APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Roughly 1,000 members of the Wisconsin tourism industry gather at Appleton’s Fox Cities Exhibition Center this week.
The Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism kicked off Sunday night and runs through Tuesday.
Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett notes there are a number of presentations Monday and Tuesday, including one from Chris Gardner.
“You may know him from a movie that Will Smith starred in called “The Pursuit of Happiness.” That was based on the life of Chris Gardner. He’s a self-made philanthropist and multi-millionaire businessman who was born and raised in Milwaukee.”
Klett says tourism has a $20-billion dollar impact on Wisconsin’s economy, with the state having expanded advertising efforts into St. Louis.
“We did a partnership with the Cardinals’ Radio Network, because it airs in 18 states. We plastered Travel Wisconsin billboards throughout their downtown.”
Klett and Governor Walker are unveiling this summer’s advertising campaign at Monday morning’s opening keynote address.
“That includes a commercial called ‘Gemutlichkeit,’ a German word about being warm, friendly, and welcoming.” It’s meant to honor the state’s German heritage.
Klett notes one commercial will also feature a gold medal winning Paralympian from the state, wheelchair basketball standout Matt Scott.
