Leslie Johnson
VP of Sales and Event Experience
What year did you start at VISIT Milwaukee?
December 2019
What is your industry organization involvement?
WSAE, MPI-WI
What is your local organization involvement?
TEMPO Milwaukee
What is your favorite/most inspirational thing about your job?
Working with a skilled & dynamic team to sell an unbelievable destination. I love telling the story of Milwaukee and all we have to offer to those who have had the pleasure to experience it in person and watching their eyes light up with excitement.
What is your personal background?
Grew up in our neighboring state to the south of beautiful Wisconsin, but planted my roots in Wisconsin 16 years ago. My husband Andrew & I have two beautiful children along with two energetic & loving English Labs.
What is something fun about you?
Fun Fact: Struck by lighting....twice. And no, I have not won the lotto yet! In my free time I enjoy hiking with my husband & dogs when I'm not cooking to keep my teenagers happy.
What are some "can't miss" Milwaukee experiences?
- Summerfest---there is nothing like it in the world!
- Enjoying a warm summer day playing Volleyball at Bradford Beach
- Taking a brewery tour at Lakefront Brewery & following it up with Fish Fry in the Restaurant....and then showing everyone your polka skills on the dance floor
- Hitting one of our 100+ golf courses within the Milwaukee area to kick off the weekend
- Thursday after work, heading over to Harley-Davidson Museum for Bike Night!
What is your favorite Milwaukee memory?
The first time I walked through the main entrance of Summerfest when I was 15 and experiencing all of the energy it brings with music, the people, the smells of all of the amazing food being served! While on my way to see my first concert at the amphitheater which was Paula Abdul & Color Me Bad...and yes, I just aged myself!
If you could only eat one Milwaukee staple food forever, what would it be?
Mader's Pork Shank! A must have when visiting Milwaukee!
What is your favorite Milwaukee tradition?
Our yearly outing to a Milwaukee Brewers game as a family and friends!
What is your favorite Milwaukee "fun fact"?
Milwaukee's known as the Cream City because of the yellow, cream-colored bricks that were first discovered and made here in the 19th century and it doesn't have anything to do with dairy or beer...like so many think!