10 REASONS
To Choose Milwaukee
1. Convention Center Campus
Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Center District is a confluence of fresh venues, low cost and a wow factor. The convention center campus boasts three state-of-the-art venues, including 1.3 million square feet of newly expanded space at Baird Center, the 4,000-plus-seat Miller High Life Theatre and UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
2. Accessibility
Getting to and around Milwaukee is easy. Arrive via Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Amtrak at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station or the Lake Express Ferry. Once you’re here, explore the city with taxis, rideshare, Bublr Bikes, electric scooters, rapid transit, The Hop streetcar or Milwaukee County Transit System buses.
3. Visit Milwaukee Team
Visit Milwaukee’s talented sales team is here to help make planning your event a seamless experience. We’re here to assist, from booking to executing an unforgettable event with the help of our award-winning event experience team.
4. Redevelopment
Milwaukee’s downtown is in the midst of a renaissance. The Trade Hotel opened in 2023 across from the Deer District, joining the Moxy as bold new additions to the city’s hotel lineup. Next to Fiserv Forum, FPC Live’s upcoming 4,000-capacity venue is set to energize the live music scene. Nearby, the new Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin will bring immersive exhibits and modern amenities to the Haymarket district in 2027. The Bronzeville Center for the Arts will also debut a 50,000-square-foot cultural hub in the heart of the city.
5. Value
Milwaukee features big-city entertainment at competitive prices, whether you’re booking a block of rooms, organizing an executive banquet or hosting unforgettable events.
6. Unique Attractions & Venues
If you’re looking to step outside of the meeting “box,” look no further. Take your event to the next level with an unforgettable gathering that will leave your attendees raving. Whether you’re looking to host a banquet in a beer baron’s mansion, a gala in the flying Milwaukee Art Museum on the water, a rip-roaring good time inside Rumble at the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum, or a get-together with skyline views at Henry Maier Festival Park, there’s a space that’s sure to wow your attendees.
7. Diversity & Neighborhoods
Diversity is our city’s calling card, with Milwaukee Flavor encapsulating ethnicity, culture, aesthetics and perspective. Our multicultural population has flourished and grown, influencing every facet of the city’s evolving personality and creating the vibrant Milwaukee that exists today. From the burgeoning Bronzeville neighborhood to the Historic Third Ward, each of our 191 neighborhoods has a feel all its own, giving you and your attendees even more to see in Milwaukee.
8. Welcoming People
From event staff to locals, you’ll find a warm, welcoming spirit that sets the tone for a great experience. This genuine hospitality creates a memorable atmosphere and leaves a lasting impression on attendees.
9. Walkability
Ranked as one of the most walkable destinations in the country, Milwaukee’s compact downtown makes it easy to get from A to B and anywhere you want to be. In fact, most attractions are an easy five- to 15-minute walk from the convention center.
10. Local Flavor
Your attendees are guaranteed a unique local experience when they come to the city, whether it’s sipping a locally brewed IPA, getting a caffeine jolt with a cup from one of the many independent coffee roasters or exploring the heritage of a one-of-a-kind Milwaukee company like Harley-Davidson.
Baird Center
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
MILWAUKEE FAQS
Getting To Know Milwaukee
Where is Milwaukee, exactly?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, is located 90 miles north of Chicago on the coast of Lake Michigan, within a day’s driving distance of 1/3 of the U.S. population, making it easy for teams, officials, and fans to get here.
What is the climate like?
Milwaukee’s climate is strongly influenced by nearby Lake Michigan, which keeps the lakefront area cooler in spring and summer, and warmer in the winter.
How easy is it to fly into Milwaukee?
Very easy! Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers:
• 35+ nonstop flights from major cities
• 160+ one-stop connections
• Located just 8 miles (15 minutes) from downtown
How do you get from the airport to downtown?
• Uber/Lyft: $25–35
• Taxi: $25–30
• Shuttles: Around $15 per person
How do you get around the city?
