marketing coordinator
Tekla Inc.
Kennesaw, Ga.
Describe your event.
Each year Tekla users gather in a different location for in-depth workshops, technical sessions, networking and one-on-one interaction with Tekla staff and other Tekla users for two days. This year's North American User Meeting was held Aug. 21-23 at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Some 334 attendees came from not only North America but also several other continents, including South America, Australia and Europe.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Milwaukee?
We wanted a location in the central region of the U.S., as we switch from East Coast to central to West Coast each year. After much research and working with the Visit Milwaukee staff and visiting the city, we were convinced it was the right city for our needs.
What surprised you the most about Milwaukee?
Everything! We didn’t really think much of Milwaukee at first but the usual cheese and beer cliches. One of the things that stood out was the metropolitan feel of the city without the big metropolitan city hassles, such as bad traffic, litter, smog, etc. It is a beautiful city with a lot to do!
What did your attendees seem to enjoy most?
Attendees seemed impressed with The Pfister Hotel’s history and charm. Our Friday night event at Discovery World Museum at Pier Wisconsin received a lot of good reviews in terms of the location on the lake, the different exhibits and the great food!
Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand?
I wish I would have known earlier how great of a city Milwaukee was. It was a little hidden treasure for us.
What would you have done differently?
I would have opened up our registrations earlier and promoted our meeting more because the city turned out to be such great destination for the group.
What other types of groups would fit well with the hotel?
I really think any type of group would be happy with The Pfister Hotel. It’s conveniently located close to the lake, museums, great bars, great shopping, etc.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
Our Friday night reception was at Discovery World Museum at Pier Wisconsin, which is located right on the lake next to the famous Milwaukee Summerfest grounds and the Milwaukee Art Museum. Another after-meeting hot spot for our staff and attendees was a restaurant and bar called the SafeHouse, located near Milwaukee’s Riverwalk. The establishment had an espionage/spy theme and required patrons to recite a password upon entering.
What local suppliers did you utilize?
Bartolotta Catering & Events at Discovery World. Our attendees could not stop raving about the food they ate at our Friday night event.
Would you return?
Most definitely!
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Milwaukee?
Utilize Visit Milwaukee staff because they are top notch, especially for those who had never been to the city before. They made our event memorable and special.