Christine Nachreiner
Convention and Tradeshow Manager
Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association
Madison, Wis.
Describe your event.
Our Annual Convention is held every year in May to bring our members and non-members together to network, socialize and to get educated on the things that are affecting the telecommunications industry. We usually have between 350 and 400 attendees. The meeting’s purpose is to educate its members on our industry and to create an atmosphere that facilitates the free flow of information among members. The meeting also provides an opportunity for members, regulators, legislators, and other industry-related people to generate enthusiasm and involvement in industry activities, to expose members to new and innovative ideas, and to educate and update members. Our meeting in May 2007 was held at the Grand Geneva Golf Resort & Spa.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Lake Geneva?
We chose Lake Geneva because it is a very beautiful city and has many things to offer. During our social day, golfers could golf on-site and attendees also got the opportunity to fish on Lake Michigan. Lake Geneva is also near Illinois and Milwaukee, therefore offering many choices for our spouse/guest day outing. Lake Geneva also offers many dining options, such as Red Geranium, Geneva National’s Hunt Club, Kirsch’s at the French Country Inn, and St. Moritz.
What surprised you the most about Lake Geneva?
How beautiful it is in May!
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
People enjoyed networking, presentations by speakers, seeing old friends, and getting to know new ones. They also enjoyed the golf, fishing, shopping, and other hospitality events we offered, such as a game show, a comedian and entertainment.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
Kristi Johnson, catering conference service manager, was helpful. She was always there to help out with all of our needs and was a wonderful person to work with.
Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand?
No, but we always make sure there isn’t any construction going on at the time of our event. This can create problems with meeting rooms, guest rooms, etc. If you know construction will be happening, you can make adjustments ahead of time. It is much harder to make major meeting room adjustments after you are on-site. The goal is to always keep your members/attendees happy.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property?
I would say any group would work well at the Grand Geneva. It has many different meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups, midsize groups and large groups. It’s also a fantastic place for weddings. The outside grounds are kept up beautifully.
How does Lake Geneva compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
It rates top notch for the association and its members. It works well having the golf right on property, Lake Michigan close by and so many other choices nearby for people to go see.
Would you return?
Absolutely.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Lake Geneva?
As always, make sure you have everything spelled out in the contract that you want (meeting rooms, number of guest rooms). When you work out the details of your convention/meeting, make sure you are very detailed with what you want. When everything is very detailed, the whole event runs very smoothly. I think you will absolutely love the Lake Geneva area.
