USA Gymnastics recently announced the 2020 American Cup, The USA's most prestigious international gymnastics competition will make it's first visit to Milwaukee on Saturday, March 7th, 2020.  The Nastia Liukin Cup will be held the night before for 36 Junior Olympic gymnasts.  "Milwaukee has a strong connection to USA Gymnastics" said Raj Saha, Fiserv Forum general manager.  Two Milwaukee area gymnasts have won American Cup titles, in 2004, Paul Hamm, won the all-around and went on to claim the 2004 Olympic all-around gold.  Chelsie Memmel won the uneven bars title and went on to become the 2005 World-all-around champion, as well as earn the 2008 Olympic team silver medal, according to USA Gymnastics.  This is the first time the all-around World Cup Series has been involved in the Olympic qualification process.   You can read more about the American Cup including ticket prices for the event here.  
Photo of Simone Biles in 2016 Rio American Cup courtesy of USA Gymnastics.    

The Lux Domes sitting on top of Café Benelux (located in Milwaukee's Third Ward) were so popular last year they sold out in hours.  This year the reservations start on Black Friday (November 29th).  The only way to have early access is to sign up for the Lowlander email.  An email will be sent out with links to the online reservation system 24 hours in advance before it goes public.  
​You can sign up here for the emails.  
According to a recent news report from Fox 6, 'Each $200, 90-minute reservation for eight includes a complimentary drink package as well as special keepsake mugs for guests, with the ability to add on a variety of additional festive food and beverage packages', the release said.
What a unique and fun way to celebrate the Holidays in Milwaukee by sitting outdoors in a heated Dome.
​#visitmilwaukee #luxdomes #cafebenelux      

Golf fans know the Ryder Cup will be coming to Whistling Straits September 22-27, 2020.  The impact this tournament will have on Wisconsin is huge.  Tournament organizers have said they expect 50,000 people per day to be watching the tournament and the overall economic impact of $135 million dollars to the region.  
Although the Ryder Cup is just under a year away, that impact is already being felt around the state with tee times being booked up already at other top courses around the area like, Erin Hills, home of the 2017 US Open.  The Bog in Saukville and Geneva National in Lake Geneva have had strong interest in booking tee times over the week of the Ryder Cup.   You can read the entire article here.  
Check out the drone flyover of the Whistling Straits course for the Ryder Cup 2020
​

Another satisfied corporate client that enjoyed an Oktoberfest themed event at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee.  Dm-Connection & Events helped with the decor, floral and entertainment which helped make this event event one the attendees will remember for a while. The client also pulled in a team building exercise in the middle of the event to keep the attendees engaged, a little challenging when you have 400 people in a room but it all worked out.  There were craft beer tasting stations, a variety of food stations including one that featured German only food, a virtual reality station, Photo Booth, entertainment, silent auction and a visit from Bernie Brewer and the Racing Sausage who worked the room and took photos with the attendees. Although it was a lot, it kept the attendees engaged during the three hour event that evening. Offering attendees options to engage during an event keeps it fun and lively, it also offers them a chance to  post their fun photos to their social media accounts and keeps your branded event out there for others to see. It also builds camaraderie among the attendees. This event scored a 10 for attendee engagement.    

I recently dined and toured Saz's State House and the food was absolutely delicious. They just came out with their Fall menu selections and we tried several dishes (Butternut Squash Ravolli, Harvest Flat Bread and Wild Mushroom Risotto) and everything was so tasty, perfect for a Fall day.  Saz's is know for their restaurant and catering but they also operate several unique venues for corporate events, trade shows and receptions. 
I toured a fairly new venue called South Second. It's located at 838 S. Second St in Milwaukee. It's in a beautiful brick building that offers a clean slate for groups.  It seats 225 for a dinner and offers a second level which can be used for a reception with nice leather seating. It also offers three garage doors that face South which offers plenty of light in the room and opens up for fresh air in the evening or if the party wants to enjoy the outdoors on the patio adjacent the room.   
​Saz's operates several venues and is a preferred caterer for many others around the Milwaukee area.  Here is a link to the list of exclusive and preferred venues.  Not only do they have phenomenal food but also many unique venues for your next corporate event.  
#sazshospitalitygroup   #dncmke2020   #visitmilwaukee  #eventprofs

