Your WBA Summer Conference was, without a doubt, one to remember, but some of the memories were not quite what anyone planned for.
The agenda included fantastic speakers (thank you WBA Conference Committee), great networking time, and time-honored recognition of our Local Broadcast Legends and WBA Hall of Famers. But of course, this was our celebration of 75 years for your WBA, so we had to make it extra special.
We did that by going to the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, a special venue to be sure. We also did that by inviting NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt to join us. Thanks to Armada Media, we also added a spectacular fireworks show.
If you were there, you were treated to memories that weren’t on the schedule.
Our Wednesday evening reception and dinner celebration was interrupted by a tornado warning. As we watched the heavy weather bearing down on us, the hotel sent the party to the basement until the storm passed. Luckily, all were safe.
Sam Ness and his band were performing, but rather than shutting down the party, they grabbed their instruments and a tiny speaker and joined everyone in the basement to play a set.
You don’t often find people dancing during a tornado warning.
The storm cleared just in time for the fireworks show, which featured a partial moon and a series of bright planets on display behind the light show….truly beautiful!
It was the perfect evening, and no one could have planned to make memories the way they happened that night.
Of course, there’s much to remember from the rest of the conference as well. The Local Broadcast Legends and Hall of Fame ceremonies had their own special moments. Having NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, and NAB Senior Vice President of State, International and Board Relations Sue Keenom, with us for this anniversary was a great honor. From the excellent feedback we’re receiving, the sessions sparked many “a-ha” moments.
But if you’ve been to one of our WBA events, you know the moments that stick with you long term are the ones spent with your friends and peers in Wisconsin broadcasting.
Your WBA is tremendously honored to be part of local Wisconsin broadcasting and we are most grateful that we can facilitate the connections that help you and your stations thrive in serving your local communities.
If you want to see what I’m talking about, check out the events page on our website and join us for an upcoming event. Our next WBA Summer Conference will be June 16-17, 2027, at the Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. Please mark your calendars now, as we hope you can join us in Door County!
Michelle Vetterkind
WBA President and CEO
