Monsters in Madison

Bringing more fur to Wisconsin Credit Unions

iDiz Inc. Exhibit at Madison Wisconsin featuring a giant pink hairy monster.
I didn’t expect that bright red floor, though.

A few weeks ago, we brought the iDiz, Inc. traveling monster websites and marketing show to Madison, Wisconsin for the annual Wisconsin League Convention. We hadn’t exhibited in Wisconsin before, and don’t (yet) have any clients here. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I knew it would be fun.

Credit union people are really cool everywhere

Just like the last state League gathering, and every other credit union gathering I’ve ever been to, CU people are always the greatest. There’s just something about being mission-driven that brings out the best and brightest. 

Wisconsin is cool

I’ve been in Wisconsin many times, usually on a motorcycle in the tangled twisty roads in the driftless area, but I can’t say I’m 100% current on my Wisconsin geography. “Pointing to the hand” was a common sight as folks explained to me where their town was in relation to Madison. The Wisconsin way of speaking is quite charming, and I loved how the accents got a little more “Yooper” and even Minnesotan further north and west.

Madison Wisconsin is much cooler than I am

Maybe it’s the fact that I happened to arrive during the most incredibly perfect stretch of clear, warm (but not too warm) weather, but downtown Madison is one of the hippest, most interesting places I’ve ever been. It’s on an isthmus between two gorgeous lakes, and the event was held in Monona Terrace, a gorgeous lakefront venue a few blocks from the spectacular state capitol. 

Of course, I can’t say this was a surprise; I knew we’d love Madison, so my wife came with me and we stayed an extra day. However, the farmer’s market around the capitol square on Saturday mornings absolutely blew me away. I spent WAY too much on amazing Wisconsin cheese, honey, and snacks, and even brought some local, organic catnip home for our cat as an apology. The Olbrich Botanical Gardens were another highlight. 

Wisconsin State Capitol
Inside the Wisconsin State Capitol
Olbruch Botanical Gardens

Meeting others who serve the CU movement is always cool

Just like any CU gathering, half the fun and value is in chatting with the other exhibitors. Maybe we find ways to collaborate, maybe we just learn more about what’s going on in the CU world, but that collegial mindset is always refreshing and interesting.

Can’t wait to see everyone again!

Brian Wringer
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