The secret is out. Milwaukee has emerged as one of the hottest travel destinations in the U.S., earning recognition from renowned sources like Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet and Airbnb. Once known for its strong brewing tradition and affinity for cheese curds, the city is now turning heads for its burgeoning dining scene, warm hospitality and picturesque sights along the RiverWalk. Milwaukee is no longer a city on the rise; it has arrived. Beyond its place as a prime vacation destination, the city is also a premier destination for meetings and conventions.
Located in downtown Milwaukee, Baird Center (formerly Wisconsin Center) is the state's largest and most flexible convention center, and it's about to get even bigger.
Scheduled to unveil a destination-defining expansion in May, just in time for the Republican National Convention, Baird Center will soon more than double in size, boasting over 1.3 million square feet. In addition to a magnificent water feature and collaborative staircase, the state-of-the-art expansion will include a breathtaking rooftop Baird Ballroom and Baird Sky View Terrace with stunning panoramic views of downtown Milwaukee.
“My favorite thing is the people who work at Baird Center. It doesn’t matter if it is the people working front-of-house, back-of-house, administration… no matter where I look, I see they are bending over backward to make sure our visitors are experiencing unbelievable service, amazing food and beverage experiences, and Milwaukee’s genuine welcoming nature.”
- Marty Brooks, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Center District
Explore the Convention Center Campus
In the heart of it all, attached to Baird Center via skywalk are more than 1,300 hotel rooms at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee and Springhill Suites by Milwaukee Marriott Downtown. With over 6,000 hotel rooms within a half-mile of the convention center, your stay is never far away from your next meeting, convention or event.
Located at the nexus of the Milwaukee foodie universe, Baird Center is a diner's delight, with some of the city's most popular restaurants, pubs and nightlife just steps away. Local favorites like The Capital Grille, Doc's Commerce Smokehouse, Major Goolsby's, Miller Time Pub and Grill, 3rd Street Market Hall, The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill, Oak Barrel Public House, Third Street Tavern and Mader's German Restaurant are all within an easy walk of the convention center.
A part of the Wisconsin Center District campus, around every corner, you'll find premier entertainment, including Milwaukee's most entertaining district, the Milwaukee Theater District, featuring some of the city's sensational performing arts venues like the Miller High Life Theatre.
And for sports lovers, every day is gameday in Milwaukee. Experience the excitement of an Admirals, Wave or UW-Milwaukee Panthers Men's Basketball game at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Or, just down the street, witness the power-packed performances of the Milwaukee Bucks or Marquette University Men's Basketball team at Fiserv Forum. No matter what you're looking for, the city's sports scene shoots and scores.
