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In this action-packed episode of the Experience Milwaukee podcast, we kick things off with John Blust from Visit Milwaukee delivering the scoop on this month's can't-miss events – from Mother's Day festivities to the metal-meets-birds contrast of Milwaukee Metal Fest and the Brew City Birding Festival! Then, tech guru Peter High from Metis Strategy drops knowledge bombs about AI's future and shares how "infinite interns" might just be the perfect analogy for understanding today's tech revolution. Our newest Hometown Voices segment partner, Habush Habush & Rottier, gives us the inside story on personal injury law with some wild examples (jet ski injuries – who knew?). We wrap with an electrifying conversation with the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Admirals, Aaron Sims, who'll make you want to rush to Panther Arena on Sunday, May 11th to catch playoff hockey at its finest – even if you've never watched a game before!Experience Milwaukee is presented by Summerfest and Crescent 9 THC Seltzers and our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative.Thanks for listening.Love you, Milwaukee.
It's the biggest off-season event of the year in the NFL's smallest city. In this episode of Open Record, FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn invites FOX6 reporter Sam Kraemer on to talk about preps in Green Bay and what to expect in Titletown and across Wisconsin over the next several days. We also hear from Team Lammi and Visit Milwaukee and the unique partnership they have this NFL Draft weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This episode serves up a feast of laughs and local gems! Tim and Jeffrey from Milwaukee Wine Academy dish on their mission to make wine less intimidating while hosts joke about finding wines for "beer guys." The tech segment goes hilariously off-the-rails with AI confessions, including Ryan admitting he has philosophical car conversations with ChatGPT about engine braking! Admiral's VP "Bitter" receives hilarious catchphrases like "You're just experiencing the bitter truth!" And VISIT Milwaukee's Ian endures Adam's cringe-worthy Mason Crosby joke: "Right between the Mason jars!" Pure Milwaukee madness you won't want to miss!Listen for more from the people who are making a difference in your city!Experience Milwaukee is presented by Summerfest and Crescent 9 THC Seltzers.
#154 Josh is back!! Friend of the pod, Josh Albrecht is back. It's been just about two years since we last talked to Mr. Albrecht. And since then a sh*t ton has happened! Especially when it comes to the great city of Milwaukee. In this episode, we chop it up on: ✅ The impact of hosting "Top Chef" and The Real Housewives in Milwaukee ✅ The massive complexities and successes of hosting the Republican National Convention ✅ Albrecht's expanded role as CMO, and… ✅ The strategies Visit Milwaukee employs to engage partners Sit back and enjoy…and make sure you have your favorite pint on hand! Connect with Josh on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-albrecht-2019/ Connect with Pat at: pmcgovern@ascedia.com Before you go, please do us a favor. Take a minute and leave us a review. That's the energy that powers this supertanker! Thanks, you're the best! Want more marketing insights? Take a look at our full lineup.
Nate Vomhof is a Milwaukee based drone photographer/videographer who's also a full time pharmacist. Nate first picked up a camera when he spent 6 weeks on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico as part of his rotations as a pharmacist fresh out of school. His passion for capturing architecture and nature grew and after moving to Milwaukee hit a bit of a roadblock. He started to struggle with finding ways to capture the city in unique ways when so many other incredible photographers have shot all the same landmarks. His roommate had a drone, but was attaching a GoPro to it to get a different perspective. Once drones started coming out with their own cameras Nate knew he needed his own. In 2018 he got his first drone and the rest was history. Since then Nate has become a Milwaukee celebrity with his photos/videos reaching millions of views through not just his Instagram (@natevomhof 25.6k followers) , but from all the major clients he has worked with including Top Chef, Harley Davidson, Visit Milwaukee, The Brewers, and many more.
We're back with a new episode that includes four action-packed segments! Milwaukee Admirals President John Greenberg reveals their wild transformation into the "Milwaukee Cowbells" featuring SNL's Chris Kattan. Dive into the city's tech landscape with nvisia's Tracy Barrett, exploring how Milwaukee competes in the global tech arena. Get the inside scoop on February events from VISIT Milwaukee's Claire Hanan, including the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show. Cap it off with Summerfest's Jerrod Woods dropping major news about their earliest-ever lineup announcement. All this plus an exclusive TextMKE giveaway and genuine Milwaukee laughs!
