Milwaukeeans already know that our city is a hidden gem and the best kept secret with our Fresh Coast. We are ready to showcase our city to the world when Milwaukee hosts the Democratic National Convention July 13-16, 2020. 

​Forbes just published their US list of 25 best places to travel and Milwaukee made that list.  
You can read the entire article here.  

I had the opportunity to take a hard hat tour of the Brookfield Conference Center earlier this week and was extremely impressed with the overall size of the conference center and also how fast everything is coming together.  Two days after taking my photos, the carpeting in the Connect Ballroom was already down.  The Connect Ballroom is 18,000 sq. ft. and can break out into eight different configurations.  There is a Collaborate Ballroom of 6,000 sq. ft and Celebration Plaza (outdoors) of 9,000 sq. ft which connects to the 168 room Hilton Garden Inn hotel to the center.  
The Center boasts a state-of-the art kitchen - $1.8 million was invested in this to help cut down on labor costs.  They have a dishwasher that can handle 300 dishes per minute and have the highest quality ovens.   Another nice bonus is the free parking surrounding the conference center with 1,200 parking spots and options for additional parking as needed.  There is a lot of natural light coming in the center with windows all around the building, which is something attendees enjoy.   
​You can look at artist renderings, floorplans and suggested menus online here 
Contact Dm-Connection & Events to book your next event in this new space, it offers many options for creativity and themed events!    
#brookfieldfonferencecenter  #visitbrookfield   #dmconnectionandevents

The Wisconsin Center District recently announced they will have its architect, construction manager and other key players named soon.  The plan is to have the team assembled by year end according to Mike Abrams, senior director at Denver-based CAA Icon, which the center's  district hired to oversee the project. The preliminary timeline is to have a vote in April 2020 on financing with the project starting late 2020 or early 2021.  A recent report from Crossroads Consulting Services and Populous recommended the main exhibit space, ballroom and smaller meeting rooms, which now total 265,800 square feet, be expanded to 422,800 to 437,800 square feet.  Crossroads estimates that visitor spending of $69 million would increase to $100 to $109 million within three years of the expansion's completion.  Jobs now estimated at 900 would eventually increase to around 1,300 to 1,500 according to the report.  
#visitmilwaukee  #wcd  #conventioncenterexpansion  #eventprofs
photo credit:  Wisconsin Center

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