Simpleview Summit 2024 went beyond the typical conference setup by actively engaging with the local community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin — specifically collaborating with the Sherman Phoenix Foundation. This partnership not only enhanced the event experience but also aligned with Destinations International’s strategic priorities for DMOs, showcasing the power of community collaboration in the tourism industry.

The Sherman Phoenix Foundation, a vibrant cultural and economic hub, represents the best of Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their mission is to revitalize and uplift Milwaukee’s community of color by supporting small businesses, promoting cultural celebrations, and offering wellness resources.

Visit Milwaukee played a key role in helping to incorporate the Sherman Phoenix Foundation into the industry-leading conference, effectively demonstrating how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) can prioritize community alignment, social inclusion, and economic development.

Community Alignment & Engagement

To align with Destinations International’s strategic priority of community engagement, Simpleview worked with 12 local vendors, offering them the opportunity to showcase their products at an on-site marketplace during the summit. Additionally, Dr. Stacia Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sherman Phoenix, delivered a powerful keynote speech, setting the tone for the event. The involvement of these local businesses and community leaders strengthened Simpleview Summit’s connection to its host destination, ensuring that the event had a tangible impact on the city’s community of color.

Resilience, Stability & Growth

The mission of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation — to revitalize and uplift the local community — was central to the event. Their commitment to creating socio-economic opportunities for people of color and fostering wellness aligned seamlessly with the summit’s goals. The success of this initiative was evidenced by the $2,760 raised from donations offered when attendees opted out of receiving a conference t-shirt, which went directly toward supporting small businesses within the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace.

Destination Stewardship & Social Inclusion

In line with Destinations International’s focus on destination stewardship and social inclusion, Simpleview’s collaboration with the Sherman Phoenix Foundation addressed key social issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The event spotlighted workforce development by supporting local small businesses and empowering entrepreneurs from marginalized communities. This provided economic opportunities and promoted long-term resilience for Milwaukee’s communities of color.

96% of the businesses involved in the marketplace were owned by people of color, and 63% were led by women. This collaboration provided significant socio-economic benefits, further demonstrating the positive impact DMOs can have when aligning with community-driven initiatives.