Destination Janesville & Beloit

By Maura Keller | Photo ©Downtown Janesville

Tucked into a scenic, welcoming stretch of South Central Wisconsin, the sister cities of Beloit and Janesville are redefining what it means to “get away from it all” without sacrificing a single modern amenity. These aren’t your typical meeting destinations. They’re emerging gems, rich with creativity, convenience and community charm.

According to Christine Rebout, executive director of the Janesville Convention & Visitors Bureau, “We’re an area people may not always consider for meetings and events — but we have so much to offer. We’re growing, and the buzz is real.”

With beautiful venues, brand-new developments, top-tier amenities, and unbeatable ease of access, Janesville and Beloit are becoming go-to destinations for planners who want more than just another conference.

Gems of Janesville

Set on the banks of the Rock River and surrounded by the rolling hills of Southern Wisconsin, Janesville is a haven for attendees who want to work some and play some. Whether you’re planning a large-scale convention, an intimate retreat, or something in between, Janesville provides both the venue and the vibe.

“We’re growing in popularity because we offer all the amenities of a bigger city — but with affordability, simplicity and charm you won’t find in the metro markets,” says Rebout. “There’s no paid parking here. No gridlock. Just an easy, welcoming experience from the moment you arrive.”

Elaina Szyjewski, Downtown Janesville Inc. ‘s managing director, concurs. She says Janesville’s many hotels (over a dozen, including a downtown option) and diverse meeting spaces make it ideal for events of all sizes.

The historic downtown also offers great local dining options, a beautiful river walk, boutique shopping and memorable entertainment options. Away from downtown there are 60 improved parks and 30 miles of paved, off-road trails to enjoy after hours. And, the city’s proximity to Interstate 39/90 makes traveling a breeze from major cities, including Madison, Milwaukee, Rockford and Chicago.

The Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center will open this fall — and it’s already generating major interest, according to Rebout.

The 140,000-square-foot facility will house permanent ice, dry court sports, and the Robert & Delores Kennedy Convention Center, which will offer 25,800 square feet of flexible meeting space. It will have a theater seating capacity of 2,068; round tables seating for 1,192; or 110 trade show booths. A multi-purpose arena offers an additional 23,000 square feet of space with theater seating capacity of 1,554; round tables seating for 1,000, or 82 trade show booths. Combined, these spaces offer theater seating capacity of 3,622; round tables seating for 2,192; or 192 trade show booths.

“There are also several breakout rooms, making it an all-in-one location fit for trade shows, sports tournaments, banquets and association events,” Rebout says.

Rebout says the facility’s flexibility makes it special. “You could have a figure skating competition on the ice, a keynote speech with a local Olympian in another room, and breakout sessions all under the same roof,” she says. “It’s about keeping people engaged and on-site — and giving them a unique, unforgettable experience.”

Catering is made simple and kept local with a warming kitchen and preferred caterer program that highlights local restaurants. “We want to bring the flavor of Janesville into these events,” adds Rebout.

The new facility is near Uptown Janesville, a growing development with plans for a family activity center, restaurants, outdoor entertainment and hotel accommodations. Ten hotels with over 1,000 rooms are within a five-mile radius to offer enough rooms for large groups.

For those flying in, “we’re centrally located between Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Rockford — and we have a direct shuttle from O’Hare to Janesville every two hours,” says Rebout. “It’s seamless.”

Planners can also host their next corporate retreat, strategy session or client appreciation event at the Rock County Historical Society campus.

The campus features a variety of distinctive venues, from the stately Lincoln Tallman House — where guests can mingle in Victorian elegance — to the versatile Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, that has a lower gallery that can accommodate up to 75 people and has A/V, Wi-Fi, a podium, and flexible table and chair configurations.

For more intimate gatherings, there’s the Charles Tallman Archives & Research Center, which can comfortably host up to 20 guests; the ornate Lincoln-Tallman House, which can accommodate up to 55 people; and the The Tallman Carriage Barn, which holds up to 120 and has on- site bar service and A/V.

Here, planners can also take their events outdoors. The campus offers picturesque spaces for mingling and networking outside.

While the venue doesn’t offer on-site catering, planners enjoy complete freedom to bring in their preferred licensed caterers — or choose from trusted local partners already familiar with the site.

Groups can also treat attendees to a guided Tallman House tour to learn about 19th-century life and Abraham Lincoln’s famous stay. 

Also in the heart of downtown Janesville is The Venue, a revitalized historic building teeming with amenities for groups ranging from 10 to 350 people. The Venue, a building on the National Register of Historic Places, was restored after 50 years of vacancy, renewing its significance to Janesville.

The Venue has three distinctive event spaces to choose from. The 2,000-square-foot Bower City Ballroom is the showstopper — featuring soaring wood arches, rich trim and a beautifully restored ceiling that brings warmth and grandeur to gatherings of up to 300 guests. For a more relaxed feel, the third-floor 1870s Room offers a built-in bar, original wood flooring and a striking tin ceiling — ideal for receptions, workshops or social mixers.

