Why settle for ordinary? Elevate your next event at Duluth’s premier destination with on-site lodging and dining, spacious meeting rooms, modern breakout spaces, and a breathtaking lakeside setting with plenty to do on site. The perfect blend of business and leisure, all in one place.
pierbresort.com
BY
CAROLYN BURNS BASS
Book
who get that it’s all about the delivery
The Convenience of One-Stop Shops
BY SHELBY DEERING
Bring stress levels down a notch by choosing an all-in-one partner for your event
6 Meeting Notes
Take meetings from drab to fab with the help of these products, places, and inspiring ideas
12 Venue Report
Add a touch of dramatic flair to events at theater venues
26 Industry Update
Discover the latest updates and Minnesota news
28 People Profile
Live-event sketch artist Claire Ward captures the essence of attendees through multicolored ink on paper
your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
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EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
MEETINGS AND EVENTS your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS
Make your next Minneapolis event
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
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EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
sales@renminneapolis.com MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
AND EVENTS
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and guestrooms and 600 parking spaces
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND Make your next Minneapolis event
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event
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Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND Make your next Minneapolis event
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor guestrooms and 600 parking
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and guestrooms and 600 parking spaces
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and guestrooms and 600 parking spaces
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and guestrooms and 600 parking spaces
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and on-site parking.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
EPIC MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Make your next Minneapolis event Extraordinary
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
Over 70,000 square feet of intriguing indoor and outdoor event space, 335 guestrooms and 600 parking spaces on-site.
meetingsmags.com/minnesota meetingsmags
In Praise of Oddness
» THE WORD “WEIRD” HAS MADE a splash on the political scene recently, along with some negative connotations. But it seems obvious to me that we are all a little weird—nothing personal. In fact, oddness and creativity often coalesce in a most wonderful way.
The composer Igor Stravinsky did headstands whenever he was blocked creatively. The late Apple chief Steve Jobs soaked his bare feet in toilet water when he was stressed. To stimulate brainstorming, prolific author Agatha Christie took long baths while eating apples and laying the leftover cores on the edge of the tub until they surrounded her. Iowa-born artist Grant Wood lived and painted “American Gothic” in the carriage house of a funeral home with a coffin lid for a front door.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That’s pretty weird.” But as a meeting planner, what if your creativity included embracing offbeat meeting venues and ideas that might bring a little fun into your meetings? Some rather unusual meeting touches I have experienced recently in Minnesota include the addition of a live horse as a conversation starter at a cocktail reception, networking sessions held speed-dating-style, and a beadmaking workshop. First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis and Paisley Park in Chanhassen are unconventional venues steeped in Minnesota music history. With Motz Studios in Minneapolis, you might practice the art of Japanese forest bathing, something quite relaxing that attendees might never have experienced before.
I would argue that most meeting planners are creative by nature, as they need to have the skills to pivot quickly to problem-solve, plan fun entertainment and off-site activities, and figure out ways to get people with varying personalities to speak with each other. Frankly, with meeting planning, the opportunities are endless to employ creativity, and, dare I say it, maybe even a little weirdness. Now, while you may wish to rule out soaking your feet in toilet water, doing just one thing differently (perhaps speaking to a group while doing a headstand?) and surprising attendees might be just what is needed to get a Minnesota meeting party started.
TODD R. BERGER Senior Editor tberger@greenspring.com
meetingsmags.com/minnesota
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EVENT
Gather on the Isthmus
Downtown Madison, Wisconsin, sits between two lakes and has a convention center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright BY
TODD R. BERGER
Both the main campus of the University of Wisconsin and the Badger State Capitol call Madison, Wisconsin, home. The walkable downtown, on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona, contains some eight hotels near the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and provides attendees with an intimate environment, with the Wisconsin State Capitol at its apex.
Nature is never far away in Madison. Most downtown hotels and the convention center have views of one or both lakes, and 240 miles of bike trails weave like a spiderweb from the vibrant city center. Groups can rent canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards from Madison Boats, and less-active attendees might engage Madison Cheese Boards for classes on making cheese or charcuterie boards.
VIBE: “There’s just a really cool energy in Madison,” says Rob Gard, director of communications for Destination Madison. “It’s somewhat quirky, somewhat active,
very inquisitive, and there is a strong positive energy pulsating through the community. I moved here from Los Angeles, California, and I was very surprised and thrilled with the vibe and the activity that are happening here in Madison.”
TRANSPORTATION: Madison is served by Dane County Regional Airport, with nonstop connections to 17 cities across the country. American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines fly into the airport. The Dane County Regional Airport is served by the city’s bus system—Metro Transit—and Uber, Lyft, and taxicabs are all hailable via convenient smartphone apps.
HOTELS: Downtown, near the large, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, several hotels are sprinkled between the lakes. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is next door to the convention
center, and the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, as well as The Edgewater Hotel, offer convenient luxury.
