Meetings Mean Business! Grant Program
Meetings Mean Business! Grant Program supports Wisconsin destinations’ bids for regional and national meetings and conventions, funding host costs to generate hotel stays and local visitor spending.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Due Dates: February 1, 2027 (February cycle) | April 1, 2027 (April cycle) | September 1, 2027 (September cycle)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30,000 per destination marketing organization per fiscal year; grants cover up to 50% of eligible costs
Summary: Helps Wisconsin destinations compete for regional and national meetings and conventions that generate hotel stays and visitor spending.
Key Information: Only destination marketing organizations and Native American tribes may apply; applications must arrive at least 90 days before the event.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Meetings Mean Business program helps destinations bid for national or Midwest regional meetings and conventions. It supports convention facility rental, transportation within the host community, and eligible host costs. The goal is to attract gatherings that generate hotel room nights and significant economic impact in the communities where they are held.
Destinations may pursue association and organization meetings, trade shows, reunions, and educational or social meetings. A successful event can also raise a destination’s profile with meeting planners and encourage future event sales, sponsorships, and local partnerships.
