Destination Green Bay
You can have it all
By Sharyn Alden
Move over New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Green Bay, renowned for being home to the Green Bay Packers, its stylish city center, and its magnificent Lake Michigan coastline, is also home to many jewel-like resorts where golf, tennis and around-the-clock pampering are the way of life.
But first a little history about Green Bay, the oldest community in the state. The city was originally called La Baye, named by French trappers and explorers. Later, it was changed to La Baye Verte, which means “green bay” in French.
When you arrive in the area, you can see why the area was a magnet for early settlers. The bay is a natural gateway to outlying territory and waterways beyond. That’s just one reason why the 17th century Green Bay was a lively but rugged outpost, a favorite stopping place for trappers, traders and Jesuit missionaries.
By 1669, the loosely established settlement of Green Bay had become a more permanent community. Throughout the early 1800s, fur trading was the dominant industry, but when the Erie Canal opened in 1825, things started to change. The opening of the waterway brought more settlers to Green Bay. These hardy folks wanted to work in the area’s logging, farming and iron smelting.
Throughout the 19th century, immigrants from Europe arrived, allowing manufacturing, shipping and the paper industry to grow. They came from Germany, Holland, Poland and Belgium, Native Americans, in particular the Onieda Nation, settled west of the city.
Today, the port city of Green Bay has something for everyone. You can immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful upscale urban amenities in the state or enjoy a dream escape to one of the numerous diversions and charming communities within a few minutes drive from Green Bay.
For planners thinking about scheduling an upcoming event in Green Bay, here’s a round up of exciting things to see and do.
First, the city’s location sets the stage. Not only is it located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it is also situated on the banks of the lovely Fox River. Brad Toll, president and CEO of Packer Country VCB notes, “Meetings have been taken place along the Fox since the first European explorers met with Native Americans on its shores.” Beautiful Green Bay, the largest metro area in northeastern Wisconsin, has meeting space for small meetings on up to 100,000 square feet.
As a destination, Green Bay offers great opportunities for planners to create unique events. Toll points out, “From a special board gathering at the Captain’s Walk Winery to a spectacular banquet of over 1,000 guests at the NFL’s most revered shrine, Lambeau Field, we have the perfect location for you to add your special touch.”
Among some of the area’s special features are the elegant Foxy Lady cruises on the Fox River, distinctive lakefront restaurants, the city’s zoo, which is renowned for its exceptional design, the National Railroad Museum and the Heritage Hill Historical Park. You’ll also find a marvelous array of interesting specialty shops, many which feature artist-inspired food like lush chocolates, baked goods and, of course, Wisconsin’s own cheese products.
Packer Country Personified
“There is no off season!” That enthusiasm for the Green Bay environs is a contagious spirit at the Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau. Since 1969, the Bureau has been enthusiastically marketing the Greater Green Bay area. For planners, the bureau is a tremendous resource comprised of experienced professionals. Toll says, “We have some of the most experienced professionals in the business. Many of our staff has been in the business for over 20 years.”
If you haven’t visited downtown Green Bay in a while, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Beth Peters, director of sales at the VCB, notes, “The downtown is going through a Renaissance and it is brimming with new restaurants and unique shops. Starting in the spring of 2008, construction on the City Deck will begin,” she says. “This is a spectacular riverfront boardwalk, which will give visitors a wonderful way to connect with nature.”
When your group arrives in Green Bay, Peters says expect the VCB to roll out the red carpet. “We provide planners with many complimentary services from site visits when you’re considering a event for the area, registration assistance, pre-printed badges, publicity, welcome greetings and gifts when your group arrives,” she says.
Legendary Lambeau
Football games have been sold out at Lambeau Field since 1960, and about 74,000 fans are on the waiting list. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Lambeau for your next event.
Lambeau Field, built in 1957, underwent a $295 million development that was completed in 2003. “The project allowed us to become a 365-day destination,” says Cassie Herrmann, with Leonard & Finco Public Relations. “There’s a magic about Lambeau that will help attract a larger audience to your event,” she says. “It’s a place that really gets people energized, resulting in higher attendance.”
Sports Illustrated recognized the energy and excitement here too when it named Lambeau as the No. 1 NFL stadium experience. Herrmann, who has been in the meeting and conference business for over 20 years, adds, “With more than 77,000 square feet of meeting space that ranges from a private box overlooking the field to the Lambeau Field Atrium, Lambeau is a meeting destination your attendees will not soon forget.”
In summing up why Lambeau is such a beloved venue, Herrmann says, “Attendees can enjoy much more than meeting accommodations. They can tour the Packers Hall of Fame, visit the Packers Pro Shop, tour the stadium, walk through the famous tunnel onto the field or enjoy lunch or dinner at Curly’s Pub.”
These are some other things to consider when you want to make an impression. “The new club level offers state-of-the-art meetings and event space for six to 800 people,” says Herrmann. “The Atrium floor has a unique hand-laid terrazzo, striped to look like a football field, so it’s easy to play off the football theme.” Your guests will have a field day at the Lambeau Field Atrium, open every day to visitors. “Besides the Packers Pro Shop, you can take in the Extra Points Store and Frozen in Time Coffee and Ice Cream.”
