Event Agenda
2026 Program
Presented by:
Kyle Sexton
Featured Speaker
Kyle Sexton is an award-winning marketing strategist and international speaker and author on the topics of membership development, marketing and innovation. He was recognized in 2011 by Chamber Executive magazine as one of the most influential innovators in the chamber of commerce industry. He is the chamber industry’s foremost authority on membership tiers, and guides organizations through the transition from a traditional dues method to value-based tiers.
His research and methods have been featured in industry publications, as well as national conventions and regional conferences. Kyle’s innovative social media accelerator has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and is the author of Follow You Anywhere and ReMembership – New Strategies for Remarkable Membership Organizations.
Program subject to change
Session Sponsored By
Monday, October 5
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Chamber Boot Camp for New(er) Executives
12:00PM - 12:30PM
Conference Registration and Networking
12:30PM - 12:45PM
Welcome and Introductions
Kurt Bauer
President/CEO, WMC
12:45PM - 1:45PM
60 Ideas in 60 Minutes: Best Practices Sharing
2:00PM - 3:00PM
KEYNOTE: Take the Initiative
Jason Ebey
President & CEO, YGM
3:00PM - 3:30PM
Executive Spotlight
Dave Minor
President/CEO, Eau Claire Area Chamber (retired)
HOST
Kurt Bauer
President/CEO, WMC
3:30PM
Closing
3:30PM - 4:30PM
Hotel Check-in & Free Time
4:30pm
Load Bus for Little Bohemia Lodge
5:00PM
Cocktail Reception
6:00PM
Dinner
7:00PM
Load Bus for the Resort
8:00PM
Bonfire & S’mores at the Resort
Tuesday, October 6
8:00AM - 9:00AM
Business at Breakfast
9:00AM - 9:15AM
Welcome and Introductions
9:15AM - 9:45AM
Wisconsin Competitiveness Report
Kurt Bauer
President/CEO, WMC
9:45AM - 10:45AM
KEYNOTE: Total Resource Campaigns: What Are They?
Jason Ebey
President & CEO, YGM
Anissa Starnes
Chief Impact Officer, YGM
10:45AM - 11:00AM
Break
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Table Discussions
· Workforce / Advocacy / Education
· Membership
· Marketing / Events
12:00PM - 1:15PM
Lunch & Presentation
1:30PM - 2:15PM
Breakout Sessions
Building Strategic Partnerships
Wade Goodsell
Engaging Volunteers
Jason Ebey
Small Chamber, Big Impact
Anissa Starnes
2:30PM - 3:15PM
Breakout Sessions Repeat
Building Strategic Partnerships
Wade Goodsell
Engaging Volunteers
Jason Ebey
Small Chamber, Big Impact
Anissa Starnes
3:30PM - 5:30PM
Free Time
5:30PM
Cocktail Reception
6:00PM
Dinner
8:00PM
Bonfire & S’mores at the Resort
Wednesday, October 7
8:00AM - 9:00AM
Business at Breakfast
9:00AM - 9:15AM
Welcome & Introductions
9:15AM - 11:30AM
Morning Presentations
Congressman Tom Tiffany
Wisconsin Congressman; Gubernatorial Candidate
9:15AM - 11:30AM
Morning Presentations
Leadership Panel: Issues, Advocacy & Economic Development
9:15AM - 11:30AM
Morning Presentations
11:30aM
Unanswered Questions and Connections
12:00PM
Adjourn
Pricing
Your WCCE Conference & Retreat registration includes educational programming, meals, cocktail receptions and dinners, conference materials and travel during the event. Hotel and travel to/from the resort are on your own.
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Pre-Conference: Chamber Boot Camp (Member) $50
Pre Conference: Chamber Boot Camp (Non-Member): $75
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Conference Individual (Member) *early bird $450
Conference Individual (Non-Member): $550
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Conference Individual (Member) *after August 31 $550
Conference Individual (Non-Member): $650
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Additional Member from the Same Chamber $350
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Guest (Significant Other) $275
Lodging
ROOM BLOCK
A room block has been reserved for our group for the nights of Monday, October 5th and Tuesday, October 6th at The Waters of Minocqua. When making your reservation, please reference the room block name “WCCE.” The room rate is $105 per night, plus tax. Reservations must be made by September 6th to receive the group rate. You have the option to extend your stay immediately before or after these dates and receive the special room rate. To make a reservation, please contact the hotel at (715) 358-4000.
Sponsors
Please contact Susan Nyffenegger for more information on sponsorships available and how you can help support this event, (608) 258-3400.
Conference Sponsor
EVENT SponsorS
