This year, WHLA Action Day is bigger and better than ever, featuring three incredible events designed to amplify your impact, grow your network, and strengthen Wisconsin’s lodging industry. Join us for one, two, or all three events—it’s entirely up to you!
Check into advocacy and kickstart the day with an empowering breakfast with WHLA's fastest-growing group. Women and allies are encouraged to attend to connect, learn, and fuel their passion for advocacy.
Make your voice heard! This signature event includes expert-led education sessions, lunch, and scheduled meetings with state legislators and their staff, providing you with a direct platform to advocate for Wisconsin’s lodging industry.
Cap off the day with an exclusive networking reception and dinner. Enjoy programming that features thought-provoking discussions and invaluable connections with fellow hospitality professionals.
Register for the full day or choose the events that work for you. No matter how you participate, your voice matters.
Sponsored by Chula Vista Resort
8:00 am | Check-In Pre-Function Area
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Breakfast & Networking9 Hamilton Ballroom
9:00 am - 9:30 am | Breakfast Program "Wisconsin Women in Government Leadership" • Special Presentation by Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez
9:30 am - 9:45 am | Wisconsin Women in Lodging Update • Announcements from members of the WWIL Steering Committee 9:45 am - 10:00 am | Networking
10:00 am | Check-In & Networking Pre-Function Area
10:30 am | Action Day Program Hamilton Ballroom
• Issues Overview: Bill Elliott, WHLA President & CEO
• Information & Tips for Meeting with Legislators: Kathi Kilgore, WHLA contract lobbyist
• Remarks from Rep. Chanz J. Green, Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Tourism Chair
11:30 am | Advocacy Luncheon
• Special Presentation by Anne Sayers, Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism
12:30 pm | Walk to the Capitol
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Scheduled Meetings with Legislators Wisconsin State Capitol
4:30 am | Reception Brickstone Bar & Grill
Enjoy appetizers complements of Embassy Suites Downtown Madison at the onsite bar and restaurant. A cash bar will be available.
6:00 pm | Seated Dinner Hamilton Ballroom Three-course plated dinner includes salad, entree, and dessert. Gratuity is included in the registration price. A cash bar will be available.
7:00 pm | Dinner Program
Welcome address: Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway
State of the Wisconsin Lodging Industry Panel
• Moderator: Amy Supple, Edgewater Hotel Senior Vice President and COO
• Ellie Westman Chin, Destination Madison, President & CEO • Andrew Flack, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Chief Commercial Officer • Jason Kreul, First Hospitality, COO
• Eric Lund, S & L Hospitality, CEO
9:00 pm | Conclusion
Event registration is open now until April 1! Advanced registration is required to ensure that WHLA can pre-schedule your legislative appointments.
Are you new to WHLA Action Day? We are providing up to 10 complimentary passes for first-time attendees from WHLA member properties. Eligibility requirements:
• Employed at a WHLA member hotel/lodging property
• First-time Action Day participant
Fill out the First-Time Attendee Interest Form to apply for complimentary passes. WHLA will review requests and notify qualifying individuals via email.
Maximize your organization's voice by registering multiple attendees for WHLA Action Day. Don't miss this chance to advocate together and amplify your impact!
• First Registration: Register your first participant at the standard rate.
• Discount Code: Receive a $10 promo code in your confirmation email.
• Additional Savings: Use the promo code to save on registration for each additional team member.
Support the lodging industry's advocacy day by becoming a sponsor! Each sponsorship package offers the following benefits:
• Logo displayed on the event webpage
• Verbal recognition during the event
• Logo featured on event signage and printed materials
Rooms are still available for attendees at the Embassy Suites Madison Downtown at a discounted rate of $98 per night plus taxes and fees.
The online room block closed on March 24, but reservations may be made by calling Krystal Stoikes, Director of Sales at the Embassy Suites Madison Downtown at 608-740-8643 and referencing WHLA Action Day.
This event consists of three separate components (WWIL Breakfast, WHLA Action Day, and Lodging Innsights Madison), and we encourage you to participate in all three. When registering, please select each event you plan to attend to ensure your spot. Registration closes on April 1.