About this venue
The Baird Center is one of the world's most architecturally exhilarating and technologically robust convention facilities, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Following its 2024 expansion, the expanded Baird Center offers 300,000 square feet of exhibit space designed with input from meeting planners for versatility, functionality and style. 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. 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.
Parking
The Baird Center offers convenient indoor parking in the Baird Center garage, with entrances at 500 W. Wells St. and 501 W. Kilbourn Ave. Drivers can pre-book Baird Center Garage parking via the Interstate Parking app at interstateparking.com/milwaukee before rates and spots fill. When the Baird Center Garage fills, the 330 W. Wells St. Garage and Isaac's Garage on Kilbourn Ave are the nearest alternatives, and SpotHero also lists nearby spots.
Getting there
Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the closest commercial airport. MCTS Route 80 runs from Mitchell International Airport to 6th and Wisconsin, one block from the South Building entrance.
Rail / Bus: 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.
Local transit: MCTS bus routes 12, 19, 30, 31, 34, and 80 stop within one block of Baird Center's main entrances. The Hop streetcar runs through downtown and connects to the RiverWalk corridor. Rideshare drop-offs use the covered curb under the center.
Nearby hotels
Several downtown hotels sit within easy walking distance — and four are connected to Baird Center by indoor skywalk:
- Hilton Milwaukee – skywalk-connected to Baird Center
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee – skywalk-connected to Baird Center
- SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown by Marriott – skywalk-connected to Baird Center
- The Marc Hotel – the only independent hotel with a direct covered connection to Baird Center
- DoubleTree by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown – short walk
- Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel – short walk
- Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown – short walk
AJA publishes its official housing block at americanjail.org/housing-26.
Past shows
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Baird Center located?
Baird Center is located at 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, in downtown Milwaukee. It has two main entrances: the North Building at 405 W. Kilbourn Ave. and the South Building at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. It is a Wisconsin Center District venue and can be reached at 414-908-6000.
What parking is available at Baird Center?
The Baird Center Garage offers indoor parking with easy access to Baird Center and nearby venues, with entrances at 501 W. Kilbourn Ave. and 500 W. Wells St. Parking passes can be purchased in advance, and additional downtown garages, lots, and street parking are available nearby, including the 330 W Wells St. Garage, 6th & State Lot, Isaac's Garage, and MATC Surface Lot.
How do I get to Baird Center for my event?
For the fastest route, use the main venue address for the building where your event is being held, and a guest services team will greet you and guide you to your location. The North Building main entrance is at 405 W. Kilbourn Ave. and the South Building main entrance is at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
What exhibition and meeting space does Baird Center offer?
Following an expansion and modernization completed in 2024, Baird Center offers 52 meeting rooms and 300,000 contiguous square feet of exhibition space. It also features the rooftop Baird Ballroom and the Baird Sky View Terrace with city views.
Where can I find hotels and dining near Baird Center?
Baird Center is in downtown Milwaukee, which offers first-class hotels and restaurants close to Lake Michigan. The venue directs attendees to Visit Milwaukee (visitmilwaukee.org) for where to stay and where to eat recommendations.