Step into 2025 with Milwaukee's favorite local podcast, presented by Summerfest and Crescent9 THC Seltzers! Steve and Adam start with "In the Corner with the Milwaukee Admirals" and drops you rinkside with star player Cal O'Reilly for a candid conversation about team culture, on-ice intensity, and what makes Milwaukee feel like home, presented by the Milwaukee Admirals. Next, sponsored by NVISIA, get an insider's look at Milwaukee's booming tech revolution with visionary Milky Way Tech Hub founder Nadiyah Johnson, who's putting the city on the national tech radar. Discover your next adventure with the VISIT Milwaukee monthly events segment, packed with can't-miss January happenings across the city. Cap it off with Winter Break founder Kate Pociask (kjpociask@gmail.com), who's transforming Milwaukee's winter blues into an adrenaline-pumping festival featuring everything from dog sledding to winter surfing this February. TextMKE Giveaway: Want to rock authentic Admirals gear? Text JERSEY to 414-338-8911 by Sunday, January 5th at 5 PM CT for your chance to win one of two jerseys!
This show starts giving out another Standout of the Year who joins us in studio! We also discuss the criminal complaint released by Green Lake County following the arrest of Ryan Borgwardt when he returned to Wisconsin.
Our Standout of the Year – Peggy Williams-Smith joins the show in studio! We discuss why she won the award, and of course look to the future of Milwaukee. How far do they plan out huge events for the city? We also talk about the revitalization of the Baird Center. And we look ahead to what waits for Milwaukee including the conventioneer's super bowl planned for 2034.
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with three tourism industry leaders about the power of partnership and community engagement. Maureen Martin, Vice President of Partnerships and Community from Destination Madison, Bryan Kuebel, Senior Partnership Manager from Visit Milwaukee, and Greg LaDuca, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations from Visit Rochester, join me to discuss the Partnership and Community Engagement PACE Forum, the premier gathering place for passionate DMO professionals committed to the power of partnership and community engagement. They share the origin story of the PACE Forum, talk about the importance of this sector of the DMO industry, and give details of the 2025 event. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why PACE was formed and the significance of Partnership and Community Engagement for DMOs The value of non-competitive idea sharing among peers How the PACE forum has shifted professional interactions post-pandemic and the advantages of face-to-face networking The importance of creative revenue sources and consistent communication with tourism commissions How the PACE 2025 forum in Cincinnati aims to focus on new technologies, data, and AI Fostering Community and Engagement The Partnership and Community Engagement (PACE) initiative is a network of professionals dedicated to enhancing the impact of DMOs. Maureen elaborates on PACE's origins, sharing how the initiative formally took shape during the pandemic when professional norms shifted dramatically, leading to the first PACE Forum in Madison, Wisconsin, in February 2024. With an initial expectation of around 50 attendees, the forum's attendance soared to approximately 120 participants, underscoring the industry's hunger for community and collaboration. The forum successfully filled a void left by national conferences, offering continuous networking opportunities and fostering an environment for sharing ideas across borders. PACE 2025 is set to take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, from February 18-20. The upcoming forum promises to dig deep into new technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the invaluable role of networking in destination marketing. Advocacy for DMOs Maintaining consistent communication with tourism commissions and creatively seeking revenue sources is so important in the travel and tourism industry. The success of DMOs hinges on building strong, meaningful relationships within the community. Innovative programs like mentorship initiatives within the PACE Forum are designed to help newcomers integrate and feel connected. Their programs ensure that professionals at all travel and tourism industry levels benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience available. Advocacy extends beyond simple promotion—it involves building robust relationships, consistent communication, and a clear demonstration of tourism's economic impact on local communities. Sharing tangible success stories about how tourism positively affects local businesses and the community helps bolster support from various stakeholders. These compelling stories help make the abstract benefits of tourism concrete and relatable. The Value of Peer Networks Peer networks create a supportive ecosystem where professionals can share ideas that help them overcome common challenges and foster a sense of community. Greg, Maureen, and Bryan all emphasize how these connections promote professional and personal growth, enable tourism professionals to stay current with industry trends, and collaboratively develop impactful initiatives. The PACE forum, in particular, exemplifies the power of these networks by shifting traditional, nationally-run conferences towards a more intimate, peer-led format. Greg talks about how the forum's spirit of non-competitive idea exchange allows peers from various cities to share insights and strategies autonomously. Resources: Gregory LaDuca Website: https://www.thepaceforum.com/home LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-l-laduca-78442713/ Twitter Personal: https://x.com/gregoryladuca Maureen Martin Website: https://www.visitmadison.com/about-us/our-team/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinmaureen/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destination-madison/ TikTok Business: https://www.tiktok.com/@destinationmadison Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/destinationmadison/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DestinationMadison Bryan Kubel Website: https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkubel/ Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/bkubel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkubel/ Twitter: https://x.com/bkubel We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Three short-form social media pros discuss content length, messaging frequency, internal staff size, and how to deal with weekend posting when consumers remain active. Pamela Knowles is Director of Brand & Content Strategy at Visit Savannah. Claudia Murtha is Multimedia Creator at Visit Bucks County. Joshua Albrecht is Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Milwaukee.
