Why STEM Groups Love Meeting in Madison, WI

 “Ours started as a one society event but when another society found out it was in Madison, they asked to join. We were very pleased with the sales and service, especially when we doubled our attendance.” —Helen Schneider Lemay, ASLO + Society for Freshwater Science

Scouting fresh destinations for your next STEM meeting? Add Madison to your list. Here’s why:

World-Class Research University & Talent

Ranked among the nation’s top five research institutions, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a major draw for STEM-focused events. Planners can save on speaker costs by taking advantage of Badger Talks, a program that provides access to the university’s world-renowned STEM faculty. Our team will help you tap into their expertise and elevate your agenda.

Industry Connections & A Thriving STEM Ecosystem

As part of Wisconsin’s life sciences cluster, Madison offers STEM planners access to cutting-edge innovation and top-tier experts, anchored by global companies like Epic Systems, Promega and Exact Sciences. The city’s leadership in biohealth was further recognized with its designation as part of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, led by BioForward Wisconsin. The city is also ranked #16 on WalletHub’s 2026 list of Best Cities for STEM Jobs. The criteria? A wealth of professional opportunities, STEM-friendliness and high quality of life.

Downtown Convenience

Madison offers the convenience of urban amenities in a compact downtown, making it easy for large STEM groups to navigate safely and efficiently. The MSN airport offers 19 direct flights, including seasonal flights in the summer to Raleigh and the Research Triangle. And once your attendees land at the airport, the ride to downtown hotels and the convention center takes less than 15 minutes.

At the heart of it all is Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, a state-of-the-art facility that has played host to several STEM groups including the Health Physics Society, American Physiological Society, American Society of Biomechanics, American Nuclear Society and countless others.

STEM planners with large groups have commented that our downtown feels like one big playground for their attendees. There are 300+ lively restaurants and attractions a short stroll away from hotels like Hilton Madison Monona Terrace, The Madison Concourse Hotel, Hyatt Place, The Edgewater and Embassy Suites.

Fun When the Meetings Are Done

Destination Madison’s event services team can assist planners with itinerary ideas, dine-arounds and other helpful resources to help attendees enjoy and explore the area. The team offers Madison Like a Local, a digital travel itinerary that helps attendees explore the city beyond the meeting agenda! This curated list of must-dos includes locally owned restaurants and shops, cultural attractions and stunning views within a mile of Monona Terrace and downtown hotels.

“Consider yourself warned: this airport is so quaint and stress-free to navigate that it may ruin all other airports for you.” —Chelsey Dequaine-Jerabek, Voice Media Group

Madison is not your typical convention city setting where attendees are contained in one city block. The city offers attendees the freedom to explore unique, local points of interest that make Madison a fun and memorable destination for work and leisure.

So. Many. Side Trips.

Madison is brimming with opportunities to explore, learn and connect with the people, places and technology that contribute to a thriving STEM ecosystem. There’s no shortage of side trips for your STEM group in Madison.

Here are seven (free!) recommendations:

1. Epic's Intergalactic Headquarters

Epic Systems is a healthcare software company located in Verona, Wisconsin, about 11 miles southwest of Madison. In fact, Epic is the largest electronic health record company in the U.S. Their Intergalactic Headquarters welcomes registered visitors for self-guided tours. Explore six unique, whimsical campuses: the Prairie, Central Park, Farm, Learning, Wizards Academy and Storybook.

2. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Explore the natural wonders of plants in 16 acres of outdoor gardens, plus the tropical Bolz Conservatory. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a leader in sustainable horticulture, prioritizing ecosystem impacts and resource conservation in its gardens. Guided group tours are available for both youth and adult groups.

3. University of Wisconsin–Madison Campus Tours

Interested in booking a campus walking tour with your STEM group? Explore the university’s history, academic excellence, campus landmarks and more. Request a specialty group campus tour.

4. University of Wisconsin–Madison Geology Museum

The UW Geology Museum offers a detailed look into Wisconsin’s geological history. The museum features hands-on exhibits with volcanic rocks, marine fossils, a model of a Wisconsin cave and more.

5. University of Wisconsin—Madison Space Place

Space Place is the education and public outreach center of the UW–Madison Astronomy Department. The center offers science workshops, live guest presentations and exhibits that focus on scientific concepts. Learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, the solar system and cutting-edge research that UW scientists are currently engaged in.

6. Washburn Observatory

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Astronomy hosts free public observing nights at Washburn Observatory on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Weekly sessions are offered every Wednesday from June through August, weather permitting. These open house events are led by graduate students from the UW–Madison astronomy program.

7. The Wisconsin Energy Institute

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