The show is held annually at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, United States.
Considered the largest and most important dairy cattle show in North America, it has been held in the first week of October since 1967, except 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All seven nationally recognized breeds (Brown Swiss, Holstein, Red & White, Guernsey, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, and Ayrshire) have a show.
After a grand champion from each breed is selected, a final judging is held to determine the best two cows in the show.
The show starts out with an introduction of each cow and leadsman (person at the end of the halter) listing both of their achievements.
Companies like John Deere, Case IH, Land O'Lakes, Select Sires, Semex, ABS, AEM,[2] ANIMART and many more make the trip to Madison, Wisconsin, USA every year.
Greg Blaska, AMPI corporate board member, was elected president of the organization for thirty-one years.
WDEM provided revenue for World Dairy Expo to employ full-time year round staff.