Peggy Williams-Smith

Baird Center Named Among Best Convention Centers in U.S. by EXHIBITOR Magazine

The Retreat: An Immersive Experience of Empowerment & Wellness

Construction Progressing at Deer District Concert Venue

$70 million venue is on-track to open in late 2025.

Milwaukee Ranked No. 3 Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler Readers for the Second Year in a Row

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners

Key downtown projects and organizations recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2024 State of Downtown

Milwaukee Named 2024 World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association

Officials Admit RNC Issues, But Say Event Was Success

Hotel revenue surged and AT&T spent millions but some businesses say it was a bust.

Bipartisan Coalition, Business Leaders Support New International Terminal

County pursuing federal grant to replace shuttered concourse with new international terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Milwaukee County Pursuing Federal Funding to Advance Economic Development Project at Mitchell International Airport

Connect Marketplace Highlights Milwaukee as Convention Site

3 day event at Baird Center showcases city to some 1,000 meeting planners across U.S.

Remembering Cecilia Gilbert

'The Queen' brought joyful passion and a savvy insider's knowledge to her work with city government and many civic boards.

Milwaukee Welcomes Connect Marketplace 2024

In premier showcase event for Baird Center expansion, this conference will bring over 1,000 meeting planners to Milwaukee for week of meetings and networking events

Milwaukee Will Host ‘Super Bowl’ of Meetings… in 2034

Despite decade wait, Visit Milwaukee says hosting ASAE convention is a touchdown.

New Lounge, Event Venue Hosts Grand Opening in Walker’s Point

Station 1846 serves coffee, cocktails and small bites, with space for casual hangouts, coworking and events.

RNC Host Says Visitors, Locals Need To Spread Across Downtown

"It's quieter than I would like it to be," says host committee COO. MMAC encourages long-term view.

RNC Will Build on Milwaukee’s Growing Visibility, Tourism Leader Says

Visit Milwaukee’s CEO Peggy Williams-Smith salutes city's 'swagger,' rising tourism.

Milwaukee Saw Record-Breaking Tourism in 2023

Helping propel Wisconsin to back-to-back record-breaking years.

Visit Milwaukee Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week with Promotions & Activations

$456 Million Baird Center Opens With Big Promises, Vision

100,000 more visitors every year, billions more in spending. See it yourself on Saturday.

Potawatomi Says Opening Of Massive Sportsbook Is Turning Point For Casino

New facility has a 2,000-square-foot tv capable of playing 30 games at once.

United Performing Arts Fund Announces All-Star Coalition of Past Co-Chairs to Elevate 2024 Community Campaign

Business and community leaders join together to accelerate fundraising efforts

Mayor Pledges To Get Involved in Schools

Johnson vows to make Milwaukee a city that attracts people because of its schools.

‘Top Chef’ Premiere Dished Up Praise For Milwaukee, The Dairy State

The season's first episode highlighted Milwaukee's Lupi & Iris, Blu and a handful of local personalities.

Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee

Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.

RNC Wants 10,000 Volunteers To Greet Guests, Provide Directions

Not about wearing a red or blue shirt say organizers, it's about making a positive impression.

VISIT Milwaukee Hires Meisha Bridges as Chief Financial Officer

County Expanding Narcan Vending Machine Program

Officials want to add 8 more in Milwaukee; businesses, nonprofits urged to request one.

Milwaukee County Recruiting Businesses and Organizations to Host Additional ‘Harm Reduction Vending Machines’ to Combat Death from Overdose

VISIT Milwaukee encourages hospitality businesses to consider hosting a machine

Museum Days Returns to Milwaukee

Experience world-class cultural institutions at discounted prices Jan. 18-28 in the Greater Milwaukee area

VISIT Milwaukee Announces New Vice President and First-Ever Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion

Milwaukee named a top-three U.S. large city in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Reader vote amplifies recent national recognition for Milwaukee, coming off a record year for tourism

Milwaukee Businesses Pitch Republicans

300 businesses at Baird Center seek customers and contacts for 2024 convention.

Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law

"Something huge, something major, something extraordinary," says Johnson of revenue deal, averting fiscal cliff.

Evers Vetoed Funding for Republican National Convention

GOP legislators gave Milwaukee tourism bureau $10 million for 2024 convention.

MKE24 to Hold “Convention Partner Fair” During RNC Summer Meeting

Opportunity to connect Milwaukee convention vendors to RNC delegates ahead of 2024

Council Committee Endorses 2% Sales Tax

And blasts state policy restrictions while insisting tax is far from a 'Milwaukee bailout.'

Tourism in Milwaukee sets new record with $6.018 billion economic impact in 2022

Greater Milwaukee area helps deliver statewide record year for tourism, accounting for more than 25% of total tourism impact in Wisconsin

Downtown Hampton Inn Mysteriously Closes

Signs point to financial issues. Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

Inside The Trade Hotel

Deer District hotel hopes to win lots of business, including from NBA teams.

Baird Center Reaches Highest Point

Topping-off ceremony for $456 million Wisconsin Center expansion draws dignitaries a year before completion.

