Wisconsin Center

Wisconsin Center is a convention center located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District, a State of Wisconsin-created agency. The center is situated in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee, near the Milwaukee RiverWalk and Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks. It is also close to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The center hosts various events throughout the year, including conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions, such as the Milwaukee Auto Show and the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo, which attract visitors from across the state, including Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha.

● History

The Wisconsin Center was built in 1998 and expanded in 2000 to provide additional exhibition space, with the help of Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee. The center has undergone several renovations since its opening, including a major renovation in 2015, which was supported by Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin State Legislature. The center has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention, which have brought visitors from across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The center has also hosted events for organizations such as the National Rifle Association and the American Medical Association, as well as conferences for Harley-Davidson and Miller Brewing Company.

● Architecture

The Wisconsin Center was designed by Kahler Slater, a Milwaukee-based architecture firm, in collaboration with HOK, a global architecture firm. The center's design features a unique blend of Art Deco and Modern architecture, with a striking glass and steel façade, similar to the Alumni Memorial Union at Marquette University. The center's interior features a large exhibition hall, several meeting rooms, and a grand ballroom, which can accommodate events for up to 4,000 people, making it an ideal venue for events like the Milwaukee Film Festival and the Wisconsin Book Festival. The center is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and catering facilities, making it a popular choice for events like the Milwaukee Wedding Show and the Wisconsin Bridal Expo.

● Facilities

The Wisconsin Center features over 188,000 square feet of exhibition space, including a 37,500-square-foot ballroom and several meeting rooms, which can be configured to accommodate events of various sizes, from small board meetings to large conventions. The center is also equipped with a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, catering services, and audio-visual equipment, making it an ideal venue for events like the Milwaukee Comic Con and the Wisconsin Science Festival. The center's facilities are also used by organizations such as the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the Medical College of Wisconsin for events like commencement ceremonies and alumni reunions.

● Events

The Wisconsin Center hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions, such as the Milwaukee Auto Show and the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. The center has also hosted events for organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as conferences for Johnson Controls and Kohl's Department Stores. The center is also a popular venue for events like the Milwaukee Wedding Show and the Wisconsin Bridal Expo, which attract visitors from across the state, including Racine, Waukesha, and Brookfield. The center has also hosted events like the Milwaukee Film Festival and the Wisconsin Book Festival, which celebrate the state's rich cultural heritage.

● Location

The Wisconsin Center is located in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee, near the Milwaukee RiverWalk and Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks. The center is also close to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the Milwaukee School of Engineering, making it an ideal venue for events like career fairs and job expos. The center is easily accessible by car, with several parking garages and lots nearby, including the Milwaukee County Parking Garage and the City of Milwaukee Parking Lot. The center is also within walking distance of several hotels, including the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee.

● Operations

The Wisconsin Center is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Center District, a State of Wisconsin-created agency. The district is responsible for the management and maintenance of the center, as well as the UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theatre. The center is staffed by a team of experienced event professionals, who work closely with event organizers to ensure that every event is a success, whether it's a small meeting or a large convention. The center is also committed to sustainability, with a range of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact, including energy-efficient lighting and recycling programs, similar to those implemented by We Energies and the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works.