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Get to Know Our Speakers
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Sara Abbott - Metropolis ResortBreakout Host | Track: Service Solutions | Are Your Service Solutions in Jeopardy?
Sara Abbott is the General Manager of Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, where she has significantly enhanced guest experiences and team development. A graduate of UW-Stout with a degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Restaurant Management, she has dedicated her career to the hotel industry. Under her leadership, Metropolis Resort has thrived, featuring an indoor water park and various entertainment options. Recognized as the 2023 Innkeeper of the Year by the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, Sara is also actively involved in community initiatives, serving on the WHLA Board of Directors, and the Wisconsin Women in Lodging Steering Committee. |
Brad J. Anderson - Blueprint CreationBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions & Innovative Ideas | Birds of a Feather: Sales & Service to Guest Personalities & Effective Delegation: Strategies for Lessening the Load for Leaders
Brad provides consulting services and presentation facilitation to many of the world’s largest hospitality and tourism related organizations. Since 2009, Brad Anderson and the team at Blueprint have built a worldwide fan club, using a distinctive, high-energy, and fun teaching style, showing tens of thousands of people how to increase their revenue and improve customer service. Prior to launching Blueprint Creation, Brad gained 15 years of experience in sales, human resources, and operations roles at Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, and the Trammell Crow Company-Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He also spent nearly 8 years with Signature Worldwide as an International Account Manager, overseeing the development and delivery of customer service and sales training as well as providing consulting services for various international hospitality, restaurant, and spa clients. |
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Luke Baumbach - Aqua Aire Inn & SuitesBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions | Tech-Tailored Hospitality: Crafting Memorable Stays with Innovation
Luke Baumbach is the owner of the Aqua Aire Inn & Suites in Minocqua, WI, where he has taken an innovative approach to small-scale hotel management through automation and remote operation. With a background in entrepreneurship and marketing, Luke has successfully applied his expertise in marketing automation and customer experience to the hospitality industry. These innovations have allowed Luke to maintain high guest satisfaction while significantly reducing on-site staffing needs. By day, he is an active real estate investor in Milwaukee and serves as CEO of The Big Possible, a video content agency that helps companies create podcasts and YouTube channels. |
Annika Bayer - UW StoutBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions | Tech-Tailored Hospitality: Crafting Memorable Stays with Innovation
Annika Bayer is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, studying hotel, restaurant, and tourism management with minors in business administration and luxury management. She is a Hospitality Student Ambassador for the University, where she works with faculty to recruit and support students in the Hospitality program. Her internship experience includes roles at the Gordon Lodge and the Minnesota Vikings. |
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Liz Callin - City of MadisonGeneral Session Panelist | Rise & Dine Breakfast - Connecting Wisconsin: Railway Expansion Panel
Liz Callin is a senior transportation planner with the City of Madison, specializing in transit, passenger rail, public engagement, and policy development. Her work focuses on creating a transportation system that prioritizes convenience, affordability, inclusivity, and safety, while advancing sustainable, climate-conscious mobility solutions. |
Kate Carter - Kate Carter CoachingKeynote Speaker | Innovating with Confidence: How to Surf Big Waves
Kate Carter is a dynamic speaker and coach with over 30 years of experience. As a Certified Fearless Living Coach & Trainer and a Positive Intelligence Coach, she combines wisdom and humor to empower individuals and teams. Her expertise lies in building confidence, resilience, and risk-taking skills, making her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events. |
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Kirk Davis - Tandem HRBreakout Speaker | Track: Innovative Ideas | The Future of Work: Rethinking Talent, Leadership, and Culture
Kirk Davis is a seasoned professional in the human resources field, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Tandem HR. He has a strong background in developing strategic HR solutions and driving organizational growth. Kirk is recognized for his expertise in talent management and employee engagement, which has significantly contributed to Tandem HR's success. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and innovation, making him a respected figure in the industry. |
