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.
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Content referencing Peggy Williams-Smith
Hotel Giants Blast Study Backing New Convention Hotel
Marcus and Jackson Street say a subsidized 650-room project would dilute an already weak market.
Mar 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Recommends Closing ELMNT Lounge
Milwaukee Common Council will take a final vote next month.
Oct 21st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
City Breaks Ground on New Cruise Ship Dock
City, state officials highlight expected boost for tourism, jobs.
Sep 4th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
RNC Report Says Convention Had $321 Million Economic Impact
Host-sponsored report touts impact more than 50% larger than predicted.
May 20th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Ports Envision Growth in Great Lakes Cruises
But how many vessels will call on Milwaukee's new cruise ship dock?
Mar 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Tourism Spending Dipped During Republican Convention in Milwaukee
Hotels up, everything else down during RNC, WI Department of Revenue data shows.
Mar 18th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
$54.9 Million in Upgrades Approved for Brewers Stadium
Move to winterize stadium part of $500 million public subsidy passed in 2023.
Jan 28th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Trump Freezes Federal Spending Critical to Milwaukee Projects
His executive order could kill spending for major projects by city, county and airport.
Jan 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
International Restaurant, IVR Bar Opens on Northwest Side
Plus: Big brewery news, EE-Sane update and the latest on chicken-keeping.
Jan 5th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Construction Progressing at Deer District Concert Venue
$70 million venue is on-track to open in late 2025.
Oct 16th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
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.
Oct 1st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Aug 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Connect Marketplace Highlights Milwaukee as Convention Site
3 day event at Baird Center showcases city to some 1,000 meeting planners across U.S.
Aug 28th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Remembering Cecilia Gilbert
'The Queen' brought joyful passion and a savvy insider's knowledge to her work with city government and many civic boards.
Aug 27th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Will Host ‘Super Bowl’ of Meetings… in 2034
Despite decade wait, Visit Milwaukee says hosting ASAE convention is a touchdown.
Aug 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Aug 2nd, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
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.
Jul 17th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
RNC Will Build on Milwaukee’s Growing Visibility, Tourism Leader Says
Visit Milwaukee’s CEO Peggy Williams-Smith salutes city's 'swagger,' rising tourism.
Jun 25th, 2024 by Margaret Faust
Milwaukee Saw Record-Breaking Tourism in 2023
Helping propel Wisconsin to back-to-back record-breaking years.
Jun 13th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
$456 Million Baird Center Opens With Big Promises, Vision
100,000 more visitors every year, billions more in spending. See it yourself on Saturday.
May 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
May 3rd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Pledges To Get Involved in Schools
Johnson vows to make Milwaukee a city that attracts people because of its schools.
Apr 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
‘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.
Mar 21st, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee
Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.
Mar 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Mar 1st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
County Expanding Narcan Vending Machine Program
Officials want to add 8 more in Milwaukee; businesses, nonprofits urged to request one.
Jan 23rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Businesses Pitch Republicans
300 businesses at Baird Center seek customers and contacts for 2024 convention.
Aug 23rd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law
"Something huge, something major, something extraordinary," says Johnson of revenue deal, averting fiscal cliff.
Jul 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Vetoed Funding for Republican National Convention
GOP legislators gave Milwaukee tourism bureau $10 million for 2024 convention.
Jul 7th, 2023 by Evan Casey
Council Committee Endorses 2% Sales Tax
And blasts state policy restrictions while insisting tax is far from a 'Milwaukee bailout.'
Jun 26th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Hampton Inn Mysteriously Closes
Signs point to financial issues. Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.
May 28th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside The Trade Hotel
Deer District hotel hopes to win lots of business, including from NBA teams.
May 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Baird Center Reaches Highest Point
Topping-off ceremony for $456 million Wisconsin Center expansion draws dignitaries a year before completion.
May 11th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
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?
May 4th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park
Its plan for Vel R. Phillips Plaza is to create new gathering spot for Westown.
Apr 25th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
RNC Looking For Businesses To Partner With
Host committee launches vendor website, promises lasting impact.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Women’s Entrepreneurship Week Returns
Annual event returns on May 8 with in-person programming and new organization at its helm.
Apr 4th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Pro-Ballpark Funding Coalition Launched
Home Crew Coalition backing $290 million state subsidy for Milwaukee Brewers stadium.
Mar 8th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee TV Show ‘Good Things Brewing’ Will Air Feb. 18
Tune in to NBC for the first episode of the Milwaukee-centric program.
