All You Need To Exhibit at Milwaukee Show
All You Need To Exhibit at Milwaukee Show
The Milwaukee Show
AMERICA'S LARGEST SHOW UNDER ONE ROOF
Minerals, Fossils, Crystals, Metaphysical, Art, Gems & Jewelry
August 19-23, 2026
Baird Center | Milwaukee, WI
Welcome to the Milwaukee Mineral, Fossil, Crystal, Gem & Jewelry Show.
This page contains every logistical detail you need for a flawless, profitable show.
Bookmark this page for your reference.
The Venue:
Baird Center.
400 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
Vendor Move-In & Setup:
Monday: Noon – 9:00 PM (Only for vendors with 10 booths or more).
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – Midnight (16 full hours of setup time).
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – Noon (All booths must be cleaned up and ready by Noon opening).
Show Dates & Public Hours:
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Vendor Move-Out:
Sunday: 6:00 PM – Midnight.
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Day Time Parking
We recommend using the Spot Hero (www.SpotHero.com) app on your phone to find up-to-the-minute parking availability. The app allows you to reserve days in advance. Meanwhile, the parking options listed below may be cheaper than Spot Hero.
The closest parking garage is attached to the Baird Center but we do not recommend it due to its high cost. However we can offer a 15% discount from their high rates which change daily based on demand.
BUT if you can walk 5~8 minutes then there are much cheaper options in the below list, including $8 for 12 hours.
Parking Options by Distance
Baird Center Garage
Walk Time: 0 mins | 7' Max Vehicle Height
Not recommended due to $30+ cost
Scan this QR code to reserve with a 15% discount during show dates:
Surface Lot
Walk Time: 5 minutes
$11 = 2 hours
$12 = 3 hours
$16 = up to 24 hours
Surface Lot
Walk Time: 6 minutes
$11 = 2 hours
$12 = 3 hours
$16 = up to 24 hours
Surface Lot
Walk Time: 6 minutes
Use GEMS26 promo code for 20% off
$11 = 2 hours
$12 = 3 hours
$16 = up to 24 hours
The Avenue Garage
Walk time: 8 mins | 6' 7" Max Vehicle Height
$8 for up 12 hours with code!
Scan this code upon exiting
Follow link - https://www.milwaukee.show/_files/ugd/d891ce_ae30e790bed24387a2e8a0c3c155e46e.pdf
Click the code to print
MacArthur Square Garage
Walk Time: 8 mins | 6' 6" Max Vehicle Height
$11 = 2 hours
$12 = 3 hours
$16 = up to 24 hours
Garage closest to our Fairfield Hotel
Walk Time: 8 mins | 6' 7" Max Vehicle Height
$8 = 2 hours
$12 = 4 hours
$20 = 24 hours
Finding The Show
Follow the signage around the Baird Center to the main entry at 401 W. Kilbourn Ave (southwest corner of W. Kilbourn Ave. & N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.). Once inside, go up the escalators or elevators to Hall E.
Large Item Pick-Up
If you purchase large, heavy, or bulky items, please stop by the Show Office located at the front entrance. Our staff will assist you in driving up the Baird's receiving ramp to the 3rd floor loading dock for easy loading.
RV and Large Vehicle Parking
RV and oversized vehicle parking is available during the show at the RV Parking Lot at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Reservations are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location
601 S. 76th St.
West Allis, WI 53214
From the RV lot, vendors may drive to the Baird Center or use rideshare services such as Uber.
RESERVATION OPTIONS
Full-Service RV Sites
10 spaces available
Includes 20/30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer
Rate: $60 per night
Standard RV Sites
18 spaces available
No utility hookups
Rate: $35 per night
ACCESS INFORMATION
There are two access points to the RV park:
Gate 8 (closest entrance)
84th Street entrance
The gates remain open and do not lock. Upon arrival, please check in at the office to receive your site assignment packet and RV park map.
BOOKING INFORMATION
To reserve your RV parking space, please call:
Alexis or Shana | 414-266-7035
For additional assistance, please contact:
Don Olstinske | 312-919-1960 | don@milwaukee.show
PLEASE NOTE: Vendors traveling to the show are required to stay at one of our partnered hotels. Our contract with the city-owned Baird Center requires us to prove we brought 850 hotel room-nights to the area; compliance allows us to keep your booth fees incredibly low. (Note: If you are staying with friends, relatives, or live nearby, no hotel stay is required).
Partner Hotels (No Deposit Required to Reserve):
SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown: $179/night (Across the street from the Baird Center).
Country Inn & Suites (Brookfield): $110/night (18 mins away).
BRINKS IS OUR HIGH VALUE SHIPPER
Brinks is our preferred high value carrier. Contact them at showus@brinksinc.com for more information.
GSL IS OUR PREFERRED SHIPPER
Ship your pallets with GSL Forwarding and they’ll place them at your booth on Monday evening so that they are waiting for you on Tuesday morning set-up day. Avoid the Do-It-Yourself hassle of having to jostle for an entry point to unload, find a pallet jack, dodge other vendors blocking aisles and the rest of the usual ordeal!
Pallet rates to the 2026 Milwaukee Show..
$550 per pallet from any state that touches the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean
$500 per pallet from all other states except...
$450 per pallet for any state bordering Wisconsin
Rates are based on a weight of up to 1000 pound per pallet.
