Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced the addition of Matt Peschke to the division’s marketing team as corporate director of marketing. In addition, the company has promoted Cortney Heimerl to area marketing director for the Milwaukee market.

In his role as corporate director of marketing, Peschke will provide strategic marketing guidance and oversight to Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ properties throughout the country. He will also guide strategy and implement corporate initiatives to continue to grow the Marcus Hotels brand.

Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Peschke served as the director of marketing for Lore Group, an international hospitality and real estate investment group based in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team,” said Erin Levzow, vice president of marketing. “His industry knowledge and experience working with a number of brand leaders will make him a huge asset in this role.”

Peschke will be succeeding Cortney Heimerl, who is now overseeing the marketing and brand efforts for all of Marcus Hotels’ Milwaukee properties including The Pfister, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel and Hilton Milwaukee.

“Cortney has been a fantastic member of our team since she started in 2017,” said Levzow. “We pride ourselves on seeking out and developing quality talent, and Cortney’s growth and trajectory here is a perfect example of that value in action. I am looking forward to the many contributions she will make in her new role as area marketing director for our hometown market.”

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes hotel food and beverage concepts developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group, featuring premier brands such as Mason Street Grill, ChopHouse, Miller Time Pub & Grill and SafeHouse Restaurants. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

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Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced that Linda Gulrajani, vice president of revenue strategy and distribution for Marcus Hotels & Resorts, has been recognized as part of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) “Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization” for 2019.

The seventeenth annual list recognizes the “best of the best” in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries. Each selected recipient is judged by a panel of senior industry executives for his or her recent work based on the following criteria: creativity and innovation, cutting edge sales or marketing campaigns, triumph in challenging situations, and/or sales efforts that resulted in dramatic gains.

“Linda has been a key member of our team and has created a strong revenue management culture within our organization,” said Greg Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “With her passion and experience in the revenue management industry, it is no surprise that she would achieve this recognition. We are very proud of her accomplishment and all that she has done for our company and the revenue management community.”

Gulrajani joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 2009 and has held several positions within the company’s revenue team. She was promoted to vice president of revenue strategy and distribution in 2014 and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of revenue management and distribution activities and strategies for all hotels in the company’s portfolio. In addition, she oversees the Marcus Reservations and Customer Care Center which manages reservation calls for the Marcus Hotels portfolio as well as external hotel customers.

Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Gulrajani served in a variety of revenue management and sales roles at hospitality companies including TravelCLICK, Walt Disney World, Marriott, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Loews Hotels.

Gulrajani is a member of HSMAI America’s Revenue Management Advisory Board and acted as the chair of the Board from 2016 to 2018. She is also a member of Wisconsin Women in Lodging, a female based organization that gives female hoteliers, and their allies, the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain career momentum and be inspired to continue contributing to the Wisconsin Lodging Industry. Gulrajani graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.

Gulrajani’s achievements will be honored during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala, January 21, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis. The event is a multifaceted, elegant networking extravaganza celebrating award-winning work, Lifetime Achievement and the Top 25 Awards. In addition to the Adrian Awards Gala, Gulrajani will be featured in an HSMAI article, receive a personalized plaque, and going forward will be recognized as a Top 25 Mind in Hospitality Sales, Marketing and Revenue Optimization.

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes hotel food and beverage concepts developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group, featuring premier brands such as Mason Street Grill, ChopHouse, Miller Time Pub & Grill and SafeHouse Restaurants. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals & their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

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Marcus Hotels & Resorts hosts something for everyone at this year’s can’t-miss festivities

Soon the banisters of the AAA Four Diamond Pfister Hotel and the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Milwaukee City Center will be adorned with tinsel and evergreen boughs as the festive spirit of the holiday season returns to treasured Milwaukee traditions and celebrations. Guests from near and far have the opportunity to experience a variety of classic holiday merriment, as well as new and creative events to ring in this special time of year.

Top “Can’t Miss” Holiday Events at The Pfister Hotel:
• All is Bright: The Annual Pfister Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony – Friday, November 29, 2019 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (official lighting at 5:30 p.m.)

o The annual tree lighting ceremony in the lobby of The Pfister Hotel is one of Milwaukee’s most beloved and anticipated traditions. Featuring an 18-foot, LED-lit holiday tree, the jolly event includes complimentary hot cocoa, tasty holiday treats, music, and more. Parents are invited to bring their cameras, as Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving at 5:20 p.m. on a Milwaukee Fire Department fire truck to greet guests and pose for photos. Guests are encouraged to write letters to Santa and drop them in Santa’s special mailbox, which he will take back with him to the North Pole. The tree lighting ceremony will take place promptly at 5:30 p.m.; the other activities continue until 6:30 p.m. To support those in need during the holiday season, The Pfister Hotel will collect non-perishable food items for Hunger Task Force, and encourages guests to bring donation items. This event is free and open to the public. Enjoy complimentary parking with any purchase.

