirk Davis, Tandem HR

Engaging the Tech-Savvy Traveler: Advanced Digital Marketing Efforts for Driving Online Bookings

Track: Service Solutions
Portia  |  2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Uncover the secrets behind a successful digital strategy that drives direct bookings for lodging businesses. Attendees will learn how to optimize their lodging websites to not only attract visitors but also convert them into bookings, ultimately elevating their revenue.

Speaker: Jeff Hebrink, rezStream

Turning Today's Travel Insights into Brand & Marketing Revenue

Track: Sales & Marketing
Guava  |  2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Learn how to actionably leverage the shifts in the hospitality industry to obtain higher ADR, attract new guests, develop ideas for weekday occupancy, use data to make confident decisions about investments, and hear innovative approaches for lodging professionals and owners to adapt to leverage the power of their brand in Wisconsin. 

Speaker: Kaleigh Wiese, Méldeen, LLC  +  Kaleigh Wiese, LLC

Wisconsin Lodging Trade Show

2-7 Kilimanjaro  |  3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Explore an excellent selection of products and services designed specifically for the lodging industry. Connect with new and trusted vendors, indulge in refreshments, and play games for a chance to win prizes.

​View the 2024 Exhibitor List

Wisconsin Women in Lodging Lounge

2-7 Kilimanjaro  |  3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Get to know WHLA’s fastest-growing group - the Wisconsin Women in Lodging (WWIL)! Stop by the WWIL Lounge to learn about initiatives, events, and how to get involved. Make a mocktail or visit the WWIL Wine Wall to make a donation and pull a cork to take home a bottle.

Chair's Reception in the Trade Show Hall

2-7 Kilimanjaro  |  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join WHLA’s 2024 Board Chair Jay Schumerth in the trade show hall to network and celebrate the board's work this year. Enjoy appetizers, hosted beer, and the new Golden Ticket drawing.

WHLA Awards Dinner & Live Auction

Tam, Aloes, Mar, Ara, Man  |  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Help us recognize this year’s winners of WHLA’s Development Excellence, Educator of the Year, Associate of the Year, Corporate Champion, and Innkeeper of the Year Awards. Then, bid to win one of the regional getaway packages during the Live Auction.

After Hours Reception with the Wisconsin Women in Lodging

Redd's Piano Bar & Lounge  |  9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Join us for an After Hours Reception hosted by the Wisconsin Women in Lodging (WWIL) to wrap up the first full day of the WHLA Conference! All event attendees are welcome to attend and enjoy complimentary snacks while sipping on drinks available for purchase in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for networking. This fun-filled evening will also feature exciting fundraising opportunities and prizes, making it a fantastic way to unwind, connect, and support a great cause!

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Rise & Dine Breakfast  |  Connecting Wisconsin: Railway Expansion Panel

A/H Kalahari  |  8:00 am - 9:30 am
Enjoy breakfast and an enlightening panel discussion! Explore the transformative potential of rail expansion for Wisconsin's tourism and connectivity in an exciting panel discussion with elected officials and tourism leaders.  Breakfast will be available from the buffet at 8:00 am, followed by the start of the program at 8:30 am.

Moderator: Amy Supple, The Edgewater Madison

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Wisconsin Room Tax: Lessons in Leadership Part 1

Track: Innovative Ideas
Ironwood  |  9:30 am - 10:15 am
Gain insight into the history, purpose, and impact of the Wisconsin room tax to understand its significance within the state's tourism ecosystem.. Explore the complexities of Wisconsin's room tax and learn valuable leadership lessons it offers for hospitality professionals.

Speaker: Bill Elliott, CAE

Future-Proofing Accessibility: ADA Compliance in the Digital Age

Track: Service Solutions
Wisteria  |  9:30 am - 10:15 am
Join us on a journey to explore the future of inclusive hospitality! Gain insight into proactive strategies for anticipating and adapting to future ADA regulations to stay ahead of legal trends. Learn how to safeguard your property from possible legal issues while positioning yourself at the forefront of the evolving hospitality industry.

Ocean of Opportunities: Leveraging Data-Driven Decision Making

Track: Sales & Marketing
Banyan  |  9:30 am - 10:15 am
Dive into the world of data-driven decision-making! Explore established methods and innovative strategies for pricing, distribution, and demand forecasting, empowering you to leverage revenue management for financial success!

Speaker: Rico Louw, STR

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Wisconsin Room Tax: Lessons in Leadership Part 2

Track: Innovative Ideas
Ironwood  |  10:30 am - 11:15 am
Dive deeper into the Wisconsin room tax. Learn about current issues surrounding this key revenue stream for tourism promotion and destination development, WHLA’s efforts to protect the use of room tax, and how hoteliers are leading the charge for proper use in their communities. 

Speaker: Bill Elliott, CAE

Innovative Housekeeping Solutions: Enhancing Efficiency & Reducing Costs

Track: Service Solutions
Wisteria  |  10:30 am - 11:15 am
In today's fast-paced hospitality environment, the need for effective and efficient housekeeping solutions has never been more critical. This session aims to equip industry professionals with cutting-edge strategies and tools designed to streamline operations while significantly reducing expenses.

Event Excellence: Making the Most of Group Business

Track: Sales & Marketing
Banyan  |  10:30 am - 11:15 am
Group business is making a comeback, but there are differences in what group guests want and need and in how host properties deliver. Join us for a lively discussion about discovering what groups want today, what they're willing to pay for, and best practices for strengthening the relationship between planners and hoteliers.

Panelists: Danica Potier (Marcus Hotels & Resorts), Tracie Toth (The Osthoff Resort), Krissy Sigmund (Chula Vista Resort)

Closing Keynote  |  Empowering Excellence: Cultivating Personal Growth and Excellence for Every Leader

A/H Kalahari  |  11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that will enhance your leadership skills and enrich your personal growth? This engaging experience invites you to invest in yourself and your team, unlocking the potential to serve at your highest level.

Elevate your communication and strengthen your relationships with those around you. Learn how to feel more ALIVE, enhance CONNECTIONS, and passionately pursue your GOALS and DREAMS. Get ready to lead with greater influence and live with purpose in the vibrant world of hospitality!

Speaker: Megan Kuiper

AFTER CONFERENCE ACTIVITY

Space is limited to the first 20 people to sign up.

Kalahari Operations Tour

Meet at the Lobby Pond  |  1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Get a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the operations of the Kalahari Resort Wisconsin’s Dells expansive facilities. Tour stops include the water park pump room, maintenance shop, laundry, and solar water heating system.

Space is limited to the first 20 people to sign up.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Speaker Selection

WHLA’s volunteer lead Education/Conference Committee is responsible for selecting the sessions for the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference. The selection process follows a review of every proposal submitted. The Education/Conference Committee strives for a diverse and well-balanced conference.