Attendee FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
MARKETPLACE Wisconsin will take place Dec. 9-11.
On Dec. 9–VIRTUAL: The Contracting Academy (TCA)
On Dec. 10-11–IN-PERSON: Join us at the Baird Center in Milwaukee.
Conference will be on the first floor of the Baird Center
MARKETPLACE is for established businesses interested in entering, growing, or developing sales opportunities with local, state, or federal government entities or corporations. MARKETPLACE also provides the opportunity to network, develop new business connections, and reconnect with Wisconsin’s small and diverse business community and resources. Businesses looking to grow are welcome to attend to network, attend educational sessions, and connect with resource partners.
We do have an option this year to select an Expo Hall and Buyer Meeting only pass for December 11th which costs $25.00. Please note, this does not include access to main hall & breakout room programming and meals.
If you’re looking for admittance to the main hall & breakout room programming and meals, then the Full Conference attendee rate of $75 is for you! This pass includes the multi-day registration pass for December 10-11, which includes admittance to the full event: main hall & breakout room programming, meals, expo hall, and buyer meetings.
Visit the Agenda Page on the website.
We anticipate having a maximum of 500 attendees.
The dress code is business casual for all participants. Meeting rooms can get chilly, so we recommend layers for your comfort.
If you have special needs and/or dietary restrictions, please indicate that in the notes field when registering.
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center has a large, covered parking ramp. Guests staying overnight will receive a discounted parking rate of $18 per vehicle, per day. Parking is also available at the Hilton for those just attending the event only for the day at a discounted rate of $10 per vehicle, per day. Pick up your reduced parking ticket at the registration area, then use it when exiting the parking structure.
Yes. You can learn more about how to reserve a room on the conference website (link to website page). Because we reserve rooms in bulk, room rates are typically lower than any other hotels in the area.
- Hilton: Make Hotel Reservation (Cut-off Date: November 18, 2025)
- Hyatt: Information will be coming
For information regarding the Expo Hall, please visit the Exhibitor Page. Please email exhibitor inquiries to WPI at apexaccelerator@wispro.org
REGISTRATION
Attendees can register here . Buyers register separately and will be directed to WPI’s registration site. MARKETPLACE accepts all major credit cards.
Early bird registration (until Nov. 7) – $55.00
Regular registration (after Nov. 7) – $75.00
Exhibitor registration – $250.00 (Small Business or Non-Profit) / $500.00 (Corporate, University, or Government)
Contact the Wisconsin Procurement Institute staff at 414-573-9953 or email apexaccelerator@wispro.org.
You will receive a name badge, a conference bag, and an agenda when you arrive on site. With your name badge, you will have access to attend all sessions, including the Networking Reception, the General Breakfast Session, educational sessions, and the Luncheon, and to enter the Expo Hall. MARKETPLACE will provide a continental breakfast and a plated lunch. The Networking Reception includes light fare and cash bar.
You will receive a name badge, a conference bag, and an agenda when you arrive on site. With your name badge, you have access to the Expo Hall Only, which is open on Dec. 11th from ~9:30 am – 11:45 am and ~1:45 pm – 4:30 pm. This pass does not allow you admittance to the main hall programming, breakout programming, or meals (breakfast, lunch, and networking reception).
More information will be available on the TCA website closer to the event. Registrants will receive additional information regarding schedule, log-in, etc., upon registering.
In-person attendees can and are encouraged to attend the sessions selected for the virtual component. Please select your preferences while registering.
Cancellations prior to midnight CST Nov. 24, 2025 will be refunded 50% of the registration fee. After November 24, 2025 no refunds provided.
Registrations may be transferred. Payment must be received before any transfer may apply. Transfers may be made by emailing info@marketplacewisconsin.com before midnight CST Nov. 24, 2025.
All attendees registered for the “Full Conference Pass” can attend the Networking Reception. Attendance is included in your registration.
Expand your business opportunities today
Facilitate connections through networking, workshops, panel discussions, buyer meetings and much more. Connect with resources and potentially make a deal or lay the framework for a future contract.
How can we help?
Whether you’re interested in attending, exhibiting, sponsoring, networking or finding new diverse suppliers, we’re here to help.