• Pfister Holiday Marketplace – Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, 2019 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

o Experience and enjoy the majestic holiday ambiance of The Pfister Hotel lobby while shopping for gifts created by over 60 local artists and vendors. Curated by the talented Renee Bebaeu, The Pfister Holiday Marketplace is the ideal place to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, all while taking in the sights and sounds of local art and music. Located in The Pfister Lobby, entry into the marketplace is free.

• Breakfast With Santa – Saturdays and Sundays, December 7, 8, 14, 15 and 21, 22, 2019 | Two times available each day, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., as well as 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

o Back by popular demand, The Pfister Breakfast Buffet with Santa is a holiday tradition that creates lifelong memories for the entire family. Guests have the opportunity to share a festive breakfast spread with Santa and his elves in the festive Pfister ballroom. In addition to photos with Santa, which are highly encouraged, each child will receive a special gift and will be able to make crafts while penning a hand-written letter to Santa. Smaller seating groups for each date will ensure that everyone has an exceptional experience. For reservations call 877.704.5340 or 414.935.5950. Pricing: $49 Adults, $29 Children 3-10 years-old, 2 and under free (tax and gratuity are not included). Credit card guarantee required. 48-hour cancellation notice required or full amount is charged.

To learn more about these Pfister holiday events, visit: https://www.thepfisterhotel.com/events.

More Holiday Experiences at The Pfister

Afternoon Tea at The Pfister
Friday through Sunday Weekly until May 3, 2020 | Seating available at 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., or 2:00 p.m.
As winter rolls in, cozy up with tea at The Pfister’s beloved 23rd floor lounge, Blu. Guests will enjoy a spectacular view of the city and tableside tea blending, presented in all-silver service by the one and only Pfister Tea Butler. Enjoy learning about each tea’s origin, unique flavors, effects on mood and health, as well as blending options and perfect pairings. House-made traditional sandwiches and pastries are also served. Afternoon Tea at The Pfister sells out quickly, so make your reservation today! For reservations, call 414.935.5950 or email CustomerCare@marcushotels.com. Reservations and credit card guarantee required. 48-hour cancellation notice required or full amount is charged.

Thanksgiving Bountiful Brunch at The Pfister
Thursday, November 28, 2019 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Dine in the breathtaking atmosphere of the Pfister Grand Ballroom, the perfect setting for your family’s elegant and cheerful Thanksgiving celebration. Indulge in an array of fresh seafood on sculpted ice, a harvest of fresh salads and starters, an Artisan Wisconsin cheese station, freshly baked treats from the Grand Pastry table and chefs preparing organic eggs, pastas and succulently carved meats on site, not to mention all the traditional trimmings. Guests can extend the holiday experience with an overnight stay on Wednesday, November 27 or Thursday, November 28 for a special rate of $109 per night plus tax with the purchase of brunch. For reservations, call 877.704.5340 or 414.935.5950. Pricing: $69 Adults, $27 Children 3-10 years-old, 2 and under free (tax and gratuity are not included). Credit card guarantee required. 48-hour cancellation notice required or full amount is charged.

Thanksgiving at Mason Street Grill
Thursday, November 28, 2019 | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy an all–American grill for this quintessential holiday, including juicy wood–grilled steaks, crisp seafood and a special Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu. Private dining rooms are also available for your gathering, whether you need room for six or sixty. For reservations, call 414.298.3131 or visit OpenTable.com. Pricing: $44.50 Adults, $15 Children 12 and under (select menu).

Mason Street Grill Christmas Carol Experience
Saturday, December 7, 14 and 21, 2019 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Reserve your spot for a delightful winter’s eve – dinner at Mason Street Grill followed by A Christmas Carol presented by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Complimentary parking in The Pfister parking structure and transportation to the show have been arranged for guests. A three-course prix-fixe menu will be available starting at 5:00 p.m. Guests can then take a shuttle to the Pabst Theater for the 7:30 p.m. performance of A Christmas Carol. Last shuttle will leave at 7:00 p.m. For reservations, call 414.298.3131. Pricing: $125 per person; preferred orchestra seating for the show. (Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations required.)

