Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association Events Newswire

MAHLA September Member Meeting 9/17/2026 3:30 PM - 9/17/2026 5:00 PM

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:27:57 GMT

MAHLA Monthly Chapter Meetings

Stay Connected to Madison’s Lodging Industry

The Madison Area Hotel & Lodging Association (MAHLA) hosts monthly chapter meetings that bring local hospitality professionals together to stay informed, share insights, and discuss what’s happening across the market.

These meetings are intentionally informal and discussion-based—focused on real-time challenges, opportunities, and peer-to-peer connection.

Overview

MAHLA chapter meetings provide a consistent space for Madison-area hoteliers and industry partners to connect and exchange ideas. Conversations are driven by current industry trends, local updates, and the shared experiences of those in the room.

Who Should Attend

• Hotel Owners & Operators

• General Managers & Property Leaders

• Sales & Marketing Professionals

• Hospitality Industry Partners

RSVP

Registration is encouraged; RSVP on LinkedIn.

WHLA September Events 9/22/2026 3:00 PM - 9/23/2026 1:30 PM

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:36:19 GMT

Connect, celebrate, and grow with fellow lodging professionals at this special series of WHLA events. Whether you join us for one program or multiple, you'll gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and leave inspired by the people shaping Wisconsin’s lodging industry.

Tuesday, September 22

WISCONSIN WOMEN IN LODGING EVENT
Join Wisconsin Women in Lodging to explore current trends and leadership strategies in the hospitality industry. Perfect for those looking to gain actionable insights and connect with peers in the Wisconsin lodging community. Open to all WHLA members; advanced registration required.

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM | Registration

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Refreshments + Networking

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Leadership Panel

"Letting Go to Grow: Systems for Effective Delegation and Accountability"
Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader requires letting go of the reins. This session dives deep into the how-to of delegation in a hospitality setting. The panel will discuss how to assign tasks without micromanaging, set clear expectations, and build accountability systems that empower staff rather than overwhelm them.

**Featured Panelists**
Katie Neufeld The Journeyman Hotel	Danica Potier Marcus Hotels	Krissy Sigmund Chula Vista Resort	Mary Anne Ceraso-Alioto Spectrum Business

WHLA PAST BOARD CHAIR DINNER

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | WHLA Past Board Chair Dinner by invite only
Enjoy an evening of networking and dinner at Kegel's Inn. Open to all past WHLA Board Chairs, current WHLA Board Members, and select event sponsors.

Wednesday September 23

WHLA AWARDS LUNCH

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Lunch + Award Program
Celebrate the individuals who make our industry great! Awards will be presented to honor individuals whose passion, dedication, and leadership have made a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s lodging industry. Lunch served at noon.
Open to all WHLA members; advance registration required.

2026 Spirit of Hospitality Awards
Live announcement of the winners for this year.

2026 Key to Hospitality Awards
Recognition of elected officials and leaders who have made significant contributions to Wisconsin's tourism and lodging economy.

**2026 Key to Hospitality Award Recipients**
Representative David Armstrong	Representative Chanz Green	Secretary Anne Sayers

2026 Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame Inductees
Honoring lifelong achievement, leadership, and trailblazing impact on Wisconsin lodging.
• Ron McCord
• Gerda Safer
• Dan Schetter

Sponsorships

Stand out to hospitality decision-makers. Become a sponsor and showcase your support for Wisconsin’s lodging industry.

Dinner Sponsorship: Includes pass for the invitation-only WHLA Leaders Dinner on September 22, logo recognition (event page), verbal recognition during the event.

Sponsored Awards Table: Includes reserved table with sponsor signage at the Awards Lunch on September 23, six lunch passes, logo recognition (event page and presentation).

Hotel Room Blocks

We are pleased to offer room blocks at two of our member hotels in downtown Milwaukee for the nights of September 21 and 22. Please use the links below to secure your room at the preferred member rate.

Hilton Milwaukee
509 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
• Rate: $209 per night ++
• Book by 9/1: Hilton Reservations or call (414) 935-5940

Brewhouse Inn & Suites
1215 N 10th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205
• Rate: $169 per night ++
• Book by 9/1: Brewhouse Reservations

Lodging Learning Exchange 10/5/2026 2:00 PM - 10/5/2026 5:00 PM

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:52:40 GMT

Lodging Learning Exchange

Join us for an exclusive afternoon of industry insight, leadership growth, and high-value networking. The Madison Area Hotel & Lodging Association (MAHLA) is proud to partner with Wisconsin Women in Lodging (WWIL) to bring you a power-packed learning experience designed specifically for Madison’s hospitality leaders.

