VISIT Milwaukee Update

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May 19, 2021
by Tony Snell

 

Moving Milwaukee Forward Order to Expire June 1

The Mayor announced this afternoon that the Moving Milwaukee Forward public health order will be allowed to expire June 1, two weeks earlier than originally announced. This will also mean the mask mandate will expire then. The Mayor emphasized that local businesses are still able to set their own rules about mask-wearing within their properties.

Volunteer Training and Opportunities

As we move forward, we will host volunteer orientation/training sessions specific to the Wisconsin Center, airport, hospitality, and Tourism 101. Please look for future announcements and sign-up links.

We've listed new volunteer opportunities on our site and below. Keep in mind, you will need to complete the covid waiver to sign-up. It's easy and you can do it electronically. If you don't see the new opportunities, they only may be visible to volunteers with previous experience in working welcome tables, the airport, and the convention center or who've completed orientation in those areas. If you feel that you should be added to one of the groups, please let me know (tsnell@milwaukee.org).

Continue to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Milwaukee  

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and we celebrate the beauty our AAPI community adds to the fabric of our city. Take a look at the Milwaukee cultural institutions, AAPI businesses, and more to support all year long. And don't forget to make your plans to dine out during Milwaukee's first-ever Asian Restaurant Week (May 16-22). 

Sports Milwaukee Launches

Last week, we officially launched Sports Milwaukee as a new division of the company. Sports Milwaukee will market Milwaukee as the ideal destination for sporting events of all sizes, thereby driving more economic impact to the region. Sports Milwaukee's vision is to be Milwaukee County's premier sports organization for events and an advocate for health and wellness in the community. The new division is led by Director of Sports Development Marissa Werner, STS, a former Division I athlete, and a committee of area sports industry leaders.  Learn more Sports Milwaukee, volunteer opportunities and sports event sponsorship opportunities here.

Latest Longwoods Data
According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers, nine in 10 of them plan to travel in the next six months, the highest level since the beginning of the pandemic in March of last year.  And only three in 10 say that coronavirus will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months, the lowest level in 15 months.  

Support Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum

The mission of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum is to document and preserve the historical heritage of people of African descent in Wisconsin. We are proud to have WBHSM in Milwaukee and the impact it has on our local economy through tourism.  We support its continued success.  You can support WBHS directly through this GoFundMe campaign.

Coming Soon: VISIT Milwaukee's Summer Leisure Campaign

We will soon be launching our summer leisure campaign to drive more visitors to the community throughout the summer and we can't wait to share the details with you soon. As part of the campaign, we recently launched the Ultimate Milwaukee Giveaway so please share with friends and family so they can have a chance to win an amazing three-night stay!

Partner Updates

  • More great news from our friends at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport! United Airlines has announced it will add daily nonstop service between Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) beginning July 1, 2021.
  • How amazing is this? This summer Milwaukee Rep will premiere SoundStage MKE, a new audio play walking tour. Set against the backdrop of downtown Milwaukee, people can experience the history, humor, and hidden treasures of beloved landmarks and locales as they listen to imagined plays and fascinating "soundbyte" facts on their mobile devices free of charge. SoundStage MKE will be released on June 11 and was created by playwright Marisa Carr and writer Deanie Vallone (both Milwaukee natives), sound designer/composer Andre Pluess and director May Adrales and features the voices of over 10 actors.
  • The Milky Way Drive-In at Ballpark Commons is back! Head here to see the incredible movie and concert line-up with showings starting May 22.
  • Harley-Davidson has announced the return of the Hometown Rally taking place Labor Day weekend, and like previous years, the Museum will serve as the central rally point. Make those staffing plans accordingly!
  • Milwaukee Kayak Company opens for the season this Friday. I know there are quite a few of us on the team who can't wait to get out on the river for a paddle.
  • The Greater East Side Restaurant & Bar Job Fair takes place Friday and Saturday at Casablanca on Brady Street.

Friday Webinar

For this Friday's webinar, we are showcasing three partner businesses. Each brings something different to the table, and yet collectively make the Milwaukee region such a special place. Did you know that just north of Milwaukee in suburban River Hills, there is a park featuring over 50 distinct sculptures spread across 40 acres? Lynden Sculpture Garden blends art and nature together to create a sculpture sanctuary. When you come back into the city, you can hop on one of City Tours MKE's fun electric cruisers and see Milwaukee in a whole new way. Learn more about the types of tours offered and what the City Tours MKE team has planned for 2021. Last but not least, Social X MKE is here to share information about their diverse young professional organization. With so much to offer, Social X MKE is truly making a positive impact among Milwaukee YPs. 

Register online then tune in this Friday at 10:30 a.m.

UPAF Support

We encourage you to support UPAF's fundraising campaign. Our arts organizations are a vital part of our tourism economy, and the forthcoming performance season will be an amazing driver of business from locals and visitors alike. Please do what you can to support this great organization which provides funding for so many of our beloved arts groups.

There is a lot to be optimistic about and it looks like we are going to be enjoying an amazing summer in Milwaukee. Let's do this in harmony and with safety in mind.

Thank you! 

Tony