World Dairy Expo 2026
Event Date
September 29 – October 2, 2026
Location
Madison, WI
Expected Exhibitors
461
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryWorld Dairy Expo is an international dairy industry event held annually in Madison, Wisconsin, that combines a large commercial trade show, an elite dairy cattle show, and an extensive education program under one roof. World Dairy Expo hosts the world's largest dairy-focused trade show, featuring over 450 companies from 15 countries, and was honored by Trade Show Executive as one of the Top 100 Trade Shows of 2024.
The event draws dairy producers, herd owners, veterinarians, nutritionists, allied-industry professionals, students and international visitors from around the globe. Known for its iconic colored shavings and elite competition, World Dairy Expo is home to a world-class dairy cattle show that features the best cattle in North America, with over 1,800 dairy cattle exhibitors traveling to Madison to showcase their genetics.
Beyond commerce and competition, attendees come for professional development. World Dairy Expo provides over 40 educational opportunities throughout the week in various topics and formats, ranging from expert-led seminars to peer learning. It is billed as the must-attend event for everyone in the global dairy community.
Show Highlights
Signature features across the week include:
- Commercial Trade Show — the world's largest dairy-focused trade show, with hundreds of exhibitors across the Exhibition Hall, Trade Center and Coliseum.
- International Dairy Cattle Show — breed shows for Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn and Red & White cattle, culminating in the Parade of Champions and Supreme Champion selection on the show's famous colored shavings.
- Education program — Dairy Forage Seminars, Knowledge Nook Sessions, Expo en Español, Virtual Farm Tours and industry meetings.
- The Tanbark — a full-service bar and restaurant in the Arena Building that serves as the meeting place for attendees and exhibitors, hosting meals, Happy Hours and industry events.
- Contests — the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest, the World Forage Analysis Superbowl, dairy cattle judging contests, and youth fitting and showmanship competitions.
- Youth & career programs — FFA activities, school tours and Career Connections.
Attendance
Figures reported for the most recent edition (World Dairy Expo 2025): estimated attendance of 51,525, with 461 trade show exhibitors, 246 sponsors and more than 4,000 participants in youth programs. The event also draws over 1,800 dairy cattle exhibitors. Attendees come from across the United States and internationally, spanning dairy producers, allied-industry professionals, students and youth.
Registration
Admission tickets can be purchased online in advance through Expo's digital ticket platform, or on-site during the event. Parking is included with admission, and pricing is tiered by purchase date:
- Advance admission (through September 28, 2026, ages 9+): $15 daily or $40 season.
- Admission during the event (September 29 – October 2, 2026, ages 9+): $20 daily or $50 season.
- Children 8 and younger: FREE.
Parking is included in admission. Dairy cattle exhibitors must enter online, with the entry deadline for the 2026 show set for Monday, August 31.
History
World Dairy Expo has been held annually in Madison, Wisconsin since the late 1960s and has grown into an internationally recognized dairy event. In celebration of World Dairy Expo's 50th event in 2016, a history book was compiled to tell the story of the event. The 2026 edition marks the 59th World Dairy Expo. The event's mission is described as being the premier forum for the global dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition, with a vision of an inspired global dairy community united and thriving.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: July 26, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is World Dairy Expo 2026?
World Dairy Expo 2026 trade show runs Tuesday, September 29 through Friday, October 2, 2026. It is held at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713. The dairy cattle show portion begins earlier in the week.
How much does admission cost and how do I register?
Tickets are sold online in advance and on-site. Admission for ages 9 and older is $15 daily or $40 for a season pass if purchased through September 28, 2026, and $20 daily or $50 season during the event. Children 8 and younger are free, and parking is included with admission.
Who should attend World Dairy Expo?
The event is aimed at the global dairy community, including dairy producers, cattle breeders, veterinarians, nutritionists, allied-industry professionals, students and youth. It is billed as the must-attend event for everyone in the global dairy industry.
What makes World Dairy Expo worth attending?
It features the world's largest dairy-focused trade show with over 450 companies from 15 countries, an elite international dairy cattle show, and more than 40 educational sessions. It was also named one of Trade Show Executive's Top 100 Trade Shows of 2024.
What is the nearest airport and how do I get there?
Dane County Regional Airport in Madison is about a 20-minute drive from the venue. Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport is about 1.5 hours away, and Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports are roughly 3 to 3.5 hours away. Taxis, rideshare and charter buses are available in Madison.
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