Christmas Celebration Brunch
Wednesday, December 25, 2019 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Christmas Day brunch at The Pfister starts with a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary in the ballroom, followed by a spectacular buffet featuring a delicious assortment of fresh seafood, Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, carved meats, made-to-order omelets and pastas, holiday salads and starters, a selection of mouth-watering entrees and decadent desserts for the whole family. To make this holiday experience truly magical, brunch guests can reserve a room at The Pfister on either Tuesday, December 24 or Wednesday, December 25 at a cheerful holiday rate starting at $109 per night, plus tax, with the purchase of brunch. For brunch and room reservations, call 877.704.5340 or 414.935.5950. Brunch pricing: $69 Adults, $27 Children 3–10 years-old, 2 and under free (tax and gratuity are not included). Credit card guarantee is required, and a 48-hour cancellation notice is required or full amount will be charged.

A Mason Street Grill Christmas
Wednesday, December 25, 2019 | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy classic American favorites and delicious Christmas specials in addition to the Mason Street Grill’s regularly available à la carte menu. Private dining rooms are also available for your gathering, big or small. For reservations call 414.298.3131 or visit OpenTable.com.

Holiday Traditions at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Wine Wednesdays at Milwaukee ChopHouse
Every Wednesday in November and December | Normal operating hours
Join the award-winning steakhouse for a decadent meal and enjoy 50 percent off bottles of wine under $100 and 25 percent off bottles $100 and up every Wednesday in November and December.

Thanksgiving at Milwaukee ChopHouse
Thursday, November 28, 2019 | 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Feast with family and friends on a special à la carte Thanksgiving menu at Milwaukee ChopHouse featuring: curried pumpkin soup ($8) and wine-poached pear salad ($14) to start; turkey wellington with leek and mushroom cornbread stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, pomegranate-glazed carrots and caramelized-shallot gravy ($32) for the main course; and pumpkin ginger cheesecake ($9) for dessert. The regular menu will also be available. Bringing together traditional favorites and adventurous new creations, this will be a Thanksgiving to remember.

Thanksgiving at Miller Time Pub & Grill
Open Thursday, November 28, 2019 | Normal operating hours

Miller Time Pub & Grill Warm Clothing Drive
Wednesday, December 4 to Sunday, December 8, 2019 | Normal operating hours
Guests can bring new or gently-used warm clothing items such as hats, gloves, winter jackets or sweaters for all ages to Miller Time Pub & Grill to receive a free Miller tap beer for each item donated (limit five per patron).

Christmas Eve at Milwaukee ChopHouse
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 | 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Milwaukee ChopHouse by dining from our fabulous dinner menu or enjoy our Prime Rib special. Please note special hours.

Christmas Eve and Day at Miller Time Pub & Grill
December 24 and 25, 2019 | Normal operating hours
Miller Time Pub & Grill is open normal operating hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Marcus Hotels Holiday Gift Cards
Purchase $100 in Marcus gift cards and receive a $25 bonus gift card redeemable at any Marcus restaurant, spa hotel or theatre. Purchase today at: http://www.marcusgiftcards.com/.

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes hotel food and beverage concepts developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group, featuring premier brands such as Mason Street Grill, ChopHouse, Miller Time Pub & Grill and SafeHouse Restaurants. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

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Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee’s first-of-its kind independent arts hotel, announced today the hotel’s rotating fall exhibitions in its four gallery spaces. Celebrating the vibrancy of the creative process, the newly opened immersive arts hotel features an ever-changing line-up of talented works in its gallery spaces and throughout the 219-room arts hotel.

Free and open to the public, the hotel’s galleries allow visitors from near and far to discover, learn and view things from a new perspective. Whether visiting for a night’s stay or simply taking in the beauty and diversity of artwork during a day’s visit, guests can appreciate the incredible artistic talent that thrives inside Saint Kate. Serving as an artistic platform where all art forms are encouraged, Saint Kate offers guests the opportunity to view over 100 pieces of contemporary art in its seed collection from emerging and renowned artists across the globe, engage in performance art in its Arc Theatre, and relish in artistic drink and dining experiences.

Fall Exhibitions Feature Artists with Ties to Milwaukee and Include:

MOWA | DTN Presents Sound | Asleep (September 14, 2019 – January 8, 2020)
The Museum of Wisconsin Art’s newest venue – MOWA | DTN – presents Sound | Asleep: The Photographs of Steven Foster and Tomiko Jones. Conventional displays of art privilege level lines and generous spacing – all the better to spotlight the merits of individual works. In Sound | Asleep, both Foster’s and Jones’ installations incorporate these principles of exhibition to reflect influence and collaboration, making the installation of the photographs as much a part of the work of art as the photographs themselves.

Foster’s photographs exalt in views of everyday life that reveal a similar appreciation of space and repetition. Dynamically hung on the wall, the photographs comprise a graphic musical score intended for musical interpretation, which is brought to life by trumpeter Russ Johnson. Jones’ photographs feature more than 200 images in an atypical installation that reflects the vicissitudes of life on the go.

