Megan Husband, CFMP
National Account & Tourism Sales Executive
What year did you start at VISIT Milwaukee?
2008
What is your industry organization involvement?
Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) - a professional, nonprofit, multi-faith organization consisting of individuals who are responsible for planning and/or managing meetings, tutorials, conferences, conventions, and assemblies for their religious organizations
What is your local organization involvement?
Board of Directors - Vice President -Deutsche Schule - German School Milwaukee. Founded in 1932, the school teaches the German language to adults and children in order to uphold and pass-on German language, traditions, customs, literature, art and music.
Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit (MKE) - A group of costumed performers dedicated to preserving and sharing the Alpine Christmas tradition of Krampus.
What is your favorite/most inspirational thing about your job?
I find the people and places that make up the fabric of our community to be the most inspiring part of my job. Having had the opportunity to travel all over the world, there really is something special about Milwaukee. We pride ourselves on our strong work ethic and following our entrepreneurial dreams. Milwaukeeans have created award winning dining, unique boutique shopping, high quality craft products, world class venues and quirky fun activities and events for all ages. We also take pride in our rich and thriving arts community and world-renowned sports teams. It's impossible to not be inspired by those in our community. When you visit Milwaukee, you will always have a one-of-a-kind experience-there are no cookie cutters here.
What are you passionate about your market segment?
Whether it be their faith, personal hobby or interest, or livestock and crops, the people I work with are incredibly passionate about their organization or specialty. They bring such an addictive energy to their events that you can't help but also become passionate about their cause. As someone who loves research and gaining new knowledge, my markets afford me the opportunity to learn something new every day.
What is your personal background?
I grew up in a rural farming community but moved to Milwaukee after spending a year living in Germany. I met my husband in Milwaukee and we have two young sons as well as two cats. We live in the hip Bay View neighborhood because we love to be able to walk to all our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, biergartens, the farmers' market, outdoor music concerts, and Lake Michigan's beaches.
What is something fun about you?
I am fluent in conversational German.
I have traveled to six continents.
I grew up on a nature preserve.
I enjoy thrift stores, antique stores, and flea markets.
What are some "can't miss" Milwaukee experiences?
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
Christkindlmarket
Estabrook Beer Garden
Wisconsin Cheese Mart
If you could only eat one Milwaukee staple food forever, what would it be?
Brat with Sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard -ja wohl!
Brandy Old Fashioned
What is your favorite Milwaukee tradition?
Spending time 'down by' the lake! I can't imagine living away from our lakefront, spending time on its shores collecting sea glass and listening to the waves is rejuvenating and good for the soul.
What is your favorite Milwaukee "fun fact"?
In the 20th century, Milwaukee became known as the "Deutsches Athen" (German Athens) given the large number of German speakers and German-language newspapers the city had. The Greater Milwaukee Area has over 60% self-identified German-Americans and to this day, the city’s phone book includes more than 40 pages of Schmitts or Schmidts.