Rhinelander Conference Center Feasibility Study Identifies Potential Opportunity for Future Growth
June 09, 2026
The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the Rhinelander Tourism & Marketing Committee, has completed a Conference Center Feasibility Study examining the potential for conference and event space development in the Rhinelander area.
The study was conducted by the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC) and was commissioned to evaluate whether Rhinelander possesses the characteristics necessary to support a conference center capable of hosting larger meetings, conferences, trade shows, and events that are currently difficult to accommodate within the community.
According to the study, Rhinelander's strong tourism economy, regional service hub role, visitor traffic, and proximity to more than one million people within a 100-mile radius positions the community as a potential candidate for future conference and event space development. The study also identified a limited supply of larger conference facilities in northern Wisconsin and noted growing interest in destination-based conferences and events in communities that offer unique experiences, affordability, and access to outdoor recreation.
"As part of its responsibility to support tourism and economic development opportunities, the Tourism & Marketing Committee wanted to better understand whether a conference and event space represented a realistic opportunity for Rhinelander," said Lauren Sackett, CEO of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. "This study provides valuable information, that can help guide future conversations and decision-making, should interest emerge from developers, investors, or community partners."
The study recommends consideration of a conference center designed to accommodate at least 500 attendees with flexible meeting and breakout spaces capable of hosting conferences, trade shows, business events and community gatherings.
Importantly, the completion of the study does not represent a proposal for a specific project, location, ownership structure, or funding commitment.
"The purpose of the study was to evaluate feasibility and identify opportunities," said Sackett. "At this time, there is no active project being proposed. Rather, the study gives our community data and information that can help inform future discussions if the right opportunity presents itself."
Conference centers are often viewed as economic development and tourism assets because they can attract visitors who utilize local hotels, restaurants, retailers, attractions, and other businesses. The study notes that such facilities can generate broader economic activity while also expanding venue options for local organizations, businesses, and residents.
The full Conference Center Feasibility Study has been shared with the City of Rhinelander and is available for public review on www.RhinelanderChamber.com/community-research-reports/.
The study was conducted by the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC) and was commissioned to evaluate whether Rhinelander possesses the characteristics necessary to support a conference center capable of hosting larger meetings, conferences, trade shows, and events that are currently difficult to accommodate within the community.
According to the study, Rhinelander's strong tourism economy, regional service hub role, visitor traffic, and proximity to more than one million people within a 100-mile radius positions the community as a potential candidate for future conference and event space development. The study also identified a limited supply of larger conference facilities in northern Wisconsin and noted growing interest in destination-based conferences and events in communities that offer unique experiences, affordability, and access to outdoor recreation.
"As part of its responsibility to support tourism and economic development opportunities, the Tourism & Marketing Committee wanted to better understand whether a conference and event space represented a realistic opportunity for Rhinelander," said Lauren Sackett, CEO of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. "This study provides valuable information, that can help guide future conversations and decision-making, should interest emerge from developers, investors, or community partners."
The study recommends consideration of a conference center designed to accommodate at least 500 attendees with flexible meeting and breakout spaces capable of hosting conferences, trade shows, business events and community gatherings.
Importantly, the completion of the study does not represent a proposal for a specific project, location, ownership structure, or funding commitment.
"The purpose of the study was to evaluate feasibility and identify opportunities," said Sackett. "At this time, there is no active project being proposed. Rather, the study gives our community data and information that can help inform future discussions if the right opportunity presents itself."
Conference centers are often viewed as economic development and tourism assets because they can attract visitors who utilize local hotels, restaurants, retailers, attractions, and other businesses. The study notes that such facilities can generate broader economic activity while also expanding venue options for local organizations, businesses, and residents.
The full Conference Center Feasibility Study has been shared with the City of Rhinelander and is available for public review on www.RhinelanderChamber.com/community-research-reports/.
