Several big news items this week in Milwaukee:
1.  There is a push underway to revive Midwest Airlines - for all those flyers that loved the two across wide leather seats with chocolate chip cookies.   Representatives from Midwest Airlines filed paperwork with the SEC.   Additional funding is needed but Milwaukeeans are hopeful because we certainly love the 'Best Care in the Air'!   More Midwest news here
2.  Good City Brewing is the first tenant announced in the new entertainment block east of the Bucks Arena.   It will feature a 200 seat first-floor taproom with a wood-fired oven kitchen and a second floor outdoor patio seating and event space with capacity for 350.   The entertainment block will be opening Spring 2019.   More information about Good City Brewing here 
3.  There is speculation the naming rights for the Bucks Arena might be Fiserv.   An agreement is close to being signed according to the Business Journal.  More information about the naming rights here

A report just released from IACC states that meeting professionals are being increasingly tasked with finding meeting venues that create an experience for their attendee.  Venues feel that need is lessening.  Meeting professionals are looking for 'experience creation' which involves:  
-Creative meeting rooms
-Themed F&B
-Outdoor meeting rooms/spaces
-Ice breakers
-Team building
Venues have to consider how their facilities and meeting space design fit into the whole of the participants experience.   
The article also mentions Collaborative Technology and talks about the three modes of learning:  Auditory, Visual and Collaborative. 
Many hotels that I have toured in Wisconsin are working hard to create spaces and experiences like those mentioned above because their clients are looking for unique ways to engage their attendees during the meeting.   

You can read the entire report here

A new water taxi service started this weekend in Milwaukee by Water Taxi MKE.   They will feature rides aboard a 6 passenger water taxi that will run on the Milwaukee River.  The taxi will stop at bars/restaurants along the way.   The company will be adding a 19 passenger custom build water taxi in the near future which can be rented for private groups.   Pricing is reasonable as well starting at $5.00 per person up to $10.00 depending on how far the taxi has to go.   Here is a link for more information on the water taxi service.  

A new option in Milwaukee for groups looking for a corporate team building challenge or something fun to do to test your skills.   A 10,000 sq. ft. fenced-in maze is open in McCarty Park in West Allis.   The maze will be changing every few weeks to keep it challenging.   A great option for groups, a company challenge or a fun outing with friends.   Here is a link to more information about the maze.  

I spent a day in Madison touring different event venues in the city that could be used for evening events, a meeting or presentation.   The Orpheum Theater is a beautiful theater located in the heart of downtown Madison on State Street.   It seats 1,700 and has a very unique green room/backstage viewing area for VIP's.   The Majestic is over 100 years old and provides a more intimate experience for performances and seats 600 people.   The last venue I toured was High Noon Saloon which offers a Rustic Chic look to a bar and provides a great open space for setting up a band and decor so your guests can enjoy a fun-filled evening.   Another stop was at Event Essentials to get a tour of their showroom and warehouse.  They have supplies to help any meeting look beautiful!  I was able to see their very organized room where they store all their incredible linens.   A trip to Madison wouldn't be complete without spotting a 'Bucky on Parade' statue placed strategically around downtown Madison, part of the cities public art.   
​#VisitMadison #OrpheumTheater #MajesticTheater #HighNoonSaloon #EventEssentials #BuckyonParade

Meeting professionals have to pull off some amazing feats, most often with a very limited budget to make a meeting or event look great.    This is a very informative article from The Event Manager Blog that highlights 17 different swaps you can do to save money on an event: from F&B, housing, travel, decor, technology and AV.   The article has many great swaps while still keeping the event looking great.   You can read the entire article here.  

This is a follow up to a post I did on Wednesday about touring around Wisconsin.  As you are lining up your road trips around the State, consider adding these wacky restaurants to your list of places to visit.   My favorites are:  Al Johnson's in Sister Bay and Maggies in Bayfield and now I have many more that will be on future visits around Wisconsin.   You can find the entire list here.  Bon appetit!  #FollowupFriday  #TravelWisconsin

Planetware has compiled a top list of attractions around the wonderful State of Wisconsin.  As everyone is getting ready for spring and summer road trips, consider spending some time in Wisconsin to see some of these great cities/attractions.   Some of my favorites are on this list::   Taliesin, Wisconsin State Capital and Harley-Davidson museum.   You can view the entire list here.
Wisconsin Division of Tourism is also a great resource for trip itineraries and other fun Wisconsin information.  #TravelWisconsin   #VisitMadison  #VisitMilwaukee