Trade Show News

The 2026 Midwest Arts XPO has announced its host hotels in downtown Milwaukee, including the Hyatt Regency, SpringHill Suites Downtown, and The Trade by Marriott. These hotels offer convenient access to the Baird Center for attendees.

The 2026 Greater Milwaukee Hospitality Open, presented by Molson Coors Beverage Company, is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026, at The Wisconsin Country Club. Hosted by Visit Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Hotel & Lodging Association, this event supports scholarships for college students pursuing hospitality careers.

The Hilton Milwaukee, connected to the newly expanded Baird Center, is seeking a Talent Acquisition Manager. The hotel recently completed a $40 million renovation, elevating guest rooms, event spaces, and the grand lobby, reinforcing its position as a premier meeting and convention destination.

Klein Development and MOS R.E. secured $114 million in financing for the conversion of 100 East Wisconsin, a historic office building in Milwaukee, into a 373-unit luxury residential community. This project represents the largest multifamily HUD loan ever closed in Wisconsin and received a tax increment financing package from the City of Milwaukee. While primarily residential, significant downtown development and increased housing capacity can indirectly support the hospitality sector and convention attendees.

The Marcus Corporation's strategy includes investing in high-profile hospitality assets in Milwaukee, such as The Trade Hotel in the Deer District. Their focus on improving hotel mix through rate discipline, group business, and property positioning directly impacts the city's ability to host large events and trade shows.

Visit Milwaukee is seeking an Event Experience Manager to service convention client accounts and ensure successful meetings and conventions in Milwaukee. The role involves maintaining client communication, providing promotional support, and assisting with site visits and FAM tours. This position is crucial for fostering return business and enhancing Milwaukee's reputation as a convention destination.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced that its Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Expo! Expo!, will take place November 16-18, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event is a significant gathering for the exhibitions and events industry.

The Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors took no action on potential litigation related to the future of President and CEO Marty Brooks at a special meeting on May 26. Recent tensions between Brooks and several board members reportedly center around his decision to contract for a best-use study for the district in 2025.

The Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors took no action on the future of President and CEO Marty Brooks following a special closed session meeting on May 26, 2026. Brooks continues to operate as CEO, with further discussions expected regarding his contract until at least 2028.

The Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors took no action on potential litigation related to the future of President and CEO Marty Brooks at a special meeting. Brooks continues to operate as CEO of the Wisconsin Center District, with further meetings expected on the matter.

The Milwaukee Comic Con is returning to the Products Pavilion at WI State Fair Park for its fall event. The convention will feature comic book dealers, toy/TCG vendors, artists, guests, and a cash prize cosplay event.

The Baird Center will host the 2026 Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) Convention from June 7-10, 2026. This annual convention brings together fire fighters from across Wisconsin.

The Baird Center in Milwaukee is hosting the 2026 ASFPM Conference from May 31 to June 4, 2026. This event brings together professionals focused on flood plain management.

The Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show, Wisconsin's premier hotel conference and lodging industry event, is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026. It will offer impactful education, high-value networking, and access to the latest trends, tools, and solutions shaping the lodging industry.

The International Symposium on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas is scheduled to be held from June 1 to June 3, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors took no action on the future of President and CEO Marty Brooks following a closed session meeting, amidst ongoing discussions about a proposed 650-room convention center hotel. A January 2026 study by Hunden Partners recommended the hotel, potentially at the Miller High Life Theatre site, but a WCD board committee has recommended further study on the project and its financing.

The Baird Center, Milwaukee's conference venue, was highlighted for its LEED Gold certification and sustainability efforts during the B Corp Champions Retreat. The venue utilizes 90% recycled steel in construction and processes food waste on-site with an ORCA digester. These initiatives contribute to diverting hundreds of tons of waste from landfills annually.

The Baird Center, Milwaukee's convention venue, holds a LEED Gold certification, making it one of the few convention centers in the country with this distinction, and features significant sustainability efforts including recycled steel and on-site food waste processing.

Plans for a Milwaukee convention center hotel are undergoing additional study, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This indicates continued deliberation and analysis regarding the proposed development.

There is ongoing discussion regarding the potential departure of Marty Brooks, CEO of the Wisconsin Center District, who has led the organization since 2018 and oversaw the $456 million Baird Center expansion. The board is expected to meet soon to discuss his employment.