Lake Geneva area mixes historic charm with unique meeting venues
An interview with Susan Smolarek, group sales manager at Visit Lake Geneva.
Q: Tell us about Visit Lake Geneva.
A: The Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce, now dba Visit Lake Geneva, was formed on March 14, 1944 and is a nonprofit organization that exists to encourage, stimulate and promote economic development, expansion and diversification. The chamber acts as the united voice on behalf of the business community within the Geneva Lake area.
Q: What's unique about the region?
A: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is home to several Midwest premier golf destinations, luxury resorts and restaurants all conveniently located between Milwaukee and Chicago. Surrounded by lush foliage encompassing a charming town, cozy shops and eateries, making it a unique and historical site to see. Not only is Lake Geneva home to AAA four-diamond resorts, but it is also home to unique meeting venues, like The Maxwell Mansion 1856, the first mansion ever built in Lake Geneva.
Which was host to many dignitaries and socialites throughout the ages. History is what made Lake Geneva what it is today and it can be found everywhere you look. Whether it's on the historic 21-mile Lake Shore Path that encircles the lake, one of the eight turn of the century boats that cruise daily along its shores, or an exciting Vegas style magic show. Your group will always feel like they stepped back in time when they visit the streets of Lake Geneva making it a unique once in a lifetime experience.
Q: How does the region cater to corporate meetings and events?
A: Lake Geneva is home to luxury hotels and resorts that specialize in exquisite dining options, championship golf courses and full-service salons and spas, creating a memorable experience to perfectly suit any size group.
Lake Geneva offers every kind of venue possible, whether it's zip lining at Canopy Tours, a sunset dinner boat cruise on Geneva Lake, live entertainment, game show and dinner at Rosewood or a murder mystery show at The Baker House, mixed with a great shopping excursion in the unique shops downtown, we have you covered. Creating a unique experience for your meeting or conference is what we specialize in, have you seen the Dancing Horses? We are here for you, to assist you in planning the most memorable meeting ever.
Q: How does Visit Lake Geneva assist in helping promote the region for meetings?
A: Visit Lake Geneva has an extensive marketing agenda in social media, print and trade shows that are exclusive to the group meetings market, as well as leisure travelers. Our website is very detailed to offer everything a meeting planner needs to book their meetings or conferences, and activities that go with them.
Visit Lake Geneva will help meeting planners source their program, organize site visits for lodging, activities and dining, to help create the best experience for not only the group, but the planner.
Q: What are people in your industry talking about?
A: Lake Geneva! The year round meeting destination that will turn your conference into a refreshing, yet educational experience. Beat the meeting Blahs, and experience your meeting on a boat, in a mansion, or inside of an entertainment venue.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?
A: I have been a director of sales for various hotels for about 15 years, and in the past 2.5 years working with Visit Lake Geneva. My primary role, is to build awareness about Lake Geneva's unique meeting venues, and activities to meeting planners to assist them in booking their meetings and conferences in Lake Geneva.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the region that most people may not know?
A: Lake Geneva's earliest settlers were among the indigenous Potawatomi tribe. The Geneva Lake Shore Path is a public walking path created by the same natural foot path that still exists today, called The Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21-mile hike around Geneva Lake.
Q: Who should we follow on social media?
A: On Facebook, we are at facebook.com/mylakegeneva/; Twitter at @mylakegeneva and linkedin.com/company-beta/10412447/admin/updates/
Visit Lake Geneva has a large following on all social media platforms. Consisting of 30,000 followers on Facebook who are interested in unique activities and venues to keep their corporate followers busy and entertained during their stay in Lake Geneva.
Visit Lake Geneva
Address: 527 Center St., Lake Geneva, WI 53212
Phone: (262) 248-1000
Number of employees: 12
When organization started: 1944
Web address: <a href="http://www.VisitLakeGeneva.com">VisitLakeGeneva.com</a>
Twitter: twitter.com/mylakegeneva @mylakegeneva.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mylakegeneva/?ref=bookmarks