Packer Country Hits the Road to Badger Country
Two-day visit targets statewide associations in Madison

GREEN BAY , Wis.
May 4, 2006

Green Bay , WI – Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt will lead a team of tourism officials and hotel sales staff from throughout Packer Country to Madison on May 9 & 10 to pitch the Greater Green Bay area as a meeting destination for state organizations. The Packer Country Luncheon and Destination Update is being coordinated by Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Green Bay Area Lodging Association.

“Our blitz of Madison is a great opportunity for us to talk about the wonderful facilities and amenities we have in the Green Bay area,” Schmitt said. “Many groups still aren’t aware that Packer Country has become one of the leading meeting and conference locations in the Midwest.”

Beth Peters, Director of Sales for Packer Country, says they’ve put together a dynamic team to carry the “Meet on Our Turf” theme to the capital city for the two-day visit. Ten 2-person teams, including one team with Mayor Schmitt, will descend on Madison on May 9th to meet personally with as many meeting planners as possible.

The meeting planners have also been invited to a luncheon hosted by the Packer Country delegation at the Madison Concourse Hotel the next day (May 10th). Luncheon presenters include Ashwaubenon Village President Norbert “Nubs” De Cleene and Jeff Mirkes of Downtown Green Bay, Inc.

“With the many statewide organizations that are based in Madison, it’s the place to be to attract association and organization meetings,” Peters said. “Once we get on their radar, we believe the Greater Green Bay area has exactly what most meeting planners are looking for.”

Packer Country features more than 4,500 guest rooms and 100,000+ square feet of meeting and convention space, making it a destination for meetings and conventions, both large and small. Major facilities include:

• Lambeau Field Atrium – The Atrium features a variety of meeting spaces, including more than 39,000 square feet on the Atrium floor, all steeped in the Packers tradition and history.
• KI Convention Center – Located in Downtown Green Bay, the KI center has more than 46,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space, as well as 600 guest rooms and another 15,000 square feet of meeting space within walking distance.
• Radisson Hotel and Conference Center – With recent expansion, the Radisson now has more than 400 guest rooms and 30,000 square feet of event and meeting space.

The tourism team will also distribute the new Packer Country Convention Planner booklets during the visit. The Convention Planner details the beautiful and unique facilities and services available for conventions, conferences and meetings throughout Packer Country.

“When you add in the tremendous attractions that Packer Country has to offer, as well as our outdoor recreation options, it’s easy to see why our meeting and convention business is growing,” Peters said.

For more information on events and activities in Packer Country, visit www.packercountry.com.

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Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau is the regional destination marketing organization committed to improving the visitor experience and increasing the economic impact of tourism to its communities. For more information call 888-867-3342 or visit us online at www.packercountry.com.