Photo credit:  Jadon Good Photography

I recently dined at RARE Steakhouse in Milwaukee and had an opportunity to not only sample their mouth watering steak and side dishes but also toured their private event space.  They offer two rooms, one that seats approximately 40 people for a reception/dinner. The Library has beautiful woodwork and shelves filled with books of all different genres.  It overlooks Wisconsin Avenue and has options for AV as well. 
The smaller room seats 10 and is perfect for a small board meeting or evening dinner with clients.  It features photos of famous Milwaukeeans around the room.  The staff at RARE Steakhouse offer top-notch service and are very passionate about their food, presentation and drink offerings.  
#DNCMKE   #eventvenues  #eventprofs  #VisitMilwaukee

September 22nd celebrates American Business Women's Day.  We are celebrating all women who work.  According to recent Labor statistics, 77 million women ages 16 years and older, represent 47 percent of the total labor force.  They hold more than 51 percent of all management, professional, and related occupations, serving in leadership roles throughout American businesses.    

As a Woman Business Owner, here are a few more interesting statistics from the National Association of Women Business Owners:

• More than 11.6 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people, and generating $1.7 trillion in sales as of 2017. 
• Women-owned firms (51% or more) account for 39% of all privately held firms and contribute 8% of employment and 4.2% of revenues.

We have come a long way and still have a long way to go!  ​Let's celebrate our success today as American Business Women (and Owners).  
#AmericanBusinessWomen'sDay   #WomenBusinessOwner
Infographics credit: NAWBO and Agera Energy

​Transformed another event space for a client tonight into a sophisticated, elegant reception.
Check out the before and after pictures.
#thegarden #eventprofs #dmconnectionandevents  #visitmilwaukee

A recent survey completed by Benchmark and featured in a recent article in PCMA, found several surprising trends in F&B for 2020.  They are:  

• CBD Products - Coffee shops, cafes and restaurants are incorporating CBD oil into their dining menus.  
• Plant Based Menus - Benchmark sees this trend growing rapidly in 2020, especially after years of research to make flavorful meat substitutes.  
• Healthy Snacks - Chickpeas, beets, quinoa and kale will enter more as the healthier snack of choice at refreshment breaks.  
• Jackfruit - The Southeast Asian fruit — packed with iron, calcium, and B vitamins — will become “a force in the food industry as a meat alternative.”
• Oat Milk - Has joined almond and soy milk as another option for those seeking a dairy alternative, and many cafes already are using it exclusively.

You can read the full article that contain more items that made the list here.

Photo credit: PCMA/Benchmark

Lambeau Field, Home of the Green Bay Packers is not only a phenomenal stadium for watching football, it also has amazing event space for your next corporate meeting or team building activity. Your attendees will enjoy learning when you are in a Facility that has so much history. The Atrium floor is a great place to hold a trade show or gala seating with 39,000 sq. ft of space. The Legends Club Room can hold 400 people for a banquet.  The Indoor Club room, the North Balcony and the MVP Box all have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the field.  And then you have the Suites, offering a more private gathering for your attendees.  The Iconic Lombardi Boardroom for seating up to 26 people. There is a stand alone building - Johnsonville Tailgate Village which can accommodate 300+ guests. If you're looking for something different, take that to TitleTown, the newest development around Lambeau Field.  Rockwood Terrace offers a modern industrial yet rustic feel. You can dine on the top of Ariens Hill or hold a teambuilding exercise on the Playground Lawn. You have a lot of options at Lambeau Field for meetings, events, galas or a fun team building program.  
Right across the street is Lodge Kohler which offers a very upscale hotel experience for your attendees and has meeting space as well.  
For those die hard fans that want to try their luck at the Lambeau Leap, you can do so just outside of the stadium at the American Family gate.  
#greenbaypackers  #eventsatLambeauField  #visitgreenbay   #dncmke  #eventprofs