Milwaukee to Host Two Travel Industry Conferences

04/10/2006

Milwaukee has been selected as the host city for two conferences that will bring influential travel professionals to town, The Heartland Travel Showcase and the Midwest Travel Writers Association. The positive impact of these meetings will extend far beyond the individual conferences and should include future group business for Milwaukee and significant media coverage for the city. 

The Heartland Travel Showcase, a trade show produced by Ohio Travel Association, will convene in Milwaukee March 6 - 8, 2008. Of the expected 800 attendees, approximately 150 will be tour operators or tour planners looking at the city as a destination for future groups. The Heartland Travel Showcase encompasses attendees from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada. 

"Heartland Travel Showcase is recognized as the largest regional motorcoach marketplace in the United States. Business booked through these visiting tour planners has the potential to bring millions of dollars into the city," explained VISIT Milwaukee Group Tour Manager Wendy Dobrzynski. "Our world-class attractions, top-notch entertainment, and a city that is easy to navigate make Milwaukee an ideal group tour destination. We look forward to showcasing the city's best assets." 

The Midwest Travel Writers Association(MTWA), the nation's oldest organization devoted exclusively to travel writing, will hold its 2009 fall conference in Milwaukee. Based in Lincoln, Neb., the MTWA has about 100 members from 13 Midwestern states. A primary function of MTWA meetings is to provide opportunities for active members to experience destinations firsthand for research and story gathering. This group last met in Milwaukee in May 1986. 

"With $1.5 billion invested in our tourism product since 1998 and another $1 billion to come in the next couple of years we have a new, reenergized city to showcase to these journalists," said David Fantle, vice president of public relations for VISIT Milwaukee. "We're rightly proud of Milwaukee and we look forward to sharing the fun and excitement of our tourist-friendly destination with these guests." 

VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 700 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.4 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2004 and supported about 61,000 local jobs. The Spirit of Milwaukee and Potawatomi Bingo Casino are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 
David Fantle, Director of Public Relations, VISIT Milwaukee 
414/287-4253