May 16–20, 2026
Milwaukee, WI
180
AJA 2026 is a Police show in Milwaukee, WI with approximately 180 exhibitors expected.
More detailed information about this show will be added soon.
Registration is handled through the official AJA conference website at americanjail.org/conference-2026, which links to dedicated pages for attendee registration, exhibitor booth sales, sponsorships, and housing. Exhibitors can reserve booths via the Map Your Show exhibitor portal, and <cite index="2-99">a new-exhibitor discount of up to 15% is available in a limited showcase section</cite>. <cite index="2-87">Exhibitor badges can be picked up at the Exhibitor Registration Desk near the expo entrance during setup hours</cite>.
The 2026 Milwaukee meeting is the 45th edition of the American Jail Association's annual Conference & Jail Expo, a long-running professional gathering dedicated to local jails. AJA is headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, and rotates the conference among major U.S. convention cities each year; the 2027 conference is already scheduled for Spokane, Washington. Over its four-decade history the event has evolved into the only national trade show focused exclusively on the local jail and detention sector.
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
<cite index="1-43">The Baird Center is one of the world's most architecturally exhilarating and technologically robust convention facilities, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.</cite> Following its 2024 expansion, <cite index="14-2">the expanded Baird Center offers 300,000 square feet of exhibit space designed with input from meeting planners for versatility, functionality and style</cite>. <cite index="14-4">It features state-of-the-art technology, 22 loading docks with four drive-in ramps, nearly two blocks of covered curb space under the center for passenger drop-off, and a 190-space parking lot that can be transformed into outdoor event space.</cite> <cite index="14-1">The center is connected by skywalk to more than 1,300 hotel rooms at the Hilton Milwaukee, the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and the SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown Marriott.</cite>
<cite index="6-2">The Baird Center offers convenient indoor parking in the Baird Center garage, with entrances at 500 W. Wells St. and 501 W. Kilbourn Ave.</cite> <cite index="13-1">Drivers can pre-book Baird Center Garage parking via the Interstate Parking app at interstateparking.com/milwaukee before rates and spots fill</cite>. <cite index="13-25">When the Baird Center Garage fills, the 330 W. Wells St. Garage and Isaac's Garage on Kilbourn Ave are the nearest alternatives</cite>, and SpotHero also lists nearby spots.
Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the closest commercial airport. <cite index="13-29">MCTS Route 80 runs from Mitchell International Airport to 6th and Wisconsin, one block from the South Building entrance.</cite>
Rail / Bus: <cite index="13-27,13-28">Milwaukee Intermodal Station (433 W. St. Paul Ave) is three blocks south of the venue, and Amtrak's Hiawatha from Chicago Union Station takes about 90 minutes.</cite>
Local transit: <cite index="13-26">MCTS bus routes 12, 19, 30, 31, 34, and 80 stop within one block of Baird Center's main entrances.</cite> <cite index="13-30">The Hop streetcar runs through downtown and connects to the RiverWalk corridor</cite>. Rideshare drop-offs use the covered curb under the center.
Several downtown hotels sit within easy walking distance — and four are connected to Baird Center by indoor skywalk:
AJA publishes its official housing block at americanjail.org/housing-26.
American Jail Assn
The 45th American Jail Association Conference & Jail Expo runs May 16–20, 2026 at The Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The event is built for local jail and detention professionals — administrators, supervisors, line officers, sheriffs, trainers, and vendors. AJA is the only national event focused exclusively on local jails and detention facilities, making it especially relevant for decision-makers in that sector.
The Expo Hall opens with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, May 17 from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM, then runs Monday, May 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Tuesday, May 19 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Move-out follows Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Registration, housing, sponsorships, and exhibitor booth sales are all handled through the official AJA conference page at americanjail.org/conference-2026, which links to the Map Your Show exhibitor portal. New exhibitors may qualify for up to a 15% discount in a limited new-exhibitor showcase section.
The Baird Center is connected by skywalk to more than 1,300 hotel rooms at the Hilton Milwaukee, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown Marriott, with The Marc Hotel also offering a covered connection. Indoor parking is available in the Baird Center garage with entrances at 500 W. Wells St. and 501 W. Kilbourn Ave.
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