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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. 

Please note: Session descriptions and speakers are subject to change. We recommend checking the schedule regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Registration

Registration Booth

Sunday  |  Registration Room  |  4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
​Monday  |  Registration Room  |  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.

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Conference Bag Sponsor: Express Elevators

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Opening Reception: WHLA Game Night

Upper Dells Ballroom  |  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Kick off the conference with a casual evening reception designed to spark connections and set the tone for what's ahead. Reconnect with colleagues, meet new industry peers, and start building your blueprint for ​success in a relaxed, social setting. This is your first step toward a future-focused experience of learning, collaboration, and community.
Sponsored By:

Monday, November 3, 2025

Welcome Breakfast

Grand Ballroom  |  7:30 am - 8:15 am
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast, setting the tone for a day of innovation, learning, and valuable networking opportunities at the conference.
Sponsored By: 

Silent Auction

Grand Lobby  |  7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Trade Show Hall  |  3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Bid on getaways, gift baskets, and unique experiences donated by WHLA members. Proceeds benefit the WHLA fund of your choice—support scholarships, advocacy, or workforce development while scoring something special!

2025 WHLA Annual Meeting

Grand Ballroom  |  8:15 am - 9:00 am
This session officially kicks off the 2025 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 2025 Annual Meeting.

Opening Keynote  |  Welcoming Edge: Guest Experience in the Age of Leave Me Alone

Grand Ballroom  |  9:00 am - 10:00 am
Today’s guests are more distracted, rushed, and digitally checked out than ever before—and yet, one warm, intentional welcome still has the power to transform their entire stay. In this engaging and practical session, hospitality veteran Mary Delia Allen shares how small frontline interactions—greetings, check-ins, even hallway hellos—are actually the most influential part of the guest experience. From front desk to housekeeping to management, every team member plays a role in shaping loyalty, reviews, and return visits.
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Based on 20+ years working with top brands like the NFL, MLB, T-Mobile, and Bank of America, The Welcoming Edge provides strategies for training and energizing your team to connect better, serve smarter, and represent your brand with heart. This session is perfect for hotel leaders, GMs, guest services teams, and anyone ready to elevate their guest experience without adding to the budget.

Speaker: Maria Delia Allen (Mary Delia Events)
Sponsored By: 

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

From Policies to People: What Lodging Leaders Need to Know

Sierra Vista  |  Track: Community, Advocacy, Impact  |  10:15 am - 11:05 am
This fast-paced panel delivers critical legal updates and actionable guidance for hospitality employers. Gain expert insights on evolving regulations around overtime, tip taxation, handbook policies, and workplace safety, along with practical strategies to strengthen compliance and support smooth operations at your property.

Moderator: Brandon McConnell (Delavan Lake Lawn Management)
Speakers: Anthony Anzelmo (Husch Blackwell), Edgar Ceniceros-Herrada (Husch Blackwell), Jessica Simons (Husch Blackwell)

The Hello Manifesto: How You Show Up Shapes How You Lead

Upper Dells Ballroom  |  Track: Leadership & Culture  |  10:15 am - 11:05 am
In today’s fast-paced hospitality world, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with executive presence, a leadership mindset, and empathy for your team. Designed especially for those stepping into leadership roles, this energizing and practical session shares connection and communication tools to lead with clarity.  Whether you manage five people or fifty, how you say hello might just be the leadership skill you didn’t know you were missing.

Speaker: Mary Delia Allen (Mary Delia Events)

What to Know About the Next Lodging Code

Laguna Vista  |  Track: Smart Operations  |  10:15 am - 11:05 am
Wisconsin’s updated lodging code is soon to be in effect—are you ready to navigate the changes? Hear directly from DATCP as they break down what’s new, what it means for your property, and how to stay compliant. Come with questions and leave with practical insights to confidently adapt your operations.

Speaker: Ted Tuchalski, R.S (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection)

Legislative Luncheon

Grand Ballroom  |  11:15 am - 12:50 pm
Gain a frontline perspective on national hospitality policy as our speaker discusses key legislative priorities shaping the future of our industry. Hear about ongoing advocacy efforts and critical issues facing hotels across the country, from labor and taxation to regulatory challenges.​
Sponsored By:

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

TPIDs in Wisconsin: A New Tool for Boosting Tourism Promotion

Sierra Vista  |  Track: Community, Advocacy, Impact  |  1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Discover how Tourism Promotion and Improvement Districts (TPIDs) create a sustainable blueprint for stronger communities, empowering local tourism through shared investment and strategic planning.

