2026 Sales Prospecting Brochure

ONLY IN MILWAUKEE

7,000+ Total Rooms Available Downtown

125+ Unique Offsite Venues

200+ Independently-Owned Restaurants Downtown

1.3 Million Square Feet of Renovated Convention Space

EASY TO GET HERE. EASIER TO LOVE.

FLY

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers 35+ nonstop routes and 160+ one-stop connections, with a quick 15-minute drive to downtown.

TRAIN AND BUS

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station provides Amtrak service to Chicago and Minneapolis–St. Paul, plus Greyhound, Megabus, and Coach USA connections.

DRIVE

Milwaukee sits within a day’s drive for roughly one-third of the country.

Set on the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city and one of the most accessible meeting hubs in the Midwest. Just 90 miles north of Chicago and within a day’s drive of one third of the U.S. population, it delivers unbeatable convenience for teams, attendees, and planners. It’s no wonder Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked it the No. 3 Best Big City in the U.S. three years in a row.

SIX-HOUR DRIVE

FOUR SEASONS, LAKEFRONT STYLE

Vogue called it the Midwest’s coolest destination for a reason: Milwaukee’s climate is shaped by Lake Michigan. It is cooler by the water in spring and summer, and warmer along the lakefront in winter.

Host your next event where travel is simple, impact is big, and those fresh city vibes set the tone. The buzz is national. The performance is all Milwaukee.

GETTING AROUND MILWAUKEE

Once you’ve arrived, getting around couldn’t be easier. Downtown Milwaukee is compact, clean and designed for connection.

THE HOP

Milwaukee’s free, 2.1-mile streetcar, The Hop, connects you to some of Milwaukee’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions, no tickets or vouchers required.

RIDESHARE AND TAXI

Rideshare and taxis are available from Uber, Lyft, TaxiMIKE, American United Taxicab Services and Forward Pedicab.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY TRANSIT SYSTEM (MCTS)

MCTS buses run throughout Milwaukee County, including special shuttles during lakefront events.

RENTAL CARS

Nine rental car companies are located in the airport parking structure directly across from baggage claim.

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Shuttle bus and limousine service to the airport is available through GO Riteway.

CAR FERRY

The Lake Express High-Speed Ferry links Milwaukee with Muskegon, Michigan, via a quick 2 ½ hour trip. It offers passengers a faster, more direct route than driving around Lake Michigan.

BUBLR BIKES

Over 100 Bublr Bikes bikeshare stations are located throughout Milwaukee and in neighboring Wauwatosa and West Allis.

WALKING

Milwaukee’s compact downtown makes the city easy to explore on foot. The Milwaukee RiverWalk connects three downtown neighborhoods via a 3.1-mile wheelchair accessible walkway along the Milwaukee River.

E-SCOOTERS

With multiple options, such as Lime and Veo, offering this two-wheeled alternative to walking, you and your friends will discover the original Brew City in style.

A TASTE OF MILWAUKEE

Dubbed the culinary capital of the Midwest by Midwest Living, Milwaukee’s culinary scene rises above with awardwinning cuisine as diverse as its people. Here you can find Wisconsin favorites like fish fries, cheese curds, authentic Indian, Serbian, Laotian, and more, alongside James Beard Award–winning spots, locally-sourced products, and over 200 locally-owned restaurants in the downtown area alone. There’s a flavor for everyone in Milwaukee, and they’re served up with our one-of-a-kind hospitality.

James Beard–Recognized Restaurants

• Agency

• Amilinda*

• The Bartolotta Restaurants

• Birch

• Black Shoe Hospitality

• Braise

• Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge

• DanDan

• EsterEv

• The Diplomat*

• Goodkind

• Lupi & Iris

• Odd Duck

• Sanford

• Solly’s Grille

• Three Brothers Restaurant

Milwaukee is the proud home of three of the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef: Midwest” award winners, proof of the city’s growing culinary scene.

MILWAUKEE’S FLAVOR GOES NATIONAL

Milwaukee is the proud host of the 21st season of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” the most prestigious culinary competition on cable TV.