VENUES: Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in 1938, but he did not live to see the 1997 grand opening of the building, having died 38 years earlier. With multiple ballrooms, terraces, exhibition spaces, and meeting rooms, as well as extensive Prairie School designs throughout the interior, Madison’s convention center is a one-of-a-kind meetings venue. The Best Western Premier Park Hotel on the Capitol Square has 14,000 square feet of event space, and the 373-room Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club accommodates up to 1,500 attendees reception-style.
RESTAURANTS: The Harvey House, in Madison’s historic train depot on West Washington Avenue, was recently featured on the Bravo TV network’s “Top Chef,” and
Madison, Wisconsin—including the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Lake Monona
Lucille on the Capitol Square has a lounge inside a bank vault and a menu of pizza and tacos. The Coopers Tavern, also downtown, has a private room that seats 100 and a menu with fresh Wisconsin ingredients.
MUST-SEES & -DOS: If your event stretches over a weekend between midApril and early November, the Dane County Farmers Market around the Wisconsin State Capitol on Saturdays is imperative to visit. The farmers market is limited to producers only, so everybody who sells at the market makes what they sell. Some 30,000 Madisonians and visitors head to the market weekly to pick up fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat food. In addition, Gard notes, “Something we have seen more of is attendees coming in early to do ‘voluntourism.’ There’s everything from lakeshore cleanups to helping at a food pantry.” Gard also notes the large number of museums and music venues downtown.
visitmadison.com
Just a Skyway (or Two) Away
» THE MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER and the Saint Paul RiverCentre are the home bases for many meeting planners bringing gatherings to the Twin Cities. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have hotels near their convention centers connected to the venues by skyway systems, interconnected indoor walkways that run throughout downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul.
Planners with larger groups might consider the 644-room Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, which is two blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center via skyway. The hotel has multiple large meeting rooms and ballrooms with room for up to 1,500 attendees. Also in the city near the convention center, the Hotel Ivy, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis, just underwent a multimillion-dollar transformation to upgrade the hotel’s 136 rooms and meeting and event spaces, and to reimagine the hotel’s two restaurants. In fact, the Hotel Ivy can even host events within the skyway system.
“With our section of the skyway system, we can lock our doors and put events in there,” says Mark Maggiato, general
manager of the Hotel Ivy. “The skyway itself has a unique pull that a lot of people who are not from here find fascinating.”
Similarly, in St. Paul, The Saint Paul Hotel is connected to that city’s skyway system, which extends west to the Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center via a tunnel under Rice Park and the Saint Paul Public Library. The 255-room historic hotel features doormen in top hats and afternoon tea—something sure to delight and entertain attendees.
“You enter The Saint Paul Hotel, and you are stepping back into history,” says Gerry Goldfarb, general manager of the hotel. “It’s about the historic, classic feel of our rooms and our outstanding service.” Goldfarb also notes the hotel is working through the details on what he describes as a “reimagination,” which could begin as soon as next year. He says more details are to come as plans unfold. –Todd R. Berger
thehotelivy.com | hyatt.com | saintpaulhotel.com
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT)
Caitlin Abrams
Photography, Michael Kleinberg
Photography, Eleno Valencia
The Saint Paul Hotel
Minneapolis’ Hotel Ivy
MEETINGS BEAT
» WANT THE SCOOP on sensational meetings in Minneapolis? Consider The News Room, a newspaper-themed restaurant on Nicollet Mall that serves up diversified American fare alongside a full bar for beers, wines, and cocktails. Planners can book a full buyout of the restaurant for more than 200 attendees, and smaller spaces like the Quiet Room can host more intimate dinners. The restaurant’s staff also can assist in crafting prix fixe custom menus to match the group’s palate.
“The quality of our food is paramount,” says Emily Odenthal, events coordinator and front of house manager at the restaurant. “We have a scratch kitchen, going so far as to make even our ricotta cheese in-house, and we continually update the menu and offer seasonal specials.”
–Amanda Christensen
thenewsroommpls.com
A Special Little Gem
Minneapolis embraces world-class architecture, from the César Pelli-designed Minneapolis Central Library to the Endless Bridge of the Guthrie Theater, created by Jean Nouvel. But in the case of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities’ Weisman Art Museum along the Mississippi River, the elegant, curved, stainless steel-clad building—designed by Frank O. Gehry—is itself a work of art, on par with the expansive art collection found inside. As Arielle Sonnenschein, events manager at the Weisman Art Museum, notes, “The building is quite breathtaking and a really special little gem in Minneapolis.”
Corporate and nonprofit event planners might book The Dolly Fiterman Riverview Gallery, with views of the river and room for 250 standing, or The William G. Shepherd Room, which seats 120 for keynotes/lectures. Events also can be held in some of the other galleries. The museum has preferred caterers, although outside caterers are allowed with an additional fee.
