In just two weeks, Connect Marketplace will take place—a corporate conference where attendees can get a week’s worth of business done in two days while dancing to Lil Jon or playing hard on the show’s pickleball court. Yep, this is no ordinary conference.
At Connect, attendees can expect a B2B event that focuses on one-on-one meetings and targeted training, but planners and partners who take the time to attend deserve a Experience This is where lively networking events and other perks come into play.
Wondering what’s on the agenda for Connect Marketplace 2024, taking place August 27-29 in Milwaukee? Below are a handful of things to look forward to this year.
The Baird Center, formerly the Wisconsin Center, opened in May and has already hosted high-profile events such as the Republican National Convention and the Northwestern Mutual annual meeting.Photo: Courtesy of Visit Milwaukee
1. A first-hand look at the Baird Center
Connect Marketplace attendees will get a first-hand look at Milwaukee’s new Baird Center (formerly the Wisconsin Center), which opened in May. After a $456 million expansion, the convention center now spans 120,000 square feet and features a 100,000-square-foot ballroom and 28,000 square feet of exhibit space, which can accommodate groups of 10 to 10,000 people.
The teams behind the construction designed the facility with input from meeting planners. Expect details like sensory rooms, lactation rooms, an underground stormwater management system, an on-site food composter and a solar roof. The extensive art collection is also notable. Visit Milwaukee says, “Almost every surface in the Baird Center highlights a unique collection of mostly Milwaukee-based artists” and all of the works “tell the story of Milwaukee through the eyes of its residents.”
Connect will take over the Baird Center’s exhibit hall and host its closing party with Lil Jon (more on that below) in the Baird Ballroom.
Julius Solaris, the founder of Boldpash, will be a speaker this year.Photo: Courtesy of Julius Solaris
2. Inspiring training from industry thought leaders
One of the cornerstones of a Connect event is education. Each event features some of the industry’s most influential thought leaders in keynote presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions—all with the goal of providing other event professionals with new ideas, inspiration, and problem-solving tips to help them create impactful events. Attendees can earn up to nine CMP credits at the Connect Marketplace.
So who’s coming to Milwaukee? Here are just a few sessions we’re excited about. They’ll all be held on the Visit Sacramento Speaker Showcase trade show floor.
- Julius Solaris: Event professionals probably know this name from his insightful posts on LinkedIn – now they have the chance to meet him in person. Solaris, founder of Boldpush, will share an exclusive look at research-backed trends that will help event professionals define the way they plan events over the next 12 months. 28 August, 12:55
- Jason Dunn: The CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals will lead a session titled “From Intent to Impact: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion at Events.” He will explore practical strategies for incorporating diversity and inclusion into events for event professionals who want to attract more diverse audiences and create inclusive spaces, or simply want to learn more about this important topic. 27 August, 14:05
- Kara Dickerson: The founder of Content With Impact (and former Head of Content at CES) will share strategies for making the most of event content. August 28, 1:35 p.m.
- Ed Starr: This is a case study not to be missed. BMF’s managing partner will discuss his agency’s collaboration with luxury car icon Lamborghini. 28 August, 14:05
- Michael Dominguez: The President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) returns to Connect Marketplace to share his perspective on the latest hotel industry trends and meeting dynamics. 27 August, 15:35
There are always one (or two or three) photo opportunities at the Connect trade fair.Photo: Octane Design
3. Unusual trade fair activations
Visitors to Repeat Connect know that this show is one of a kind. The exhibition hall is full of passionate event and tourism professionals and booths with quirky, interactive elements. Here’s a taster of some of the things visitors can expect to see on the exhibition hall this year:
- Interactive Entertainment Group proto-holograms
- A skate ramp from OC Ramps
- Moonshine ice cream from Explore Branson
- Hosted Buyer Gift Suite with Cultivate
- Pickleball (of course!) with Visit Myrtle Beach
- Virtual F1 racing game from Visit Austin
The Harley-Davidson Museum is located on 20 acres in downtown Milwaukee and features a restaurant, cafe, retail store and park-like outdoor areas.Photo: Courtesy of Visit Milwaukee
4. Bike Night at the Harley-Davidson Museum
It’s time to break out the leather vests and motorcycle boots. Connect is revving up for a badass opening reception at one of Milwaukee’s top attractions, the Harley-Davidson Museum. Attendees are encouraged to don their best Harley-Davidson t-shirts, leather jackets/vests/pants, and bandanas for a little networking and socializing. (Need ideas for what to wear? Check out the Bike Night lookbook here.) The evening will include a drone show and food and drinks inspired by Milwaukee’s rich culinary scene.
Milwaukee is located directly on Lake Michigan, but is also considered a river city because it lies at the confluence of three rivers.Photo: JMKE Photography, courtesy of Visit Milwaukee
5. Explore Milwaukee
Looking for ways to get out and explore the host city? Connect Marketplace offers numerous ways for participants to get to know Brew City. One way is to participate in the inaugural Connect 5K and 1-mile fun run, sponsored by Visit Detroit, on Wednesday morning at Veterans Park. Experienced runners and those just looking for some active fun are welcome.
There will also be an open house on Wednesday. Meet with colleagues and like-minded people at one of Milwaukee’s restaurants, bars or breweries. Or, before or after the meeting, plan a solo stroll to one of Milwaukee’s many lakefront parks to enjoy Lake Michigan. (Find our Milwaukee travel guide here.) Connect attendees also have access to the Cream City Pass, which gives them discounts at select local establishments.
6. Easy navigation with the Connect app
Before you head to Milwaukee, don’t forget to download the ConnectMe app (available on the App Store or Google Play). It’s the best tool for attendees to navigate the entire event, from the full agenda to personalized schedules for marketplace appointments. The app also sends real-time notifications for event updates, provides an interactive floor plan, and shows who’s attending so event professionals can start networking before they even arrive. Appointment takers can also access an appointment countdown clock in the app, and all users can participate in app gamification to win prizes.
7. Club Connect Benefits
Are you a member of Club Connect? Those with this status receive exclusive access to the Baird Center patio where they can relax and enjoy other perks. Participants can earn points toward Club Connect status by logging in and completing activities.
Photo: Courtesy of Connect
8. An evening with Lil Jon
Close out Connect Marketplace with none other than Lil Jon. The Grammy-winning rapper, producer and Best Guest Performer in this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show will take the stage during the closing reception at the Baird Center where he will perform an unforgettable DJ set. Official DJ of the Milwaukee Bucks, DJ Shawna, will also perform before Lil Jon. Enjoy Jell-O shots, free trucker hats and specialty bars. Before the fun begins at the Baird Center, Connect attendees should head to the Deer District – near the Baird Center and Fiserv Forum – for a “pregame” with Lil Jon.
