Dave Thomas // State Adviser // Wisconsin Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) // Madison, Wis.
Briefly state what your job entails.
I coordinate regional and state conference planning teams that represent our state organization to annually host approximately a dozen major conferences throughout Wisconsin.
What type of meeting did you hold in Fox Cities?
This past April, our annual state leadership conference was attended by over 2,300 Wisconsin FBLA members and guests from 175 Wisconsin school communities. This conference in Appleton included general membership sessions at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, over 90 academic competitive events at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel and tours to many of the region’s leading industries and community sites. We utilized over 700 guest rooms at 13 area hotels.
Was anyone particularly helpful in executing your event?
I can’t say enough about the fantastic meeting planning staff at the Fox Cities CVB for the vital role they played, from our first conference planning meeting to our final scheduled conference activity.
They helped to collaborate with us on our multiple facility contracting needs along with hotel arrangements, and also helped to engage Fox Cities community partners to support multiple components of our event, from promotional dining discounts to supporting our 100-plus volunteers.
The staff at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center provided a first-class experience to attendees while making the event planning and execution process as seamless as possible.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about being in Fox Cities?
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center provides an amazing environment for our membership. We also utilized Thrivent Financial Hall and Kimberly-Clark Theater during our
conference.
How does Fox Cities compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
We have operated numerous events throughout Wisconsin, and the Fox Cities experience has been one at the top of my list. I look forward to it annually, as I know that the right pieces are in place to support our conference needs.
As we plan future conference activities in the Fox Cities area we are anxiously awaiting to see and learn more about the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, which is under construction with plans to open later this year. It is exciting to have additional event space that may provide a new dynamic with flexible opportunities.
Would you return and/or recommend Fox Cities to other meeting planners?
Other meeting planners should strongly consider hosting an event in the Fox Cities area and also be prepared to have your attendees recommend that you return in the future.