“It’s a joy to work here,” says Sonnenschein. “I feel really proud of the work we do.” –Todd R. Berger
wam.umn.edu
MINNESOTA IN A BOX
» YOU BETCHA BOX, a gift box business for consumer and corporate gifting, is part of a family of gifting concepts under Minnesota-based parent company Elevated Boxes LLC, owned by Alan Haskins. The You Betcha Box features an array of themes with different products included dependent on the buyer’s preferences—items range from hot cocoa mix and popcorn to durable goods like tumblers and cooking utensils, all from more than 500 regional makers. Planners also have the option to customize the boxes with branded products, logos, inserts, cards, and more.
Haskins says clients purchase the boxes for occasions like corporate holiday gifting, special events, employee recognitions, and client appreciations, among others. Discounts are available for bulk purchases, no minimum required, with prices per box ranging from $45 to $400. youbetchabox.com –Amanda Christensen
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT)
Weisman Art Museum, Taylor Hall
O’Brien, Alan Haskins
The stainless steel Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis
VICTORIAN REBORN
» MOST TEAMS of executives, per haps weary from a day of strategic calls or delayed flights, will surely find their second wind when they gather at the 1889 Foley Mansion Event Center in St. Cloud, nestled 90 minutes northwest of the Twin Cities. Three elegant and striking stories of Richardsonian-Romanesque archi tecture, a conical tower, and red-brick exterior exude a timeless charm that cap tivates and intrigues from the curb.
“We promote an experience,” explains Carmen Arvig, the building’s owner.
“When you come to the Foley Mansion, you step back in time to a very different era—a time when beauty, service, man ners, and doing things ‘properly’ were of paramount importance. It elevates the expectations and tone of the event.”
Added to the National Register of His toric Places in 1978, the reborn residenceturned-event venue recently underwent a $7 million renovation after standing dormant for almost two decades following a devastating fire. –Katelyn Bloomquist
foleymansion.com
A Touch of Magic
Transform gatherings in theater venues offering enchanting ambience, top-notch tech, and perhaps the perfect setting for captivating audiences
BY CLAIRE SHEFCHIK
» IMAGINE THE STAGE IS SET, the lights dim, and the audience is settling into plush seats. But tonight, there’s no play, no concert, and no curtain call. Instead, a Minnesota theater is playing host to a different kind of show: a corporate or nonprofit meeting, complete with keynoters, breakout sessions, and cocktail receptions.
For corporations and nonprofits, there has been an overall shift in recent years from using traditional meeting venues to more vibrant, atmospheric spaces. These organizations are turning to cultural landmarks to provide a space that not only offers room to meet and mingle, but is also in itself an experience. With dramatic
lighting, architectural beauty, and rich history embedded in the walls, theaters provide meeting and event spaces full of elegance and ambience.
The appeal goes beyond aesthetics. When sitting in a space where Broadway shows debuted or rock stars belted out iconic hits, excitement exudes that elevates your event. Theaters like the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul also are incorporating sustainable practices with the installation of elements like energy-efficient lighting, as well as providing a variety of spaces and high-end amenities to ensure each event is unique.
The Fillmore Minneapolis
From above: Concert Hall at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul; Event space at the Ordway
Theaters instantly convey notions of creativity, drama, and the arts, making them a great option for event planners looking to infuse their meetings with a touch of theatrical flair. Sandy Vogel, director of special event sales at Live Nation—which operates The Fillmore Minneapolis, Varsity Theater, and the newly renovated Uptown Theater—notes that the 19,000-square-foot Uptown Theater is a prime example. The Uptown, a former movie theater, has been given a sleek, modern makeover with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The space hosted recent fundraisers for Minnesota-based organizations The Constellation Fund and PrairieCare. Theaters such as this offer a built-in atmosphere that is difficult to replicate in a traditional conference room. “The production—with all that sound and light brought to a show or concert—is used to amp the special event to a new level,” Vogel explains. “The clients are those who want something different than a blank white or gray room.”
But there are plenty of advantages to hosting events in theater spaces besides the atmosphere. For one, these venues are designed to handle large crowds and complex productions, which can make the logistics of event planning much easier. “We provide everything from production assistance to catering,” says Vogel, so the client can focus on their event without worrying about the details. Plus, the built-in audiovisual and lighting systems are a huge plus for anyone looking for high impact.
Theaters often have seamless integration of technology and modern design elements, too. For instance, audiovisual tech can easily be leveraged for corporate and nonprofit events, whether for a keynote presentation, live-streamed conference, fundraising auction, or an immersive product launch.
LIVING HISTORY
Beyond the logistical appeal, theaters offer something intangible: a sense of history and character. The Ordway, for instance, is more than just a space for meetings; it’s a cultural landmark that has been a part of St. Paul’s fabric since its opening in 1985. The Ordway’s variety of spaces, from the grand Music Theater to the more intimate Concert Hall, offers unique architecture, views of Rice Park, and vibes both artistic and historical.
Some of the Ordway’s biggest private events include Fortune 500 annual meetings, exclusive galas, and municipal inaugurations. Bremer Bank’s rebranding event with balloon arches for 400 attendees, Securian’s corporate dinner, a book signing for actress Julie Andrews, and even a reception for the Queen of Norway are also included in the theater’s list of standout gatherings.
