2023 Spring Conference & Trade Show Host League, Keynote, Seminars and Challenge Coins

Host League

Portage County Tavern League

This year’s Spring Conference & Trade Show Committee is pictured from left to right: Mary Makuski, Portage County Tavern League secretary; Renee Simono; Steve Cieslewicz, Portage County Tavern League treasurer; Kim Krayecki, Portage County Tavern League vice president; Christine Almanza, Portage County Tavern League Sergeant at Arms; Matt Disher, director; Kayla Higgins, director; Stacey Strupp; Barb Skibinski, director; Steve Olsen, director; Jayne Marchal, director; Mary Tepp, Portage County Tavern League president; Erin Wanta, director; Bruce Worboril, Fifth District director; and Jim Billings, Fifth District director. Director Andy O’Brien is not pictured.

Keynote

Presented by: Rick Schlesinger, President of Business Operations, Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have established records in nearly every aspect of the business during Rick Schlesinger’s tenure. Over 2.5 million fans have passed through the gates of American Family Field in 12 of the past 13 seasons (excluding the 2020 and 2021 restricted-capacity seasons). In that time, the organization has built a focus on the fan experience, developed new and enhanced partnerships, and completed several major initiatives that benefit various stakeholders. Recent major investments in the fan experience at American Family Field include The Restaurant to be Named Later (2020), the Miller Lite Landing (2020) and the Cream City Cocktail Bar (2022).

Seminars

SEMINAR 1: PURPOSE AND COMPASSION AT WORK

Presented by: John McHugh, Director of Corporate Communications, Leadership Development & Training, Kwik Trip

Tuesday, April 4, 12:30 p.m.

Regardless of your role, what are people, customers and business partners looking for in you? What is the workplace culture you have created with your team? Can it lead to success? Creating a mission-driven culture with compassion and trust

Challenge Coins

Schlesinger is entering his 20th season with the Milwaukee Brewers as the president of business operations after being promoted in 2019. He oversees the organization’s business operations, including finance, human resources, information technology, legal, sponsorships, marketing, ticketing, business analytics, broadcasting, communications, stadium operations and non-baseball special events.

In addition, Schlesinger oversees American Family Fields of Phoenix (the team’s spring training complex) and the business operations of the Carolina Mudcats, the organization’s Class-A affiliate. He is also a member of Major League Baseball’s Youth Baseball and Labor Policy committees.

turns satisfied customers into loyal customers. In addition, if the work you do is tied into a purpose beyond profits, your job satisfaction increases substantially, reducing employee turnover. Join McHugh as he explores the role you play in your organization’s success and how you can find the key people to help you achieve that greatness. His examples and stories are ones you won’t forget.

SEMINAR 2: TO BE ANNOUNCED

Presented by: U.S. Bank/Elavon

Tuesday, April 4, 2 p.m.

The Portage County Tavern League plans to sell challenge coins to raise funds both during online registration and on site at the upcoming Spring Conference & Trade Show in Stevens Point. The money raised will be the main source for a donation to the Guns N’ Hoses Veterans Memorial Monument, which is intended for installation along the Wisconsin River in Pfiffner Pioneer Park in Stevens Point. The memorial would honor the memories of local law enforcement and firefighters who have served in the Armed Forces.