Convention Center Complex

Milwaukee has a long history of hosting meetings and conventions. The city's early leaders put Milwaukee in the forefront when they opened the first convention center back in 1909. Today, planners have a world-class convention complex at their disposal consisting of the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee Theatre andU.S. Cellular Arena,, due to major investments by the city in the last decade.

Midwest Airlines Center

The $185 million Midwest Airlines Center, which opened 1998, is located downtown, and just a skywalk away from nearby hotels, retail and restaurants. Crowds can gather in the center's elegant reception area before attending a banquet that can seat up to 2,530 people.

Part of what makes the Midwest Airlines Center unique is the way in which the city's history and artistic heritage have been incorporated into the building's design. Visitors will find poetry about Wisconsin or written by authors with ties to the state gracing the hallways. Beautiful art installations original to the convention center capture attention. 

The Milwaukee Theatre

Located just behind the convention center is the Milwaukee Theatre, the subject of a recent $42 million renovation. The magnificent, historic building houses a 4,100 seat theater, complete with a sweeping grand staircase and rotunda, plus meeting rooms and banquet halls large enough to host pre-event gatherings and small receptions.

The theater books a steady run of top-name concerts, Broadway shows and other entertainment which can easily be incorporated into a convention's agenda for a memorable social event. 

Image provided by Frankie Cole

U.S. Cellular Arena

The third building included in the convention complex is the U.S. Cellular Arena, which first opened its doors in 1950. In recent years, several major renovations have refurbished the arena's seats and scoreboard, concession areas were upgraded, a new portable basketball floor has been installed and its original ice-making capacity has been restored enabling ice shows and hockey to return to its floors.

In addition, the arena is well equipped to become a 24,000-square-foot floor perfect for exhibit booths and trade shows, or can seat 1,800 diners.

The convention facility has its own on-site caterer, Levy Restaurants. Levy works with planners to meet all of their dining needs, whether it be for 50 people or 10,000.

The Convention Center Complex

As for technology, the complex provides all the Internet, telephone and downlink capacities any meeting might need. Because of the technical capacity available, including the highest level of fiber optics and Internet, Rockwell Automation was able to use high-speed computer linkages that in effect made the facility an extension of its home office during its recent annual meeting. And as a bonus for meeting goers, the Midwest Airlines Center was especially designed to ensure there are no dead spots for cell phone users.

Milwaukee's convention facilities are a perfect selection for any meeting planner looking for a safe and interesting city in which to host their next event. Located in the heart of the city, blocks from the RiverWalk, shopping, retail, and hotels, there's no need for a taxi. Just a short walk will also take visitors to the lakefront, art museum and many other popular attractions.

If you're looking for a convention center complex that can accommodate a variety of needs, whether it be exhibit floor space for thousands, an auditorium for gatherings, or flexible breakdown rooms, consider the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee Theatre and U.S. Cellular Arena to host your next event.