This historical appeal can add a layer of meaning to any event, particularly for nonprofits looking to make a lasting impact on their guests. Jeremiah Zortner, rentals and contracts manager at
the Ordway, noted that there’s something truly special about hosting a fundraising gala in a place where so much cultural history has been made. It elevates the event and gives it a sense of gravitas.
CHALLENGES & TRIUMPHS
Organizing events in theaters can pose some tricky plot twists, however, as noted by planners. Lucie Jane Ashe, a senior event planner at Do Good Events in St. Louis Park, has put on a host of fundraisers at The Fillmore Minneapolis, and points out that seating arrangements can be a hurdle at many venues. “Theaters aren’t typically set up for traditional gala-style seating, with round banquet tables,” Ashe explains. “You have to get creative with how you use the space, especially when trying to seat large groups.”
One solution is to create a variety of seating options to suit different needs. “For a fundraising event at The Fillmore, we’re mixing small and large rounds on the main level while using the mezzanine’s existing box seating for VIPs,” Ashe says. “This way, we’re making the most of the space and giving our guests a unique experience.”
Another challenge that event planners face in theater spaces is managing sight lines and acoustics, particularly in venues that weren’t originally designed for corporate meetings or banquets. But for Ashe, these challenges are worth it. “Theaters definitely change the vibe of an event and make it feel more unique,” she says. “It’s a big change from a traditional hotel ballroom. Plus, the clear layout for registration and guest entry, often designed for concerts, allows for a seamless experience for your guests.”
Planning meetings also might require finesse and flexibility because you are working around a venue’s regular performance calendar. Zortner points out, “Balancing the needs of event clients with our programming schedule involves careful planning and coordination. We work with clients to ensure that we accommodate both our regular performances and private events without compromising the quality of either.”
The impact of hosting events in theater spaces is evident in the stories shared by those who have done it. Vogel recounted a Lyme Foundation fundraiser at Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater that cheekily turned the entire space green, and a memorable corporate party at The Fillmore, where talent like Mason Dixon Line performed. “It was off the charts,” she recalls about the lively event. “We threw our full suite of production at it—sound, lighting—and it was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
Ashe shares a similar sentiment when talking about an awards ceremony she organized at the Armory in downtown Minneapolis, the former military installation converted into a theater. “We used the main level for the silent auction, main seating, program, and registration, while the upper levels were reserved for VIP
Minneapolis’ Uptown Theater
Varsity Theater near the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis
receptions,” she says. “It was amazing to see how the different levels all still felt connected to the main event. The use of space really made the event feel cohesive and special.”
Theaters also create unforgettable moments in the minds of guests. Ashe remembers a fundraising event at The Fillmore, where a live band performance took center stage. “The Fillmore’s team are audiovisual and tech experts, and they made sure everything went off without a hitch. The live music added a dynamic element to the event that really brought it to life,” she says.
THE TOTAL PACKAGE
“Theaters definitely change the vibe of an event and make it feel more unique. The clear layout for registration and guest entry, often designed for concerts, allows for a seamless experience for your guests.”
–LUCIE JANE ASHE , senior event planner, Do Good Events
Some of the biggest selling points for theaters as event venues are the comprehensive services many of them offer planners. From technical assistance and production support to catering and event planning, these venues often provide a one - stop - shop experience for organizers. Vogel emphasizes, “We handle all aspects of the event for the client, from catering options to audiovisual and production help. It’s the total package.”
For those looking to create an unforgettable event, whether for a corporate meeting, nonprofit fundraiser, or awards ceremony,
theaters offer an environment equally mesmerizing and functional. Ashe tells other meeting and event planners to consider what their clients really value in an event experience. “Theaters really can elevate an event, but it’s different from a traditional space,” she says.
“If your guests are open to a bit of a change, theaters can be a great way to shake up your event and bring some newness into the experience.”
The demand for one - of- a - kind event spaces is growing all the time, and local theaters are rising to the occasion. “Noticeable shifts in the marketplace have taken place since the COVID -19 pandemic changed everything,” Zortner points out. “We have noticed an increase in corporate events as companies are identifying new ways to engage with their team members, and leaders are seeing the value of connecting with their people in inspiring spaces like the Ordway.” For organizations looking to earn their events a standing ovation, the magic of theater spaces might just be the ticket.
armorymn.com ordway.org
dogoodevents.com uptowntheatermn.com
fillmoreminneapolis.com varsitytheater.com
livenation.com
The Minnesota Twins Diamond Awards at the Armory in Minneapolis
Your Attention, PLEASE!
A keynoter who truly speaks to attendees and leaves them feeling inspired can take a conference to the next level
BY CAROLYN BURNS BASS
Working as a writer in the meetings and events industry, I was an early adopter of blogging and social media. In 2005, I was asked to present a breakout called “Blogging for Business” at the Site International Conference in Toronto, Ontario.