Feb 10th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Museum Days Returns for 2023
With special exhibits and free and reduced admission at 27 metro area museums.
Jan 18th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Downtown Venues Announce Milwaukee Theater District
New coalition of groups and venues aims to spotlight city as arts and culture destination.
Nov 30th, 2022 by Sophie Bolich
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.
Oct 26th, 2022 by Sophie Bolich
Republicans Name CEO of 2024 Convention
Retired Wisconsin businessman, former U.S. ambassador and longtime GOP leader Steve King will lead host team.
Sep 30th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Wins 2024 Republican National Convention
It's official. GOP will pick its presidential nominee in Milwaukee.
Aug 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Nashville Rejects RNC, Milwaukee Now Lone Bidder
An official vote to grant Milwaukee the Republican convention expected Aug. 5.
Aug 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
GOP Panel Picks Milwaukee To Host 2024 Convention
Full committee must still vote in early August to approve Milwaukee.
Jul 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
VISIT Milwaukee Offers ‘Treat Yourself Pass’
Latest 'mobile passport' offers sweet deals and freebies at area businesses.
Jul 13th, 2022 by Sophie Bolich
VISIT Milwaukee Has New Plan To Drive Tourism
Strategy includes Milwaukee-focused TV show, traveling visitor center and more.
Jun 30th, 2022 by Sophie Bolich
Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause
But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?
Jun 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves RNC Deal, Drops $6 Million Request
Move praised by mayor, convention backers.
Jun 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Members Asking RNC For $6 Million
Milwaukee can't otherwise benefit from convention because of lack of sales or hotel tax.
May 25th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released
11-acre development with new soccer stadium, concert venue lists big-name supporters.
May 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Biggest Cruise Ship On Great Lakes Makes First Milwaukee Visit
See inside the brand new Viking Octantis.
May 6th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
The Return of the Bronze Fonz
Downtown landmark reinstalled on riverwalk, but with a new look.
Mar 11th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Seen As RNC Favorite
Former Governor Scott Walker leading tour of city today. Taxpayers paying for security.
Feb 17th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
RNC 2024 Team Visits Milwaukee
Milwaukee is now one of three finalists to host Republican convention.
Feb 16th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Port Building New Cruise Ship Dock
Gov. Tony Evers announces $3.5 million grant to bolster $7 million project.
Feb 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Reportedly One of Four RNC Finalists
After DNC was largely canceled, Republicans seriously considering Milwaukee.
Jan 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Johnson Ceremonially Sworn In As Mayor
Milwaukee's acting mayor hosts a ceremony of pomp and circumstance to tell his story.
Dec 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
WCD Celebrates Start of Convention Center Expansion
$420 million project is intended to boost business, fully realize Wisconin Center's potential.
Oct 28th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Might Bid for 2024 Republican National Convention
City already planning to bid for the Democratic National Convention.
Oct 14th, 2021 by Diane Bezucha
America’s Black Holocaust Museum Will Reopen
Grand reopening planned for February 25.
Sep 28th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Bucks Championship Had $58 Million Economic Impact
Visit Milwaukee estimates direct and indirect spending during team's playoff run.
Sep 27th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Madison Legislator Wins Dining Award
Plus: Dairyland Custard coming to Brewery District, a new chicken wing restaurant, and a free beer pass.
Sep 20th, 2021 by Michael Holloway
VISIT Milwaukee Offers A Beer Pass
Brew City Beer Pass offers freebies, discounts for tours at more than 20 local craft breweries.
Sep 14th, 2021 by Annie Mattea
Should Water Street Be Gun-Free District?
Downtown stakeholders consider how Kansas City, Memphis, New Orleans handle bar district problems.
Aug 18th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos
Alderman wants stronger actions. "The mayor is basically whistling past the graveyard."
Jun 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
State Tourism Business Down 30% in 2020
Due to pandemic. Officials hopeful about rebound in spending in 2021.
May 5th, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
Tony Snell Appointed Head of Equal Rights Commission
VISIT Milwaukee volunteer coordinator now leads city commission.
Dec 17th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief
Will meet again on December 10th.
Dec 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Peggy Williams-Smith Will Lead VISIT Milwaukee
Marcus Corp. VP is first woman CEO of Milwaukee convention & visitors bureau.
Oct 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
A Second Screaming Tuna Comes to Tosa
Screaming Tuna opening in Downtown Tosa, K2 expanding, Simmer closing.
Jan 6th, 2016 by Jack Fennimore
Street Food Tapas for Brady Street
And a new pie place for 55th and North. Both places sound yummy.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