THE CITY THAT

Milwaukee’s brewery scene, once known as the beer capital of the world, offers endless ways to bring people together. Host a reception among the tanks, plan a team outing at a historic beer hall, or unwind with an award-winning local pour after the day’s sessions. In the original Brew City, great meetings come with even better cheers.

EXPERIENCES & A ttractions

Looking to break out of the ordinary? Milwaukee offers the best of both worlds: world-class amenities, venues and talent at prices that stretch your budget further, plus compact, walkable neighborhoods that keep everything close. Add in sweeping Lake Michigan views and genuine Midwestern hospitality, and you’ve got an unforgettable event, minus the hassle.

Potawatomi Casino | Hotel is one of the largest entertainment destinations in the Midwest.

191 vibrant and distinct city neighborhoods

150 state and county parks and 200 miles of scenic trails are perfect for outdoor adventures or team-building outings

With 30+ performing arts companies across the metro area, the city’s creative energy thrives.

100+ seasonal and ethnic festivals, including Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival.

Speaking of performances, downtown Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Theater District, which offers worldclass performances and more theater seats per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.

Birthplace of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, founded in 1903, and home to the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum.

17+ downtown museums and dozens of regional attractions, from the Milwaukee Art Museum’s iconic lakefront wings to the Milwaukee Public Market’s local flavors.

Wisconsin is home to more top-100 public courses than any other state, and Milwaukee is within a few hours’ drive of all of them. Add in 13 pristine County courses within minutes of downtown, and you now have the perfect reason to pack your clubs.

Milwaukee has nine professional sports teams: Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), Milwaukee Admirals (AHL), Milwaukee Wave (MASL), Milwaukee Milkmen (AAPB) and Lakeshore Chinooks (NWL), Lake Country DockHounds (AAPB), Milwaukee Monarchs (PUL) and Milwaukee Torrent (NPSL).

Milwaukee sits alongside over 10 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, which offers unbeatable water excursions, from boating and sailing to river cruises and kayaking.

ACCESSIBILITY IN MILWAUKEE

Getting Around

Bublr Bikes offers adaptive bikes, including three-wheelers and handcycles, at its standard stations, making it the first bikeshare system in the country to do so. Adaptive bikes can be checked out at any Bublr bike station.

Milwaukee County Transit System buses feature wheelchair ramps and securement areas on all routes. All regular routes and most shuttles have these accessibility features.

Accessible

Attractions

& Venues

Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, offers accessible seating throughout the arena, seven sensory rooms, multi-sensory seating and an assistive listening system. Guests may also check out sensory inclusion kits that include noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools.

Harley-Davidson Museum features wide aisles, elevators and accessible parking, while the Milwaukee Art Museum provides accessible entrances, elevators and wheelchairs upon request.

Lakefront Brewery and Henry W. Maier Festival Park ensure ADA access to tours, events and festivals year-round.

Accessible Beaches & Parks

Bradford Beach is one of the nation’s most accessible beaches, with mobility mats and beach wheelchairs.

Milwaukee County Parks feature paved trails and ADAcompliant restrooms.

In Milwaukee, accessibility isn’t an afterthought. Inclusivity is built into how the city moves, gathers, and celebrates, so every guest, regardless of ability, can experience Milwaukee’s culture, creativity, and community with ease.

You can find even more accessible attractions and venues in Milwaukee at visitmilwaukee.org/accessibility.

The Hop, the city’s free streetcar, provides fully wheelchairaccessible vehicles and stations.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport ensures barrierfree travel with accessible drop-offs, elevators and serviceanimal relief areas before and after security.

On the Go Mobility offers scooter, wheelchair and lift chair rentals for visitors. Transit Transport provides wheelchairaccessible transport services throughout the metro area.

Milwaukee County Zoo, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and Milwaukee Public Museum are designed for guests of all abilities, with rentals and accessibility features available.

Even though it was built in the 1890s, Pabst Mansion offers elevator access so all can enjoy three floors of this architectural wonder.

