Wisconsin’s Baird Center breaks new ground in convention center security with AI-powered weapons detection deployment
The Wisconsin Center District’s Baird Center has made history as one of the first convention centers in the United States to deploy AI-powered weapons detection. This groundbreaking implementation addresses security challenges unique to convention centers while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere essential for successful events.
A Unique Security Challenge
Convention centers face security challenges unlike any other venue type. While sports arenas and concert halls deal with controlled, ticketed audiences, convention centers must accommodate diverse events ranging from intimate corporate meetings to massive public gatherings – often simultaneously.
“We didn’t have anything in place,” explained Joe Scialfa, Director of Communications. “Generally, most venues of our type don’t have anything. You see it much more frequently with sports and concerts, but for convention centers, it’s really uncommon. We were really looking to say, hey industry, this is our commitment to public safety.”
The Baird Center’s implementation spans 1.3 million square feet across two city blocks, covering multiple buildings with skybridge connections to hotels and numerous entry points.
Breaking New Ground
As one of the first convention centers to embrace advanced weapons detection, the Baird Center has positioned itself as an industry leader. The facility selected Xtract One’s SmartGateway technology after extensive market research and vendor evaluations.
“The decision to go with a weapons detection system really boils down to our commitment to safety and security,” stated Joe Scialfa. “We want people to feel welcome, safe, and valued, and this was a way to ensure we were doing everything we could to establish that.”
Read the complete case study to see the impressive operational results and performance metrics.