Downtown Milwaukee is extremely walkable, safe, and compact. Most hotels, venues, restaurants, and attractions are within blocks of each other.
• The Hop streetcar is free and stops at key downtown destinations
• Bublr Bikes are available for rent across the city
• Rideshare and group transport options are easy to arrange
Is the city walkable and safe?
Yes! Milwaukee is known for being clean, compact, and very walkable. Public Service Ambassadors patrol downtown to welcome guests and keep the area friendly and easy to navigate—day or night.
How’s the food scene?
Downtown Milwaukee has 200+ locally-owned restaurants, offering everything from comfort food to chef-driven dining. Perfect for team dinners, VIP hosting, or just grabbing a bite.
Meet The Wisconsin Center District
What is the Wisconsin Center District (WCD)?
The Wisconsin Center District is a collection of three major venues in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, all contracted through Visit Milwaukee. These venues are designed to accommodate a wide variety of sports events, fan experiences, ceremonies, and more—all within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
The WCD includes:
• Baird Center (Milwaukee’s convention center)
• UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
• Miller High Life Theatre
What’s the hotel situation?
• 1,190 rooms connected to the convention center via skywalk
• 3,871 rooms within a half mile
• 6,200 rooms accessible downtown
Room Tax Rates:
17.9% occupancy tax (includes sales tax)
What is the size of Baird Center?
• Exhibit Hall: 300,000 Sq. Ft.
• Grand Ballroom: 37,506 Sq. Ft.
• Baird Ballroom: 31,928 Sq. Ft.
• Meeting rooms: 52
• Loading docks: 22
• Total meeting room square footage: 73, 566 Sq. Ft.
• Baird Center total square footage: 1.3 Million Sq. Ft.
What is the union status at Baird Center?
Baird Center is a blended union/non-union facility.
Is Wi-Fi complimentary at Baird Center?
Yes, with 2 Mbps speed for browsing your email with ease, and bandwidth reaching up to 1GB per second.
Who are your preferred vendors at Baird Center?
CTI is Baird Center’s preferred audiovisual provider.
Who are your exclusive vendors at Baird Center?
Levy Restaurants is Baird Center’s exclusive food and beverage provider.
SIX-HOUR DRIVE
DOWNTOWN MKE
FISERV FORUM
MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
MOXY HOTEL COMING SOON
TEMPO BY HILTON COMING SOON
UWM PANTHER ARENA
MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
NONSTOP FLIGHTS
EVENT VENUES
3RD STREET MARKET HALL
One of Milwaukee’s newest food halls, located in the re-imagined space of a former mall, features a Topgolf Swing Suite, diverse vendors and a wide array of food options.
VENUE 3 TOTAL SQUARE FEET: 10,000
HALL BUYOUT TOTAL SQUARE FEET: 35,000
AMERICA’S BLACK HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
This is not only a center of reconciliation and healing, but also a unique event venue in the fast-growing Bronzeville neighborhood.
BEST PLACE AT THE HISTORIC PABST BREWERY
The former Pabst Brewery headquarters has event spaces within its Cream City brick walls and out in its courtyards.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 9,650
DEER DISTRICT
Known as Milwaukee’s premier sports and entertainment hub, Deer District is anchored by Fiserv Forum and packed with bars, restaurants and unique event spaces. This 30-acre neighborhood buzzes yearround with concerts, watch parties, festivals and more.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 93,921
SEATING CAPACITY: 17,500
DISCOVERY WORLD
This hands-on science and technology museum featuring the Reiman Aquarium is home to fascinating creatures from around the world. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it also offers striking event spaces with scenic waterfront views.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 21,100
EXPOSITION CENTER AT THE WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
Located on the State Fair Park grounds, the Exposition Center offers expansive, flexible space ideal for trade shows, expos and large events.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 200,000
GROHMANN MUSEUM
This unique venue features art focused on the evolution of human work. It offers rooftop and indoor spaces for a variety of groups.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM
The world’s only HarleyDavidson Museum offers bold, customizable spaces on its stunning campus.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 40,000
LAKEFRONT BREWERY BEER HALL
A venue that adds its awardwinning brews and fare to events in the beer hall.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 5,000
MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
The museum spans three buildings on the shores of Lake Michigan with flexible meeting spaces.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 25,000
MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Meetings and events hear the call of the wild on Milwaukee County Zoo’s 200 acres of land.