I prepared my material with the same consideration I used as a journalist—facts first. I loaded my deck with information on platforms and posting, then dove into site metrics, page impressions, and unique visitors. Before long, I noticed attendees looking down at their phones or staring back at me with cartoon crazy eyes. I was bombing.
Then, I changed it up. I bounced a live internet feed to the audiovisual monitor and began visiting blogs. I clicked from Mark Cuban and Martha Stewart to my own blog, which featured content and photos from the previous day’s familiarization trip to Niagara Falls. I saw
people begin to lean in, take notes, and nod as I showed how blogs connected people. By reading my audience and adjusting on the fly, I went from a talking head to an engaging expert.
While a keynote speaker is a welcome addition to any conference or event, the reality is that a speaker who leaves your attendees asleep on the table isn’t winning you any meetingplanner brownie points. Choose wisely when selecting your person of interest, and look for those who employ the following practices.
IT’S ALL IN THE DELIVERY
“Audience engagement is when a speaker ensures everyone from the front row to the back feels involved, invested, and part of the presentation,” says Tracy Stuckrath, president of Thrive Meetings & Events based in New Bern, North Carolina, and host of the popular podcast “Eating at a Meeting.”
She adds, “The speaker should understand the audience they are speaking to, so they can provide nuggets of information each can take away.”
Bob Pacanovsky, speaker and chief hospitality officer of the Black Tie Experience in Akron, Ohio, believes two things are key to maintaining audience engagement:
n Varying the delivery method: This can be achieved by asking questions of the audience, showing a video, playing music, telling stories, not having a lot of text on your slides, or even stepping off the stage and interacting with the audience.
n Involving the audience: Get them to stand up during the presentation and go talk to other attendees, have a small group or table discussion, or use interactive software to answer poll questions, among others.
“In [this day and age], it’s easy to assume technology makes a difference in the selection process, but for me it doesn’t,” says Kathryn Short, sales manager for Visit Raleigh in North Carolina. “While some topics require the use of technology, others do not. It’s all about finding the right balance and using the best approach for each topic.”
Science has proven brains learn best when stimulated by visual and audio prompts, making PowerPoint decks the gold standard for audiovisual support. Drilling down to the basics, encourage your speaker to keep words to a minimum, use images to reinforce concepts, and avoid slides that distract attention from them
Dean Savoca is a longtime hospitality consultant and coach based in Denver, Colorado. He says, “While I have used slides, videos, polling, surveys, word clouds, [and the like], I enjoy the challenge of engaging an
Speaker and leadership coach Tom Flick addressing a crowd
audience without using technology and believe, as a professional speaker, I have to be able to deliver without it.”
SPEAKING FROM THE HEART
Tom Flick, former NFL quarterback and now a leadership coach based in Redmond, Washington, shares his emotioncentered approach. “When I speak, I aim for the heart—where real change occurs,” he explains. “I’m a storyteller. Stories that capture the mind and the heart are ‘sticky.’ The audience will remember a powerful story and its concept long after I’m gone.” Savoca agrees. “People love a good story speckled with humor,” he says, “and brain science supports how sharing a story or anecdote drives emotional connection and deeper learning. I like to share a pertinent story, then emphasize a key point and tie it back to why it’s important to the members of the audience.”
Flick keeps three core principles in mind every time he speaks to an audience. Encourage your keynoters to do the same, or seek individuals who also already embody these philosophies.
n Authenticity: This means being genuine, transparent, and vulnerable. By doing so, the audience will feel your speaker is honest, safe, and can be trusted.
n Humor and humility: Learning should be fun, and a speaker not taking themself so seriously allows the audience to relax into the message.
“The speaker should understand the audience they are speaking to, so they can provide nuggets of information each can take away.”
n Openness to learning: Find a speaker who joins the audience in the journey. Flick likes to tell audiences they are walking this path together, learning, and growing along with them through the presentation and welcoming their input.
“I think humor and an energy-rich speaking style with stories the audience can relate to are the best tools,” says certified speaking professional Thom Singer, based in Austin, Texas. “Another important thing to remember is that humor is interactive. If you have a speaker who is engaging and can make people smile and laugh, that is success [when it comes to] getting the audience to lean in.”
Singer emphasizes that while engagement is great, it has to be meaningful. “A few years ago, there was all this advice in the meetings world that every seven minutes speakers should have an interactive exercise,” he says. “This led to a lot of silly things that did not engage the audience (speakers saying things like, ‘Repeat ‘Yes,’ or, ‘Fist bump your neighbor’).
“If you have a speaker who is engaging and can make people smile and laugh, that is success.”
–THOM SINGER, CERTIFIED SPEAKING PROFESSIONAL
That is goofy and not really interaction. Real interaction is about getting people to think and feel they are part of the conversation.”
