General WIGCOT information may change prior to the conference, please check back periodically for updates.
Conference Location
All conference events are scheduled to take place at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
Admission Guidelines
Upon registering at the Registration Desk located across from the Grand Ballroom on the main level of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, you will receive a name badge. Your name badge must be worn for admission to all conference sessions and social events. There will be no admission to any conference event without your name badge - no exceptions. If you misplace or require a new name badge you may get a replacement, with proper identification, at the registration area for no charge.
Bus/Shuttle Information
Complimentary shuttle buses will run frequently between the conference hotels and the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Please check posted schedules in the lobby of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Timber Ridge Resort & Waterpark, The Cove of Lake Geneva and Comfort Suites, for any on-site changes.
Sunday, March 2
12:00 noon-12:00 midnight: Bus service between the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and conference preferred hotels.
Monday, March 3
6:30am-12:00 midnight: Bus service between the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Hotel and conference preferred hotels.
Tuesday, March 4
7:00am-12:00 midnight: Bus service between the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and conference preferred hotels.
Coat Check
A coat check is located near the registration area in the Grand Ballroom foyer on the main level of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
Conference Sessions
On your registration forms you selected a series of breakout sessions you wished to attend. You will find the sessions you selected in your personalized confirmation letter. Please note that the Executive Program required a pre-registration and is limited to a specified number of participants. If you did not sign up for these, but are interested in participating, please check with the registration desk for availability.
Conference Dress Code
The opening reception on Sunday evening is casual. Business casual is suggested for all daytime meeting sessions. For the Governor’s Reception and Banquet, business or semi-formal attire is recommended.
First-Timers
Welcome! If you are attending the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for the first-time, please be sure to join us for the First-Time Attendee Forum & Reception in your honor. The forum/reception is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, March 2, from 4:45pm to 5:45pm. This is a great opportunity to meet other first-timers, some old-timers, council members and department staff. Please don’t hesitate to ask any of the tourism staff for assistance or introductions.
Happy Hour - Sunday
After the drive to Lake Geneva, you may need to take a few minutes and unwind before the night’s festivities begin. Take a breather and enjoy some specially priced drinks and appetizers at Evolve located on the main level of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
Information Marketplace/ Taste of Wisconsin
Visit more than 80 booths jammed-packed with ideas to make your business more successful. This is a great opportunity to come together and mingle with the tourism industry. While you’re at it, taste some distinctively Wisconsin food and beverages.
Media Office
The conference Media Office will be located in the Geneva Bay Board-room and is open to media representatives throughout the conference. It will be open during the following times:
Sunday, March 2: 12:00 noon – 5:00pm
Monday, March 3: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, March 4: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Wisconsin Welcome Center Presentations
Are you looking for a way to market your area? The Wisconsin Welcome Center managers are excited to learn more about your destination so they can ensure your information is placed in the hands of travelers. The WWC Presentations are held in the Williams Bay Boardroom on Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and Tuesday, from 2:45pm to 4:00pm.
Opening Reception
Taste of Grand Geneva: Kick back and enjoy a casual evening of fun, food, and jazz at the Opening Reception. Let your appetite roam among samples of the Grand Geneva’s finest fare prepared by Executive Chef Robert Fedorko and his culinary team. Meet your friends at one of three resort restaurants - the Geneva Chophouse, Brissago, or the Grand Café – for tastings and talk. Then, head to the Lobby Lounge for tempting desserts and libations featuring the handcrafted beers of Madison’s Capital Brewery and Wisconsin homegrown wines. Performing in the lounge, Kathy Frye and her jazz trio will delight everyone. It’s an evening of simple enjoyment guaranteed to start your conference on a good foot.
Parking
Parking can be found on-site at the Grand Geneva for day participants and at all selected conference hotels for overnight guests.
Registration Information
Located in the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa on the main level across from the Grand Ballroom, on-site conference registration will be open during the following times:
Sunday, March 2: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Monday, March 3: 6:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday, March 4: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Restaurants at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Geneva ChopHouse – Located on the Main Level, enjoy the panoramic views in the ChopHouse as well as the opportunity to see your meal being grilled and roasted over rotisseries. You’ll find bold, stunning flavors served in a contemporary urban setting. Reservations are recommended.
Ristorante Brissago – The Brissago takes the dining experience to a new level with fresh ingredients flown in weekly from Italy. The menu invites you to sample, share and delight in something from every course. Located on the upper level of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, reservations are recommended.
The Grand Café – Offering visitors a casual, airy setting featuring contemporary American cuisine as well as dishes influenced by French, Spanish and Italian cooking. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Evolve – From the latest martini craze, to the cool décor and high-energy crowd, with nightly entertainment, this is the place you want to be. Located adjacent to the Geneva ChopHouse, open Sunday from 11:00am; Monday-Friday from 5:00pm.
Lobby Lounge – The perfect setting to wind up… or unwind, the Lobby Lounge is located in the main lodge. Enjoy the roaring fire as well as an extensive cocktail menu and wine list. Serving daily from 10:00am.
Café Gelato – Featuring Starbucks Coffee as well as an assortment of fresh pastries, made daily, enjoy delicious Italian ice cream, the Café is located in the lobby of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Open Sunday-Thursday, 6:00am-8:00pm.
The Well Spa
Want to get away from it all… feel the need to unwind? The Well Spa, located directly across the street from the Grand Geneva, is an oasis for nourishing your mind, body and soul. Make your reservation to escape from the tensions of your everyday world.
Smoking Policy
As a courtesy to fellow conference participants, smoking is not permitted in the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. The only designated smoking area within the property is Evolve.
If you have any conference-related questions, please send them to Dawn Zanoni, Special Events Manager at dzanoni@travelwisconsin.com or, call Dawn directly at 608/266-3978.