Industry Connect

Leverage Expertise + Resources To move Wisconsin forward

The tourism, film and outdoor recreation economies are increasingly complex and competitive. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism brings a broad range of expertise, resources and connections to help our partners succeed. We support domestic and international tourism, group travel, film and outdoor recreation, helping industry partners discover opportunities and turn ideas into action. 

Get Started!

Let's Collaborate

Whatever stage you’re at, our team is here to guide you.

Get Noticed.

Marketing, public relations, website listings, Co-op opportunities and promotional support to help you reach more people. 

Get Connected.

Trade shows, industry events, familiarization trips, business directories and itinerary development to build valuable relationships and drive business. 

Get Resources.

Grants, research, data, webinars, specialized newsletters, tools and training to help you make informed decisions. 

Get Moving.

Community and product development, strategic guidance, consultations and hands-on support to turn ideas into opportunities. 




GET STARTED 

Begin with the Industry Relations team. Share what you’re working on, and we’ll connect you with the right expertise, resources and partners to solve challenges, discover opportunities and grow your economic impact. 

Industry Relations Team

Working together to elevate Wisconsin tourism starts right here. Whether we’ve partnered for years or this is your first interaction with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, our Industry Relations team is ready to help you unlock the full value of our resources. From high-impact grants and expert consultations to practical toolkits and free marketing tools, we’re here to maximize budgets, expand your reach and drive economic growth in your region. Think of us as your connectors linking you directly to Travel Wisconsin as well as specialized programs across the Wisconsin Department of Tourism including the Office of Outdoor Recreation, Film Wisconsin and Group Travel.

 
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Melissa Sabel
Industry Relations Director

  • Oversees the Industry Relations team and the implementation of Travel Wisconsin resources including grants, webinars, Co-op, WIGCOT programming and the annual economic impact report
  • Interim regional contact for the Eastern region
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Lindsey Tirnanich
Marketing Tourism Development Specialist
  • Program lead for Co-op, industry webinars, Destination Marketing Pros, international marketing opportunities and marketing consultations
  • Industry Sector Manager for Lodging and Museums
  • Regional Contact for the state's seven largest destination marketing organizations
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Andrew Nussbaum
Tourism Development Specialist

  • Program lead for State Fair Travel Wisconsin booth activation and the What's New survey
  • Industry Sector Manager for Agritourism, Food & Beverage, Motorized Sports, Camping and Scenic Byways
  • Regional Contact for the Western region
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Christopher Jennings
Tourism Development Specialist

  • Program lead for Seasonal Reports, Tribal Nations and Travel Green
  • Industry Sector Manager for Silent Sports
  • Regional contact for the Northern region

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Heidi Schultz
Grants & Database Manager

  • Program lead for grants management, WIGCOT awards, Welcome Centers
  • Statewide contact for grants


Our team is available for presentations. Request a speaker at major events or meetings.  

Make a Scheduling Request

Need more?

Areas of Expertise  

Our Industry Relations team is backed by a team of experts with specialized knowledge across the many facets of tourism, film and outdoor recreation. Meet the deep bench of expertise behind our work with industry partners.

Website + Partner Portal

Courtney-Square.pngCourtney Rinka, Marketing Database Analyst
Increase your visibility and leverage resources to maximize listings for tourism attractions, events and more on TravelWisconsin.com, which receives millions of visits per year! Harness the power of your listings, our seasonal reports and widgets to showcase these tools on your website.  

Listing Resources

Outdoor recreation

CassieMordini-Square.pngCassie Mordini | Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation
The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation is the hub for the outdoor industry. Get connected and unlock the full potential of outdoor recreation through programs, resources, and a statewide network of industry professionals.

JJames02-Square.png Jess James
 Outdoor Recreation Development   Specialist 
Derrick-Zimmerman-Square.pngDerrick Zimmerman
Senior Marketing Communications Specialist

Outdoor Recreation


FILM Wisconsin

VeronicaPope-Square.pngVeronica Pope | Director, Film Wisconsin
Bring your destination to the screen by leveraging the film tax credits program. Connect with Film Wisconsin to drive economic development, build long-term investment in the state’s creative economy and inspire set-jetting for Wisconsin. 

Film Wisconsin

Group Travel

Sara-Brish-Square.pngSara Brish, Group Travel Program Manager
Collaborate with Travel Wisconsin in the meetings, convention, sports and motorcoach markets to bring more groups to the state. Connect with our team to align with the state’s data-informed strategy, partnership opportunities and more. 

Group Travel

PR & Communications

Aron-Meudt-Thering-Square.pngAron Meudt-Thering, Senior Communication Manager
Share your story with our team through the Scoop, Hot Leads and the What’s New Survey to keep your destination or organization on Travel Wisconsin’s radar for potential media outreach. Connect with our team to amplify stories through Travel Wisconsin public relations efforts and elevate your impact.

Sign-up for the Scoop & Hot Leads


Secretary's office

CraigTrost_HeadshotsAtOvertureCenter_01-31-2023-10_SQUARE.jpgCraig Trost, Communications Director
Expand your revenue streams through strategy impacting sports, meetings, motorcoach, film, international and public relations.


Explore resources in the

Industry Toolkit

Learn more
Travel Wisconsin
  • About Us
  • Promote
  • Research
  • Resources
  • Grants
WIGCOT
  • TravelWisconsin.com
  • Wisconsin Arts Board
  • Meet In Wisconsin
  • Sports Wisconsin
  • Office of Outdoor Recreation

About Us

  • View All
  • Our Plan
  • Group Travel
  • Film Wisconsin

Promote

  • View All
  • Co-op
  • Website Widgets
  • Events & Business Listings
  • Publications & Distribution
  • Travel Green
  • Welcome Centers

Research

  • View All

Resources

  • View All
  • WIGCOT
  • Travel Wisconsin Email Communications
  • Image & Video Library
  • National Travel & Tourism Week
  • Brand Resources

Grant Opportunities

  • View All
  • Joint Effort Marketing (JEM)
  • Ready, Set, Go! (RSG)
  • Meetings Mean Business! (MMB)
  • Tourism Information Center (TIC)
  • Grant Awardees
  • View All
  • Staff Directory
  • Industry Connect
  • Job Openings
  • View All
  • Wisconsin Council on Tourism
  • Our Committees
  • View All
  • Campaign Toolkit
  • View All
  • Road Trip to Wonder Tool Kit
  • Events
  • Travel Series
  • View All
  • Partner Toolkit