“Playing House: A New Domesticity, Featuring Artwork by Lois Bielefeld and Michelle Grabner” (November 15, 2019 – March 1, 2020) | The Gallery
Hotels are unique places where public life and domestic life merge. They often strive to make their guests feel like they are “at home” or “a home away from home.” Viewers will examine works by Lois Bielefeld and Michelle Grabner, two artists who explore the multifaceted nature of the domestic and the many ways the concept of home or the domestic can be interpreted.

Grabner is a Milwaukee-based artist whose body of work focuses on intellectualizing objects that are seen and used every day, as well as common, shared experiences. Much of her work involves abstracting domestic materials and things that are close at hand, giving them a glorified and uplifting presence.

Grabner has shown with the Green Gallery, Milwaukee; Gallery Gisela Clement, Bonn, Germany; James Cohan, New York; Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Shane Campbell Gallery, Chicago; Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee; INOVA (Institute of Visual Arts), Milwaukee; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and Western Exhibitions, Chicago. Grabner co-curated the 2014 Whitney Biennial.

Bielefeld is a photographer who is known for the performative or narrative nature of her photographs. These works are part of her New Domesticity series, where Bielefeld is thinking about what domesticity looks like today, long after feminism responded to the American idealized hyper role-driven society of the 50’s and 60’s. She created portraits of artists (and those they share their homes with) along with accompanying audio interviews, asking about what home and home making looks like.

Bielefeld has exhibited at The Warehouse Museum, Milwaukee; the Haggerty Museum of Art, Milwaukee; the International Center of Photography, New York; Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend; Portrait Society Gallery, Milwaukee; and Usable Space, Milwaukee.

“Cope & Drag” – Kim Faler (September 28, 2019 – January 10, 2020) | The Space
Faler’s work explores functionality in architecture and design, as well as how our emotional attachment to everyday objects sometimes defies logic. Her site-specific piece for Saint Kate, Cope and Drag, explores the themes of anxiety, pressure and reliance within the public eye. Located within Saint Kate’s “The Space,” Faler stacks architectural wall fragments and wooden frames on top of one another, creating a completely useless support structure. The wooden structures are then concealed and revealed with a brightly colored paint and dangling neon rope, serving to tantalize and distract the eye. The Wait, and Dolly, focus on the materials that make up objects, and our innate understanding of both those objects and our emotional connection to its new versions. The seeming fragility of the objects and their construction adds a sense of unease or urgency to the work, allowing viewers to examine what they know and question the routine and patterns that shape their everyday lives.

Faler, who resides and works in North Adams, Mass., has exhibited at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASSMoCA), Art Dubai, Sp/Arte in Sao Paulo, as well as LaMontagne Gallery in Boston, David Winton Bell Gallery at Brown University in Providence, R.I., and the Beeler Gallery at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio.

“News from Nowhere” – Ben Balcom (October 15, 2019 – February 23, 2020) | The Closet
Opening Reception: October 15; Artist Talk and Film Screening: October 23
Balcom is a filmmaker currently living, working and teaching in Milwaukee. His films investigate the relationship between cinematic artifice and ordinary experiences of everyday life. At Saint Kate, Balcom has created a movie theatre for one to show his newest film, News from Nowhere, which is an exploration of Milwaukee’s urban landscape.

His films have been exhibited at the European Media Festival, Media City Film Festival, Anti-Matter Media Arts, Alchemy Film, Ann Arbor Film Festival and Slamdance. His work received the Black Bear Award for Best Use of Sound at the 2016 Athens International Film & Video Festival, and the Niagara Award for Best Cinematography at the 2015 Ann Arbor Film Festival. In 2015 he was selected for a Mary L. Nohl Individual Artist Fellowship.

Balcom currently teaches film production at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and is the co-founder and co-programmer of Microlights Cinema.

“Snowman” – Ray Chi (November 21, 2019 – March 3, 2020) | The Cabinet/The Vitrine
Chi is a Milwaukee-based artist, architect, furniture designer and filmmaker. He approaches sculpture from the lens of an architect and uses his public art as a platform to spread a message of positivity. The Snowman is a sculptural video work –it consists of three television monitors, stacked on top of each other to form a pyramid, while the monitors show a time-lapse video of a melting snowman.

Chi has exhibited his work at Union Art Gallery, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Milwaukee Art Museum; Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Milwaukee; and the Frederick Layton Gallery, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

“Our fall and winter exhibitions showcase a wide range of contemporary art, exploring diverse themes,” said Maureen Ragalie, Saint Kate curator. “We are especially excited for the new exhibitions because they highlight works by artists who have ties to Milwaukee, showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city.”

