The Alliant Energy Center is an award-winning, multi-building complex in Madison, WI. A wide range of events utilize the versatile space including local meetings, banquets, consumer shows, expos, conventions, trade shows, sporting events, major concerts and outdoor festivals. The Center welcomes more than one million people attending more than 500 events annually.
The multi-building complex comprises 164 acres and includes the 255,000 sq. ft. Exhibition Hall, the 10,000 seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 29 acre Willow Island, the 22,000 sq. ft. Arena, and nine modern agricultural exhibit buildings.
The Alliant Energy Center of Dane County is owned and operated by the County of Dane. Although owned and operated by the County, the Alliant Energy Center operates without the use of County general fund monies - it is run as a business using facility generated revenues to cover the personnel, operating, maintenance and capital expenses incurred to operate the Center and its facilities. The Center has operated in this manner since 1990.
Keywords: Convention, Conference, Meeting, Event, Event Planning, Venue, Catering, Full-Service
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
With numerous buildings on site, each was constructed at different points in time. Veterans Memorial Coliseum was built in 1967, Exhibition Hall in 1995 and Willow Island was developed in 2003.
What is your primary product or service?
The Alliant Energy Center is a full-service event venue. We host events such as conventions, trade shows, conferences and entertainment acts. Catering service is on-site and provides setup and design in addition to wonderful food.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
With a number of buildings, each with varying available space and function, we are able to segment markets. Larger groups find the Hall space in Exhibition Hall to be quite useful, while other groups enjoy the smaller meeting rooms. Likewise, entertainment acts can choose from the Veterans Memorial Coliseum or outdoor Willow Island, which can be used for a number of events from concerts to festivals to picnics.
Provide detailed directions to your location
The Alliant Energy Center campus is located on the southern edge of Madison, WI, just off the Beltline Hwy (Hwy 12 & 18), on John Nolen Drive. The campus is five minutes off interstate 90/94 via Hwy 12 & 18, minutes from the State Capitol, State Street & the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and only 15 minutes fromt the Dane County Regional Airport.
Which areas do you service?
We proudly serve local, regional, national and internationsl events.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Although the naming rights belong to Alliant Energy, the Center is owned and operated by Dane County. The Alliant Energy Center operates without the use of county generated funds- it is run as a business using facility generated revenues to cover the personnel, operating, maintenance and capital expenses incurred to operate the center and its facilities. The center has operated in this manner since 1990.