Whether you are in operations, sales, guest services, or leadership, this is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, gain actionable strategies, and connect with peers across the region

Event Details

• Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Edgewater

The Agenda

2:00 PM – 2:10 PM | Welcome & Introductions
Opening remarks from MAHLA and WWIL leadership.

2:10 PM – 3:00 PM | Unlocking Growth: The Future of TPIDs
Discover how TPIDs empower lodging owners and operators to self-assess a dedicated fee that goes directly toward driving local tourism, boosting Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), and increasing paid overnight stays in your market.

Bill Elliott, CAE, Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association

3:00 PM – 3:10 PM | Networking Break

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM | "Elevate & Empower: Continuous Learning in Hospitality"
In a fast-paced hotel environment, continuous learning can be overlooked. This panel will explore taking ownership of professional development while nurturing management skills. Attendees will learn to identify skill gaps, advocate for training resources, and create clear career paths to retain talent and prepare future hospitality leaders.

Featured Panelists

Dr. Lynea LaVoy Madison College	Maureen Martin Destination Madison	Ranette Mauer AC Hotel Madison Downtown	Amy Supple The Edgewater Hotel

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Networking Reception
Cap off the day with refreshments and meaningful conversation with industry peers.

Who Should Attend?

This event is crafted for the entire hospitality ecosystem:
• Hotel General Managers & Assistant Managers
• Sales, Marketing, and Operations Leaders
• Emerging Leaders & Hospitality Students
• Industry Suppliers & Service Providers

Sponsorship Opportunities

Align your brand with industry leadership. We offer tiered sponsorship levels to help you gain visibility among Madison’s hotelier community.
• Supporting Sponsor ($250): Includes 1 attendee ticket and logo placement.
• Networking Sponsor ($500): Includes 2 attendee tickets, signage, and recognition.
• Education Sponsor ($750): Includes 2 attendee tickets and verbal recognition during the program.
• Reception Sponsor ($1,000 - Exclusive): Includes 3 attendee tickets, premier branding, and high-visibility recognition throughout the reception.

View the Sponsor Guide

Register Now

Ready to invest in your professional growth?

WHLA members: Please ensure you use your member credentials during registration to access exclusive member pricing.

WWIL Steering Committee Meeting 10/6/2026 1:00 PM - 10/6/2026 2:00 PM

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:21:29 GMT

Wisconsin Women in Lodging Steering Committee

The WWIL Steering Committee oversees events, content, and benefits for WWIL members. Committee volunteers meet online to plan WWIL programs, shape educational content, and recruit attendees for networking and professional development events.

Learn more about WWIL

View all WHLA Volunteer Opportunities

Innsights + Events Committee Meeting 10/8/2026 2:00 PM - 10/8/2026 3:00 PM

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:03:41 GMT

View all WHLA Volunteer Opportunities

Conference Committee Meeting 10/15/2026 10:30 AM - 10/15/2026 11:30 AM

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:33:42 GMT

Conference Committee

Committee members plan the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference and Trade Show.

This committee also monitors WHLA’s educational offerings and makes recommendations on scholarships, partnerships with hospitality programs, student support, and more.

View all WHLA Volunteer Opportunities

MAHLA October Member Meeting 10/15/2026 3:30 PM - 10/15/2026 5:00 PM

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:28:04 GMT

MAHLA Monthly Chapter Meetings

Stay Connected to Madison’s Lodging Industry

These meetings are intentionally informal and discussion-based—focused on real-time challenges, opportunities, and peer-to-peer connection.

Overview

Who Should Attend

• Hotel Owners & Operators

• General Managers & Property Leaders

• Sales & Marketing Professionals

• Hospitality Industry Partners

RSVP

Registration is encouraged; RSVP on LinkedIn.

2026 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show 11/1/2026 6:00 PM - 11/3/2026 11:45 AM

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:53:40 GMT

Check in. Level up at Wisconsin’s premier hospitality conference.

