Are you searching for the perfect destination for your next conference or corporate event? Look no further than Milwaukee, Wisconsin! This vibrant city in the heart of the Midwest offers a winning combination of accessibility, affordability, and top-notch Milwaukee conference venues that make it an ideal choice for your next gathering.
Accessible Location and Transportation
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Milwaukee for your conference is its central location. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is easily accessible from major cities across the Midwest and beyond. With General Mitchell International Airport just minutes from downtown, attendees can fly in from around the country with ease.
Once you arrive in Milwaukee, getting around is a breeze. The city offers a variety of transportation options, including public buses, streetcars, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Many of the top conference venues and hotels are located within walking distance of each other in the downtown area, making it easy for attendees to navigate between sessions and events.
Diverse Milwaukee Conference Venues
When it comes to finding the perfect space for your conference, Milwaukee has no shortage of options. The crown jewel of the city's event spaces is undoubtedly the Milwaukee convention center, formally known as the Wisconsin Center. This state-of-the-art facility offers over 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including:
- 37 meeting rooms
- A 37,500 square-foot ballroom
- A 12,000 seat arena
- 4 exhibithalls totaling over 215,000 square feet
In addition to the convention center, Milwaukee boasts a variety of unique Milwaukee meeting spaces that can add character and charm to your event. From historic venues like the Pabst Theater and the Grain Exchange to modern spaces like the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Discovery World Science + Technology Center, there's a venue to suit every style and theme.
And of course, no conference is complete without comfortable accommodations for attendees. Milwaukee offers a range of conference hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury properties like the Pfister Hotel and the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel.
Affordable Accommodations and Services
Another major selling point for Milwaukee as a conference destination is its affordability. Compared to other major cities in the Midwest like Chicago or Minneapolis, Milwaukee offers competitive pricing on everything from event spaces to hotel rooms to dining and entertainment.
This makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to maximize their conference budget without sacrificing quality. And with a wide range of accommodation options at various price points, attendees can find a place to stay that fits their needs and budget.
Milwaukee also offers affordable corporate event services, from catering to audiovisual equipment rentals to transportation. Local event planning companies can help you find the best deals and coordinate all the details to ensure your conference runs smoothly from start to finish.
Vibrant Culture and Entertainment
Of course, a great conference is about more than just the meeting itself. Attendees also want opportunities to network, explore, and unwind in their downtime. And Milwaukee delivers on all fronts.
The city has a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and music venues. Attendees can explore the Milwaukee Art Museum, catch a show at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, or take a tour of one of the city's many historic neighborhoods.
Milwaukee is also known for its incredible food and drink scene. From classic German beer halls to trendy farm-to-table restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate. And no trip to Milwaukee is complete without sampling some of the city's famous cheese curds and frozen custard!
Professional Conference Planning in Milwaukee
Planning a conference can be a daunting task, but Milwaukee has a wealth of experienced event professionals who can help make the process seamless and stress-free. The city's convention and visitors bureau, VISIT Milwaukee, offers complimentary services to meeting planners, including:
- Site selection assistance
- Attendance building tools
- Promotional materials
- On-site support during your event
In addition, many of Milwaukee's top venues and hotels have in-house event planning teams that can assist with everything from room setups to catering menus to audiovisual needs. And for those looking for a more customized approach, there are plenty of independent event planning companies in Milwaukee that specialize in conferences and corporate events.
Successful Conference Cities Case Studies
Don't just take our word for it - Milwaukee has a proven track record of hosting successful conferences and events of all sizes. The city has welcomed major national and international events like the Democratic National Convention, the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, and the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show.
But Milwaukee isn't just for big-name events. The city has also hosted countless smaller conferences, meetings, and corporate retreats across a range of industries. And attendees consistently rave about their experience in Milwaukee, from the top-notch facilities to the friendly Midwestern hospitality.
As Jim Pfeifer, Director of Sales at Visit Waukesha (a suburb of Milwaukee) says: "Milwaukee is experiencing a surge in demand as a conference destination for companies and national associations seeking a city that's not only affordable, but also easily accessible from either coast. The attendees love it and planners find Milwaukee's value unmatched."
Ready to book your next conference in Milwaukee? Contact ConferenceTap today to learn how our all-in-one event app can take your Milwaukee conference to the next level. From streamlining registration to enhancing attendee engagement with networking features and interactive tools, ConferenceTap has everything you need to make your next event a success.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the largest conference venue in Milwaukee?
The largest conference venue in Milwaukee is the Wisconsin Center, which offers over 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 37,500 square-foot ballroom and 4 exhibit halls.
How do I get to Milwaukee for a conference?
Milwaukee is easily accessible by air via General Mitchell International Airport, which is located just minutes from downtown. The city is also well-connected by highways and train lines for those driving or taking public transportation.
What is there to do in Milwaukee during conference downtime?
Milwaukee offers a variety of attractions and activities for conference attendees, including world-class museums like the Milwaukee Art Museum, historic theaters like the Pabst and Riverside, and a vibrant food and drink scene with plenty of restaurants, bars, and breweries to explore.
How much does it cost to host a conference in Milwaukee?
The cost of hosting a conference in Milwaukee varies depending on factors like venue selection, catering needs, and audiovisual requirements. However, Milwaukee is generally considered a more affordable destination compared to other major cities, with competitive pricing on event spaces, accommodations, and services.
What services does ConferenceTap offer for events?
ConferenceTap is an all-in-one event app that offers a range of features and tools to streamline event planning and enhance the attendee experience. Some of the key features include:
- Custom registration pages
- Integrated ticketing for free and paid tickets
- Attendee networking features like 1:1 video chat and forums
- Live video streaming for virtual and hybrid events
- Sponsor promotion and featured placement
- Analytics for attendee engagement and behavior insights