Ann is a seasoned industry expert with over 30 years of experience in all areas of the hospitality industry. From managing restaurants (including a startup venture), to working on site at multiple resorts and catering off-property events, Ann spent her early years learning many facets of the business. In an effort to truly find a career that she absolutely loved, Ann continued to search for that perfect fit and found it in the Meeting and Incentive Industry in 1992. After a few years of learning the trade, Ann founded Group Ventures in 1997.

At Group Ventures, Ann and her team are intimately involved in every detail of each client’s program. Her vast network of associates in the industry has enabled Ann to build an innovative and exceptional group of partners that have won her agency rave reviews from many clients. Ann is a graduate of University of Wisconsin, Stout with a B.S. degree and dual major in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and Business. When not planning exceptional meetings and incentive programs, Ann loves to travel and enjoys exploring new restaurants and interesting cuisines.

Jill has 19 years of industry experience and has been a key member of the Group Ventures team since 2008. Jill gained writing and project management experience in the non-profit sector before becoming a corporate planner for a large financial services firm.

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. Ever inspired by a new project or challenge, Jill helps clients navigate the planning process by anticipating the needs of the broader team and developing a detailed road map to ensure the success of the program. In a field that demands creative problem solving and analytical thinking at every turn, Jill likes to think that her liberal arts degree from Carleton College was ideal preparation for challenging the status quo and thinking outside the box. In her free time, Jill can be found in the kitchen cooking for her family and friends or digging in her garden.

Anita 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. For the past 16 years Anita directed all areas of operations for Group Ventures. She has a talent for disseminating program information and coordinating each aspect of a program so that all Group Ventures’ partners work together as a well-oiled machine! She has an extensive background in program management and coordination and can jump into any role and exceed expectations. She enjoys the experience of working with a variety of companies and her confident, easy personality connects well with the agency’s business partners ensuring a good fit and positive outcome for all events in which she is involved.

Anita graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. degree in Communications and Spanish. Anita is an avid runner, which makes “running around” on programs a joy to her. When not working, she enjoys reading and simply spending quality time with her family.