Join Wisconsin's top hotel owners, general managers, and lodging professionals. This immersive event delivers high-impact education, strategic networking, and innovative solutions to elevate your daily operations and guest experience.

Check In to Expert Insights

Prepare to dive into compelling, curated sessions designed to help you Level Up your property's guest experience, operational efficiency, and bottom line. Our keynote lineup features industry-leading voices ready to tackle your toughest challenges:

• Attracting and Retaining Talent: Move beyond the generational divide. Learn how to leverage the unique strengths of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z to build a resilient, high-performing culture.

• Straight Talk on Industry Realities: Get the unvarnished truth on the issues that matter most, from rising operational costs to the latest AHLA advocacy updates.

• Engagement in a Distracted World: Master the behavioral science behind guest loyalty. Discover how to cut through the digital noise and foster genuine, lasting connections with your guests.

• The ROI of Human Connection: Explore how investing in your people directly impacts your bottom line, elevates the guest experience, and drives consistent, repeat business.

Customize Your Experience

Beyond the main stage, tailor your learning with our specialized breakout sessions. Choose your path and gain actionable tools through three dedicated tracks:

• Check In to Leadership. Level Up Your Team: Focused on the human element of hospitality, covering culture, talent retention, and management consistency.

• Check In to Revenue. Level Up Results: Dedicated to your property's bottom line, exploring profit optimization, pricing strategies, and data-driven sales.

• Check In to Innovation. Level Up Your Property: Built for forward-thinking operators to discover practical automation, AI HR pipelines, evolving technology, and legal safeguards.

Level Up Your Network

Expand your network and build lasting relationships with hospitality peers, industry leaders, and vendors over three days filled with activities including:

• Opening Reception: Kick off with high-energy mingling.

• Board Chair's Reception: Connect with WHLA leadership and top hoteliers.

• Wisconsin Lodging Trade Show: Meet 80+ vendors and service providers.

• Awards Dinner & Live Auction: Celebrate industry leaders and support the community.

• Women in Lodging Social: Foster meaningful connections and mentorship.

Secure Your Spot

• Event Registration: Register early to secure the best rates! Log in with your WHLA credentials for member pricing.
Register Now!

• Student Passes: Eligible students can attend the conference at no cost.
Explore the Student Conference Experience

Accomodations

Secure your room at the Kalahari Resort - Wisconsin Dells for a discounted rate of $129/night.

Discounted rates are available from October 31 - November 3 when you book through the WHLA booking link.

Exhibitor + Sponsorship Opportunities

Gain direct access to key decision-makers actively seeking innovative solutions. Secure a high-traffic booth, become a top-tier sponsor, or host a highly visible activation (like our new DJ or Badge Flair Station) to maximize your brand's reach.

5th Annual GMHLA Bags Tournament 11/12/2026 12:00 Noon - 11/12/2026 4:00 PM

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:31:23 GMT

Join GMHLA members, Milwaukee hoteliers, local industry supporters, and hospitality vendors for the 5th Annual GMHLA Bags Tournament! Come and enjoy friendly competition, food, and fun at this popular Milwaukee-area chapter event. All skill levels are welcome. Guaranteed 2 games per team, and participation trophies will be awarded to all players.

Grab a partner and attend as a team, or come solo to socialize! Complimentary snacks and drinks will be available at the Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown, and 3rd St. Market Hall vendors will be open, and additional food will be available for purchase.

Team Awards
• Grand Champions
• 2nd Place Team
• 1st Place Hotel Team

Schedule
• 12 PM - Check in at Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown
• 12:30 PM - Games begin at the hotel
• 3:30 PM Final Four play-offs in the 3rd St. Market Hall

Registration
Space is limited to 24 teams. Advanced registration is required for all teams.
Spectators may register on-site at the event.

Options for registration
1. Register online using your WHLA credentials
2. Email your list of attendees to gmhla@wisconsinlodging.org

Sponsorships
GMHLA vendor members must sign up as sponsors to participate in this event, and may add additional teams or spectator passes at the Hotel Team rate.

2026 GMHLA Sponsor Guide

ABOUT GMHLA
The Greater Milwaukee Hotel & Lodging Association (GMHLA) is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of Milwaukee-area properties, as well as the Associate members who provide valued services to our lodging members and their guests. The GMHLA exists to promote the growth of the Greater Milwaukee hospitality partners through education & advocacy.

