VISIT Milwaukee, the region’s destination marketing organization responsible for attracting conventions, events, business and leisure travel to the Greater Milwaukee area, celebrates 50 years in 2017.
Incorporated as the Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau on January 6, 1967, VISIT Milwaukee began as a joint proposal between the Milwaukee Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Milwaukee Hotel-Motel Association and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association to “re-establish Milwaukee as a major convention city.” In 1977, the bureau changed its name to the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau and in 2004, to VISIT Milwaukee.
When incorporated, the Milwaukee CVB was the only organization of its kind in the state. By 1975, there were eight convention bureaus.
“It is an honor to be celebrating 50 years of service to the Greater Milwaukee area, especially during such an exciting time for our community,” said Paul Upchurch, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. “With so many new hotels, restaurants, attractions, and developments in the area, there is no question that business and leisure travel will continue to accelerate in our region. The addition of the new Bucks arena, the Lakefront Gateway, the streetcar, and other community improvements will attract new visitors, which will spur additional growth for our area, making Milwaukee an even better destination to live, work, and play.”
Locally, tourism brings in over $5 billion in total business sales and supports more than 50,000 full time jobs each year. VISIT Milwaukee is an independent 501(c)6 organization charged with marketing and branding the Greater Milwaukee area to increase the economic impact of conventions, events, business and leisure tourism.
Celebrating 50 years in 2017, VISIT Milwaukee is the Greater Milwaukee area’s convention & visitors bureau, marketing the destination as a top choice for business, convention, and leisure travel to national and international visitors to increase the economic impact of tourism in the region. Each year, tourism supports over 50,000 full-time jobs and brings in over $5 billion to the community. VISIT Milwaukee has over 650 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. The City of Wauwatosa, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs.