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET
This award-winning public market is an iconic food and event destination featuring 15+ independently owned merchants. It is the perfect place for corporate teambuilding events, company functions and private parties.
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM
Host your meeting all around the world while under one roof at this museum, from prehistoric lands to an African desert.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 10,000
MITCHELL PARK DOMES
Event venues include a traditional garden, a tropical rainforest and an arid desert.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 12,000
PABST MANSION
Have your guests experience Gilded Age elegance on the three floors of a beer baron’s home at historic Pabst Mansion.
POTAWATOMI CASINO | HOTEL
In addition to worldclass gaming, dining and entertainment, Potawatomi Casino | Hotel has great event spaces.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 43,000
SCHLITZ AUDOBON NATURE CENTER
The stunning and sustainably designed center is available for special events and business meetings.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 4,000
TRIPOLI SHRINE CENTER
Completed in 1928, the center offers ornate space for special events and meetings.
VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM
The museum overlooks the lake, specializing in smaller indoor and outdoor events.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 1,215
WAR MEMORIAL CENTER
The stunning center honoring the U.S. Armed Forces is a perfect lakefront location for special events.
TOTAL SQ. FT. MEETING SPACE: 40,000
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
3rd Street Market Hall
BAIRD CENTER DELIVERS
Where flexible space, smart design and Midwestern hospitality meet.
EXPERIENCE & FEATURES
SEAMLESS & CENTRAL
Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, the Baird Center is just steps from major hotels, awardwinning restaurants and the city’s vibrant cultural districts. Direct access to the Intermodal Station makes arrival easy by Amtrak, bus or streetcar.
MODERN AMENITIES, THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Meeting planners benefit from state-of-the art audio/visual, built-in event technology and attendee-first features like dedicated nursing accommodations, inclusive restrooms and quiet sensory spaces.
A TRUE CONVENTION CAMPUS
Baird Center is part of the Wisconsin Center District, home to the 4,100-seat Miller High Life Theatre and the historic UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, all within a five-minute walk.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
As one of the only LEED Gold-certified convention centers in the country, the building integrates sustainability into every detail.
GREEN FEATURES INCLUDE:
• Rooftop solar panels producing nearly 100,000 kWh annually
• Stormwater collection and retention systems
• Bird-safe glass exterior
• Over 90% recycled steel used in construction
• On-site ORCA food waste digester
• Locally reclaimed urban wood throughout the facility
Built to meet the needs of modern events, all while reducing environmental impact.
1.3 MILLION SQ. FT
TOTAL CONVENTION CENTER SPACE
CONTIGUOUS EXHIBIT HALL SPACE
31,928
ROOFTOP BALLROOM & TERRACE WITH CITY VIEWS
300K+ SQ. FT SKYWALK ACCESS TO 1,190 ROOMS
FLEXIBLE BREAKOUT SPACES
3 CONNECTED HOTELS
22
LOADING DOCKS
52 MEETING ROOMS INCLUDING DRIVE-IN RAMP ACCESS
SQ. FT BAIRD CENTER VIRTUAL TOUR
VISIT MILWAUKEE SERVICES
You can rely on us to help you pre-promote Milwaukee to your attendees and provide first-class services for all your convention needs, including 100+ trained volunteers and much more.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:
• Site inspection and trip planning
• Pre-convention and/or post-convention meeting scheduling and planning
• Promotional methods, materials and publications to pre-promote Milwaukee as your future destination
• Access to Visit Milwaukee’s 1,000+ partner businesses for services needed
• Electronic signage: various signs in the Greater Milwaukee area are available to greet and welcome your attendees
• Street pole banners: up to 15 banners around Baird Center and Vel R. Phillips Ave. for promotion during your event
• Welcome materials like easels/boards distributed to selected hotels
• Planning assistance for evening programs/events, spouse/team building events
DID YOU KNOW?
