About Hoancoming 2025

Hoancoming is Milwaukee’s signature end-of-summer celebration—an unforgettable night on the water and on land that honors the city’s vibrant communities, iconic skyline, and beloved festival culture.

In 2025, the event enters a new era under the leadership of The Hoan Group, an independent, membership-based organization that connects civic-minded leaders across Milwaukee, Madison, and Greater Green Bay. Originally created to help illuminate the east side of the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge—a dream realized in June 2025—Hoancoming has evolved into a free celebration emphasizing civic pride, community connection, and giving back.

Featuring live music, a dazzling boat parade, and a spectacular drone and light show synced to the Hoan Bridge, Hoancoming can be enjoyed from the water or from prime viewing spots along the Milwaukee River. It’s more than a party—it’s a thank-you to the city, a tribute to Milwaukee’s spirit, and a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.

Meet Our Co-Chairs

This year’s event is co-chaired by Dana Guthrie, Managing Partner of Gateway Capital, and Anne Zizzo, Founder & CEO of Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing, alongside Hoan Group Founder Ian Abston. Together, they’re bringing fresh energy, expanded partnerships, and a shared commitment to showcasing the things that make Milwaukee so special.

Dana

Managing Partner of Gateway Capital

Gateway Capital is a Milwaukee-based venture capital firm that invests early in high-growth potential startups in the Midwest—particularly in overlooked or underestimated geographies and communities where others may hesitate. Focused on pre-seed and seed-stage startups, Gateway delivers both financial and social returns, with firm belief that the two are not mutually exclusive. Led by Managing Partner Dana Guthrie, Gateway aims to expedite the challenging early stages of commercialization, product market fit discovery, and ultimately, investor realized returns.

“At Gateway Capital, we believe in investing in what moves Milwaukee forward—and that includes celebrating the spirit, resilience, and innovation of our people. Hoancoming is a reflection of the pride we all share in our city and a reminder of what’s possible when community comes together.”

‍What are you excited about as a sponsor for this year's Hoancoming event?

‍"I am envisioning the bringing together of folks from all different walks of life at Hoancoming. Being together on the water in celebration, in the middle of our city, for a night of good times, good vibes, and with a type of intersectionality that does not typically happen. I'm excited to be a part of bringing that to life in the city of Milwaukee."

Anne

Founder & CEO of Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing

Anne Zizzo is Founder & CEO of Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing (ZG), one of the region’s largest integrated marketing and engagement firms. Woman-owned and headquartered on the Milwaukee River, ZG provides digital, social media, website and app development, PR, SEO/PPC, branding and creative solutions to a global client base, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Disney, FOX, Network Health, Marquette University, Summerfest, George Webb and hundreds of nonprofits. Under Anne’s leadership, ZG has earned recognition for Milwaukee’s Best Workplace, Coolest Offices, Future 50, and multiple national Telly and Obie Awards.

Anne is also founder of Zizzo Ventures, LLC, a commercial real estate holding company. Through Zizzo Ventures, she has developed and renovated historic properties in Milwaukee, including award-winning projects in the Third Ward and Walkers Point, creating spaces that activate and connect community, creativity, and commerce.

A committed community leader, Anne serves on numerous boards, including Froedtert-ThedaCare, Summerfest, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Marquette University, and the Marcus Performing Arts Center. She has received accolades such as Milwaukee Business Journal’s Power Player, Top Power Broker, Entrepreneurial Woman of Influence, and 40 under 40 Hall of Fame.

Anne resides in Fox Point, WI, and has three adult sons. She enjoys mentoring, travel, interior design, road biking, spending time at her lake home in Minocqua, and music festivals.‍

‍What makes Hoancoming special to you?

‍“Hoancoming is Milwaukee’s one-of-a-kind celebration of our iconic Hoan Bridge. With the boat parade and drone show, it’s the perfect summer send-off. Zizzo Group is honored to support this event – it keeps growing every year because of the special way it brings businesses and people together on our amazing Milwaukee River.”

Ian

Founder of the Hoan Group

Ian Abston is a passionate, civic entrepreneur dedicated to connecting talent and building bridges across Wisconsin. He founded NEWaukee, launched the state’s first Night Market, and later co-founded the Hoan Group—a private network of leaders uniting across economic, political, and cultural divides. Ian also founded Forward 48, Wisconsin’s premier civic leadership program, and co-founded Light the Hoan, the $4M initiative that illuminated Milwaukee’s skyline. He lives in Wauwatosa with his wife, Jackie, their son Beau, and their dog.

Ian has played a key role in the planning and execution for Hoancoming in years past as the Vice President of the Board for Light the Hoan.

As the Founder of the Hoan Group, and with the Hoan Group having acquired the rights to Milwaukee’s Signature End-of-Summer Celebration this year, things have looked a little bit different for him when it comes to Hoancoming 2025:“

So many people came out to enjoy last year’s festival, and it played a massive role in raising funds and awareness as we worked to light the east side of the Hoan Bridge. 2025 is all about saying ‘thank you’ to the community and giving everyone one last chance to celebrate and give back as we come to the end of another amazing Milwaukee summer.” – Ian Abston

‍What excites you most about taking the lead on Hoancoming in 2025?

‍“I led fundraising efforts for Light the Hoan for almost 6 years—and anyone who has ever tried to raise money for something they care about knows how lonely it can be. The thing that always kept me going was the idea of creating something new, fresh, and unique that could be programmed around these new lights on Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge. We know the next generation is not going to look at civic engagement in the same way that we have, just as we haven’t engaged in the same way that our parents did. I want to be a part of shepherding a new tradition for the next generation and to help inspire people to be creative and get involved in fun and unique ways within our city.”

Meet Our Beneficiary

As the primary beneficiary of Hoancoming 2025, a portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be presented to the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer), channeling the community’s energy into life-saving research for children and families facing cancer and related blood disorders.

‍About The MACC Fund

‍The MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) is a Milwaukee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1976 on the Milwaukee Bucks’ court. Its mission is to fight childhood cancer and related blood disorders by funding critical research.

Since its inception, the organization has contributed over $87 million to support groundbreaking Wisconsin-based research, helping keep clinical trials and innovative treatments close to home.

To learn more visit www.maccfund.org and to join the MACC Fund for their ticketed Hoancoming celebration, click here. 

Radio Milwaukee

Bringing You the Official Soundtrack of Hoancoming 2025

Radio Milwaukee champions Milwaukee’s music, arts, culture, and community, celebrating diversity and encouraging engagement. Through music and stories for a culturally open-minded audience, we strive to make the city more inclusive, connected, and vibrant.
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We’re thrilled to be a proud sponsor of Hoancoming 2025, helping celebrate Milwaukee’s vibrant community and culture. Radio Milwaukee will also be providing the official soundtrack, bringing the music that sets the tone for the night.  
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You can listen live at RadioMilwaukee.orgor you can download the app onto your iphone/android to tune in!

Visit our Ways to Participate page to RSVP for Hoancoming 2025
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