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The Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show brings together an impressive lineup of industry experts, thought leaders, and hospitality professionals from across the state and beyond. Our speakers represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives, all focused on helping Wisconsin hoteliers adapt, build, and thrive in a changing industry.
Throughout the event, you’ll hear from voices at the forefront of hotel operations, leadership, marketing, revenue strategy, workforce development, advocacy, and more. From inspiring keynotes to interactive breakout sessions, each speaker is selected to deliver practical insights, innovative ideas, and real-world experience tailored to our audience.
This page will be updated regularly as new speakers are confirmed throughout the summer—check back often for the latest additions!
Throughout the event, you’ll hear from voices at the forefront of hotel operations, leadership, marketing, revenue strategy, workforce development, advocacy, and more. From inspiring keynotes to interactive breakout sessions, each speaker is selected to deliver practical insights, innovative ideas, and real-world experience tailored to our audience.
This page will be updated regularly as new speakers are confirmed throughout the summer—check back often for the latest additions!
Featured Speakers
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Mary Delia Allen - Mary Delia Events
Mary Delia Allen is a dynamic and impactful speaker whose expertise is built on years of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious events, including the MLB, March Madness, Bank of America, the NFL, and even the Olympics. With over 20 years as a freelance travel director for corporate meetings and large-scale events, Mary Delia has orchestrated seamless experiences for thousands—from VIPs at the Super Bowl to high-touch corporate gatherings and luxury small-group tours. She has witnessed firsthand the power of exceptional events and the profound impact of outstanding customer service. |
Now, Mary Delia brings that expertise to the stage, delivering transformational keynotes and workshops that blend humor, real-world insights, and actionable strategies. With a master’s degree in communication, over 10,000 hours on the mic as a tour guide, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes industry knowledge, she equips audiences with the tools to elevate customer and employee experiences through smarter communication and service strategies.
Joe Schmit - Joe Schmit Impact Productions LLCJoe Schmit is an award-winning broadcaster, community leader, author, and keynote speaker. A 2019 inductee into the Minnesota Speakers Hall of Fame, he also holds the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation from the National Speakers Association. Over the course of his career, Joe has earned 19 Emmys from the National Television Academy and was honored with the Silver Circle Award by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Emmys in 2020 for his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting. He also received a National Headliner Award in 2001. Joe is the author of two award-winning books, Silent Impact and The Impact Blueprint. Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply committed to mentorship, serving as a long-time youth mentor and as a past president and board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. |
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Most recently, Joe partnered with Minnesota Twins legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Mauer to co-author the children’s book The Right Thing To Do. All proceeds from the book support two children’s charities, and more than 800 elementary schools have received donated copies. The story is now being adapted into a musical production at Stages Theatre in Hopkins, set to debut in April 2026.
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Amber Swenor - Soul Seed Strategy, LLC
Amber Swenor is a transformational leadership coach, authenticity expert, and frontwoman of the hard rock band Morningstar. With 20+ years of experience as a business strategist, speaker, and founder of a $1M+ leadership and brand strategy agency, she helps leaders and teams align their people, strategy, and success. A certified transformation coach and retreat leader, Amber empowers individuals to break free from limitations, build self-trust, and lead boldly. Her high-energy sessions combine storytelling and interactive experiences to ignite confidence and purpose-driven leadership. |
She is the author of Unleashed: A Been There Rocked That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business, a Wall Street Journal bestseller and IBPA’s 2023 Most Inspirational Book of the Year. Through her book, speaking and coaching, she equips leaders to transform their confidence, culture, and impact.