UWM to award 3,400 degrees at commencement May 21

Cruise Season Kicks Off in Milwaukee

Milwaukee could set another record as Viking adds second ship to Great Lakes roster. But when will new dock be ready?

City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park

Its plan for Vel R. Phillips Plaza is to create new gathering spot for Westown.

RNC Looking For Businesses To Partner With

Host committee launches vendor website, promises lasting impact.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Week Returns

Annual event returns on May 8 with in-person programming and new organization at its helm.

Pro-Ballpark Funding Coalition Launched

Home Crew Coalition backing $290 million state subsidy for Milwaukee Brewers stadium.

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Announces $150,000 Sustainability Campaign Challenge Match led by Caran and Joel Quadracci through the Windhover Foundation with support from Donna and Donald Baumgartner and the Herzfeld Foundation

Campaign Deadline Extended to Tuesday, March 7th

Milwaukee TV Show ‘Good Things Brewing’ Will Air Feb. 18

Tune in to NBC for the first episode of the Milwaukee-centric program.

Museum Days Returns for 2023

With special exhibits and free and reduced admission at 27 metro area museums.

Local Celebrities To Ring Bells For The Salvation Army

Downtown Venues Announce Milwaukee Theater District

New coalition of groups and venues aims to spotlight city as arts and culture destination.

Learn about Republican Convention business opportunities at MARKETPLACE Wisconsin

Presentation will highlight opportunities for diverse businesses as Milwaukee prepares to host the 2024

National Geographic Names Milwaukee A Top World City

City one of only five in U.S. to make magazine's list of top 25 global destinations.

Republicans Name CEO of 2024 Convention

Retired Wisconsin businessman, former U.S. ambassador and longtime GOP leader Steve King will lead host team.

Republican Party Officially Selects Milwaukee for 2024 Convention

Milwaukee becomes first city to win back-to-back Democratic and Republican national conventions since 1972

Milwaukee Wins 2024 Republican National Convention

It's official. GOP will pick its presidential nominee in Milwaukee.

Nashville Rejects RNC, Milwaukee Now Lone Bidder

An official vote to grant Milwaukee the Republican convention expected Aug. 5.

Milwaukee Welcomes USA Triathlon This Weekend

GOP Panel Picks Milwaukee To Host 2024 Convention

Full committee must still vote in early August to approve Milwaukee.

VISIT Milwaukee Offers ‘Treat Yourself Pass’

Latest 'mobile passport' offers sweet deals and freebies at area businesses.

Get Discounted Sweets and Treats with Free Milwaukee Treat Yourself Pass

VISIT Milwaukee Has New Plan To Drive Tourism

Strategy includes Milwaukee-focused TV show, traveling visitor center and more.

VISIT Milwaukee Announces Exciting 2022 Initiatives At 55th Anniversary Annual Meeting

VISIT Milwaukee and Cream City Print Lounge Launch T-Shirts and Tote Bags

Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause

But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?

Council Approves RNC Deal, Drops $6 Million Request

Move praised by mayor, convention backers.

VISIT Milwaukee Launches City of Festivals Campaign

Council Members Asking RNC For $6 Million

Milwaukee can't otherwise benefit from convention because of lack of sales or hotel tax.

More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released

11-acre development with new soccer stadium, concert venue lists big-name supporters.

Biggest Cruise Ship On Great Lakes Makes First Milwaukee Visit

See inside the brand new Viking Octantis.

Milwaukee Salutes the Arrival of the National Guard for its 147th NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition

Free Milwaukee Cheese Curd Pass Offers Great Deals Across Milwaukee

VISIT Milwaukee Hires Director of Event Experience

Company announces Michelle Haider has been hired as director of event experience and promotions for two members of its team

VISIT Milwaukee Hosts its largest celebration to-date of National Travel & Tourism Week in honor of bureau’s 55th Anniversary

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Announces First Cruise Ship Arrival for 2022 Season

More than 10,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Milwaukee this summer

The Return of the Bronze Fonz

Downtown landmark reinstalled on riverwalk, but with a new look.

The Bronze Fonz Returns to the Milwaukee RiverWalk on March 11

VISIT Milwaukee hosting ceremony officially unveiling the statue’s new look

Milwaukee Seen As RNC Favorite

Former Governor Scott Walker leading tour of city today. Taxpayers paying for security.

RNC 2024 Team Visits Milwaukee

Milwaukee is now one of three finalists to host Republican convention.

VISIT Milwaukee Welcomes New Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Josh Albrecht brings extensive experience in destination management

VISIT Milwaukee Wins $112,050 Grant for Mobile Visitor Kiosk

Kiosk will be used to showcase Milwaukee to visitors around region

Port Building New Cruise Ship Dock

Gov. Tony Evers announces $3.5 million grant to bolster $7 million project.

Milwaukee Reportedly One of Four RNC Finalists

After DNC was largely canceled, Republicans seriously considering Milwaukee.

Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor

Milwaukee's acting mayor hosts a ceremony of pomp and circumstance to tell his story.

WCD Celebrates Start of Convention Center Expansion

$420 million project is intended to boost business, fully realize Wisconin Center's potential.