MEASURING ENGAGEMENT
“Measuring engagement can be done in several ways, which is probably best, because not everyone engages the same way,” says Stuckrath. She suggests analyzing:
n Polls and surveys given during the presentation—digital or physical
n Social media posts published by audience members during and after
n Responses during Q&A segments of the presentation
n Post-session feedback—verbal comments as people are leaving or ones given via electronic survey
“We survey attendees to gather their feedback on different aspects of the speaker’s performance,” says Short. “We ask attendees to rate the speaker’s relevance, engagement, and impact. These responses help us measure the speaker’s engagement and effectiveness with attendees, and provide us with valuable insights for future events.”
It has never been easier to select highquality speakers. Watch online videos and listen to their talks. Do they fit the vibe of the event you’re planning? Are they fluid in their delivery? Do they speak with expertise and present with passion? Audience engagement isn’t a perk—your attendees deserve to leave feeling empowered, encouraged, and supported.
Snowbird—nestled among the stunning peaks of Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon—features modern facilities, along with dozens of activities and amenities. This ideal destination for corporate events and meetings is 29 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport, allowing attendees to spend less time traveling and more time relaxing. Guests can access all lodging accommodations, meeting facilities, dining options, and recreational activities via scenic walks through Snowbird’s pedestrian village. Call today to arrange your ideal Snowbird meeting or event.
BEVERAGE
The Convenience of
SHOPS ONESTOP
Keep the hustle and bustle to a minimum and get everything you need for your event under one roof
IN TODAY’S WORLD
BY SHELBY DEERING
, we have more choices available to us than ever before, and this seems especially true of meetings. Decades ago, meetings tended to be simple and straightforward, but with more and more on-trend vendors, remarkable sites, and impactful speakers becoming available every day, it is no wonder that corporate and nonprofit meeting planners feel a bit overwhelmed at times. There are so many decisions to make, and you may have to piecemeal elements from various partners and companies.
This is certainly true in Minnesota. Bonnie L. Carlson, president and CEO of Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism, says there is a large variety of hotel brands to choose from in Bloomington, and then there is also the Mall of America with its 83,000 square feet of meeting space, to name a couple things that might interest meeting and event planners.
While it is a positive thing to have so many possibilities at our fingertips, it can help when something comes along that removes the guesswork and stress from decisionmaking: the one-stop shop. This phrase entered the American lexicon in the 1920s and denotes a company that provides multiple products and services all under one roof, removing the need to shop around.
Luckily, there are many venues, suppliers, and eventplanning companies in Minnesota that regularly serve as one-stop shops, which can make your life as a meeting and event planner that much easier.
EASE AND EFFICIENCY
There are many forms of one-stop shops that can come to the rescue when planning an event, with several options available throughout Minnesota. For instance, a venue can act as a one-stop shop, such as Events at France 44 in Minneapolis. Doubling as a destination for wine and spirits, it also has event space available.
“One of our biggest goals in creating the Events at France 44 space was to create a spot where our clients are able to get everything they need in one package, at one business,” says Hailey White, hospitality and events director of Events at France 44. “All our menu items are made in-house, from freshly made pasta and pizza to our decadent cheese and charcuterie grazing boards. We also work with a variety of beverage vendors, which means that our menus are not just limited to what is on our list, but they can be fully customized to fit your budget and preferences.”
It is always handy when a venue can supply food and beverages so you can avoid having to hire an outside caterer, and, in addition, rentals of the Events at France 44 space include complimentary access to amenities found on-site—such as tables, chairs, and linens—as well as technology like screens, mics, and music systems.
The team also provides full event staffing, team-building packages with certified in-house educators, gifting services, and decor, and have partnerships with an area florist and a valet company.
Lumber Exchange Event Center, also in Minneapolis, has its own one-stop-shop aspects. The staff includes a robust team comprised of sales and account executives, in addition to on-site event managers, a specialized concierge, and an in-house executive chef.
“We handle all food and beverage needs, audio and visual requirements, and even have an entertainment director who can assist in securing entertainment or speakers for events,” says Senior Account Executive Hannah Fox. She says the venue also includes tables, chairs, linens, dishes, and surround sound, and planners can book outside options as well, like dessert services and photo booths, and the event center handles the billing directly.
“When it comes to services we don’t provide, such as lodging, we rely heavily on vendor partnerships with local companies we have worked with for several years,” Fox adds. “The AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown, for example, is connected to our building, and we trust them to care for our clients with the same excellent service we do.”
Apart from seeking out one-stop shops to make their work easier, planners in their own right can serve as onestop shops to their clients. For example, Wendy Porter, chief event strategist at Wendy Porter Events of Minneapolis, says her company handles everything from start to finish—this can include vendor and speaker research, event marketing, graphic design, and menu planning.
Nicole Baggett, owner and director of client experience at Host a Toast in Minneapolis, says while her company
isn’t exclusive to any one venue, caterer, or rental company, her team is “able to plan a truly custom event without the added layer of needing to research the right vendors,” thanks to the company’s preferred vendor network.