Breakout Session Speakers
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Sara Abbott - Metropolis ResortSara Abbott is the General Manager of the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where she has led operations for over 15 years. Known for her forward-thinking approach, Sara has integrated innovative technologies, creative marketing strategies, and a strong focus on guest experience to position the resort as a leader in the regional hospitality market. She is passionate about exploring practical applications of AI in hotel operations, sales, and marketing—bridging the gap between emerging technology and everyday business needs. Sara also serves as an active voice in Wisconsin’s hospitality community, sharing insights that help fellow hoteliers adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. |
Anthony Anzelmo - Husch Blackwell
Anthony J. Anzelmo is a partner at Husch Blackwell in Milwaukee, where he focuses his practice on tax controversy, product and professional services liability, and insurance disputes. Anthony works closely with manufacturers, service organizations, healthcare providers, and construction companies, providing strategic counsel on tort liability, tax assessments, commercial contracts, and risk management. He is recognized for his practical, results-oriented approach, leveraging his unique background in both insurance and litigation to protect client assets. He is a frequent lecturer on liability insurance, contractual risk management, and tax exemptions. Anthony is honored in The Best Lawyers in America® for Product Liability Litigation (2024, 2025) and has been a Wisconsin Super Lawyers Rising Star (2011–2020). |
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Mike Baldwin, MAOM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - Madison CollegeMike Baldwin is an Account Manager and Business Development & Solutions Representative with Madison College’s Business & Industry Services, where he provides training, consulting, and leadership development for public and private organizations. With a degree in Economics from UW–Madison and a master’s in Organizational Management, he has held leadership roles in multiple industries, including two Fortune 500 companies, focusing on talent and human capital management. His expertise spans curriculum design, coaching, HR systems development, and strategic workforce initiatives. Mike is SPHR and SHRM-SCP certified, as well as a PROSCI-certified change management professional. |
Jamie Banjak - Alliance StrategiesJamie Banjak is the Director of Business Development at Alliance Strategies and has more than 25 years of experience in human resources, including over 15 years dedicated to global staffing and workforce solutions. She works closely with employers in the hospitality industry to navigate the complexities of international recruitment, visa compliance, and seasonal workforce planning. Beyond her professional expertise, Jamie has managed a Bridge USA J1 community support group since 2013 and actively contributes to numerous volunteer and civic organizations, bringing a people-first perspective to every facet of her work. |
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Tom Busch - Wyndham HotelsTom Busch is the Senior Director of Development Upscale / Lifestyle for Wyndham Hotels. As a passionate senior leader with 30 years of experience in franchising branded hotels, both new construction and conversions. Started in 1996 with Wingate and currently with Wyndham, totaling 10 years. |
Edgar Ceniceros-Herrada - Husch Blackwell
Edgar Ceniceros-Herrada is an associate attorney at Husch Blackwell in Milwaukee, specializing in business immigration law. Edgar advises employers across a range of industries on hiring and retaining foreign talent, with experience in non-immigrant and immigrant petitions and employment-based permanent residence. He regularly assists clients with regulatory compliance, including conducting internal audits, Form I-9 due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, and E-Verify participation. Additionally, he frequently represents employers in the H-2B visa process and assists with J-1 visa compliance. Edgar represents clients before various government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Labor. He is recognized for staying informed about evolving immigration laws and providing clear, up-to-date guidance to employers. |
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Becky Davis - InterExchangeBecky Davis is a Senior Account Manager at InterExchange, specializing in the Bridge USA Summer Work and Travel (J-1 Visa) Program. With over a decade of experience, she helps host employers and exchange visitors navigate program requirements smoothly and compliantly. Becky is also active in community support initiatives nationwide, fostering collaboration and ensuring strong support systems for participants, while partnering with the U.S. Department of State to uphold program standards and best practices. |
Bill Elliott, CAE - Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association
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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Estella Hale - Zucchetti North AmericaEstella Hale is the VP of Commercial Strategy for Zucchetti North America. Defining the company’s vision for the region and working closely with cross-functional teams. She has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and an extensive knowledge of the technology sector. Her experience brings valuable insights for hoteliers and technology companies alike. Estella’s experience includes leadership roles at HotelIQ, SHR, iHotelier and Whiteboard Labs and leading strategy sessions at Deloitte’s Greenhouse®. Estella has a master’s degree in technology commercialization from Texas McCombs School of Business. |