The Marcus Performing Arts Center offers accessible seating, assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation by request.

The Pabst Theater Group venues, including the Riverside Theater and Turner Hall Ballroom, are wheelchair accessible and provide hearing and language interpretation services.

American Family Field and UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena both offer fully accessible seating and signage for guests with disabilities.

The Milwaukee RiverWalk spans 3.1 miles of accessible waterfront path through the heart of downtown.

Northwestern Mutual Community Park offers inclusive play structures, musical instruments, and shaded seating areas.

Meet former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler, Visit Milwaukee’s AI-powered, augmented reality sales representative inspired by the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Lambeau Leap inventor.

Meet LeRoy in AR

Scan a QR code to make LeRoy Butler appear as a lifelike 3D avatar. He is ready to share insider knowledge and answer your real-time questions, while offering information about the expanded Baird Center and everything that makes Milwaukee an unforgettable meetings destination.

Ask LeRoy Anything about Milwaukee

When LeRoy pops up, try asking:

“WHAT CAN I DO WHILE I’M IN MILWAUKEE?”

“WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO EAT?”

“WHAT MAKES MILWAUKEE A GREAT PLACE FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS?”

He’s ready with the answers and his signature enthusiasm to help you experience Milwaukee like never before.

WISCONSIN CENTER DISTRICT &

Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Center District is a convention campus featuring three iconic venues: Baird Center, Miller High Life Theatre and UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. This powerful trio of state-of-the-art venues provides best-in-class flexibility and a wealth of options in the heart of downtown.

BAIRD CENTER’S EXPERIENCE & FEATURES

SEAMLESS & CENTRAL

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, the Baird Center is steps from major hotels, award-winning restaurants, and vibrant districts.

MODERN AMENITIES

Features state-of-the-art A/V, inclusive restrooms, nursing and sensory spaces.

CONVENTION CAMPUS

Part of the Wisconsin Center District (includes Miller High Life Theatre and Panther Arena).

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION

LEED Gold certified with solar panels, recycled steel, stormwater systems, bird-safe glass, and urban wood.

AWARD-WINNING VENUE

TWO-TIME STELLA AWARD-WINNING

(Northstar Meetings Group; 2024, 2025)

PRIME SITE AWARD

(Facilities & Destinations Magazine’s Awards of Excellence, 2025)

Best in Show: Outstanding Activation in Arts & Entertainment Award (Sponsorship Marketing Awards, 2025)

IDEA MEETINGS AWARD FINALIST (Skift, 2025)

BEST CONVENTION CENTER IN THE 100,000 TO 500,000 SQ. FT. CATEGORY

(EXHIBITOR Magazine, 2025)

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (EXHIBITOR Magazine, 2026)

Your Essential Baird Center Stats

Shaped by meeting planner input, the LEED Goldcertified Baird Center is a symbol of innovation, accessibility and sustainability. The recent $456 million expansion doubled its total space to an impressive 1.3 million sq. ft., and now boasts 300,000 contiguous sq. ft. of exhibition space, 52 state-of-the-art breakout rooms, the breathtaking rooftop Baird Ballroom and Baird Sky View Terrace with skyline views and much more.

1.3 MILLION SQ. FT

TOTAL CONVENTION CENTER SPACE

31,928

SQ. FT

ROOFTOP BALLROOM & TERRACE WITH CITY VIEWS

CONTIGUOUS EXHIBIT HALL SPACE

300K+ SQ. FT SKYWALK ACCESS TO 1,190 ROOMS

52 MEETING ROOMS

22 LOADING DOCKS

INCLUDING DRIVE-IN RAMP ACCESS

4 CONNECTED HOTELS FLEXIBLE BREAKOUT SPACES

BAIRD CENTER SUSTAINABILITY

The $456 million Baird Center expansion features many sustainable building technologies.

LEED CERTIFICATION

The Baird Center expansion has achieved LEED certification, the most widely used and wellrespected green building rating system in the world.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The expanded Baird Center features a 320,000-gallon Storm Trap®, an underground storm water detention system.