For smaller groups, the Second Empire Room provides a professional space for executive meetings or private discussions.

The Venue is designed with event logistics in mind. It includes a large catering kitchen, a built-in bar, a dance floor for rent and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Rotary Botanical Gardens also provides an ideal meeting location for groups of all sizes. This venue offers four tech-outfitted multipurpose rooms, which can be used separately for up to 40 guests or combined for a larger group experience of up to 250 people. The garden’s outdoor event spaces include the Celebration Garden, with a gazebo and lawn area, and the Sunken Garden, cozy, tucked away and surrounded by greenery.

Nearby, the Celtic House is a much-celebrated venue in Janesville, thanks in part to its expansive 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space and the breathtaking views of the Glen Eric Golf Club. Hosting 500 attendees for a seated experience or 600 attendees for theater-style events, the Celtic House is ideal for companies looking for a combination of stunning surroundings and state-of-the-art amenities.

For a more traditional meeting experience, planners can host events at the Holiday Inn Express, where the Janesville Conference Center offers 15,000 square feet of customizable meeting, exhibit, event and banquet space and offers easy accessibility for travelers as it is located along I-90.

As a smaller city, hotels can book up fast. Szyjewski recommends planning early and reaching out to the Janesville Convention & Visitors Bureau for assistance with room blocks.

Beautiful Beloit

Beloit’s Midwest hospitality and charm, numerous events, historic downtown and cultural attractions make it an ideal locale for meetings and events of all sizes. Not only does Beloit offer state-of-the-art meeting venues, but its wealth of eclectic shops, cafes and restaurants will surprise and delight meeting attendees. In fact, the city’s beautiful waterfront and revitalized downtown offers a cosmopolitan look and feel — combining that “big-city” appeal with small-town charm.

Along the Rock River in downtown Beloit, the Beloit ABC Supply Stadium is a multi-purpose event center offering state-of-the-art amenities for groups of all sizes. Home to the Beloit Sky Carp, the High-A Central affiliate of the Miami Marlins, the ABC Supply Stadium is the ideal location for baseball aficionados and business groups alike. Featuring a 5,000-square-foot stadium club, the ABC Supply Stadium can host an array of group gatherings in a versatile event space. Even better — groups can gather in the event center for a meeting or event, and afterward, complete the experience by taking in a ballgame — complete with beer, brats and baseball.

”ABC Supply Stadium is one of the most versatile event spaces in the Stateline region. We can host everything from small company meetings to 200+ person weddings, to massive 3,000+ person company picnics/celebrations,” says Maria Valentyn, vice president of Entertainment.

“We also have a top tier culinary team and an event staff that’s ready to do the heavy lifting for you.“

Geronimo Hospitality Group has made its mark on the meetings and events industry throughout the Beloit region. From Hotel Goodwin, with its idyllic Rooftop event

space, to the Ironworks Hotel, which provides five private event rooms for up to 200 attendees, to the 25,000-square-foot Eclipse Event Center for larger gatherings — Geronimo Hospitality Group truly offers something for everyone.

Hotel Goodwin is one of only two Wisconsin hotels to receive the Michelin Key designation, a new hotel evaluation program that awards one to three keys to exceptional properties based on uniqueness, design, service quality and overall experience.

This award solidifies what sets Geronimo properties apart.

“When corporate groups choose our hotels, they get venues with style, substance and standout service. Each of our boutique properties is rooted in Beloit’s downtown, with restaurants and entertainment just steps away.

From rooftop happy hours to creative catering and customized team experiences, we make sure every detail reflects the energy and edge that sets Geronimo apart,” says Christopher Wolfgramm, dual general manager of Hotel Goodwin and Ironworks Hotel.

The Beloit Club offers a wonderful way for attendees to experience a golf outing at a quintessential country club as part of a small- to large-size gathering. From more intimate meetings in the Club’s various meeting rooms, to larger affairs in the exquisite ballroom, The Beloit Club can provide a customizable experience for all.

For a unique experience, groups might want to consider The Powerhouse, a newly renovated powerplant situated on the Beloit College campus. Serving as the college’s athletic center and student union, The Powerhouse also offers several meeting rooms, a classroom and theater — all housed in a historical building that boasts stunning architecture and a unique atmosphere where insights are shared and ideas are orchestrated.

When it’s time to relax and unwind from business events, attendees can explore the Rock River National Water Trail via hiking, tubing or kayaking. For art enthusiasts, the Beloit Art Center is home to emerging artists who have their creative exhibits on display for the public to enjoy.

History buffs will enjoy Beckman Mill, a historic, fully restored 1868 grist mill, dam, mill pond, foot bridge, 1840s cooperage, visitor center, blacksmith shop, vintage garden and nature trail — all waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re planning a high-energy conference, a relaxed retreat, or something in between, Janesville and Beloit deliver more than just space — they deliver experiences. With rich histories, cutting-edge venues, warm hospitality, and an unbeatable location, these sister cities are ready to surprise you. For planners looking to break away from the expected and discover some place extraordinary, South Central Wisconsin just might be the best-kept secret in meetings and events.