Bill Elliott, CAE - Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging AssociationBreakout Speaker | Track: Innovative Ideas | Wisconsin Room Tax: Lessons in Leadership
Bill Elliott has been the President and CEO of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) since 2020. In his role with WHLA, he was instrumental in securing $95 million in grant funding for hotel and lodging property owners affected by COVID-19 and played a key role in repealing Wisconsin’s outdated personal property tax laws. Bill is a registered lobbyist and a frequent speaker on topics including room tax. Bill is actively involved in professional organizations and serves on the board of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin, the International Society of Hotel Associations, and the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives. |
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Kevin Gallagher - Marcus Hotels & ResortsBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions | Tech-Tailored Hospitality: Crafting Memorable Stays with Innovation
Kevin Gallagher is a forward-thinker with an eye for enhancements. He brings over 35 years of hospitality experience as he oversees renovations, repositioning, and new builds for major brands and independent hotels. As Vice President of Project Management at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Kevin brings properties to new heights, leading them to receive numerous awards while providing extraordinary guest experiences. He is actively engaged with WHLA, having served as the board chair in 2016 and remaining active on the board and in committees. |
Gary R. Goyke - All Aboard WisconsinGeneral Session Panelist | Connecting Wisconsin: Railway Expansion Panel
Gary R. Goyke is a seasoned government relations consultant and the founder of Goyke and Associates, established in 1983. With extensive experience in public affairs and lobbying, he has successfully represented various trade associations, including those in transportation, and played a key role in initiatives like the Wisconsin Railroad Improvement Funding Amendment. Goyke emphasizes a bipartisan approach to advocacy, believing that effective lobbying is rooted in dedication to causes that serve the common good. His previous experience as a Wisconsin State Senator further enriches his understanding of legislative processes. |
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Thomas Hansen - IDeaSBreakout Speaker | Track: Sales & Marketing | Surfing the AI Current: The Impact of AI on Revenue Management
Thomas Hansen is invested in helping hoteliers drive profitability through better revenue performance, and is the Director of Sales in Wisconsin for IDeaS Revenue Solutions. He is a dedicated professional with 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. For the past 7 years, he has been traveling across the Midwest and West Coast speaking to hoteliers about how to improve their revenue performance. |
Jeff Hebrink - rezStreamBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions | Engaging the Tech-Savvy Traveler: Advanced Digital Marketing Efforts for Driving Online Bookings
Jeff Hebrink is a Customer Success Consultant with rezStream. He has been with the company since 2014 and has emerged as a leading educator in the hospitality industry. Jeff conducts monthly webinars for clients and the general public, and he also travels across the U.S. to present as a featured speaker at lodging and hospitality conferences. With his extensive background and experience in the industry, Jeff has gained expertise in property management software, increasing booking engine reservations, updating and refreshing websites, and the latest strategies in internet marketing and search engine optimization. |
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Bailey Jacque - UW StoutBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions | Tech-Tailored Hospitality: Crafting Memorable Stays with Innovation
Bailey Jacque is a dedicated student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, pursuing a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. With a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, Bailey is actively involved in campus organizations and internships that enhance her industry knowledge and skills. Known for her enthusiasm and leadership, she aims to make a positive impact in the hospitality field. |
Megan Kuiper - MK Life on PurposeKeynote Speaker | Empowering Excellence: Cultivating Personal Growth and Excellence for Every Leader
Megan Kuiper is a passionate and energetic individual dedicated to making the most out of every day. With a clear vision for her life, she teaches others how to tap into their own fire and achieve their goals. She balances many roles, including being a wife, mom, and former Target Corporate Director turned entrepreneur. As a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach, I bring 21+ years of culture and leadership development experience to help others find their own energy and desire. Her mission is to spread positivity and energy to anyone interested in discovering their own potential. |