To learn more about the new fall exhibitions, please visit: https://www.saintkatearts.com/exhibitions.

Saint Kate – A First-of-its-Kind Arts Hotel
Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s theatre and entertainment district, Saint Kate blends exceptional hospitality with artistic expression. Saint Kate’s motto, “invite participation and expect change,” challenges visitors to keep an open mind, embrace change and evolve as individuals. The 219-room arts destination features five unique culinary experiences, a 95-seat black box theatre for rotating performances, multiple gallery and exhibition spaces and 11,597 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Saint Kate is within walking distance of notable arts attractions in Milwaukee’s entertainment district, the Third Ward and the Fiserv Forum. Artists interested in showing their work at Saint Kate can learn more here. For more information or to book reservations, please visit: https://www.saintkatearts.com.

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New director of events supporting extensive meeting capabilities at Milwaukee’s largest hotel

Originally opened in 1928 as the Schroeder Hotel, the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Milwaukee City Center has wowed guests and meeting attendees for more than 90 years. As Milwaukee’s largest hotel with 729 rooms and skyway access to the Wisconsin Center convention and exposition facility, the property continues to strengthen its efforts as it prepares to serve as the headquarters for the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2020. As part of this effort, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center today announced a new director of events, Christine Lunz, who will oversee all events at the hotel, including assisting the Hilton’s events team with the DNC.

A Wisconsin native, Lunz brings over 16 years of experience in hotel event management to the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. In her most recent role, she served as the director of catering for the Marriott Milwaukee West for seven years. She was also the director of catering and conference services for three years at The Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center in Rockford, Ill. Lunz began her career and passion for hotel events at The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wis. An FTD-certified floral designer, Lunz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

“The team at the Hilton is respected across the state for having a personalized understanding of meeting planners’ needs. I am excited to join them and bring my dedicated spirit of service and focused attention to detail to our clients’ events,” said Lunz. “Whether preparing for an intimate business meeting or a national, multi-day convention like the upcoming DNC, I look forward to creating inspiring and memorable events of every size, purpose and budget.”

Lunz will join an award-winning meetings and events team at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, which owns and manages the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. The team, consisting of six expert sales managers, collectively brings 40 years of experience to meetings at the Hilton.

“Christine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Marcus Hotels & Resorts. I am confident she will lead our team at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in driving our unrivaled commitment to exceptional service and unforgettable experiences at every corporate meeting, national or regional conference, and any other event we host,” said Linda Price-Topp, vice president of sales for Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “The Hilton Milwaukee City Center offers luxurious grandeur within its historic spaces, as well as modern amenities to compete with any new meetings facility in Milwaukee. Those features, combined with our dedicated team who work every day to craft exceptional events for guests and visitors, is why the Hilton Milwaukee was selected as the headquarters hotel for the 2020 DNC.”

Meetings at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center, located in the heart of downtown, is Milwaukee’s “conference” hotel. It combines 1920s art deco grandeur with today’s modern conveniences. The hotel is connected to the Wisconsin Center convention and exposition facility across the street via skyway and has the most meeting and event space of any hotel in Milwaukee – over 34,000 square feet. Other meeting amenities include:

• State of the art A/V equipment
• Wireless high-speed Internet access (complimentary in public areas and business center)
• Access to a Personalized Online Group (POG) page
• Incentives for Hilton Honors Diamond Members, who receive complimentary WiFi and Executive Lounge access
• Close proximity to travel hubs – three blocks from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and less than 15 minutes from General Mitchell International Airport
• On-site dining at the award-winning steakhouse, Milwaukee ChopHouse; Miller Time Pub & Grill, which features classic pub fare; Monarch Lounge, the hotel’s lobby bar; or at the Hilton Café, which is open for made-to-order breakfast seven days a week

From its elegant ballrooms to its outdoor green space, called Sixth and Green, which is available for private events, weddings, receptions and more, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center has diverse accommodations making it a premier choice for corporate events, business meetings, galas, weddings and other events of all sizes.

The Home of Milwaukee’s only “Canine Concierge”
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center is home to the city’s only “Canine Concierge,” Millie – a mini-golden-doodle who works in the hotel’s lobby alongside her owner and the hotel’s human concierge, Rusty. Millie has become a mini celebrity in Milwaukee and even makes appearances at select hotel events and meetings. She will be eager to greet DNC visitors to the hotel in 2020, mingle with guests and make an appearance at any meeting. Guests and visitors can follow her adventures at the hotel on Instagram at Instagram.com/millieatthehilton.

To learn more about booking a meeting or event at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, please visit https://www.marcusmeetings.com/hilton-milwaukee-city-center.

About Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Located in the heart of downtown, the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Milwaukee City Center is a true Milwaukee landmark. In 2011, it became a member of Historic Hotels of America. As Milwaukee’s convention headquarters hotel of choice, Hilton Milwaukee offers the most meeting and event space of any hotel in the city—more than 34,000 square feet—including three ballrooms and 18 well-appointed meeting rooms of various sizes. The hotel’s ballrooms, with their vaulted ceilings and period fabrics, echo the magnificence evident throughout this showpiece.

With 729 renovated guest rooms, Hilton Milwaukee can accommodate nearly any group. Its central location means guests are just moments away from the city’s theater district, the lakefront and Summerfest grounds, Fiserv Forum and the city’s new entertainment district, the Deer District, and the Historic Third Ward. Hilton Milwaukee is located at 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information on the hotel, visit www.HiltonMilwaukee.com, find the hotel on Facebook (Facebook.com/hiltonmilwaukee) or Instagram (Instagram.com/hiltonmilwaukee).

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Revel in dance routines, improv shows, plays, classes and more at Saint Kate’s 90-seat Arc Theatre or discover pop-up performances throughout the hotel

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee’s first and only arts hotel, is the community’s stage. Opening June 4, 2019, Saint Kate is a home for dancers, comedians, singers, actors, musicians, filmmakers and other artists to discover and create. Led by programming director, John Price, the hotel’s very own Arc Theatre, a 90-seat black box theatre, will serve as the heart – and main stage – for a variety of artful entertainment that will be home to some of the area’s most talented creative citizens.

“Now Showing” At The Arc Theatre
Stepping inside The Arc Theatre, guests will find Milwaukee’s first resident company of performers, ARCo, or the Artist-in-Residence Company. This ensemble of professional actors, dancers, comedians, musicians, jugglers and acrobats will feature a core group of locally established artists, including Gabriella Ashlin, Susie Duecker, Emily Elliott, JJ Gatesman, Seth Hale and Rachel Meldman. At the helm will be Dr. Nancy Kresin, who will serve as the ARCo director. Kresin received a doctorate degree in transformative studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University.

The year-long residency begins in late May with the group working to create, express and evolve its creative process through a myriad of dance, improv, theatrical and experiential performances. The group will first tackle the satirical play “America Hurrah” by playwright Jean-Claude van Itallie. In the following months, the group will create a broad range of experiences at The Arc Theatre. From plays by transformative theatre makers to interactive and experiential original works, shows at The Arc Theatre are intended to deconstruct old notions of theatre and showcase a new generation of performance art.

Along with ARCo performances, audiences can enjoy a diverse variety of acts at The Arc Theatre, all for $10 per ticket. Several regular performers will include:

• Danceworks at Kate – The Milwaukee-based performance and dance company, Danceworks, is bringing its skilled dancers to Saint Kate. With moods ranging from somber to sensual, and motion from dazzlingly quick to enchantingly slow, their innovative stylings can also be set to any music of your choice.
• Ampersand Comedy Theater – Set the stage for clever comedy, with routines that are anything but typical. This improv comedy troupe will also host an array of game shows starring you as a participant – or culprit.
• New Folk Night – Singer-songwriters explore deep ranges in their own musical visions, as well as throwing back to a vast acoustic lexicon of American artists from the late 20th century.
• Jazz Vintage – These performances are for those who appreciate or want to experience the fabled artists of the Blue Note era that defined an entire generation of supreme musical style.
• Zoom – Local filmmakers will showcase their short film achievements and open up a new avenue to experience Milwaukee when the lights go down.

A Surprise Around Every Corner
As the community’s stage, Saint Kate is a space for public performance. Guests walking through the second-floor halls or stopping at the Bar for a handcrafted cocktail may find a pop-up rehearsal for a local band or a DJ riffing on a new track. Even ARCo members may be found individually, in duos or as a small group throughout the hotel performing and helping bring theater to life.

Guests can experience many performances, workshops and more from local partners, too. In June, featured partners and performers will include:

• Skylight Theater Company
• The Milwaukee Opera Theatre, which will perform Opera on Tap
• A string quartet from Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
• Saint Kate’s concert violinist concierge, Bernard Ruin, who will delight with pop-up and scheduled performances called Ukulele Universe and Concierge Urge
• Local singers:
o Amanda Huff, Milwaukee-based singer, Radio Milwaukee featured artist and 2019 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award recipient for best song of the year
o Nickel and Rose, an American folk-music duo made up of upright bassist Johanna Rose and guitarist Carl Nichols, and a Radio Milwaukee featured artist
o Alexandre Maxine Hill (or, LUXI), a Milwaukee electronic musician who was named the 2019 club/DJ/dance/electronic artist of the year by WAMI
o Valerie Lighthart, an up-and-coming Germantown-based singer, actress, filmmaker and photographer

To learn more about upcoming programming and performances at Saint Kate, visit www.saintkatearts.com.