• Assistance in locating event resources, services or products in the Greater Milwaukee area
• Assistance in identifying local community service projects
• On-site distribution of complimentary Milwaukee information
• On-site registration assistance
• Convention alert sent out to Visit Milwaukee member businesses
• High-quality images and videos of Greater Milwaukee and its attractions
Milwaukee has over 150 miles of bike trails.
Milwaukee borders Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes.
The Milwaukee RiverWalk spans nearly 3 miles along the Milwaukee River, taking you through downtown Milwaukee.
Milwaukee is home to over 100 seasonal and ethnic festivals including Mexican Fiesta and the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest.
There are over 200 independently-owned restaurants downtown. Milwaukee is home to 11 major colleges and universities.
Potawatomi Casino | Hotel is the largest gaming facility in Wisconsin.
Milwaukee has 150 state and county parks.
25 theaters within city limits & over 30 in the Greater Milwaukee Area.
Milwaukee’s nicknamed Cream City because of its distinctive cream-colored brick and Brew City because of its rich brewing history.
Milwaukee boasts 6,200 rooms downtown.
There are 100 golf courses in southeast Wisconsin, 22 of which are in Milwaukee.
15+ museums in downtown Milwaukee and 30+ including the surrounding counties.
Milwaukee is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson.
THREE CITY COLLECTIVE
MILWAUKEE, PORTLAND AND PITTSBURGH are three dynamic destinations that share numerous outstanding assets — compelling attractions, state-of-the-art convention facilities and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service. Because of a shared vision and commitment to provide the best convention product at the best value, Visit Milwaukee, Visit Pittsburgh and Travel Portland formed the Three City Collective in 2004. The alliance is based on synergies among the three locations, including convention center size, sufficient number of hotels to house 1,100 - 3,000 comfortably on a peak night, range of convention services offered and even location in proximity to rivers or lakes.
HOW THE PARTNERSHIP WORKS:
• Book two or more cities and unlock a financial incentive. Contact our sales team to find out which events qualify.
• Joint sales events, tradeshows and marketing initiatives.
• Both the Sales and Convention Service Service staffs of all three cities work closely together, making the sales process and servicing of the conventions seamless.
WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE
MARKETING RESOURCES
PHOTO & VIDEO LIBRARY
Thousands of photos and dozens of videos are made available to meeting planners at no charge to help showcase Milwaukee to attendees. Photos and videos are available for direct download through Brandkit, our digital asset library.
ITINERARIES
Help your attendees plan a great visit using our existing or custom itineraries, designed for beer lovers, foodies, families and everyone in between.
MILWAUKEE AREA MAPS
We can provide maps to help point your attendees in the right direction during their visit. Downtown maps can be customized to highlight convention-area hotels or restaurants so your guests can easily navigate the downtown Milwaukee area.
MILWAUKEE EVENT CALENDAR
Harness the power of Milwaukee’s best event calendar to let your attendees know what’s happening around town.
CONNECT WITH VISIT MILWAUKEE
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A
STANDOUT EVENT
SUBMIT AN RFP
Have dates in mind? Share your event details and let our team connect you with the right venues, hotel partners, and services tailored to your needs.
EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE
Browse venue options, take a virtual tour of Baird Center, view booking incentives and downloadable resources to guide every step of your planning journey.
SIGN UP FOR “FIVE IN FIVE”
Get five key updates about Milwaukee meetings, delivered monthly and designed to be read in five minutes or less.
From inspiration to execution, we’re here to help make your next meeting or convention seamless, successful and unforgettable.
Milwaukee Lakefront
McKinley Marina
