DESTINATION: MINNEAPOLIS

Minneapolis ranks as one of America’s Fittest Cities by American Fitness Index (2011), holds the No. 1 spot on Bicycling magazine’s 2011 list of best bike cities and boasts a park within six blocks of every resident. Indoors or out, Minneapolis is a lively city, boasting a variety of top-notch theaters and museums, a top music scene (Livability, 2012), a wealth of culinary options and 10 Fortune 500 companies. This is truly a “City by Nature” and Minneapolis celebrates that blend of urban chic and natural beauty.

More than 19 million people choose to visit Minneapolis Saint Paul each year, and a high percentage of those visitors come here to attend meetings, conventions and events. With a Delta Air Lines hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and a light rail train that connects the airport and Mall of America to downtown, Minneapolis is easy to explore. And, average flight times to the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area from around the country are just 2.5 hours.

In recent years, the Minneapolis Saint Paul area has welcomed tens of thousands of guests for events. In the future, the Minneapolis area will welcome the Religious Conference Management Association Conference (2013), Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress (2014), the National Senior Games (2015), the PGA Ryder Cup (2016) and the 100th national convention of the American Legion (2018).

Best of all, in Minneapolis Saint Paul you get more meeting for less cost. Getting here is affordable and the area’s world-class attractions are reasonably priced. According to Forbes, Minneapolis is one of America’s Most Affordable Cities (2011). Here, variety is key and value is everything. The wide range of hotel options in Minneapolis provides a variety of price points from which planners and attendees can choose. Minneapolis’ striking meeting venues allow you to deliver events that seriously impress without breaking your budget.

COMFORT OF HOME

If you are a local planner, don’t forget to look right outside your door for meeting space. Your local venues offer space and amenities for any meeting.

Meet Minneapolis

Meet Minneapolis provides a full range of meeting services. We’ll do everything we can to ensure you have a successful meeting—from registration to attendance building. A 12-time, Gold Service Award winner (Meetings & Conventions magazine), Meet Minneapolis offers top-notch service and experienced staff.

Downtown Improvement District

Minneapolis wants to roll out the red carpet for residents and guests, and that’s what the Downtown Improvement District (DID) does. The DID showcases the city’s commitment to keeping downtown safe, clean, green and friendly.

Eco-Focused

Minneapolis is considered a national leader in environmental stewardship, making environmentally friendly choices and investments in its own operation, and encouraging residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations to do their part.

Arts Refreshed

Visit the galleries, halls and stages of these favorite cultural institutions, or rent a space inside one of these destinations to add something special to your event.

BUSINESS

Minnesota is home to the second most Fortune 500 companies per capita in the United States. Here, creative energy blends with big business to create a welcoming, intelligent community that can complement your meeting’s vibe.