#travelforward spotlight: Groups

Group events and business travel are critical drivers of visitor spending in the Fox Cities and these 3 groups were key contributors in 2022

Meeting and convention events in the Fox Cities accounted for $2.4 million in direct visitor spending in 2022. When groups choose to meet in the Fox Cities, the impact is felt community-wide, benefitting every industry from lodging to nightlife. Below are the stories of three organizations that found their fit in the Fox Cities and partnered with the CVB and greater community to host high-impact events.

Paperweight Collectors Association

May 16-22, 2022 (Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass)

When a destination is home to the world's largest known collection of glass paperweights on display, it becomes a natural place to meet for the Paperweight Collectors Association Convention. Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, the holder of this collection, hosted the convention in which attendees gathered with fellow collectors, met paperweight artists, and brought home new items presented by dealers.

Attendees for the event totaled 270 and most stayed for at least four nights. The group used local bus and catering companies for their events at the Museum and some guests participated in a tour of Neenah's historical homes, the city where the Museum is located. Additionally, the group's impact on the Fox Cities community extended beyond just their convention as they also hosted a paperweight fair open to the public on May 21.

Alta Genetics - Alta Advantage Showcase Tour

June 19-23, 2022 (Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel)

Alta Genetics is a Wisconsin-based organization that supplies dairy producers with reproductive and genetic management services. Each year Alta hosts a Showcase Tour that brings in guests from around the country for educational and interactive learning opportunities. In 2022, The Fox Cities were chosen as the host with the location being central to the farms they were planning to tour.

The Alta Advantage Showcase Tour brought 250 attendees from throughout the country to the Fox Cities. The group enjoyed Appleton's walkable nightlife opportunities surrounding the hotel and appreciated the friendly service they received from both the hotel and Appleton International Airport staff. Groups like Alta Genetics are key in helping bring national exposure to the Fox Cities.

Harley Davidson Road Glide Enthusiasts - Sharkweek

July 31 - August 5, 2022 (DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton)

With deep Wisconsin roots, Harley Davidson has spent the last 120 years forming a tight-knit and passionate community of bikers. "Road Glide" is the model name for a bike within the Harley Davidson family and dating back to 2011, Road Glide owners have been organizing Sharkweek each year as a way to unite with fellow owners. Sharkweek also includes a philanthropic element as a way to give back to the host community.

Sharkweek chose the Fox Cities as a central location for bikers that would be attending from all throughout the country. They had 230 attendees and filled the hotel parking lot with an endless line of Road Glides.. From dining, to shopping, and even extending their trip to see Mile of Music, Road Glide owners created huge economic impact in the Fox Cities while exploring all the amazing options for group entertainment.