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We are excited to host the 2024 Midwest State Association Staff Retreat, July 31-Aug 2 in Madison, Wisconsin.
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The event will take place at The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club, located 2 blocks from the WCA office and in the heart of downtown Madison.
We will kick off the event Wednesday evening with a Wisconsin Welcome reception at the WCA Office, followed by dinner at Naples 15, where you'll savor the flavors of Neapolitan cuisine.
Thursday begins with a Rise & Shine Breakfast located in the Madison Concourse meeting room, leading into a day of creativity and collaboration. After a day of sessions, we'll venture into the Madison outdoors for a fun team building experience. Later, relish the evening with Cheers & Beers and savor a delightful dinner at Coopers Tavern, renowned for its wide array of locally crafted brews and an extensive menu.
On Friday, the event will conclude with the time-honored tradition of group breakout sessions, providing you with the opportunity to collaborate and brainstorm, leveraging the insights acquired from earlier sessions.
At the close of the day, you can choose to conclude your visit after lunch or extend your stay to explore more of Madison.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and create lasting memories in the heart of Wisconsin!
Dress Code
Please dress casual and comfortable (jeans are encouraged!)
For the outdoor adventure, we recommend comfortable walking shoes.
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Nearest Airport:
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
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What to do in Madison
Visit the Destination Madison website for fun activities and places to explore - or for a list of Downtown Madison Bars & Nightlife options.
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Hiking near Madison
https://experiencewisconsinmag.com/madison-area-hikes/
Local Shopping in Madison
https://www.visitmadison.com/things-to-do/shopping/
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Wednesday, July 31:
Capitol Square
7:00pm
Price: Free
This popular event features the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performing on the lawn of the Capitol Square. Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of live classical music in a beautiful setting​ in downtown Madison. Special guest pianist John Novacek joins the WCO to perform the genre-defining Rhapsody in Blue and I Got Rhythm Variations by George Gershwin. Revel in the familiar sounds of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite and a work from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels.
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Location: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center,
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Price: Free
Join us at Lake Vista Café on the rooftop for live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist. With thought-provoking lyrics and a diverse range of musical inspiration, Ben’s music has been described as afro-soul rock that takes on a storytelling quality that is both unique and familiar.
Free & Open to the Public
Lake Vista Café will have a menu featuring delicious fare and drinks for purchase until 7 p.m., including buy one get one free appetizers from 4 – 6 p.m.
If inclement weather, performance will be canceled.
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Dueling Pianos at the Ivory Room
116 W. Mifflin St, Madison
9:00pm-2:00am
Join us Wed-Sat at The Piano Bar for Dueling Pianos! Come request your favorite songs and clap, sing, dance, and cheer along! Music starts at 9pm Wednesday thru Saturday.
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Thursday, Aug 1:
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Dueling Pianos at the Ivory Room
116 W. Mifflin St, Madison
9:00pm-2:00am
Join us Wed-Sat at The Piano Bar for Dueling Pianos! Come request your favorite songs and clap, sing, dance, and cheer along! Music starts at 9pm Wednesday thru Saturday.
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Live Music: The Western Flyers
Wisconsin Union Theater
800 Langdon St., Madison
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Powerhouse country & Western swing band The Western Flyers serve up an irresistibly hot, unmistakably Texas-style sound popularized by Bob Wills in the 1940s with an electrifying energy all their own. Featuring a fresh, all-star lineup led by guitar slinger Joey McKenzie on archtop guitar & vocal, fiddle champion Ridge Roberts on fiddle & vocal, upright bassist Matthew Mefford, the award winning Flyers are guaranteed to have even the shyest of wallflowers tappin' their toes or swinging on the dance floor.
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The Rigby Pub & Grill
119 E. Main St., Madison
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Price: Free
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Friday, Aug 2:
Monona Terrace Rooftop
1 John Nolen Dr., Madison
5:30pm-9:30pm (Gates open at 4:30pm)
Dane Dances is a free, family-friendly event held every Friday evening in August on the beautiful Monona Terrace rooftop. The much-anticipated summer music series is a great way to get down and dance with your friends, family, or coworkers. Dane Dances promotes inclusivity with a fun night of music and dancing for all ages. Feel free to bring a blanket, chair, and picnic basket (sorry no carry in alcohol); seating on the rooftop is limited.
Lake Vista Café will be open for your enjoyment along with La Taguara, and Melly Mells Catering. Food and cocktails are available for purchase at 4:30 PM. Sorry, carry in alcohol is prohibited. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
In the case of inclement weather rain backup is at Monona Terrace.
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Behind the Beat: Ryan Meisel Quartet
Wisconsin Union Theater
800 Langdon St., Madison
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Price: Free
Ryan delivers thought provoking, dynamic and spirited shows.
Captivating audiences, Meisel's original music expresses the story of his lifelong musical journey through song.
Performing with his classic Quartet, (Sax/Guitar/Bass/Drums) Ryan’s brand of fiery saxophone playing pushes his group’s improvisational limits. Ryan’s depth of work pays tribute to the authentic sounds of New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Blues, Swing, Hard-Bop, Avant-Garde and Fusion.
Ryan Meisel ensembles are made up of Milwaukee and Madison’s top jazz musicians. Other configurations may include trios, duos, and Quartet featuring vocalist Susan Hofer.
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Dueling Pianos at the Ivory Room
116 W. Mifflin St, Madison
9:00pm-2:00am
Join us Wed-Sat at The Piano Bar for Dueling Pianos! Come request your favorite songs and clap, sing, dance, and cheer along! Music starts at 9pm Wednesday thru Saturday.
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REGISTRATION
Registration Fee $275.00
Registration fee includes Wednesday Dinner, Thursday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and Friday Breakfast and Lunch. When registering please click all the meals you plan to attend for planning purposes.
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Payment Accepted: Check/MC/Visa/Discover
You will receive an email confirmation with your invoice or credit card receipt depending on how you choose to pay.
CANCELLATION POLICY
A full refund of registration fees will be made if written notice of cancellation is received at the WCA office by Friday, July 12, 2024. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to the WCA office to dias@wicounties.org.
