With the 2025 NFL Draft coming to Green Bay, all eyes are on the city—and Discover Green Bay is at the center of it all. We’re grateful to Nick Meisner, VP of Digital Marketing and Communications, for taking the time to share his insights ahead of this major moment.
As a proud partner of Discover Green Bay for over a decade, we’ve supported their mission with a range of financial services and are honored to stand with them as they help showcase everything this region has to offer.
In the Q&A below, Nick shares his journey as a nonprofit leader, reflects on key accomplishments at Discover Green Bay, and gives us an inside look at how the team is preparing for the Draft and beyond. His passion for Green Bay and commitment to community-driven tourism shine through in every answer.
VP of Digital Marketing and Communications Q&A: Nick Meisner
What are your three biggest accomplishments in your career as a nonprofit leader?
Looking back, a few accomplishments really stand out—especially through the lens of tourism and what we’ve been able to build at Discover Green Bay. First, helping shift the perception of Green Bay from “just a football town” to a true year-round destination. We’ve worked hard to elevate the region’s identity and showcase everything from arts and culture to outdoor adventures. Second, growing community and industry partnerships has been huge. We’ve created a network of collaborators who all believe in the power of tourism to support economic growth. And third, being a part of the leadership team at Discover Green Bay who’ve built a culture of people who genuinely care, bring creativity to the table, and have fun while doing the work. Success in this space isn’t about flashy wins; it’s about consistency, trust, and showing people just how much Green Bay has to offer.
What is one of your best memories at Discover Green Bay or biggest accomplishment while at DGB?
One of my favorite memories—and probably one of our biggest wins—was the moment we found out Green Bay would be hosting the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a huge milestone, not just for Discover Green Bay, but for the entire community. We’ve always believed this region could handle an event of that scale, and getting the official word was such a validating moment. But what makes it even more special is everything that’s come since. From working with local businesses to helping shape the fan experience, seeing the excitement ripple across the city has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to years of groundwork—building trust with partners, leveling up our marketing efforts, and proving that tourism in Green Bay is a serious economic driver. That moment was a launchpad, and it still gives me chills thinking about what’s ahead.
How do you see the organization changing in the next two years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?
Over the next couple of years, I see Discover Green Bay leaning even more into being a bold, forward-facing advocate for our region. Hosting the NFL Draft has given us this incredible platform—and we’re going to use that momentum to tell a bigger story about what Green Bay has to offer year-round. I think we’ll see our role shift from just promoting events and attractions to truly shaping the narrative of what it means to live, work, and play here. Personally, I want to drive that change by continuing to push for innovation—whether that’s through new digital tools, elevated branding, or more community-driven storytelling. I’m also focused on building deeper connections with our partners and investing in the people who power our tourism economy. Green Bay has a ton of heart, and I want to make sure that shows in everything we do.
What do you think the impact of the Draft will be like for Discover Green Bay?
The Draft is a game-changer. For Discover Green Bay, it’s the biggest platform we’ve ever had to show off our city on a national (and international!) stage. Millions of eyes will be on Green Bay, and that exposure is priceless. But beyond the headlines, the Draft is helping us build long-term momentum. We’re using it as a catalyst to grow, tell richer stories about our region, and strengthen partnerships across the board. It’s also giving us a chance to reach audiences who might never have considered Green Bay for a vacation—or even known where we are on the map. After the Draft, we’ll be in a stronger position to attract more events, grow our visitor economy, and prove that Green Bay isn’t just a great place for football—it’s a great place, period.
As you prepare for the Draft, what does a typical day look like for you?
Honestly, no two days look the same right now, and that’s both the beauty and the challenge of it. One minute I’m in a meeting with our partners at the Packers, and the next I’m helping communicate transportation and parking plans. There are a lot of moving parts, so my days are filled with phone calls, emails, team huddles, and sometimes spontaneous brainstorm sessions that end up sparking really great ideas. I try to carve out time to stay grounded, appreciate the opportunity. stay creative, and most importantly, stay connected with our community. Everyone’s working so hard, and keeping morale high while we’re sprinting toward the Draft is a big part of my job right now.
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
Without a doubt, it’s seeing how passionate people are about this place. Whether it’s a small business owner who lights up when talking about their work, or a visitor who discovers something new and unexpected here, those moments remind me why we do what we do. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping people fall in love with Green Bay—sometimes for the first time, sometimes all over again. I’m also really inspired by our team. They show up every day with creativity and passion. We’re all working toward the same goal: to help our community thrive through tourism. And when you see the real impact—restaurants buzzing with out-of-towners, hotels full, smiling faces downtown—it’s just the best feeling in the world.
What are challenges that you see nonprofit organizations facing and what do you think would be viable solutions?
One of the biggest challenges is sustainability—both in funding and in staffing. Nonprofits are often expected to do a lot with limited resources, and that can lead to burnout or missed opportunities. For organizations like ours that rely on tourism dollars, seasonality and external factors (like weather or the economy) can really affect our ability to plan long-term. A viable solution is building stronger public-private partnerships and advocating for consistent investment in destination marketing. We also need to support nonprofit professionals better—mentorship, training, and tools that keep people growing in their roles. Another key piece is storytelling. If we can clearly show how tourism supports jobs, small businesses, and quality of life, it’s easier to rally support and funding. It’s about showing that what we do isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential to a thriving community.
More Info about Discover Green Bay
Discover Green Bay is a non-profit destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting the Greater Green Bay area in Wisconsin. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit entity, the organization focuses on driving economic growth through tourism while reinvesting revenues into community development rather than generating profits for shareholders.
Formerly known as the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, Discover Green Bay rebranded in 2019 to better reflect its mission of showcasing the region’s diverse attractions. The organization operates through a combination of room tax revenues, membership dues, and strategic partnerships with local businesses.
Led by a professional staff and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprising local business leaders and community stakeholders, Discover Green Bay conducts various activities to boost tourism: marketing campaigns, visitor center operations, promotional materials production, convention services, sports tourism development, and digital platform management.
The organization maintains strong partnerships with major attractions including Lambeau Field, the National Railroad Museum, and Bay Beach Amusement Park. It collaborates closely with the Green Bay Packers, Downtown Green Bay, Inc., local chambers of commerce, and municipal governments to create a cohesive tourism strategy.
In recent years, Discover Green Bay has expanded its focus beyond Packers football to highlight the area’s cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and culinary experiences. As a non-profit, the organization’s success is measured not by financial gain but by economic impact within the community, job creation, and enhancing quality of life for residents through sustainable tourism development.
Learn more about Discover Green Bay online: https://www.greenbay.com/
