Wisconsin launches meeting grant program
As some states are losing tourism funding, the Badger State is increasing aid to destinations bidding for regional and national meetings. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has introduced Meetings Mean Business, a new grant program designed to boost visitor spending through greater hotel occupancy, meeting space rentals, and food and beverage expenditures. The program provides destination marketing organizations with financial assistance to provide incentives to meetings planners such as facility rentals, shuttle buses or other in-community transportation, host city preview promotions, guest room rebates and more. The additional investment is reflected in the tourism department’s 2012–13 budget. The first deadline to apply is Dec. 1, 2011. More information can be found at travelwisconsin.com.
