Summer is flying by, with Summerfest and its America 250 Block Party earlier this month, the Milwaukee Brewers once again leading the division and the Wisconsin State Fair and USA Triathlon National Championships. There’s certainly a lot going on around town. Here's a glimpse of what's happening.

Baird Center Technical Manual

Baird Center Wins IAVM Venue Excellence Award

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Center District shared some exciting news: Baird Center earned a prestigious 2026 IAVM Venue Excellence Award. A massive honor, the award recognizes facilities that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to operational excellence, community stewardship and an unparalleled attendee experience. Since its expansion in 2024, Baird Center’s commitment to sustainability, unique architecture and community has built it into an industry leader and one of the best convention centers in the nation. You can learn more about Baird Center and read all about its latest accolade here.

 

Summer FAM: Ed Sheeran, a Sunset Cruise and Elite Eats

At the end of June, we hosted our Summer FAM, bringing a group of planners, media and influencers to our city to experience it in full swing during Summerfest. Throughout the three-day whirlwind tour of Milwaukee, attendees had a chance to get a taste of everything our destination has to offer. They toured Baird Center, savored buzzworthy bites at the recently opened Cassis, enjoyed a three-course dinner with skyline views aboard an Edelweiss River Cruise and got to feel the energy of an Ed Sheeran show in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.

Special thanks to all of our partners who opened their doors to this group and made it an experience of a lifetime, especially Iron Horse Hotel and Summerfest.

 

 

Central Standard

Venue Spotlight: Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen

It’s a venue with spirit(s), a rooftop patio with some of the best views of downtown and a Milwaukee soul that lives within its Cream City brick walls. Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen is one part distillery and three parts event space, with options ranging from The Mix, a 3,900-square-foot space with a capacity of 200, to the 55-person Founder’s Room and the rooftop Aviary, which can host up to 120 people. Each space offers the flexibility to make the experience totally your own.

Home to award-winning spirits and delicious bites, Central Standard is a great place to host everything from a private client dinner to an exclusive reception. Learn more about the space and craft your own Central Standard experience today!

Maximum Capacity: 500 Reception Style, 150 Theater Style, 120 Banquet Style | Distance From Baird Center: 0.6 miles