A special adventure today as Kidd O'Shea takes us to his hometown, Milwaukee WI! Milwaukee is a vibrant city nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, boasting historic architecture and captivating public art. Kidd talks with Peggy Williams-Smith, President & CEO of Visit Milwaukee, about everything from the vibrant theater district and festivals to a culinary scene foodies will love. Learn how you can enjoy waterfront activities along Lake Michigan and immerse yourself in the city's dynamic culture and entertainment at visitmilwaukee.com. This episode is sponsored by Visit Milwaukee and Travel Wisconsin.
Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines
WisBusiness: the Podcast with Peggy Williams-Smith, Visit Milwaukee by wispolitics
Did you know that inside American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) in Milwaukee is a pilot brewery for the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company? Derrick, Jonathan AND Cameron headed to the J. Leinenkugel Barrel Yard to hang out with Katie Leinenkugel - sixth generation of the Leinenkugel family to be part of the iconic Wisconsin brewery - and Pilot Brewer, Corrine Georges - the mastermind behind the brews unique to Barrel Yard.As we overlooked the Brewers playing field inside this historic stadium, Corrine and Katie walked us through a tasting of the pilot beers available only at Barrel Yard in addition to the many iconic Leinenkugel's brews available too. Head to the J. Leinenkugel Barrel Yard during a Milwaukee Brewers game or on a non-game day, grab yourself a cold one and take a look at their delicious food menu, serving up unique spins on some traditional Wisconsin dishes. To get the full history on Leinenkugel's, take a visit back to episode 50 with Katie Leinenkugel - Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company — Pour Another Round Follow the J. Leinenkugel Barrel Yard:Facebook: /BarrelYardInstagram: @barrelyardmkeWebsite: barrelyardmke.comFollow the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company: Facebook: /leinenkugelsInstagram: @leinenkugelsTwitter: @leinenkugelsWebsite: leinie.comFollow Pour Another Round:Facebook: /PourAnothrRoundInstagram: @PourAnothrRoundTwitter: @PourAnothrRoundWebsite: pouranotherround.com
Sen. Bernie Sanders shares the message he's been delivering to Wisconsin voters. We explore the recent history of Wisconsin politics and its impact on representation in the state. Visit Milwaukee shares how they're marketing the city ahead of the RNC. Plus, we learn about the science at the beach.
Now at Noon Jessica Tighe and Greg Matzek talk about Bust travel ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Later Gary Luthier stops by to talk about the Museum of Beer and Brewing. Also, Claire Keonig of VISIT Milwaukee, joins to share upcoming events.
