Trade Show News

The Black Travel Summit, held last month in Milwaukee, saw continued strong attendance despite economic challenges, with founder Anita Moreau noting the event's role as a 'family reunion' and a crucial networking opportunity for career advancement. A 2025 survey indicated that conferences, events, and trade shows were the top reason millennials and Gen Z traveled for work.

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association will host its 'Cheers to Hospitality' event at Discovery World Museum on November 7, 2026. The event celebrates Milwaukee's dining scene and supports the Wisconsin ProStart program.

Milwaukee has earned LEED Gold certification for cities from the U.S. Green Building Council, a distinction that enhances its attractiveness for meeting planners and business events. This citywide recognition complements the Baird Center's own LEED Gold building certification and its repeated inclusion in EXHIBITOR Magazine's Centers of Excellence list.

Milwaukee earned LEED Gold certification for cities on November 6, 2026, a credential expected to enhance its appeal for meeting planners and major events. This citywide recognition complements the Baird Center's existing LEED Gold building certification and its recent $456 million expansion. The certification highlights Milwaukee's investments in renewable power, water stewardship, and cleaner transport, strengthening its overall convention offering.

Milwaukee has achieved LEED Gold certification for cities, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and environmental performance, which strengthens its position as a meetings and conventions destination. This achievement complements the $456 million expansion of the Baird Center, which was also named to EXHIBITOR Magazine's 2027 Centers of Excellence list for the third consecutive year.

NARI Milwaukee has opened submissions for its 2027 Remodeler of the Year (RotY) competition, inviting firms and teams to showcase their best remodeling projects from the past year. Projects will be evaluated by an impartial panel of judges, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards given based on final scores. This competition highlights excellence within the remodeling and construction industry.

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) has released the schedule for its 2026 conference, taking place from November 1-3, 2026. The event includes sessions on human connection, retention, and revenue, along with networking opportunities and updates on WHLA initiatives. Attendees can also participate in a fundraising dinner supporting WHLA's scholarship and industry programs.

AttendeeMatch, a new patent-pending technology designed to facilitate networking at conferences, will be exhibiting at Expo! Expo! 2026, the IAEE annual gathering, in Milwaukee from November 16–18. The wearable technology aims to help attendees discover relevant contacts nearby without relying on phone searches.

GES leaders Ann Olson and Julia Smith are being recognized with top IAEE Industry Awards, including the Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award and the IAEE Pinnacle Award, respectively. Their contributions to the exhibitions and events industry will be celebrated at IAEE's Expo! Expo! in Milwaukee this November.

MODEX, the supply chain trade show, has been named a finalist for B2B Show of the Year in the 2026 Trade Show News Network awards. The winners will be revealed on November 16 at a joint awards ceremony with the International Association of Exhibitions & Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, held in conjunction with the IAEE Annual Meeting & Expo! Expo!

The CIO Community Executive Summit - USA - is listed to take place on November 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. This event is a professional gathering for CIOs and other community executives. It aims to provide a platform for networking and discussion on industry trends.

The NARI Milwaukee Remodeler & Supplier Expo 2026, a B2B event for remodeling and construction professionals, will run from November 9-10, 2026, at the Brookfield Conference Center. The expo has been reimagined to offer an interactive experience with hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and collaborative conversations. Attendees can expect to discover practical solutions and build industry connections.

The Governor's Marketplace Wisconsin Conference, a professional event focused on Public Sector Procurement, is slated for December 9 to 10, 2026, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. This conference is designed for industry professionals, exhibitors, and service providers connected with government contracts and tenders. Participants can explore products, services, market trends, and networking opportunities.

Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2026, a key professional event for the Exhibition Industry, is scheduled from November 16 to 18, 2026, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. This meeting focuses on event management, venue technology, and industry best practices. It attracts planners, producers, and decision-makers from the exhibitions and events industry.

The Pathways to Quality Conference and Resource Fair, a professional event focusing on the Education Industry, will take place from November 9 to 14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. This event caters to industry professionals, exhibitors, and service providers in the education sector. Attendees can explore market trends, practical solutions, and networking opportunities related to schools and teacher training.

The Little Warrior Foundation has been named the recipient of the 2027 Baird Center Gala Giveaway, receiving a complimentary gala experience valued at $65,000 in the rooftop Baird Ballroom. Their event is scheduled for January 30, 2027.

The Baird Center has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 IAVM Venue Excellence Award, signifying top industry honors for the Milwaukee convention center. This award highlights the center's commitment to operational excellence and attendee experience.

Milwaukee's LEED Gold certification for cities complements the $456 million expansion of the Baird Center, which is also LEED Gold-certified and was recognized by EXHIBITOR Magazine as a 2027 Center of Excellence. This reinforces the city's commitment to sustainability and its appeal for meetings and conventions.

Milwaukee's Hop streetcar system has ambitious plans for extensions, including a proposed route that would reach the doorstep of the convention center and sports arenas. This infrastructure development aims to enhance accessibility and support downtown development, which has already seen over $3.5 billion in investment since the streetcar's inception. The city's original estimate for new development value along the corridor has been nearly doubled.

The Baird Center proudly announced it is a 2026 IAVM Venue Excellence Award winner, recognizing its operational excellence and attendee experience.