Milwaukee Might Bid for 2024 Republican National Convention

City already planning to bid for the Democratic National Convention.

Major Travel Writers Convention Heads To Milwaukee

America’s Black Holocaust Museum Will Reopen

Grand reopening planned for February 25.

Bucks Championship Had $58 Million Economic Impact

Visit Milwaukee estimates direct and indirect spending during team's playoff run.

Madison Legislator Wins Dining Award

Plus: Dairyland Custard coming to Brewery District, a new chicken wing restaurant, and a free beer pass.

VISIT Milwaukee Offers A Beer Pass

Brew City Beer Pass offers freebies, discounts for tours at more than 20 local craft breweries.

VISIT Milwaukee Director of Event Experience Brittany Korth is a 2021 Connect Association 40 Under 40 Honoree

Should Water Street Be Gun-Free District?

Downtown stakeholders consider how Kansas City, Memphis, New Orleans handle bar district problems.

VISIT Milwaukee Announces Dr. Eve M. Hall as Chair of the Board of Directors

Steve Baas to continue as vice chair; Omar Shaikh concludes board service after five years

Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos

Alderman wants stronger actions. "The mayor is basically whistling past the graveyard."

VISIT Milwaukee’s Communications Director Recognized by Travel Wisconsin

Claire Koenig wins Rising Star Award at WIGCOT 2021 and several VISIT Milwaukee partners are also recognized

State Tourism Business Down 30% in 2020

Due to pandemic. Officials hopeful about rebound in spending in 2021.

2020 Tourism Data a Reminder of the Impact of Travel

Milwaukee Hospitality is not Missing its Shot

VISIT Milwaukee hosts Hospitality Vaccination Days at the Wisconsin Center kicking off during National Travel and Tourism Week

Milwaukee Museums Reopening to the Public in March

Discovery World, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum will reopen in March with robust health and safety protocols in place.

VISIT Milwaukee Launches Giving Fest to Support Local Hospitality Community

50+ exciting virtual events benefit local hospitality companies Jan. 15 - Feb. 28

Tony Snell Appointed Head of Equal Rights Commission

VISIT Milwaukee volunteer coordinator now leads city commission.

Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief

Will meet again on December 10th.

VISIT Milwaukee launches Season of Giving Campaign

Timed with the International Day of Kindness, VISIT Milwaukee implores community to be kind to local businesses and shop local this holiday season

VISIT Milwaukee joins Stop the COVID Spread! Coalition

This broad coalition of business groups from around the state has launched a new PSA to urge the public to take preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19

VISIT Milwaukee Launches Community-Wide ‘Bring It Home’ Campaign

There has never been a more crucial time to bring future meetings business back to Milwaukee

VISIT Milwaukee launches virtual tour of Milwaukee in advance of DNC

30 videos narrated by community members allow visitors to explore the city from home

VISIT Milwaukee partners with the MMAC to provide 50,000 free masks to Milwaukeeans

As part of the MaskUpMKE initiative, the masks will be available at Citgo stations across the city

VISIT Milwaukee welcomes new Director of Sales, Leslie Johnson

VISIT Milwaukee Communications Staffers Elected to Leadership Positions in Local PRSA

They will work with communicators across the region to promote and enhance the profession

Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet to Host Fourth Annual “3 Days of Christmas” Holiday Initiative

Local restaurateurs kick off three-day holiday initiative with support from local businesses and legislators

Peggy Williams-Smith Will Lead VISIT Milwaukee

Marcus Corp. VP is first woman CEO of Milwaukee convention & visitors bureau.

VISIT Milwaukee names Peggy Williams-Smith as new President & CEO

Local leader poised to start November 18, 2019

BBB Serving Wisconsin Announces 2019 Business Ethics Awards Recipients

BBB Names 2019 Torch Award and Spark Award Recipients

Peggy Williams-Smith Receives the Marcus Corporation 2017 Ben Marcus Humanitarian Award

To recognize Williams-Smith for her commitment to the community, The Marcus Corporation donated $1,000 to the charity of her choice, Professional Dimensions, for its commitment to Pathfinders Milwaukee, Inc.

Control Assigns New Secret Agents to SafeHouse Milwaukee

Agent Change and Agent Bacon.

SafeHouse Milwaukee Celebrates 51st Anniversary

SafeHouse will Commemorate Occasion with Public Party, November 1

Control Announces New Corporate Director of Operations for SafeHouse Restaurant Group

Agent Irish Hammer will oversee operations for both secret SafeHouse locations.

A Second Screaming Tuna Comes to Tosa

Screaming Tuna opening in Downtown Tosa, K2 expanding, Simmer closing.

Street Food Tapas for Brady Street

And a new pie place for 55th and North. Both places sound yummy.

UPAF names 2016 campaign co-chairs, debuts celebrity videos promoting the arts

Marcus Restaurant Group Wins Standard of Excellence Award for New Website in Web Marketing Association’s 2015 Webawards

This year’s web development awards included over 1,500 entries from 40 countries in 96 industry categories.

United Performing Arts Fund Announces 2016 Campaign Co-Chairs

Community business leaders step up to support and sustain the performing arts in S.E. Wisconsin