Speaker: Bill Elliott, CAE (WHLA)

Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow

Upper Dells Ballroom  |  Track: Leadership & Culture  |  1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Discover the skills and mindset needed to move from doing the work to leading the team. Examine the transition from individual contributor to leading and managing. Understand the key roles, functions, and responsibilities of leading others, and examine the traits and characteristics of taking on a position of authority. Look for the pitfalls in moving from peer to supervisor, and build strong strategies in developing trust and respect in the relationship with those around you.

Speaker: Mike Baldwin – MAOM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP (Madison College)

AI in Revenue Management: What's Hype, What's Real, What's Next?

Laguna Vista  |  Track: Smart Operations  |  1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
AI is everywhere, but what truly matters for your revenue strategy? This session breaks down the buzzwords, highlights real use cases in hospitality, and explores how GMs can confidently lead through the noise. Walk away with clear insights, actionable next steps, and a fresh perspective on the future of revenue management.

Speaker: Mirela Longoni (Revenue-Amplified)

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Ins & Outs of Navigating Advocacy in an Uncertain World

Sierra Vista  |  Track: Community, Advocacy, Impact  |  2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Come together with WHLA and influential industry advocates to explore how to effectively communicate the hotel industry's legislative priorities to state and local leaders. Discover how Wisconsin’s story is being shared at the national level.

Panelists: Bill Elliott, CAE (WHLA), Kathi Kilgore (Ruder Ware), Brandon McConnell (Delavan Lake Lawn Management), Victor Ravago (Bravo Hospitality Group)

Lead Like a Legend: Hospitality Leadership for the Modern Era

Upper Dells Ballroom  |  Track: Leadership & Culture  |  2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
Join us for a high-energy, no-fluff session designed for next-gen hotel leaders who want to inspire, influence, and leave a legacy. Learn how to build your leadership brand, lead with emotional intelligence, and create a culture your team actually wants to be part of.

Speaker: Amy Simchak (Marcus Hotels & Resorts)

Embracing Technology to Attract Talent: Practical Tips for Hoteliers

Laguna Vista  |  Track: Smart Operations  |  2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
The hospitality labor gap continues to grow, especially among Gen Z and millennial workers who expect modern tools in the workplace. Outdated operations can drive talent away, while smart, budget‑friendly upgrades can transform hotels into innovation hubs and employers of choice. Learn to identify technology gaps that deter younger talent, foster productive cross‑generational conversations about change, and explore emerging tools that support recruitment and retention.

Speaker: Estella Hale (Zucchetti North America)

Wisconsin Lodging Trade Show

A - I  |  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 2025 Exhibitor List

Chair's Reception in the Trade Show Hall

A - I  |  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join WHLA’s 2025 Board Chair Rory Madsen in the trade show hall to network and celebrate the board's work this year. Enjoy appetizers, hosted beer, and the Golden Ticket drawing.

WHLA Awards Dinner & Live Auction

Riverview North & South  |  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.
Auction Paddle Sponsor: Gordon Lodge
Awards Dinner Sponsored By:

After Hours Event with the Wisconsin Women in Lodging

CW Clubhouse  |  9:15 pm - 10:15 pm
Join us for an After Hours Event 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 4, 2025

Wellness Networking: Move & Connect

Grand Ballroom  |  7:00 am - 7:45 am
Start your morning with energy and clarity! This session combines light movement with guided conversation, providing you with the opportunity to recharge while connecting with your peers. After a brief warm-up stretch, you’ll pair up for a walk-and-talk with reflection prompts designed to spark insights and collaboration. We’ll regroup with a short grounding exercise to set the tone for a full day of learning and networking. Comfortable shoes recommended!

Tuesday Breakfast

Grand Ballroom  |  7:45 am - 8:15 am
Gather with fellow attendees one last time over breakfast to reflect, recharge, and get ready for a powerful final day of sessions and connections.

Morning Keynote  |  The Authentic Advantage: Values-Driven Leadership That Fuels Performance and Loyalty

Grand Ballroom  |  8:15 am - 9:15 am
In an age of automation, evolving guest expectations, and nonstop change, what truly sets great hospitality apart? The human behind the service. Too often, hospitality professionals are told to leave themselves at the door, but what if who you are is actually your greatest leadership advantage? And what if the key to more success and team alignment lies in leading more powerfully from your values, strengths and vision?
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In this high-energy keynote, transformational business and leadership strategist Amber Swenor invites leaders at every level to connect with what makes them powerful: their presence, their purpose and the way they choose to show up, as a leadership and business advantage.

Speaker: Amber Swenor (Soul Seed Strategy, LLC)
Sponsored By:

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Room Tax Realities: Compliance, Strategy, & Community Support

Sierra Vista  |  Track: Community, Advocacy, Impact  |  9:30 am - 10:20 am
From compliance to community impact—stay informed on the latest room tax rules and revenue insights shaping Wisconsin’s tourism future. 

