CME Planning Services - About
Conveniently located in The Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, UW-Extension Conference, Meeting, and Event Planning Services (CME) has been doing business for nearly 50 years. With experience comes a wealth of valuable knowledge and skill that ensures success. Recognized nationally and even internationally for high-quality standards and excellent results, our staff is known for:
- Expertise in week-long conferences, one-day meetings, and other special events of all kinds
- Our understanding of and adherence to university and state financial policies and procedures
- Well-established relationships with a wide range of event resource providers locally and beyond our state borders
- An outstanding reputation for first-rate service
Our Staff
Two highly qualified and dedicated staff members are responsible for leading CME activities. Both have years of experience and are eager assist you with your event planning. Additional support is available to assist when needed.
Patti Thompson, Conference Planning Service Manager
Patti Thompson graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and quickly began specializing in educational program and event planning in camp and community settings. Patti was the Program Director for the Madison's largest and most vibrant neighborhood center for eight years. There she planned and organized large-scale community events and fundraisers including the popular Atwood Summerfest. She has worked in educational event planning on the University of Wisconsin campus since 2000, including Special Events Coordinator for Letters and Sciences Career Services. She managed the J.F. Friedrick Hotel and Conference Center and is currently the Conference Planning Services Manager of the Pyle Conference Center. There she supervises daily aspects of the operations of the Pyle Center and also organizes conferences and events in a fee-for-service capacity. She looks forward to working with you to create an exceptional event.
Deborah Curry, Conference and Special Event Planner
Deb Curry has been planning events in travel, education, and sports for more than 25 years. She has traveled all over the world and spent several years leading educational tours for organizations including the alumni associations of Yale, Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton; the membership of The American Museum of Natural History; The Smithsonian Institution; and The Cousteau Society... to name a few. Deb has also worked as a college Study Abroad Coordinator; she created, directed and co-edited a documentary art and culture TV series pilot for Wisconsin Public Television; has taught master knitting classes; and was a Trip Director on the SY Sea Cloud and MV Illiria. Deb has a keen eye for detail and high standards for excellence which are evident in the events she plans.