Dom sits down for a recorded podcast this week (thanks, Bucks!) but plenty to talk about that doesn't have to do with umpires. We talk about Willy's big day at the plate against the Rays, extension questions with William and Willy, and taking a look at what the first month brought for the Crew. The end of the show features five good minutes with Christian Yelich on his Home Plate Charity Concert this July. Tickets can be found here benefitting Team RWB, Visit Milwaukee, and the Brewers Community Foundation. https://www.pabsttheatergroup.com/events/detail/home-plate-charity-2024
“Cheese in different ways,” is only the beginning of Milwaukee's compelling cultural offerings. From the astounding waters, to the presence of industrious creatives who are making things happen and helping each other to develop their skills and talents—Milwaukee is a vibrant community that continues to exceed expectations and enable a strong quality of life for creatives of all disciplines. This special episode of Creative MKE features more conversations with arts leaders held at Washington Park Media Center including Angela Damiani, CEO of NEWaukee, Peggy Williams Smith, CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, Joe Poeschl, Director of Engagement of MKE Tech Hub Coalition and Kevin Giglinto, President & CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, Adam Braatz, Executive Director at Imagine MKE, Lafayette Crump, the City of Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development, Daniel Murray, Founder and Creative Director of FuzzPop Workshop. The group spends time envisioning what the future might look like for the city, and discussing how it's possible today to do so much in Milwaukee without encountering barriers that exist in other cities. Founding startups and launching profitable creative businesses, while building a network of collaborators and striking a fulfilling work-life balance... it can be done here. In Milwaukee, it's possible to dream big...and our creatives are the key to pushing the culture forward. “When artists come together, that's when the real magic arises,” reflected Kevin Giglinto, President & CEO of Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Marcus Center for the Performing Arts MKE Tech Hub Coalition VISIT Milwaukee NEWaukee FuzzPop Workshop Milwaukee Symphony OrchestraMilwaukee Film Festival Washington Park Media Center City of Milwaukee's Dept. of City Development
And we find out that we ALL have takes on the new Visit Milwaukee logo which we explore. Also this hour we talk to the man who preforms a one-man Star wars show. No props. No sets. Just talent.
In this episode, Steve and Adam are joined by Claire and Kathryn from VISIT Milwaukee. They both played an instrumental role in the launch of the brand new Milwaukee brand happening today. Jump into this episode for… How did the new Milwaukee brand come to be and who was involved? What's the reason for the new Milwaukee brand? How can the community get in on the fun and use the new Milwaukee brand to promote and pitch the city? All this and more in this episode. Oh, and you can see what the new Milwaukee brand looks like on our Instagram @expmke. Experience Milwaukee is generously presented by Nicolet Law. Also, look for our Milwaukee Legends series in our stream which is sponsored by Harley-Davidson. Our home studio is in Transfer Pizzeria Café. And our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. And If you want the inside scoop about what's happening in and around the city, including awesome giveaways each and every Monday, check out our FREE daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
On today's show: -(01:51.194) 3 Big Things: Day two of Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial jury selection, Army & Air Force on track to reach 2024 recruitment goals, and the Olympic flame has been lit for 2024 Paris games -(04:57.200) Visit Milwaukee VP of Marketing and Communications Josh Albrecht unveils Visit Milwaukee's new brand -(13:56.727) MLB.com Brewers Beat Writer Adam McCalvy with the latest on the Brewers -(23:51.834) ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan on the FAA's new airport safety system -(29:53.270) Now at Noon: Latest on Trump trial jury selection, campus crime rose 8% from 2019-2022 on college and university campuses, and last night's WNBA Draft -(34:30.377) Associate Dean & Deputy Director of Advancing Healthier Wisconsin Endowment Dr. Ugwuji Maduekwe on The Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit -(40:15.410) "The Ringer" Event by the MACC Fund on April 25th. To donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/greg-matzek-gabe-neitzel -(43:19.024) Tech Tuesday w/ ABC News Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski -(50:16.512) CDC & FDA investigating counterfeit botox
Visit Milwaukee VP of Marketing & Communications Josh Albrecht joins Wisconsin's Midday News to unveil Visit Milwaukee's new brand. The new brand brings "Fresh, Flavor, and Forward" to the forefront with a brand new logo as well.
It's not always as easy to find things to do in the dead of winter. Thanks to Visit Milwaukee, and the Museum Days event, the doors are open to over 30 different museums stretching from Kohler to Racine with entry discounts and some even offering free admission until January 28th.