Regardless of the number of pallets that you ship, there is an additional $75 Trade Show Fee for the entire shipment. (This goes toward their staff's airfare and hotel costs to be at the show)
But wait there's more!
Rates are lower if shipping more than one pallet. Text or email for a quote which will be based on weight and postal code of the origin.
Text: (248) 302-6257
Email: GSLForwarding@gmail.com
Special Rate from the Milwaukee Show to any Denver Show is $400 per pallet plus $75 show fee for the entire shipment.
Optional Services
$85 = Residential Service Fee if shipping from a home
$85 = Lift-gate Service Fee if shipping origin lacks a loading dock
Optional Supplies
$45 = Shrink Wrap Roll
$25 = Pallet
$25 = Shrink Wrap
$125 = Pallet Container
After the Milwaukee Show, GSL can ship your remaining pallets to Denver, store them, and then have them at your Denver booth on set-up day for $400 / pallet + one $75 Trade Show Fee for the entire shipment.
To ship to the show using GSL Forwarding use this SHIPPING ADDRESS
GSL Forwarding
Att: Milwaukee Gem & Mineral Show
Booth # / Company Name
coming soon
coming soon
To arrange your shipment, email GSL at least 3 WEEKS before you need to ship.
Reach them at GSLForwarding@gmail.com or text: (248) 302-6257
OVERNIGHT LOCK-UP
We will have an 8-foot wide x 8-foot tall x 8-foot deep vault on-site in which you can rent space. We will have 24-hour security provided by AZ Preventive Crime Unit.
SECURITY GUARDS
We will have uniformed, unarmed security officers 24 hours a day beginning with move-in. Our professional security officers are from Arizona Preventive Crime Unit which has provided security services to our shows since 2010.
Present your merchandise with confidence using professional display cases from VU Case Rentals, the official showcase rental provider for the 2026 Milwaukee Show. Their quality glass showcases provide a secure, polished presentation that helps your inventory stand out while creating a better shopping experience for buyers and attendees.
Choose from a variety of options, including quarter vision, half vision, full vision counter cases, towers, and wall cases in multiple sizes to fit your booth and merchandise needs. Rental pricing starts at $350 + tax for 4', 5', and 6' showcase options, including towers and wall cases.
Reserve your showcases by August 3 to lock in the lowest rental rates. Orders placed after this deadline are subject to a $100 price increase per showcase, and availability may become limited as the show approaches.
Whether you're exhibiting fine minerals, jewelry, fossils, gemstones, or collectibles, professional showcases are an excellent investment in both security and presentation.
PROFESSIONAL LED BOOTH LIGHTING
We highly recommend Show Off Lighting for vendors looking to make their merchandise stand out. Their professional-grade, sun-balanced LED lighting enhances the natural color and brilliance of minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, and displays while using less power and producing minimal heat.
Designed specifically for trade shows, these lightweight systems set up in minutes, pack down for easy transport, and are built to withstand years of shows. Whether you need lighting for a single table or a large booth, Show Off Lighting offers solutions that deliver exceptional coverage and presentation.
Milwaukee Show vendors receive special pre-show pricing when ordering in advance with the Milwaukee discount code. A limited inventory will also be available during the show at Booth 2126, but advance ordering is strongly recommended to ensure availability.
We receive no commission on these products—they're simply the lighting system we recommend for creating a brighter, more professional booth.
→ Visit Show Off Lighting to view products and claim your MILWAUKEE vendor discount.
The State of Wisconsin requires that you obtain a business license to charge sales tax.
The fee is $20 and you can apply online in 15 minutes at: https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/BTR.
WCD EXHIBITOR SERVICES - ELECTRICITY & INTERNET
The Wisconsin Center District’s Exhibitor Services team is excited to share important exhibitor information for the upcoming 2026 Milwaukee Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show. Attached you will find your Welcome Letter that outlines key dates, including when pricing will increase. The Online Exhibitor Store is now open to receive any service orders with pricing at these key ordering dates:
• Advanced Pricing: Opens June 23, 2026
• Standard Pricing: Begin July 18, 2026
• Floor Rates: Begin August 4, 2026
Electricity Allotment Reminders:
Your booth includes 500w of power distributed from a single outlet in a shared power strip (shown at right). Please bring your own surge protectors and extension cords as they will not be available on site.
DO NOT use more than one outlet without first talking with show management.
Exhibitors requiring dedicated power, additional wattage, or power for displays with higher electrical demands must order electrical service through WCD's online store. Additional electric supply is priced per 20-amp drop at $240 per single line and $244 per 6-plug line.
Also Available:
Premium WIFI single device wireless services starting under $50/day
Wired Internet dedicated single device connections with speed options.
These services can be found and ordered at the WCD online store.
Important Notes about WCD Exhibitor Services:
They do not accept paper order forms, phone orders, or faxed orders.
All orders must be placed through their exclusive online ordering system.
Pricing is tiered and increases as the show date approaches.
Payment is required at the time of the order.
The Milwaukee Show
AMERICA'S LARGEST SHOW UNDER ONE ROOF
Minerals, Fossils, Crystals, Metaphysical, Art, Gems & Jewelry
August 19-23, 2026
Baird Center | Milwaukee, WI
401 W Kilbourn Ave
© Copyright, 2026. All Rights Reserved.