If any part of your event is best suited for the outdoors, this is your place. You can utilize the outdoor space in the Miller Lite End Zone inside Lambeau Field and the Lambeau Field parking lot. “These areas are great for tent events,” Herrmann points out.
Expect award-winning cuisine created at Levy Restaurant, a great choice for dining. The food service creates everything from gourmet menu items to typical tailgating foods. You can even request mini-brats if your event is more on the upscale side but you don’t want your guests to miss out having brats at Lambeau.
Regency Suites, Upscale Downtown
Adjacent to the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay is the stylish Regency Suites. The full-service hotel is Green Bay’s only all-suite, full-service hotel featuring 223 luxurious suites. The hotel is connected via a skywalk to the KI Convention Center complex. Together, the hotel and convention center complex make up the largest meeting facility in northeastern Wisconsin.
Kari Moody, director of corporate sales says there is a wave of excitement at the hotel. “We are undergoing a $7 million refresh of the hotel suites, atrium and lobby, which will bring about a more sophisticated experience that fits the mindset of today’s traveler.” When the transition is complete, Moody says the name will change from Regency Suites to Hotel Sierra.
Among some of the complimentary amenities featured at the hotel is the daily breakfast featuring made-to-order omelets, wired and wireless Internet and USA Today delivered daily. Additionally, Moody says, “We have an evening bistro with premium wine and beer, salads, specialty appetizers and fresh-baked pizzas. Special touches include a 24-hour on-site market, fitness center with chilled towels and infused water, on-site massage services, flexible event space and a 24-hour multi-station business center.”
The catering staff at the hotel can assist you with menu requirements for up to 2,000 guests. “Our skilled chefs are dedicated to customizing menus for guests. We offer carefully created menus including ethnic, vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free and diabetic selections,” Moody points out.
Asked what other important features she’d like people to know about the hotel, Moody says, “Our staff averages 15 years of continued experience at Regency Suites. We love working with meeting planners and guests. For many of us, this is a career of a lifetime, and we think it shows.”
Easy Airport Access
For planners seeking a site that offers great convenience to the airport, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center is across from the Austin Straubel International Airport. The hotel feature complimentary shuttle service for guests, so finding a ride to and from the airport is never a problem. If you’re driving, not flying, you’ll find complimentary parking awaiting you.
But in addition to convenience, the hotel has a wide number of amenities that appeal to a broad range of meetings and events. Entertainment is never far away, as the hotel is connected to the Oneida Casino, which features slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps and bingo. The property also has numerous restaurants and lounges with live entertainment to choose from.
James Elm, general manager of the hotel, which is owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, is proud of the fact that the hotel has been recognized for eight years in a row with the distinctive President’s Award. “We have 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including two ballrooms with 10 break-out rooms and three executive boardrooms.”
Other features enjoyed by Radisson guests are wireless high-speed access property-wide, a 24-hour business center and 24-hour security.
For guests who enjoy overnight lodging here, Elm points out, “We have a complimentary breakfast buffet, an indoor pool and lap pool, along with a fitness center.” All are reasons the property has been earning awards and accolades from guests.
A Gracious Getaway
When a cityscape destination doesn’t fit the bill for your meeting, consider the Fox Hills Resort at Mishicot. Less than 30 minutes away from Green Bay, Fox Hills has over 550 acres where your group can spread out and enjoy the fabulous Wisconsin scenery no matter what time of year you’re there.
Liz Kostka, group sales manager for the resort says, “Unlike most meeting facilities that are located in a city, Fox Hills has acres of land that can be utilized for outside activities like team building.” The resort is also known as a destination for golf aficionados who love these northeast Wisconsin links.
Kostka, who has been with the resort since 2000, concurs that golf — there are 45 holes of golf here — is one reason planners and attendees feel Fox Hills has a lot to offer. But wait, there’s more. “We also have an on-site spa, a fitness center with sauna, two indoor swimming pools, two outdoor pools, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.”
Back to the idea of team building. Kostka, who is the first person who will welcome you as well as the last to thank you when you leave, has some good ideas for you. “Last summer I suggested a group set up a Survivor themed activity where the attendees competed in soccer, disc golf, horseshoes, mini-golf scramble and tennis. The group was divided into three teams,” she says. “They competed over two days and really got to know each other. Plus they had a fantastic time utilizing and enjoying the outdoor space.”
Lest you wonder where your attendees will dine once they arrive, Fox Hills has several on-site options, including the Willowview Restaurant, the Benchwarmers Sports Bar and the seasonal 19th Hole Bar and Grill.” For those who want to get away and explore the nearby charming town of Mishicot, you’ll be treated to a variety of quaint restaurants and shops. “What’s more, you can also make the easy drive over to Two Rivers and Manitowoc for other interesting dining and shopping ventures.”
Sharyn Alden is a Madison-based freelance writer.