The Director

John Price – The founding spirit of ARCo, as well as other performance art experiences at Saint Kate, is Programming Director John Price. Price, a local jazz musician and Milwaukee educator, will oversee all elements of programming at the hotel. Originally from Chicago and an alumnus of Berklee College of Music, Price is a co-founder of the Tamarack Waldorf School on Milwaukee’s East Side. Performing as a professional bassist since childhood, his passion and love for all art forms have followed him throughout his career. He has played with countless musicians in the Milwaukee area, including most recently, the Florentine Opera. On most Tuesdays, you can find him performing with president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, Greg Marcus, at Blu in The Pfister Hotel.

“When it comes to programming and performance arts at Saint Kate, guests should always expect the unexpected. Our ARCo members – through acting, spoken word, dance, acrobatics and more – will be tapping into their collective creative energies, and hopefully, encouraging our audiences to do the same,” said Price. “The performing arts also serve as an active and moving balance to the standout visual arts transforming Saint Kate’s space. And what’s exceptionally wonderful is the way performing and visual arts serve as inspiration for one another – feeding off each other to create something entirely new. Whether watching a dramatic reading, a scene from a play or ending your night with a late-night film, our productions and entertainment will open up patrons to their true inner creative spirit and allow them to enjoy experiences that go beyond anything we have seen.”

For more information about Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, visit website: https://www.saintkatearts.com.

Saint Kate – A First-of-its-Kind Arts Hotel
A place to discover. A place to create. A place to embrace change. A place for travelers with open minds, a curious nature, and a desire to question. A place for explorers from near and far hungry for an experience. A celebration of the arts in all its many forms. Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, opening in Milwaukee on June 4. Discover more at: www.saintkatearts.com.

MILWAUKEE – May 23, 2019 – The historic AAA Four-Diamond Pfister® Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced Bela Suresh Roongta, founder and owner of Milwaukee-based boutique shop, belabela, as its 12^th Pfister Narrator in Residence. An artist and writer inspired by her East Indian roots, Suresh Roongta will bring a new series, called “Chai at The Pfister,” as well as henna, journaling workshops and more to her year-long residency as The Pfister Narrator. During the residency, she will also share her experiences at the hotel and interactions with guests via The Pfister’s award-winning blog (blog.thepfisterhotel.com).

“As an immigrant, travel lover, business owner, lawyer-turned-artist and storyteller, I identify with The Pfister’s history as a hotel built by immigrants living the American Dream,” said Roongta. “I believe strongly in the power of human connection and am guided by my conviction that it is in each other’s stories that we find the beauty of the human spirit. I can think of no better way to continue this work than to capture and share the stories of The Pfister Hotel’s guests and visitors.”

During her residency, Roongta will host a bi-monthly “Chai at The Pfister” series, the first of which will be May 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. These events will encourage guests and locals, alike, to enjoy a cup of chai and pause for a moment to sit, rest and share stories. Every other week she will also apply henna in the lobby, as well as journaling workshops and henna classes for those interested in learning more about this Ancient East Indian art form.

Roongta, who is based in Milwaukee, is a published author and has been recognized extensively for her literary and arts work. She was the 2018-2019 Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN) spoken word mentee, and in 2016, she received a Special Recognition Governor’s Trailblazer Award for Women in Business for innovation and success. Her book ‘…fill in the beauty, a book for the storyteller and artist in all of us,’ captures original drawings and stories that invite readers to read, draw and reflect.

Prior to focusing on storytelling and art, Roongta was the director of courthouse advocacy for the Task Force on Family Violence, now the Sojourner Family Peace Center. She also served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, the Tamarack Waldorf School and DIDI, a community organization that provides culturally specific advocacy for victims of family violence. She continues to use this expertise as a volunteer attorney at the Milwaukee Justice Center. She received her juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law in Iowa City, Iowa, as well as a bachelor’s degree in sociology and philosophy from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

The Pfister Narrator is selected each year from a pool of applicants by a review panel consisting of local writers, editors and hotel representatives. Suresh Roongta succeeds Anna Lardinois, who served as the 11^th Pfister Narrator.

More information about The Pfister Hotel’s Narrator-in-Residence program can be found at www.ThePfisterHotel.com/Pfister-Narrator. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com.

About The Pfister Hotel

At more than 125 years old, The Pfister Hotel is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in the Midwest and downtown Milwaukee. Originally opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister, it was the most lavish hotel of its time. The hotel’s storied elegance had faded following World War II, until 1962, when Ben Marcus, founder of The Marcus Corporation, purchased this grand hotel out of bankruptcy. The Marcus Corporation renovated and restored the hotel to its original glory, adding convention facilities, a parking garage and 23-story guest tower. The Pfister Hotel is home to the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world as well as an award-winning Artist-in-Residence program.

