The Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is welcoming back the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) to Madison, Wisc., for its Wing-Ding 2014 with the theme: “Light Up the Lakes.”
“We are honored to once again host this wonderful group’s annual rally,” said Deb Archer, president and CEO, GMCVB. “Madison is the only city to host this group five times, including their 25th anniversary in 2003.”
Wing-Ding is the GWRRA’s annual convention and tradeshow for the Gold Wing touring motorcycle. Wing-Ding 36 will take place July 2-5, 2014, at the Alliant Energy Center (AEC). The announcement was made with an exuberant motorcycle parade of 45 Gold Wing enthusiasts at the AEC campus, where the convention will take place. Enthusiasm for the event is high with riders traveling from Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois joining Wisconsin Gold Wing riders.
“We are thrilled that Wing-Ding 36 will be back in Madison,” said Jerry Hempe, district director, GWRRA. “Our riders have come from all across the state to hear this announcement because Wing-Ding is so important to them. I’m proud to see the convention has been brought back to this wonderful city.”
Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism Sec. Stephanie Klett was in attendance as well as Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and Sheriff Dave Mahoney.
“We’re proud that the familiar sight of Gold Wings rolling into Dane County will return to our grounds,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “The AEC is estimated to contribute $88 million to our local economy annually. Great events like Wing-Ding 36 help make that happen.”
The GMCVB plays a key role in supporting the more than 19,000 Dane County jobs supported by tourism. Promoting tourism in Madison since 1972, the GMCVB continues to work to expand upon the more than $1.7 billion dollars generated by visitor spending in Dane County every year.