This is our year in review 2023: all the cool things we've done to help you get more connected to the people, places, and events that make Milwaukee amazing. And that list of things is long. Here are a few hints… Of course, bourbon and beer played significant roles in our activities this year! How in the hell did we manage to give away nearly 1,200 Summerfest tickets? Emerging musicians will continue to be a huge part of the show! We closed out the year by launching a digital discount card that gets you VIP deals across the city. Take a listen, then head over to ExperienceMilwaukee.com for more info on all of these things or to get in touch with us. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee. And don't forget to check out our daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
Steve and Adam recorded this episode live at Fuel Cafe with Alyssa Weninger, the Catering and Events Manager, and one of Fuel's regulars, Evan. The four of us talk through the vibe at Fuel Cafe and how to experience the place like a regular, even if you've never been there. From brunch to nightlife, what's the best way to dive into Fuel Cafe? How do you navigate the cafe / bar / restaurant? What if you want to host an event there? From our experience, most days Fuel Cafe is a pretty chill place. Even a spot to open a laptop and get some work done. But we definitely learned how rowdy it can get - take a listen for more on that! Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee. And don't forget to check out our daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
#102 Today we are sitting down with Kevin Hardman to talk about marketing places. We go deep into the brand Milwaukee and how we can take a good brand and make it great! If you love talking about Milwaukee, check out our interview with Joshua Albrecht, VP of Marketing & Communications for Visit Milwaukee. Kevin is on LinkedIn all the time. So reach out to him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hardman/ And make sure you reach out to Kurt and Pat here: ✅ Connect with Kurt at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtlingel/ ✅ Connect with Pat at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmcgovern1/
This episode was recorded live at Summerfest 2023 with our intern, Katie. Katie joined the team last summer. She's passionate about film, is super talented already at age 17, totally gets Steve and Adam's humor, is fast and flexible in her work, and is always open to feedback and suggestions to get better. Katie jumps in to share her thoughts on her internship experience, which included having fun at Summerfest. Katie also reveals which bands she'd like to see at Summerfest in 2024. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee. And don't forget to check out our FREE daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
In this episode, Steve is joined by Six: an extraordinary and passionate part of the team at Saint Kate The Arts Hotel smack dab in the middle of the Theater District in downtown Milwaukee. What's the experience like at Saint Kate? What makes the experience, food, and drink unique? Why is Saint Kate perfect for everything from gathering with friends to the before and after stop when you're downtown to see a show? Why is it a perfect place for locals to stay, yes stay, anytime? Is there still a secret spot in the hotel? What holiday events are coming up? (here's a hint: https://www.saintkatearts.com/holidays) All of this and more in a high fun and high energy episode with Six. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee. And don't forget to check out our daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
In this episode, the guys drink a lot and share even more about where you can stay up to date on what's happening in Milwaukee. Want the inside scoop, take a listen. Oh, and, disclaimer: there is a several minute rant on cargo shorts. It's hilarious. Enjoy a few laughs with Steve and Adam, then get out and experience Milwaukee. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee. And don't forget to check out our daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
We speak with MATC president Vicki Martin about what she hopes her legacy is after a decade of leading the school. Then, we learn about some haunted parks and cemeteries in Milwaukee Plus, hear some new songs from local musicians in this month's Milwaukee Music Roundup.
In this episode, Steve is joined by Adam Hug and Caitlin Doll from Saz's State House, an iconic Milwaukee spot that originally opened as a saloon in 1895. As someone who has had more than his fair share of sampler platters at many different local festivals, It was amazing for Steve to get to know Saz's better and learn how many different food and drink options Saz's really has! How did the building transition and change hands since 1895? From game day to the famous Friday fish fry, what's the vibe there today? How do the regulars experience Saz's? When is Saz there working (and how do you meet him)? All of this and more in a fast paced, fun, and friendly episode. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee and our official presenting partner is Groth Law. And don't forget to subscribe to our daily text at TextMKE.com. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
Supporters of the plan to use taxpayer money to pay for renovations and upkeep at American Family Field are out with a new poll they say shows most people in Wisconsin agree. Milwaukee's tourism office, Visit Milwaukee, and the city's Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce released the poll Wednesday morning. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wisconsininfocus/support
This episode features Steve Sazama, president of Saz's Hospitality Group. Steve and our Steve dig into all things about the history of this authentic and cherished Milwaukee brand. How did Saz's get off the ground? How did they initially get into places like Summerfest, State Fair, and major sporting events? How was the famous and sooooo delicious Saz's mozzarella stick born? What are some of Steve's favorite memories and why do relationships matter? All of this and more in this entertaining and informative episode. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. Meet us there for our Halfway to Milwaukee Day party on October 14. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee and our official presenting partner is Groth Law. And don't forget to subscribe to our daily text at TextMKE.com.