5th Annual GMHLA Bags Tournament (W) 11/12/2026 12:00 Noon - 11/12/2026 4:00 PM

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:44:44 GMT

Team Awards
• Grand Champions
• 2nd Place Team
• 1st Place Hotel Team

Schedule
• 12 PM - Check in at Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown
• 12:30 PM - Games begin at the hotel
• 3:30 PM Final Four play-offs in the 3rd St. Market Hall

Registration
Space is limited to 24 teams. Advanced registration is required for all teams.
Spectators may register on-site at the event.

Options for registration
1. Register online using your WHLA credentials
2. Email your list of attendees to gmhla@wisconsinlodging.org

Sponsorships
GMHLA vendor members must sign up as sponsors to participate in this event, and may add additional teams or spectator passes at the Hotel Team rate.

2026 GMHLA Sponsor Guide

Conference Committee Meeting 11/19/2026 10:30 AM - 11/19/2026 11:30 AM

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:34:00 GMT

Conference Committee

Committee members plan the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference and Trade Show.

This committee also monitors WHLA’s educational offerings and makes recommendations on scholarships, partnerships with hospitality programs, student support, and more.

View all WHLA Volunteer Opportunities

MAHLA November Member Meeting 11/19/2026 3:30 PM - 11/19/2026 5:00 PM

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:28:11 GMT

MAHLA Monthly Chapter Meetings

Stay Connected to Madison’s Lodging Industry

These meetings are intentionally informal and discussion-based—focused on real-time challenges, opportunities, and peer-to-peer connection.

Overview

Who Should Attend

• Hotel Owners & Operators

• General Managers & Property Leaders

• Sales & Marketing Professionals

• Hospitality Industry Partners

RSVP

Registration is encouraged; RSVP on LinkedIn.

WWIL Steering Committee Meeting 12/1/2026 1:00 PM - 12/1/2026 2:00 PM

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:21:49 GMT

Wisconsin Women in Lodging Steering Committee

Learn more about WWIL

View all WHLA Volunteer Opportunities

MAHLA Holiday Party 12/17/2026 3:30 PM - 12/17/2026 5:30 PM

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:59:44 GMT

MAHLA Holiday Party

Celebrate the Season with Madison’s Lodging Industry Community

Join the Madison Area Hotel & Lodging Association (MAHLA) for our annual Holiday Party—a chance to step away from the day-to-day and connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed, festive setting.

This event is all about appreciation, connection, and celebrating another year in Madison’s lodging community.

Overview

The MAHLA Holiday Party brings together local hoteliers, industry partners, and hospitality leaders for an easy, enjoyable evening of conversation and seasonal cheer.

No formal program—just a great opportunity to reconnect, meet new faces, and close out the year together.

What to Expect

• Casual networking with Madison-area hospitality professionals
• Festive atmosphere at a local member property
• Light refreshments and holiday touches
• Opportunities to connect with peers and partners

Who Should Attend

• Hotel Owners & Operators
• General Managers & Property Leaders
• Sales & Marketing Professionals
• Hospitality Industry Partners

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support MAHLA’s annual Holiday Party and gain visibility with Madison’s hospitality community while celebrating the season with industry peers.

All sponsorship levels include recognition among local hotel leaders, sales professionals, and hospitality partners.

View Sponsor Levels + Details

WHLA Action Day 2/24/2027 8:00 AM - 2/24/2027 8:00 PM

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:22:27 GMT

WHLA Action Day is Wisconsin's hotel industry advocacy day, where members come together to learn about the issues impacting their businesses and meet with state lawmakers and staff to share their stories.

Schedule of Events

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Wisconsin Women in Lodging Breakfast

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | WHLA Action Day

10:00 AM | Networking

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Action Day Program + Lunch
Lunch at 11:30 AM

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Walk to Capitol + Group Photo

1:00 - 3:00 PM | Scheduled Meetings at the Capitol

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Post-Event Meet-Up

4:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Action Day Reception + Dinner Program
Reception at 4:30 PM, Dinner at 6:00 PM, Program at 7:00 PM

Host Opportunity

Madison hotels within walking distance of the state capitol or with complimentary shuttle service are encouraged to submit a host proposal for the 2027 WHLA Action Day.

View the RFP and submit your proposal no later than September 18, 2026.