LOW-FLOW PLUMBING FIXTURES

Low-flow plumbing fixtures are installed throughout the convention center.

SOLAR ROOF

98,130 kilowatt-hours will be hours avoided-that’s the equivalent of CO2 emissions from 7,488,199 smartphones charged.

RECYCLED STEEL

90% of the total 6,000 tons of steel used is made of recycled materials.

LED LIGHTING

LED lighting is installed in both front and back of house. The lighting is equipped with occupancy sensors that engage based on occupancy and daylight levels.

CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS

MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE

Flanked by the Baird Center and the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Miller High Life Theatre is a hub for diverse gatherings. Boasting 4,100 seats, it’s the largest theater in the state, drawing largescale entertainment and concert events. The theater can also be configured to 2,500 seats, providing a range of unique, distinctive spaces tailored for meetings, conventions, and private special-event functions.

GRAY ROOF MEMBRANE

Used to protect buildings from weather and water, gray roof membrane is ideal for Milwaukee’s climate.

FRITTED GLASS

Ceramic fritted glass increases energy efficiency and prevents bird collisions.

STATE-OF-THE-ART ORCA FOOD DIGESTER

ORCA mimics a natural food digestion process to digest food waste into liquid. It can divert up to 438 tons of food waste per year from the landfill.

UW–MILWAUKEE PANTHER ARENA

The 12,700-seat UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena is a sports and entertainment staple that puts every visitor close to the action with unobstructed views, and from AHL hockey to major political conventions’ media row, this venue can do it all. In addition to sports events, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena also offers a 24,000-square-foot floor perfect for exhibit booths and trade shows, or it can seat 1,800 diners alongside the services of Levy Restaurants’ onsite catering.

HOTEL ACCESS & WALKABILITY NEAR BAIRD CENTER

Meetings thrive when logistics are seamless, and downtown Milwaukee delivers. The Baird Center is anchored in a compact, walkable core of the city, with over 7,000 hotel rooms in the immediate downtown area, making it easy for planners to secure blocks, accommodate large groups, and keep attendees close to the action.

Key Skywalk-Connected Hotels

For maximum convenience and a truly “in-campus” feel, these properties connect 1,365 rooms directly to the Baird Center via skywalks, minimizing weather-related risks and simplifying access.

• Hilton Milwaukee City Center

• The Marc

• Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

• SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown

Beyond the skywalk-linked hotels, a host of other brand-name properties are within a half mile of Baird Center so that attendees can walk to their events in minutes. There are over 20,000 hotel rooms in the Greater Milwaukee area, most of which are within a 20-minute drive from downtown.

• Baird Center is just blocks from major highway access.

• Baird Center is an easily walkable 1.2 miles from Lake Michigan.

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 Sq. Ft.: 10,000 Hall Buyout Total Sq. Ft.: 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.

Total Sq. Ft. Meeting Space: 4,000

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 year-round 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

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.

Meeting Spaces Range from 7,120 sq.ft of indoor and outdoor event space

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 team-building events, company functions and private parties.

Full Capacity: 120 Seated | 200 Standing

Half Space Capacity: 75 Seated | 100 Standing

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.

RECEPTIONS AND DINNERS: Cocktail receptions: up to 85

Sit-down dinners: up to 50

POTAWATOMI CASINO | HOTEL

In addition to world-class gaming, dining and entertainment, Potawatomi Casino | Hotel has great event spaces.

Total Sq. Ft. Meeting Space: 43,000

SCHLITZ AUDUBON 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

JOIN THE CLUB WHEN YOU SEE OUR TEAM AT A TRADESHOW

Inspired by Milwaukee’s storied baseball tailgating tradition, this is your VIP all-access pass to great meetings, better brats and unforgettable Brew City business.