Local convention and visitors bureaus also can act as one-stop shops for those who are planning area events. When it comes to Bloomington, Carlson says that the bureau offers complimentary services to meeting planners, such as providing hotel information and options for entertainment, speakers, and contacts.
Angie Richards, vice president of sales at Experience Rochester, MN, calls the organization a crucial one-stop shop for planners, as it has a wide range of services available for every stage of the planning process. Conveniently, this convention and visitors bureau doubles as the sales team for the city’s convention center, Mayo Civic Center. “This one-stop-shop model simplifies communication, reduces stress, saves time, and empowers planners to focus on creating exceptional events,” Richards says.
A HELPING HAND
As a planner who offers all-in-one services herself, Baggett knows the importance of keeping everything in one place when planning the details of an event.
“A one-stop shop for event planning allows for the most cohesive planning process and event execution,” she says. “Clients also can maximize their budget. Event planners work closely with clients to determine their budget and vision, then articulate priorities that align with both the vision and the budget. Managing multiple communications with several
From left Timothy Foss, a Minneapolis-based graphic recorder, creates at a gathering by Wendy Porter Events at the Minneapolis Convention Center; Mayo Civic Center in Rochester has 200,000 square feet of function space; Keynoter speaks at Lumber Exchange Event Center in Minneapolis.
different vendors can be time-consuming and overwhelming, but when one event professional is handling all the communications and details, it reduces stress and decision fatigue for the client.”
Richards agrees with this sentiment, saying, “A onestop-shop approach to event planning is invaluable to planners. It streamlines the process, saves time, and allows planners to focus on the creative aspects of their event while relying on the expertise of their partners to handle logistics.” Going through a one-stop shop can also allow you to “truly connect with your guests, without distraction,” as White puts it.
At the end of the day, these one-stop-shop venues, suppliers, and planners want to ease the heavy lifting of planning an event. “For us, it all comes down to streamlining to make our clients’ lives easier and more organized,” Fox says. “Being able to source items and services from fewer companies allows clients to concentrate their efforts on the event’s fine details and minimizes the need to coordinate across multiple companies or individuals.”
Suppliers also can operate as one-stop shops, “doing it all” for their event-planning clients. One such example is Après Event and Tent Rental, which is based in Minnetonka.
Emily Peter, sales assistant and design/marketing for the company, says, “We like to say Après has everything you need for an event, except flowers and food, and we know the best in the biz who do those things.”
Going beyond simply decor and tent rentals, Après helps clients with just about every detail of an event, down to the glassware for serving.
And the fact that so many rental options are in one place doesn’t hurt either. “Après provides short-term and long-term tenting for a variety of projects ranging from social events to industrial projects,” says Peter. “In addition to tenting, we have a vast collection of rentals that includes 20 different sizes of tables and 30 seating options, several styles of china and flatware, and over 350 different fabrics in our linen collection. Our rental inventory is growing almost daily.”
Starling Spreads Its Wings in Edina
Jester Concepts—the team behind Butcher and the Boar, P.S. Steak, Char Bar, and Borough in Minneapolis—made its first foray into the suburbs when it opened Starling in Edina this spring. The expansive menu is influenced by foods of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The menu features small, sharable plates, including Balinese Fried Rice, Curry Cauliflower, and Sticky Wings. Other menu standouts include Yakisoba and Green Curry Walleye, plus Glazed Pork Belly. The cocktail menu offers up classics like the Old Fashioned and innovative concoctions such as the Harissa Margarita and the Kumquat Sour.
The bright and airy 3,700-square-foot restaurant has a Solarium available for private dinners of up to 34, and full buyouts of Starling are available.
SEASONAL VENUE COMING TO CHASKA
» ST. PAUL-BASED Bellagala will open Woodland Glasshaus, a seasonal greenhouse-like event venue, in the woods in Chaska next spring. The venue will sit on Bellagala’s Bavaria Downs property, which includes several additional meeting spaces, including a ballroom.
“Our aim is to elevate the tented event experience,” says Tim George, Bellagala founder and CEO. “Together with D’Amico Catering, we are excited to create distinctive indoor/outdoor events enhanced with many luxury amenities perfect for any type of celebration.”
The transparent venue will have two semipermanent, clear-span, glass-roofed structures. George says the design elements—which include decor, chandeliers, and more—will be lavish. D’Amico Catering is the exclusive caterer of the Woodland Glasshaus, and the venue will be open May through October each year. Bellagala is accepting reservations for next May and beyond.
bellagala.com
PHOTOS
Jester
Concepts (2), Bellagala (2)
Revamped International Market Square Opens
» AN EXTENSIVE RENOVATION TO the 1915 International Market Square in Minneapolis reached completion this year. Existing as an event venue and design center since 1985, the 50,000-square-foot building is the former factory for Northwestern Knitting Co., which created Munsingware—cotton/wool union suitstyle underwear designed to be itch-free. The renovations over the last year raised the floor of the three-tiered event space to arrange everything on one level and added the Tenant Lounge, a conference room, stage, and redesigned Market Square Bistro. New furniture was installed, as were finishes in the building’s five-story atrium, which is capped by soaring skylights.