This episode is Steve and Adam riffing on what they love most about doing this podcast along with their fave spots in and around the city. Hidden gems? This episode has them. Body shots? Yep. Plus our top 5 loves. Kinda. We were drunk. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee and our official presenting partner is Groth Law. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee. Sponsors: https://grothlawfirm.com https://www.visitmilwaukee.org https://newbaronsbrewing.com https://www.transfermke.com
Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, highlights the city's upcoming role in hosting the Republican National Convention and emphasizes the potential economic benefits. She also shares her passion for the hospitality industry and dedication to promoting Milwaukee's unique stories and attractions. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.
This episode features Shannon Ross, Executive Director of The Community and Ruben Gaona, Executive Director of My Way Out. Both organizations focus on critical work in helping currently and formerly incarcerated individuals plot a new path, a new journey, a way out. What was it like for Ruben and Shannon after incarceration? What have they built to help others in the same circumstances? How is it working? Why are they doing this important work in Milwaukee? What was their turnaround moment? Take a listen, then check their organizations out at https://thecommunitynow.us and www.mwout.org to learn more and find numerous ways to support. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe. Our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative. We are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee and our official presenting partner is Groth Law. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee.
It all begins with a visit. If you ask the leadership of VISIT Milwaukee, they believe that in order to attract people to live, work, and play somewhere, they have to first experience and connect to the culture of that place on a deeper level.The attraction of the outside world to Milwaukee is not an accident, and is, in large part due to the work of VISIT Milwaukee—lead by Peggy Williams Smith, President & CEO, Joshua Albrecht, VP of Marketing & Communications and Claire Koenig, Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs—who champion and lift up the city's culture every day through their work and entice media representatives to visit and learn more about what Milwaukee has to offer. At the same time, Milwaukee continues to struggle with population decline and a loss of talent, particularly within diverse communities.The attraction of the outside world to Milwaukee is not an accident, and is, in large part due to the work of VISIT Milwaukee—Peggy Williams Smith, Joshua Albrecht, and Claire Koenig—who champion and lift up the city's culture every day through their work and entice media representatives to visit and learn more about what Milwaukee has to offer. At the same time, Milwaukee continues to struggle with population decline and a loss of talent, particularly within diverse communities.Elisabeth, along with Imagine MKE's Executive Director Adam Braatz, discuss with the VISIT Milwaukee team how the arts and culture of Milwaukee is one of its chief assets, and a powerful economic driver. The group discuss how intrinsic the arts are to tourism, and how Imagine MKE and VISIT Milwaukee are both working to amplify the region's creative economy and shape the narrative about Milwaukee. If the narrative shifts, and our arts sector can be better supported and broadcast for all its brilliance, it all adds up to Milwaukee stepping into its greatness as, in Albrecht's words, as a new “arts and culture society." They see a future where Milwaukee is known as an innovative place that embraces, supports, and celebrates all that is creative and expressive, and where talent and lovers of culture will see themselves, feel a sense of belonging, and want to build their lives.Learn more about the work of VISIT Milwaukee, and follow them on Instagram.Additional ResourcesMKE Theater District
In this fast chat, Steve has a fun conversation with Carl Brown from the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival. On its surface, the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival has great music from superstars of jazz along with a few uniquely fun events. But as Steve dug in with Carl, he learned how festival proceeds go to support scholarships, school music programs, healthcare initiatives and more across the Milwaukee community. All to honor Carl's parents. Take a listen, then get your tickets for great music and a great cause at FreshCoastJazz.com. The festival is Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26. Experience Milwaukee has its home studio in Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, our official beer partner is New Barons Brewing Cooperative (check out the return of the Experience Milwaukee Hoppy Pilsner now on tap at New Barons and at Black Sheep MKE), we are sponsored in part by VISIT Milwaukee and our official presenting partner is Groth Law. Thanks for listening. Love you, Milwaukee. Featured and sponsors: https://www.freshcoastjazz.com https://www.transfermke.com https://newbaronsbrewing.com https://www.blacksheepmke.com https://www.visitmilwaukee.org https://grothlawfirm.com