Upcoming Tradeshows

JANUARY 11-14

PCMA Convening Leaders

FEBRUARY 10-12

RCMA Emerge

MAY 17-21

IPW

AUGUST 15-18

ASAE

AUGUST 24-26 Connect Marketplace OCTOBER 13-15 IMEX

NOVEMBER 17-19 IAEE Expo! Expo!

MEMBERSHIP

Enjoy exclusive Tailgate Club swag including hats, water bottles, stickers and more, plus special invitations to future events such as VIP happy hours and other member-only experiences!

Don’t miss your next shot at fun. We’ll be in touch with ways to engage, connect and join the next

PLANNER RESOURCES

Recognized by Smart Meetings, Facilities & Destinations Magazine, and Skift as one of the best DMOs in the country, the Visit Milwaukee team makes planning your event easy. At every step of the process, you can rely on our dedicated Event Experience team to help you plan your event and promote Milwaukee to your attendees with first-class services, including 100+ trained volunteers and much more.

What We Can Do For You

• Assistance in locating event resources, services or products that our 1,000+ member businesses provide to fulfill event needs.

• Site and planning visit coordination.

• Management of hotel reservations and hotel room blocks.

• Promote Milwaukee as your future destination with a custom microsite, itineraries, materials, videos and photos.

• Welcome signage, such as street-pole banners around the convention center, signs and decals displayed at contracted hotels and electronic signage throughout the airport and city.

• Off-site venue assistance for special programming and events.

• Assistance in identifying local community service projects.

• Distribution of complimentary Milwaukee information at welcome tables and visitor centers.

• Event alert sent out to Visit Milwaukee member businesses so that they can best prepare to welcome your group.

Volunteer Services

Visit Milwaukee’s dedicated team of 100+ volunteers is ready to assist with everything from filling registration bags to greeting your guests.

MARKETING & EVENT EXPERIENCE TEAM

ASSISTANCE

Let us help build attendance through these destination marketing services coordinated and provided by your Event Experience Team at Visit Milwaukee.

• Personalized welcome letter from Milwaukee’s mayor.

• Personalized welcome letter from Visit Milwaukee’s president & CEO.

• Draft and distribute press releases and media alerts.

• Recommendations for attractions, dining and entertainment.

• Information on Baird Center and the Wisconsin Center District campus.

• Commitment to web and social media coverage with over 400,000+ audience reach.

• Tour of the destination for your key stakeholders.

• Copy and image assets to complement your own event marketing materials.

Housing Services

Visit Milwaukee is happy to offer housing services for our meeting and event groups. You can simplify your hotel reservation management through MeetingMax, a web-based housing platform that helps meeting planners keep tabs on every aspect of their event in real time. The system tracks reservations at multiple hotels and captures pertinent data for future planning.

In addition to making it a breeze to book with MeetingMax, planners can use the custom event messaging feature to provide attendees with all the information they need to complete the booking process and get excited for your event in Milwaukee.

Why Your Attendees Will Love the System

• Centralized Information

• 24/7 System Access

• Flexible Reservations

• Real Time Inventory

Why You Will Love the System

• Control Over Rebates & Commissions

• Dedicated Planner Website

• Real-Time Reports

• Block Manipulation

THREE CITY COLLECTIVE

Since 2004, Visit Milwaukee, VisitPITTSBURGH and Travel Portland have partnered to save you time and money. The program offers financial incentives and coordinated planning of the three sales and service teams to deliver seamless efficiency and exceptional service to meeting planners.

Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Portland share many qualities, including convention center size, sufficient number of hotels to house 1,100 to 1,500 on a peak night, range of convention services, and even proximity to rivers or lakes.

How Our Partnership Works

• Book two or three cities and get a financial incentive

• Joint sales events, trade shows, and marketing initiatives

• Both sales and convention service staff of all three cities work closely together, making the sales process and servicing of the conventions seamless

Key Advantages for Meeting Planners

• Planners save time by working with three similar cities that communicate with each other regularly and are fully prepared for the group’s needs

• For groups that require their conventions to rotate between several regions, the East/Midwest/West locations of Pittsburgh/Milwaukee/Portland are also ideal