Speaker: Bill Elliott, CAE (WHLA)

Managing Conflict & Difficult People

Upper Dells Ballroom  |  Track: Leadership & Culture  |  9:30 am - 10:20 am
Harness the energy of conflict to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and drive team success. Learn to identify potential conflict situations and the root causes of friction between people, processes, and ideas that go in opposite directions. Examine the barriers to resolving conflict and learn how to develop and implement strategies that foster a cohesive team environment. Know the ‘difficult people’ in your life, how to connect with them in a collaborative manner, and make a conflict work for the benefit of all.

Speaker: Mike Baldwin (Madison College)

AI Strategy Exchange: Share, Learn, and Level Up

Laguna Vista  |  Track: Smart Operations  |  9:30 am - 10:20 am
Go beyond the AI buzz in this interactive strategy session where hoteliers share real use cases, explore new tools, and walk away with fresh, actionable ideas to elevate their operations, marketing, and guest experience.

Facilitator: Sara Abbott (Metropolis Resort), Lexie Mallary (WHLA)

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Navigating the Global Workforce: Visas, Immigration, & Hospitality

Sierra Vista  |  Track: Community, Advocacy, Impact  |  10:30 am - 11:20 am
Stay updated on immigration and visa requirements for hiring international employees. In this session, attorneys and visa experts will cover recent changes affecting hotel staffing, including updates on H-2B and J-1 programs, compliance best practices, recruitment timelines, and more.

Moderator: Krissy Sigmund (Chula Vista Resort)
Speakers: Anthony Anzelmo (Husch Blackwell), Jamie Banjak (Alliance Strategies), Becky Davis (InterExchange), Edgar Ceniceros-Herrada (Husch Blackwell), Jessica Simons (Husch Blackwell), Stacie Tollaksen (Intrax)

Unleashed Leadership in Action: Creating Your Blueprint for Team Alignment, Resilience, & Results

Upper Dells Ballroom  |  Track: Leadership & Culture  |  10:30 am - 11:20 am
Building on the energy of the morning keynote, this hands-on breakout takes you from awareness to action. You’ll walk away with practical, results-driven tools to align your leadership strengths with your daily actions and shape a culture that drives performance, trust, and long-term loyalty, both within your team and across the guest experience. Using Amber’s Think–Feel–Do model and a preview of her Team Culture Code Blueprint, you’ll explore how personal leadership alignment directly influences communication, collaboration, and team outcomes. 

Speaker: Amber Swenor (Soul Seed Strategy, LLC)

Unlocking the Power of Brand Collaboration

Laguna Vista  |  Track: Smart Operations  |  10:30 am - 11:20 am
Join us for an exciting session packed with practical strategies to optimize brand partnerships! Discover how to leverage brand tools and technology to elevate productivity and delight your guests. 

Moderator: Jay Jones (UW-Stout)
Panelists: Andrew Anderson (Lighthouse Hospitality), Tom Busch (Wyndham Hotels), Justin Snyder (Regional Director - North American Development, Best Western)

Closing Keynote  |  The Impact Playbook: Influence Through Purpose, Persistence, and Passion

Grand Ballroom  |  11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Finish the 2025 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show on an inspiring high with Joe Schmit, who blends humor, real-world insights, and practical strategies to help you unlock the power of your influence. In this engaging keynote, Joe challenges you to make just one more positive impact each day, boosting happiness, productivity, health, and the quality of your relationships.
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Drawing on his research, Joe shows that “we make our biggest impressions when we’re not trying to be impressive.” The Impact Playbook is more than a message—it’s a roadmap for elevating your personal and professional life, strengthening teamwork, and leaving a meaningful mark wherever you go.

Speaker: Joe Schmit (Joe Schmit Impact Productions LLC)

Thank you to our Sponsors

Student Events

Welcome Meeting - Sunday

​Kick off your conference experience by connecting with fellow hospitality students, WHLA leaders, and mentors in a relaxed setting. The Student Welcome Meeting is your chance to get oriented, ask questions about the conference, and learn how to make the most of the days ahead.

Career Connection Tables - Monday & Tuesday

During breakfast on both mornings, students are invited to join reserved tables hosted by experienced Wisconsin hoteliers. This is your opportunity to sit down in a small group setting with industry leaders—General Managers, Resort Directors, and Owners—who are excited to answer your questions, share insights, and help you build your professional network.

Choose Your Learning Adventure

Students are welcome to attend and participate in any of the general sessions, breakouts, or networking events throughout the conference. With 20+ sessions spanning leadership, operations, technology, advocacy, and more, you can design your own learning path to match your career interests and connect with the topics that matter most to your future in the lodging industry. 

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.