Today, The Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style and has been recognized by AAA as a Four-Diamond property for 42 consecutive years. In 2018, The Pfister was recognized as a Top Hotel in the Midwest in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious annual Reader’s Choice Awards for the second consecutive year and was ranked the No. 1 Best Milwaukee Hotel by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. This exceptional property is a member of two prestigious hotel organizations, Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information, please visit www.thepfisterhotel.com and follow the hotel on Facebook and Twitter (@PfisterHotel).

Renovations at Madison’s premier hotel include all 240 guest rooms, lobby, food and beverage outlets, and the introduction of The Liberty Room, a one-of-a-kind event space

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced extensive renovations are underway at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace, in Madison, Wis. to be completed in time for the busy 2019 summer travel season. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is owned and operated by Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

“Since its opening in 2001, the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace has been the city’s first choice for business and leisure travelers. The current changes underway will provide guests with more amenities and conveniences to make their travel experience easy and fun, while offering high-level service guests expect when staying at our hotel. We are very thankful to be a part of the community and downtown Madison, and we look forward to continuing to maintain our excellent reputation as Madison’s leading hotel,” said Skip Harless, general manager.

All 240 spacious guest rooms and suites will be renovated with a fresh new design, inspired by the vibrant university community. New features and amenities include brand-new bedding, stone-topped furniture, and state of the art 55” smart TVs. All double rooms will be converted to two queen beds, and king rooms will be updated with rejuvenating walk-in showers. All rooms will receive exquisite new tile surrounds and double headed showers for a soothing and calming wellness experience.

The lobby will be completely transformed to include a free-standing services desk for a more personalized check-in experience. Additionally, a grab-n-go option will be available for busy travelers to enjoy a quick caffeine boost from the Starbucks® coffee kiosk or travel friendly foods to cure hunger day or night.

Harless said the renovations also include reimagining the hotel’s food and beverage options to better meet travelers diverse dining preferences. “In late April, we will say farewell to the longstanding Capitol ChopHouse. In its place, we will create the city’s most unique, one-of-a-kind private event space. To be called The Liberty Room, the event space features the historic façade of the Madison Catholic Diocese building first established in 1938, and will serve as a gracious and elegant gathering space for weddings, private events and important meetings. We are very excited to unveil this intimate and exclusive meeting and event space at a key location in the heart of Madison’s busy capital city center.”

The Liberty Room will feature a seasonal outside patio, 1,900 square feet of event space to accommodate up to 125 guests, a pre-function area, and private street entrance with valet and self-parking available. An exciting array of culinary selections will be available, ranging from interactive food stations to elegant, customized four-course meals using only the highest quality local ingredients. The Liberty Room is expected to open by August 1, 2019 and the Hilton Sales Team is already accepting reservations at 608-260-2363.

Additional food and beverage renovations include reconfiguring Olive Lounge into The Audrey Kitchen & Bar. Named after Audrey Munson, who modeled for the statue on the dome atop the State Capitol building, the new restaurant will offer a collection of classic and progressive cocktails, alongside a menu of lighter fare, tasty shareables and after-five entrees. Executive Chef Jeff Orr has designed a diverse menu of comfortable favorites infusing world flavors.

Additional renovations include maximizing the event space in the 14th floor Capitol Club and the Hilton Honors members’ lounge, as well as updates to the pool and fitness areas.

“For over 18 years, the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace has always been one of the preferred destinations for guests visiting Madison. As time evolves, so do travelers’ preferences. With these renovations, we are excited to create new and fresh experiences for our guests and local residents to explore,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation. “This hotel has played a meaningful role in the evolution of the state’s capital city. We are proud of our history in Madison and look forward to contributing to its growth and visibility as a desirable destination with so much to offer.”

Located in the heart of Madison’s busy capital, and overlooking the shimmering shores of Lake Monona, the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is connected via a climate-controlled skywalk to the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired, Gold LEED certified Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, and is just blocks away from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and Madison’s dining, shopping, entertainment, art and theatre districts. The hotel offers complimentary transportation to and from Dane County Airport, has a fully-equipped fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool, and offers self and valet covered parking. The hotel will remain pet-friendly for furry Fido travelers as well.

Since its opening in 2001, the Hilton Madison has earned numerous hospitality and dining awards including the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award, Best Hotel by Madison Magazine, AAA Executive Choice Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and numerous best meetings awards.

For more information on the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace or to make reservations, please visit: www.hiltonmadison.com. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com.