Success

Doesn't Just

happen it's

planned for

Our Approach

About Us

Our clients are the reason we love our business.

Our mission is to exceed their expectations in every way, for every program.

For over 18 years, Group Ventures has designed and executed exceptional meetings, conferences and incentive travel programs for Fortune 100 and 500 companies. We’ve retained our major client for over 15 years – the ultimate proof of success. Founder and President Ann Wellmuth broke new ground in her industry. She started Group Ventures in 1997 to offer her clients transparent billing, based on net pricing. Her fresh approach set the bar for what have become best practices.

Our Process Helps You Cut Through the Clutter.

Our thoughtful and efficient 3-step process helps our clients define success. Then, we deliver it.

Consult

Group Ventures begins with a discovery process. Together with your team, we’ll reach a thorough understanding of the goals and benchmarks for your event. It’s important for us to understand your corporate culture and what success looks like from a participant’s experiential perspective. We’ll review your budget and identify any specific or location requirements. We will scale our services to fit your needs.

Customize

Planning begins. Just as all companies aren’t built from the same mold, we believe that meetings and events should also be unique. Based on our discovery findings, we tailor each project to fit your success metrics and goals. We’ll develop a theme, a marketing and promotion plan, recommend destinations and create a detailed budget.

Create

Next, the magic happens. Group Ventures is dedicated to the end result. Event and program execution includes schedule development, full program management and tactical execution. Lastly, post-event administration is critical to how we measure a successful event.

The Group Ventures Difference

Logistics and Travel Planning Veterans

Our clients have the “A” team from start to finish – talented experts with over 75 years of combined industry experience.
The “A” team ROCKS. We’re rapid and prolific problem-solvers, so whatever challenges arise – we’re ready.

Client Centric, Transparent Pricing

GV was one of the first incentive travel companies to offer transparent billing, based on net pricing. We’re focused on your bottom-line success.

Quality & Details Matter

We can adapt to last minute changes or adjustments without sacrificing quality. We’re flexible, and scalable to execute events of any size – from 50 to 5,000 guests!
Group Ventures commits to a select number of programs each year. This allows us to push the creative envelope while maintaining exceptional customer service.

The Wow Factor

We create and execute distinctive, jaw-dropping events. We guarantee your guests will be thrilled and amazed, whether they are dancing the night away at a Gatsby-themed party or dining on stage at Dolby Theatre.

Our Leadership

Ann Wellmuth
Founder and President

Ann is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in all areas of the hospitality industry. She has consistently provided superior experiences for Fortune 500 corporate clients and their employees. From managing restaurants to working on-site at multiple resorts, Ann spent her early years learning many facets of the business.

She founded Group Ventures in 1997 and since then has delivered hundreds of successful events. Ann is a collaborative leader with high standards of client service and programming that have distinguished Group Ventures in an increasingly competitive industry.

Ann graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stout with a B.S. degree and dual major in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and Business.

Jill Ische
Vice President, Director of Meetings
and Incentives

Jill has 19 years of industry experience and has been a key member of the Group Ventures team since 2008. Jill has managed all aspects of the program planning process for a wide variety of conferences and incentive trips, both domestic and international, with expertise in budgeting and communications.

In a field that demands creative problem solving and an analytical approach, Jill’s liberal arts degree from Carleton College prepared her to challenge the status quo and think outside the box.

Anita Axt
Vice President, Director of Operations

For the past 16 years, Anita has directed all areas of operations for Group Ventures. She began her career in the International Air Travel Department at the University of Minnesota.

Subsequently, Anita has held leadership positions in all areas of the business including program management, purchasing, registration, training and on-site operations. She has an extensive background in program management and coordination.

Anita graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. degree in Communications and Spanish.