If you’re in the meetings industry, it’s no secret that budgets are tighter and costs are on the rise, from A/V to F&B. That a city's welcoming atmosphere and ease of travel accessibility matter deeply. And that attendees are seeking fresh experiences in destinations they've never been to. Those…
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Home to a world-class research university and thriving STEM ecosystem, Madison, WI has the intellectual capital to spark bold ideas at your conference and drive valuable connections among your attendees. Add stunning lake views, urban amenities and stress-free travel, and you’ve got a destination…
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It’s no secret that sustainability is a much-talked-about topic in the meetings and events industry. It’s also a well-known fact that in Madison, we’ve always been the kind of people who prefer to do something about it. Sustainability has always been part of Madison’s DNA. We were the first city…
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This is one of Madison’s most beloved bike routes. Ride past sweeping views of Lake Monona—the second in the city’s chain of five lakes—along with Capitol skyline vistas and charming lakeside neighborhoods dotted with intimate, almost-hidden beaches and mid-century modern homes. The entire…
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As a former Chicagoan who relocated to Madison in 2023, I’ve had the vantage point of living, working and commuting in both cities. During the relocation, I continued to work at MxD where we hosted member summits, industry roundtables and receptions, plus operated a 94,000‑square‑foot event space on…
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How did the Madtown Pickleball Open become Wisconsin’s largest outdoor pickleball tournament? Here's a bit of context: Pickleball officially started in 1965, but it wasn’t being played in all 50 states until 1990. And although the sport grew steadily, it was another 18 years before the USA…
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Traveling to Madison, WI for a work conference comes with a built‑in perk: it’s a destination with so many unique things to do, you’ll want to stay one more day—or bring someone along to enjoy it with you! While you’re in sessions, your companion or family can explore a safe city that…
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What will define standout meetings and events in 2026? To help you stay ahead of the curve, we sat down with three seasoned industry leaders to uncover the trends, technologies and attendee expectations shaping the year ahead. From immersive design and personalization to sustainability, A/V best…
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Meeting planners are navigating a new reality in 2026: Attendee safety isn’t just a consideration—it’s a core requirement. According to a November 2025 Future Partners report, more than 80% of planners now rank a “safe environment” as a critical factor when selecting a destination, and…
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I like to tell people I work in an “invisible industry.” It immediately invites a sense of intrigue, and easily proves true if I invite them to identify who is a Madison resident and who is a visitor while strolling down State Street. (Hint: you can’t win that game.) They’re usually impressed to…
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