Spring Training — Wisconsin Conference and Convention Centers Playbook

It’s that time of year again — spring training! Of course, you’re going to need to find the perfect Wisconsin conference or convention center to host your team.

Home Field Advantage - Central and East Central Wisconsin

There’s a definite advantage to locating a venue in the central Wisconsin area. You’re close to all the major players in town (Alliant Energy, Harley Davidson USA, Land’s End, Kohler, United Healthcare Services, et al) and you’ve got a championship line up of attractions (Wisconsin Dells, Potawatomi State Park, Menominee Casino Resort, etc.) that are the envy of every other location. Residing in the waterpark capital of the world, the Chula Vista Resort + Conference Center is the ideal location for your event. It’s a brand new ball game when your team takes in the variety of activities, spa, golf course, scenic river walk, and of course, the water park.  Or, you could really hit one out of the park when you book at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center at Wilderness Resort. Once you hear your team’s cheers for the 56,000 square feet of meeting space, comfortable lodging, four-star dining, award-winning spa and indoor/outdoor waterparks, you’ll know you hit the sweet spot.

Another crackerjack choice just a bit farther east would be the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni + Welcome + Conference Center, where your team can meet in more than 16,000 square feet of space. There’s no way you’ll strike out once they see the Lake Sodexo Grand Ballroom and the Great Hall with its stunning two-story fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the glittering Fox River. Next up to the plate is Blue Harbor Resort, Spa + Conference Center. Nestled on the western shores of Lake Michigan, Blue Harbor knocks it out of the park with beautiful and unique indoor and outdoor meeting space for up to 500, an indoor water park, restaurants and retail shops, not to mention scenic views of the sparkling lake.

Grand Slam - Northwest Wisconsin

Take your team on the road to the northwest part of the state. There you’ll find the wild and beautiful St. Croix River, the deep blue waters of Lake Superior, the charming Apostle Islands, and the still beauty of the Chippewa Valley, leaving all who visit with the feeling that they’ve slid safely into home. Take Heartwood Conference Center + Retreat for example. Located on 700 acres of breathtaking natural woodlands, the elegant resort features meeting space for up to 200, along with mouthwatering dining, access to two private lakes, and inviting accommodations in a wilderness paradise setting.

Home Run - Northeast Wisconsin

No matter the season, you’ll hit a homer when you take the team northeast to the renowned Door County. Bases are loaded in this part of the country with its 300 miles of spectacular shoreline, five majestic state parks, fabulous galleries and boutiques, mouthwatering cuisine and quality lodging. The first batter up in this neck of the woods is none other than the legendary Stone Harbor Resort, Hotel + Conference Center. Named Best Lakeshore Resort at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism, your team will want to go extra innings when they experience Stone Harbor’s gorgeous views, grand meeting spaces, and comfortable accommodations.

MVP - Southeast Wisconsin

Next on the championship roster is southeast Wisconsin, a place of bustling cities and rural landscapes, natural beauty and rich history.  When you swing for the fences, you’ll surely land at the Olympia Resort, Hotel + Spa + Conference Center in Oconomowoc. With 45,000 square feet of flexible meetings space, Olympia has hosted everything from trade shows to conferences to dog shows. (Threw you a curve ball with that one, didn’t we?) You might also consider another great catch, the Davians Banquet + Conference Center in Menomonee Falls. Considered one of the area’s finest banquet centers, your team will enjoy superior event services, food and beverage services, state-of-the-art presentation equipment, and a variety of business services.

Pitch any one of these major league conference and event centers to your team, and your event is sure to be a hit.