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Cindy Lapidakis - Royal Basket TrucksBreakout Speaker | Track: Service Solutions | Tech-Tailored Hospitality: Crafting Memorable Stays with Innovation
Cindy Lapidakis is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Royal Basket Trucks. With over 16 years of experience at Royal Basket Trucks, Cindy has played a crucial role in expanding the company's market presence and product line. In 2024 she was recognized on the inaugural list, published by the BizTimes, as one of the “Notable Women in Manufacturing” for the southeastern region of Wisconsin. Cindy is actively involved with the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, serving on the board of directors, Education/Conference Committee, and the Wisconsin Women in Lodging. |
Rico Louw, CHIA - STRBreakout Speaker | Track: Sales & Marketing | Charting Tomorrow's Waters: Lodging Industry Forecast for 2025 & Ocean of Opportunities: Leveraging Data-Driven Decision Making
Rico Louw, CHIA, joined STR in 2015 and worked with the Support & Account Management teams before joining the Sales team in July 2021. In his current Regional Sales Manager role, he’s responsible for growing STR’s business in the Central States, from Texas to the Dakotas. Rico works with all types of hospitality clients, including ownership groups, management companies, independent hotels, CVBs, and DMOs, and frequents lodging conferences nationwide as a featured speaker. |
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Brandon McConnell - Delavan Lake Management LLCBrandon McConnell is a hospitality professional and Corporate Executive for Delavan Lake Management LLC. He serves on leadership and development boards in lodging, food and beverage, and human capital disciplines. Mr. McConnell is an author and has executive education from Harvard University, Cornell University, the University of Notre Dame, and the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. He has represented over a million hospitality students and young professionals in the United States and speaks at various educational institutions and industry conferences. He is active with industry organizations, serving as the WHLA board chair in 2021 and currently representing Wisconsin on the American Hotel & Lodging Association's National Committee on Independent Boutique Hotels.
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Kristina McConnell - Aimbridge HospitalityBreakout Moderator | Track: Sales & Marketing | Event Excellence: Making the Most of Group Business
Kristina McConnell serves as a Regional Director of Sales at Aimbridge Hospitality, overseeing a portfolio of 26+ hotels that includes full-service, independent, and select-service properties. A proven leader in her field, Kristina drives year-over-year profitability through strategic growth initiatives, adeptly managing teams and commercial strategies. With extensive brand experience across Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG, she delivers tailored solutions for varied hospitality markets. Recognized as a commercial leader at Aimbridge, Kristina is an active contributor to the Aimbridge Topline Advisory Council, influencing best practices across the company. She also plays a prominent role in Aimbridge Women Excelling (A.W.E.), a community supporting the growth of women associates through continuous education, skill-building, and empowerment. An engaged industry member, Kristina contributes to the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association and served on committees with Wisconsin Women in Lodging and the WHLA Awards Committee. Kristina’s leadership was recognized in 2023 with Aimbridge’s Regional Director of Sales of the Quarter award and WHLA’s Corporate Champion of the Year honor. Above all, Kristina takes pride in her role as a devoted mother to her two amazing sons, whom she considers her greatest achievement. |
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Dennisse Naval - The Trade Milwaukee Hotel + NCG HospitalityBreakout Speaker | Track: Sales & Marketing | Event Excellence: Making the Most of Group Business
Dennisse Naval is the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Trade Milwaukee Hotel, a role she has held since May 2024. With a career spanning over a decade in the hospitality industry, she previously served as Director of Group Sales at The Westin Chicago Lombard and Associate Director of Sales at Hotel Zessa, by Hilton. She is known for her strategic sales acumen and leverages her diverse background in both operations and sales to lead the hotel’s strategic growth. Dennisse thrives at building trust, fostering strong relationships, and thinking outside the box with both her clients and colleagues. After living in the Philippines, California, and Chicago, she now considers Milwaukee her hidden gem and home. |
Darren Noak - Tri-North BuildersBreakout Panelist | Track: Service Solutions | Future-Proofing Accessibility: ADA Compliance in the Digital Age
