2026 Monroe County Economic Development & Tourism Spring Conference Announces First Round of Speakers

Media, Spring Conference

2026 Conference Speakers

2026 Monroe County Economic Development & Tourism Spring Conference Announces First Round of Speakers

Keynote Lunch to Feature Cassie Mordini, Director of the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

Media Kit (Images & Assets)

Sparta, WI – The 2026 Economic Development & Tourism Spring Conference brought to you by Referral Staffing Solutions, taking place March 30–31 at the Havenwood Event Center, has announced its first round of featured speakers:

Cassie Mordini – Director, Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

Sylvia Burgos Toftness – President, Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association

Kahya Fox – Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity

Sawyer Meisel – Regional Economist, Office of Economic Advisors

Chris Hardie, CEO, 7 Rivers Alliance

Rebecca Giroux – Community & Economic Development Officer, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

This two-day event will highlight businesses, keynote presentations, and in-depth sessions exploring the issues shaping communities across the region, including entrepreneurship, workforce culture, housing, economic development, tourism, and outdoor recreation.

Keynote Lunch Feature: Cassie Mordini

Cassie Mordini

Cassie Mordini

Director

Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

Cassie Mordini, Director of the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation, joined the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation as the Community Development & Communications Specialist in February 2020 as one of the original staff hired to the newly created Office within the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. In January 2024, she became director. During her first four years, she was integral to building the infrastructure of the Office. Mordini established the communications strategy that has grown awareness of the sizable impact outdoor recreation provides for communities around the state and continues to deliver the industry staple newsletter, Wisconsin Outside. Mordini’s ability to quickly spot synergies and mutual benefits helped cement partnerships that delivered resources like the WiBike Community Toolkit and Live + Work Where You Play: Outside in Wisconsin.

While centered on Monroe County, the conference offers valuable insights and connections for leaders, businesses, and organizations across neighboring counties and cities looking to collaborate and share regional solutions. Connect with regional leaders and innovators and gain fresh perspectives, driving growth across Monroe County and beyond.

Attendees will gain actionable insights into workforce trends, emerging innovations, and strategies for sustainable community growth, along with opportunities to network with industry experts, changemakers, and regional partners.

Registration & Tickets

2-Day Ticket: $100 (Early Bird Ends March 2, 2026)

Military/Veteran Ticket: $80 (Early Bird Ends March 2, 2026)

Student: $50

Early Bird registration is available online. Updates will also be shared on the Monroe County Facebook page.

Media Contact

Adrian Lockington
Executive Assistant, Monroe County Administration Department
adrian.lockington@co.monroe.wi.us
608.269.8006
Executive Center Building
124 N Court St, Sparta, WI 54656
co.monroe.wi.us

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