#80 S'up. In this episode, the boys sit down with Josh Albrecht. Marketing a city like Milwaukee is a super interesting job and Josh breaks it down for us. Here's what you want to listen for: ✅ What's a typical day in the life of Josh ✅ How the Visit Milwaukee team goes about marketing groups and conventions ✅ How Milwaukee stands out on the global stage ✅ Why strong tourism is important to the city and region ✅ How Visit Milwaukee works with local leaders and local businesses ✅ The importance of a destination's website ✅ How they come up with content ideas for travelers Come and have a listen you'll get a lot from it. Here's where you can find out more about Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-albrecht-2019/ Visit Milwaukee here: https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/ ✅ Connect with Kurt at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtlingel/ ✅ Connect with Pat at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmcgovern1/
We learn about the power of interfaith dialogue and look at an example of it here in Milwaukee. We hear from an Indigenous chef a restaurant in Wisconsin. We speak with two chefs featured in VISIT Milwaukee's new series, 'Good Things Brewing.' Plus, we tell you about the Karen Supermarket which serves Milwaukee's Myanmar refugees.
Omar Shaikh is an influential figure in Milwaukee, with a strong belief in the power of community involvement and collaboration to drive positive change. As a highly successful business owner and community leader for over two decades, Omar understands the importance of actively participating in local initiatives. His track record demonstrates his commitment to building coalitions and bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve significant accomplishments. From spearheading redevelopment projects to advocating for tourism and fundraising for nonprofits, Omar's dedication to community engagement and his ability to mobilize resources have made him a driving force in moving Milwaukee forward.For 20 years, Omar Shaikh has been a successful Milwaukee business owner known for his exceptional service in the hospitality industry as the leader of the award-winning steakhouse Carnevor. He has played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of downtown Milwaukee's Grand Avenue property and the opening of 3rd St. Market Hall, focusing on revitalizing the historic downtown landmark. Omar's community involvement includes serving as Board Chair for VISIT Milwaukee, advocating for tourism, and securing the expansion of the Milwaukee Convention Center. Alongside his wife, Connie, Omar is dedicated to giving back through initiatives like the 'Three Days of Christmas' and supporting nonprofits through fundraising efforts.Support the show
Visit Milwaukee president and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith joined Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes managing editor Arthur Thomas on Leadership Lens, a monthly podcast that dives into the leadership styles of Milwaukee-area business leaders. The conversation, recorded in mid-April, touches on how Williams-Smith navigated the pandemic, which hit just after she started in her role, landing the Republican National Convention, selling Milwaukee and addressing its challenges, leading as an optimist who doesn't want to say no to things, and much more.
In this Work in MKE episode you'll get a behind the scenes view of what it's like to work in tourism and hospitality in Milwaukee: two critical pieces to bring people here to experience the city. This episode pulls together few conversations with members of the VISIT Milwaukee team as well as representatives from Lakefront Brewery and the Bartolotta Restaurants. What is it like to work in hospitality and tourism in our great city? What kind of transferable skills are acquired through this great work? What are the cool perks of the job, and, is it a requirement that you love the city to be successful in Milwaukee's tourism and hospitality scene or is that something that comes through in the passion for the work? Even more, what did Steve learn from this experience? All of this and more is answered in this insightful and entertaining episode. One last thing: this episode was sponsored by our friends at VISIT Milwaukee!
How does a very Blue City land a very Red Convention? Visit Milwaukee's Peggy Williams-Smith joins DMOU to share the story of how her Team and City landed the 2024 Republican National Convention. We'll also discuss how Milwaukee was named one of National Geographic's Top Destinations and how Visit Milwaukee has expanded the organization's community awareness, visibility and support. Plus a Bonus Round question on her deep Beer City roots.
Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, is passionate about selling her beloved city to national and international visitors. She grew up in the hospitality industry, starting work in the field at 15 years old, and her work these days has her doing everything from being part of a bipartisan group of leaders bidding for national political conventions to leading her team in culturally responsive work.In this episode, Williams-Smith talks about economic impact through hospitality and discusses her efforts to engage diverse businesses in VISIT Milwaukee's partnership base. Above all, she says? Never put a limit on your potential – and be kind.Episode Highlights03:37 - We are on the road to recovery. It's awesome. It's great for us. But we have taken a really inventive approach to how we market the city. We're not doing the things we used to do. We're much more verbose about how great our city is. It has been a long time that we're often talked about as being quiet, under the radar. People come to our city and say, "Oh, I just didn't realize how good it was." My goal, at the end of my tenure with VISIT Milwaukee, is to never hear anyone say that again. We need to shout it from the rooftop because it does create economic impact. 14:03 - We're all here together for one purpose, and that's to shine a light on Milwaukee. So, it's been an incredible experience. Now the hard work begins, and that's actually shining the light on Milwaukee and hoping that this allows us to create more economic impact, more opportunity that will then allow us to fix some of the things that we still need to fix.26:14 - Never put a limit on your potential. I started as a bartender and a waitress. I worked my way through hospitality, and I'm now the CEO of an organization that gets to sell the city. I get to be on stages around the country talking about how amazing Milwaukee is.Connect with Becky Dubin JenkinsLinkedInConnect with Peggy Williams-SmithLinkedInGuest Bio:Peggy Williams-Smith is a Milwaukee native and veteran of the hospitality industry who joined VISIT Milwaukee as the company's first female president and CEO in 2019. Under her direction, the company has launched exciting, dynamic marketing campaigns to increase economic impact to the community and elevate the city's reputation.Since 2019, Williams-Smith has deepened the company's local connections and developed a nimble team that is more responsive than ever to changes within the travel and hospitality industries. This was none more apparent than during the pandemic when VISIT Milwaukee became the go-to source for information for the hospitality industry and the industry's No. 1 advocate on state and local levels.From promoting the city to the nation during the Milwaukee Bucks' championship run to leading the city's bid to secure the 2024 Republican National Convention, Williams-Smith's strategic leadership will ultimately result in economic gains for Milwaukee for years to come. Prior to her work at VISIT Milwaukee, she worked for Marcus Hotels & Resorts for over 22 years and held leadership positions at varying levels throughout the division. Williams-Smith is a proud mentor of other women in business and uses her free time to support numerous charitable causes. She resides in Milwaukee with her husband, Tim Smith, their niece, Jocelyn, and their Boston Terrier, Tito Fenway.
Marty Brooks is the President and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District in Milwaukee. In this role, Marty also oversees business growth and operations for the Wisconsin Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre. He works closely with VISIT Milwaukee to secure unforgettable acts and diverse conventions year-round that heighten WCD's value and brand in the Midwest. With his vision to be bold, proud, and experience-obsessed (BPX), Marty is an energized leader driving WCD toward strong and focused financial performance and growth that results in a thriving community. By thinking unconventionally and taking strategic risks, Brooks is elevating the WCD as a top local and national entertainment and convention center destination recognized for its captivating and buzzworthy experiences. I loved my conversation with Marty, and I believe you will, too. Enjoy!To learn more about Marty, please visit the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-brooks-7137539/Website: https://www.wcd.orgAlso mentioned on this episode: Kimberly Kane, Omar Shaikh, Peter Feigin, Kay Koplovitz, Bob Gutkowski, Raj Saha, Russ Staerkel, Scott Neitzel, Gary Witt, Sarah Maio, Jim Dolan.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Please LIKE
Happy new year!! Ok, the news is out. Check this hilarious episode for all the details from Adam and Steve along with Heidi and John from New Barons Brewing Cooperative. Also, you might catch that the podcast is now presented by VISIT Milwaukee (yay!). And that we have new show music from NEWSKI! Take a listen then block your cal for January 19th!!!