Darren Noak is the President of the Commercial Division at Tri-North Builders. In his role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of commercial projects, ensuring they meet client expectations and industry standards. His leadership is defined by a commitment to quality and sustainability, aligning with Tri-North Builders' mission. Darren's expertise includes strategic planning, team leadership, and fostering partnerships to enhance project outcomes. |
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Danica Potier - Marcus Hotels & ResortsBreakout Panelist | Track: Sales & Marketing | Event Excellence: Making the Most of Group Business
With over 25 years of experience in the hotel and restaurant industry, Danica can confidently say that hospitality is in her blood. After earning a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from Fox Valley College in Appleton, Danica continued a career with Marriott branded properties and independent luxury boutique hotels in Milwaukee, WI and Denver, CO and saw most parts of the country during multiple task force opportunities. In her role as Area Director of Sales – Milwaukee Market with Marcus Hotels, Danica enjoys all opportunities to build relationships with clients, provide education to those interested in forming partnerships, and leading the sales, events and marketing team toward future successes. |
Bob Sanders - NextGen Legal, S.C.Breakout Moderator | Track: Innovative Ideas | Navigating HR and Legal Tides for Hoteliers
After more than a decade in traditional “Big Law” firms, including leadership roles, Bob wanted to eliminate the obstacles he saw prevent clients from reaching out for proactive legal advice. Enter NextGen Legal, founded to offer clients the expertise of an AmLaw 100-experienced lawyer on demand, without the uncertainty of hourly billing. Rated a Rising Star by SuperLawyers (an accolade reserved for only 2.5% of attorneys in Wisconsin), Bob provides strategic legal advice and counsel to companies of all sizes, helping business leaders make confident, informed decisions. His expertise spans employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation, safety, corporate strategy, and risk mitigation. Bob excels in transforming complex legal challenges into clear, actionable business solutions, offering strategic guidance to leadership teams. |
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Krissy Sigmund - Chula Vista ResortBreakout Speaker | Track: Sales & Marketing | Event Excellence: Making the Most of Group Business
Born and raised in Wisconsin Dells, Krissy is no stranger to the hospitality business. Currently the Vice President at Chula Vista Resort, responsible for Sales, Marketing and Revenue Generation for the +$40M business, a member of the 4th generation of the 70-year family business, her skills grew starting in Food and Beverage operations management as young as 13-years-old. She oversees Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Generation for the business and has a background in Food and Beverage operations and Waterpark operations. Krissy has also worked in Corporate/Meeting Sales with a special focus on Sports and Events with 1,000+ attendees. She then transitioned into executive leadership, focusing on Revenue Management, Sales, and Digital Marketing practices. Krissy is involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Dells Visitor Bureau and the Adams County Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association's Executive Committee. She is also Chair of the Wisconsin Women In Lodging and is involved in Legislative, Education, Student, and Membership Committees. |
Chirag Shah - American Hotel & Lodging AssociationGeneral Session Speaker | Legislative Luncheon
Chirag Shah is the Executive Vice President, Federal and Political Affairs & Counsel at the American Hotel & Lodging Association. He leads AHLA’s federal relations team, developing and executing advocacy strategy on Capitol Hill. Shah previously served as AHLA's senior vice president of federal affairs & policy counsel. An industry veteran, Shah has helped record significant victories on critical issues facing hoteliers throughout his career on workforce and labor relations, tax reform, relief from predatory litigation, championing human trafficking prevention, and securing economic stimulus in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Prior to joining AHLA, he served as from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), where he served as vice president of government affairs and counsel for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). |
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Amy Supple - The EdgewaterGeneral Session Moderator | Rise & Dine Breakfast - Connecting Wisconsin: Railway Expansion Panel
Amy Supple is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Edgewater Hotel Company, LLC. She joined The Edgewater’s operating team in January 2015. In her role, she oversees operations with a specific focus on strategic planning, business development, guest experience, and financial management of the operating company and assets. Before joining Edgewater, she was a Senior Vice President and Development Director at Hammes Company, a national real estate development and services firm based in Wisconsin. She serves on the board of directors for WHLA and Destination Madison, and is an active committee member of the Wisconsin Women in Lodging. |