Kathi Kilgore - Ruder WareKathi Kilgore is Director of Government Affairs at Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C., bringing over 30 years of experience in shaping public policy at the state, federal, and local levels. A longtime contract lobbyist for the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, she has been instrumental in advancing major legislative initiatives, including the repeal of the personal property tax, modernization of room tax laws, and requiring online marketplaces to collect and remit sales taxes. Kathi began her career in the Wisconsin State Capitol and later led Swandby/Kilgore & Associates, Inc. as President before joining Ruder Ware. Known for her relationship-building and strategic communication skills, she provides lobbying, legislative strategy, trade association management, and policy advocacy services to clients across Wisconsin. |
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Mirela Longoni - Revenue AmplifiedMirela is a seasoned senior Revenue Management executive with over two decades of experience driving strategy and performance across global hospitality leaders including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and independent hotels. Known for her expertise in leading beta testing for brands and partners, she has overseen revenue management for 80+ hotels and now channels that expertise through her own company, partnering with hotels and ownership groups to maximize revenue. Outside of work, Mirela is a passionate soccer fan. She looks forward to North America hosting the World Cup next year and welcomes conversations about special events. A nominee for Crain’s Chicago 40 under 40 and an HSMAI Chicago Managing Director since 2020, she is also a graduate of AHLA’s Castell ELEVATE Program. |
Lexie Mallary - Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging AssociationLexie Mallary is the Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing & Communications Manager at the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA), where she leads the association’s branding, marketing, and communications strategies. She oversees visual identity, publications, digital presence, and creative assets for WHLA’s events and initiatives. Lexie’s work has earned multiple honors from the International Society of Hotel Associations, including the Awards of Excellence in the Communications category in both 2021 and 2025. Passionate about leveraging emerging technology and design to engage members and elevate the hospitality industry, she brings a creative, results-driven approach to every project. |
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Brandon McConnell, CHA - Delavan Lake Lawn Management
Brandon M. McConnell is a dynamic communicator, creative strategist, and seasoned hospitality leader with a passion for crafting memorable guest experiences through commercial strategies. As Corporate Executive for Delavan Lake Lawn Management and a current Board Director and former Board Chair of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, he brings both a visionary outlook and a deep commitment to the industry’s growth. With over two decades in hospitality, Brandon blends data-driven insights with engaging storytelling to elevate brands, inspire audiences, and reimagine teams. Drawing on experience with destination resorts, culinary experiences, and lifestyle brands in C-Suite, development, legal, and human resource roles, he understands how remarkable moments are created—for both businesses and the people who bring them to life. Brandon delivers thought-provoking, actionable insights with warmth and authenticity, leaving audiences ready to think bigger, act bolder, and create experiences that truly resonate. |
Victor Ravago - Bravo Hospitality GroupVictor H. Ravago is CEO of Bravo Hospitality Group, managing Marriott, Choice, and boutique hotels in Illinois and Wisconsin. He serves on the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors, is a member of the Executive Committee, and chairs the 2025 Legislative/Tourism Committee. With expertise in hotel management, development, and renovation, Victor is known for driving revenue growth, operational excellence, and team development. |
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Krissy Sigmund - Chula Vista ResortKrissy is Vice President of Chula Vista Resorts, overseeing sales, marketing, and revenue for the family’s fourth-generation, $40M business in Wisconsin Dells. With a background that spans food and beverage, waterpark operations, hotel management, and large-scale event sales, she brings extensive expertise in revenue management, digital marketing, and business growth. An active industry leader, Krissy serves on the Boards of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association and the Wisconsin Dells Visitor Bureau, is WHLA’s Advocacy Delegate on the Executive Committee, and serves as Chair of the Wisconsin Women in Lodging Steering Committee. |
Amy Simchak - Marcus Hotels & ResortsAmy Simchak, CHA, CHDT, is a nationally recognized hospitality executive with over 28 years of experience driving operational excellence through leadership development, talent strategy, and team engagement. Known for balancing energy and empathy, she brings strategic insight and a people-first approach to every organization she partners with. Amy is the founder and frequent speaker for Wisconsin Women in Lodging and is a former WHLA Board Chair and winner of the WHLA Corporate Champion Award. |
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Stacie Tollaksen - IntraxStacie Tollaken, Director of Account Development at Intrax, is passionate about cultural exchange and public diplomacy. With 23 years of experience working as a BridgeUSA sponsor, Stacie works with thousands of employers and HR professionals, helping them develop programs and providing support. She is very involved in J1 advocacy efforts at the state and federal level, including as a WI Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau Board Member. Stacie started the Wi Dells BridgeUSA Community Support Group in 2012 and continues to lead the all-volunteer organization to strengthen the BridgeUSA program in the community. |
Ted Tuchalski, R.S - Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) |
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Thank you to our Sponsors
