Peggy Williams-Smith became president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee in 2019.

Previously she worked for Marcus Hotels & Resorts, last as vice president of food and beverage.

Photos

Content referencing Peggy Williams-Smith

City Hall: Mayor Pledges To Get Involved in Schools
City Hall

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

‘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

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

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
MKE County: County Expanding Narcan Vending Machine Program
MKE County

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
Museum Days Returns to Milwaukee
Press Release

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
Press Release

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

Milwaukee Businesses Pitch Republicans

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

City Hall: Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law
City Hall

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

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
Press Release

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

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
Press Release

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

Plats and Parcels: Downtown Hampton Inn Mysteriously Closes
Plats and Parcels

Downtown Hampton Inn Mysteriously Closes

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Inside The Trade Hotel
Eyes on Milwaukee

Inside The Trade Hotel

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Baird Center Reaches Highest Point
Eyes on Milwaukee

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

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?

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park
Eyes on Milwaukee

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

RNC Looking For Businesses To Partner With

Host committee launches vendor website, promises lasting impact.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Week Returns

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

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

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

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

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
Press Release

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

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

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
Press Release

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

Milwaukee Wins 2024 Republican National Convention

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

Nashville Rejects RNC, Milwaukee Now Lone Bidder

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

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’

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

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
City Hall: Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause
City Hall

Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause

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

City Hall: Council Approves RNC Deal, Drops $6 Million Request
City Hall

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

Council Members Asking RNC For $6 Million

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released
Eyes on Milwaukee

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

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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

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
Press Release

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

Milwaukee Seen As RNC Favorite

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

RNC 2024 Team Visits Milwaukee

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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

Kiosk will be used to showcase Milwaukee to visitors around region

Eyes on Milwaukee: Port Building New Cruise Ship Dock
Eyes on Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee Reportedly One of Four RNC Finalists

After DNC was largely canceled, Republicans seriously considering Milwaukee.

Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor

Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: WCD Celebrates Start of Convention Center Expansion
Eyes on Milwaukee

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

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

America’s Black Holocaust Museum Will Reopen

Grand reopening planned for February 25.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Bucks Championship Had $58 Million Economic Impact
Eyes on Milwaukee

Bucks Championship Had $58 Million Economic Impact

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

Now Serving: Madison Legislator Wins Dining Award
Now Serving

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

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?

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
Press Release

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

City Hall: Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos
City Hall

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
Press Release

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

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

VISIT Milwaukee Launches Giving Fest to Support Local Hospitality Community

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

City Hall: Tony Snell Appointed Head of Equal Rights Commission
City Hall

Tony Snell Appointed Head of Equal Rights Commission

VISIT Milwaukee volunteer coordinator now leads city commission.

City Hall: Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief
City Hall

Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief

Will meet again on December 10th.

VISIT Milwaukee launches Season of Giving Campaign
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Peggy Williams-Smith Will Lead VISIT Milwaukee
Eyes on Milwaukee

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

Control Assigns New Secret Agents to SafeHouse Milwaukee

Agent Change and Agent Bacon.

SafeHouse Milwaukee Celebrates 51st Anniversary
Press Release

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
Press Release

Control Announces New Corporate Director of Operations for SafeHouse Restaurant Group

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

Now Serving: A Second Screaming Tuna Comes to Tosa
Now Serving

A Second Screaming Tuna Comes to Tosa

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

Now Serving: Street Food Tapas for Brady Street
Now Serving

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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