Brad Toll - Discover Green BayGeneral Session Panelist | Rise & Dine Breakfast - Connecting Wisconsin: Railway Expansion Panel
Brad Toll received his Bachelor’s Degree from the UW – La Crosse. He spent the first 13 years of his career with a national tour operator traveling the world. He joined the Visit Saint Paul team in 1998, before being named the President of the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2006, which is now Discover Green Bay. Toll serves on numerous state and local boards and is actively involved in the Greater Green Bay community. Discover Green Bay is accredited by Destinations International and Destinations Wisconsin. Toll has received his professional credential as a Certified Destination Management Executive. |
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Tracie Toth - The Osthoff ResortBreakout Speaker | Track: Sales & Marketing | Event Excellence: Making the Most of Group Business
Tracie Toth is Director of Sales at The Osthoff Resort and brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to the table. Her career with Osthoff spans 22 years and has expanded like the property itself did over that time. Tracie is positive by nature with a strong mindset and loves people. She is warm, authentic, goal-oriented and believes in adding value to those around her. These traits helped her, and her talented team, surpass expected revenues, generating the top years in resort revenue under her leadership with half the team size. On a personal note, Tracie cherishes time with her immediate and extended family, especially her two college-aged daughters, and loves to be outdoors, particularly golfing, gardening or walking. |
Dennis Winters - Department of Workforce DevelopmentBreakout Speaker | Track: Innovative Ideas | Exploring Wisconsin's Workforce and Economy: Trends, Challenges, and Oportunities
Dennis Winters is a nationally recognized expert on human resource challenges in the competitive global economic environment. Mr. Winters' areas of focus include regional and national macroeconomics, energy and labor markets, and economic impact analysis. He has been a consulting economist for over thirty years and has served as an advisor to private industry, government agencies, and elected local, state, and federal officials. His current titles are Chief Economist, Director of the Bureau of Workforce Information and Technical Support, and Labor Market Information Director for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. |
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Kaliegh Wiese - Méldeen, LLC + Kaleigh Wiese, LLCBreakout Speaker | Track: Sales & Marketing | Turning Today's Travel Insights into Brand & Marketing Revenue
Kaleigh Wiese is an endless creator, problem solver, hospitality strategist & business consultant. As a career entrepreneur, she has dedicated her attention to helping businesses find their brand voice and attract the right eyes to their vision. After almost 20 years, Kaleigh is regarded as a hospitality visionary, and along with her ODE team, offers agency-level support in brand development, marketing, elevating guest experience, operational strategies and fractional CEO + CEO services. Through her work, she and her clients have been featured in The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping, CNN, People, Entrepreneur, Fortune, Martha Stewart Weddings. |
Peggy Williams-Smith - VISIT MilwaukeeGeneral Session Panelist | Rise & Dine Breakfast - Connecting Wisconsin: Railway Expansion Panel
Peggy Williams-Smith is a Milwaukee native and veteran of the hospitality industry who joined Visit Milwaukee as the company’s first female president and CEO in 2019. Under her direction, the company has launched exciting, dynamic marketing campaigns to increase economic impact to the community and elevate the city’s reputation. Peggy’s focus on strategic partnerships has deepened the company’s local connections and allowed to develop a nimble team that is more responsive than ever to changes within the travel and hospitality industries. This was none more apparent than during the pandemic when Visit Milwaukee became the go-to source for information for the hospitality industry and the industry’s No. 1 advocate on state and local levels. From promoting the city to the nation during the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run to leading the city’s bid to secure the 2024 Republican National Convention, Williams-Smith’s strategic leadership will ultimately result in economic gains for Milwaukee for years to come. Prior to her work at Visit Milwaukee, she worked for Marcus Hotels & Resorts for over 22 years and held leadership positions at varying levels throughout the division. Williams-Smith is a proud mentor of other women in business and uses her free time to support numerous charitable causes. She resides in Milwaukee with her husband, Tim Smith, their niece, Jocelyn and their Boston Terrier, Tito Fenway. |
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