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Planner’s Perspective

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Ted Dey
President
Armed Forces Reunions
Norfolk, Va.

Describe your event.

This was an annual reunion for the Third Marine Division. About 400 people attended, and we used the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee for accomodations and meeting space.

Why did you decide to host the meeting in Milwaukee?
The division’s Milwaukee chapter is very active, and they wanted us to return. We went there in 1997.

What surprised you the most about Milwaukee?
I have known the city for a long time because we have put many other groups there, but I was surprised by the lack of traffic downtown. It’s really a quiet city, and it’s beautiful, with nice architecture and a small-town feeling. The new riverfront development is especially nice.

What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
I think the walkability of the city. The last time they were there, they met at an airport hotel. This time they said they wanted to be downtown, and they really enjoyed all that was close to the hotel.

Was anybody particularly helpful at a venue or property?
The convention services staff at the Hyatt has always been exceptional—since I first went there in 1992. They are consistent with service. Aaron Kraemer stands out; he was always around and on top of things, making sure we had what we needed. We had lots of special requests, and he went to bat for us all the time.

Did you incorporate any interesting activities into the agenda?
We toured the Miller Brewery and Old World Wisconsin, a very interesting living history site outside the city with farm buildings from the 1800s. We did city tours, Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Inn and a tour to the Kohler design center; their showroom and museum tell the history of kitchen and bath product design. A number of our people enjoyed a tour to the Experimental Aircraft Association Museum in Oshkosh.

How does Milwaukee compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
I think it offers groups high quality. It is centrally located and has a lot to offer in its ethnic flavors. Unlike some larger cities in the Midwest, it doesn’t have the awful traffic, high prices and sprawl. Also, it’s very safe.

Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Milwaukee?
Stay downtown. In some cities, that doesn’t matter. But if you stay in center city Milwaukee, you are within walking distance of both the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, and that’s a plus.