D’Amico Catering, which has its headquarters in the building, is the exclusive caterer for International Market Square. Christie Altendorf, director of marketing for D’Amico, notes, “The building has an open, warm, but cozy feeling reminiscent of Europe, of the outdoor-dining vibe of European cities like Paris and Zurich.”
damicocatering.com | imsdesigncenter.com
MSP TERMINAL 2 TO GROW
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns both terminals at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), began construction on the Terminal 2 North Expansion. The $263 million project will add 168,000 square feet to the terminal, including two additional gates, increased passenger seating at two existing gates, new restrooms, and a few additional concession outlets.
“We are seeing a surge in travel demand, highlighted by a string of record-setting months at Terminal 2 this year,” says Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC, in a prepared statement. “This project is a long-term strategic investment to support our airlines, improve the passenger experience, and to keep pace with demand that fuels growth at MSP and in our local economy.” The Terminal 2 North Expansion will be completed in 2027.
metroairports.com
St. Paul’s Momento Becomes Event Space
Momento, formerly a Mediterranean restaurant in downtown St. Paul, has transitioned to an event venue. The space sits adjacent to fellow event space Three Sixty St. Peter Street—both are run by St. Paul-based Morrissey Hospitality. The company sees the two spaces as distinct, yet complementary.
“[Momento and Three Sixty St. Peter Street] offer iconic spots in downtown St. Paul with easy access in and out, and also flexible space,” says Elizabeth Brown, vice president of business development and marketing for Morrissey Hospitality.
“You can go from having more of a strategic session or corporate retreat at Three Sixty St. Peter Street to a cocktail reception at Momento.” The Saint Paul Hotel, also managed by Morrissey, provides catering for both venues.
morrisseyhospitality.com threesixtyeventspace.com
Embracing the Whimsical
St. Paul-based artist Claire Ward once was asked to do sketches of event attendees for a friend—then, her career really snowballed
BY TODD R. BERGER
When Claire Ward attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, she majored in fashion design. But during her time at the U, her studies in the field soon revealed a different career path.
“Even though I was studying how to make clothing, drawing and art were always passions, and I really enjoyed the sketching stage of fashion design,” Ward notes. “I loved doing the really stylized fashion figures and sketching clothes more than I liked actually making them.”
That said, she fell into her career as a live-event fashion sketch artist almost by accident. A few years ago, a friend of Ward’s was producing a fashion show, and the friend asked if she would be interested in doing fast fashion-style portraits of the attendees at the show.
“I said, ‘Oh, sure, that sounds fun,’” Ward recalls. “I am a quick sketcher and relatively good at it. I did that and then it snowballed from there. It was a hit, and people asked me to do other events after that first fashion show. Once I kept doing more events, more people asked me to do other ones. And then that turned into commission work as well. It grew organically.”
But why the focus on sketching attendees’ clothing? “At corporate events, people often look their best, and it’s a fun way to capture someone’s essence in an artistic way,” Ward explains. “I think what people really love about it is I’m not doing their faces. No hate to caricature artists, but I’m not doing caricatures. I’m not making people look goofy or highlighting their flaws. I’m mostly focusing on people’s outfits, and I’m just getting an idea of them down.”
Ward has worked for many corporate clients, including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co., Target Corp., The Hutton House, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Delta Faucet, The Hewing Hotel, and the Galleria Edina. She works primarily in the Twin Cities, but she can sketch at events elsewhere if her expenses and travel time are covered. She says it takes her about five minutes do a full-color, full-body sketch of one person.
Ward describes her work as “whimsical portraits.” She adds, “This whimsical style works for a lot of different kinds of events, and I think people really like to see themselves in art form. It’s something magical to people.”
clairewardillustration.com
INNOVATIVE CUISINE INCREDIBLE VENUES
INNOVATIVE CUISINE INCREDIBLE VENUES
INNOVATIVE CUISINE INCREDIBLE VENUES
INNOVATIVE CUISINE INCREDIBLE VENUES
The most impactful moments are made when gathered around the table
The most impactful moments are made when gathered around the table
The most impactful moments are made when gathered around the table
The most impactful moments are made when gathered around the table
THOUGHTFUL EVENTS DESIGNED FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESSES
THOUGHTFUL EVENTS DESIGNED FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESSES
THOUGHTFUL EVENTS DESIGNED FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESSES
Client Gatherings l In-Office Catering l Celebratory Dinners l Milestone Events
THOUGHTFUL EVENTS DESIGNED FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESSES
Client Gatherings l In-Office Catering l Celebratory Dinners l Milestone Events
Client Gatherings l In-Office Catering l Celebratory Dinners l Milestone Events
Client Gatherings l In-Office Catering l Celebratory Dinners l Milestone Events
Walker Art Center
Walker Art Center
A SWEET Spot for Meetings!
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