Holding an offsite or destination meeting in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin has some distinct advantages over bigger cities such as Milwaukee and Chicago. Meeting planners find plenty of opportunities to exceed the expectations of board members, corporate groups, volunteer groups, and associations. Lake Geneva offers non-traditional meeting and event space and activities that inspire guests as they marvel at the sights, revel in the sounds, and soak up the seasonal delights of the pristine recreation and resort area. Just an hour or so drive from both Milwaukee and Chicago, the easily accessible meeting destination offers the affordability of a smaller town. |
Lake Geneva has been hosting regional meetings and national conferences for corporations, small businesses and non-profits for decades. Some of the many recent events held in Lake Geneva include the Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter Board Retreat, Rockwell Automation Corporate Conference, Enerpac National Sales Conference, SC Johnson Geneva Geo Challenge Teambuilding, Swing Dance America Convention, Bell Flavors and Fragrances Worldwide Sales Retreat, Great Lakes Credit and Collection Association Annual Conference, M. Holland Annual Corporate Meeting, and Creative Memories scrapbooking retreats. “Everything is conveniently located in Lake Geneva, making logistical planning a breeze for your conference,” said Susan Smolarek, director of group sales, VISIT Lake Geneva. Here are the top reasons you should hold your next meeting or conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Easily accessible. While those coming from nearby Illinois and Wisconsin areas will find the short drive to Lake Geneva easy, those needing to take a plane have several options. Lake Geneva is located approximately 90 minutes from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. It is also about 45 minutes from General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee. There are also local airports at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Lake Lawn Resort to accommodate small aircraft. |
Easy to find just what you are looking for. For those seeking non-traditional space, how about one of Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s eight beautiful boats to host your meeting, cocktails and dinner; or a quaint meeting with theater seats followed by a magic show at Tristan Crist Magic Theater? Rosewood is the newest entertainment venue in the area to host your meeting followed by dinner and great musical entertainment. Wineries are available as well. Staller Estates Winery has lunch, wine tasting, and tours. Studio Winery makes wine tasting fun with live music and painting. The Dancing Horses Theatre offers a great way for groups to wind down at the end of the day with a dinner show and for those that are more daring, zip lining at Canopy Tours is a great end to the day. |
A wide variety of things to do. When it comes to fun outside of the meeting space, Lake Geneva is able to offer your group great experiences as well as encourage networking and teambuilding. A cooking class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking bond teams with wine tasting, cooking and dining together. Geneva National offers golfers 54 holes of legendary golf with courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino. For the more adventurous, consider horseback riding, paint ball, rock climbing, skiing, and zip lining. |
Wine tasting, spa services, or a quiet walk on the Lake Geneva Shore Path through the yards of the many mansions and estates are great relaxation options. The options for history buffs are vast; consider a tour of Yerkes Observatory, home of the largest refracting telescope in the world, a boat ride to Black Point Estate, browsing the Geneva Lake Museum or beautiful Horticultural Hall, toasting to the sunset at the Baker House 1885, or cocktails at the Speakeasy Lounge at the Maxwell Mansion 1856. |
Destination appeal. Lake Geneva has been the getaway destination of choice for prominent Chicagoans since 1871, when they originally sought refuge in the area while their homes and businesses were being rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire. Chicago notables who built multi-million dollar mansions on Geneva Lake include Wrigley (of chewing gum fame), Swift (meatpacking mogul), and Selfridge (founder of Selfridges and Co. department store). |
With a strong desire to help you meet your meeting/conference goals, count on a quick response time and attention to detail from VISIT Lake Geneva venue specific planners. For meeting/conference planning support or to book a hotel/resort for your group, call (262).812.0022 or visit http://www.visitlakegeneva.com/meetings-groups/