41 minute read
DESTINATION
Earle Brown Heritage Center
THE GREAT NORTHWEST
This three-city area offers lodging, event space—and plenty
of free parking. BY JULIE KENDRICK
THE BOOMING NORTHWEST CORRIDOR OF THE MINNEAPOLIS METRO—containing the cities of Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center—is a location that checks off all the boxes on a meeting planner’s “must have” list. Close to downtown? Just 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Lots of meeting space? Almost 200,000 square feet in the three-city area. Hotel rooms? Nearly two dozen hotels call the area home. Nearby activity possibilities? Topgolf, WhirlyBall and two pro golf courses, plus The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes.
Helpful CVB
“We’re a destination that even Minneapolis locals like to visit,” says Megan Diaz, senior business development manager for Minneapolis Northwest Tourism. In addition to all those great amenities, Diaz explains the solid financial reasons to consider booking a meeting or event in Northwest Minneapolis. “We have event assistance funds set aside to use as incentives for a first-time booking in our area. In other locations, those funds are earmarked just to assist with transportation, but we allow them to be used for anything— shuttles, cocktail receptions, attendee swag bags and more,” she says. “The only stipulation is that it has to be a new event for our area.”
Diaz says her group is especially knowledgeable about the area’s hotels, venues and fun things to do. “We’re a one-stop shop for planners and our services are free,” she says. “We don’t send you off to do research on your own. We’ll talk with you and make recommendations that are a good fit for your group. If you just want to come in for an opening event or a team-building activity at Topgolf, for example, we can show you around and help arrange that,” she says. “The sky’s the limit.”
Historic Events
Not only is it a rustic and beautiful conference and event center minutes north of downtown Minneapolis, but the Earle Brown Heritage Center is also an ideal location for meeting planners, says Bruce Ballanger, manager.
The center was built in the late 1800s and is now owned by the city of Brooklyn Center. “We have everything you need right on-site, including free parking, free Wi-Fi and on-site catering,” he says. With 40,000 square feet spread across 19 different spaces, the center can accommodate groups from 10-1,000 participants. During the spring and summer seasons, events can take advantage of the center’s 80,000 square feet of courtyard space. “We have two fountains, a large patio, lots of green space,” he says. “We do many breakouts and team-building sessions out there. You don’t feel like you’re in the middle of the city when you’re in our courtyard.”
Ballanger adds that his staff is beloved by meeting planners, who look forward to seeing the same friendly faces year after year. “When you recognize the people you’ll be working with, it’s calming and reassuring,” he says.
A highlight of any Earle Browne event is the food. “The quality, value, consistency and taste of our food earn us high reviews,” he says, noting the center’s repeat business for corporate events is 93 percent. “Our corporate business is built on our valued relationships with meeting planners. We want them to look good and to come back every year, and we want their businesses to grow and do well.”
Clockwise from left: Earle Brown Heritage Center fountain and Garden City Ballroom; Topgolf bay
Golf Year-Round
Even people who have never swung a golf club enjoy being part of the fun at Topgolf Minneapolis – Brooklyn Center, which is
BY THE NUMBERS
~200,000 SQUARE FEET OF COMBINED MEETING SPACE 4,900 ACRES—THE SIZE OF ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE, THE LARGEST PARK IN THE STATE’S THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT 25 MINUTES FROM THE AIRPORT 22 HOTELS (WITH MORE ON THE WAY) 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS 3 CITIES: MAPLE GROVE, BROOKLYN PARK AND BROOKLYN CENTER 2 PRO GOLF COURSES
popular with groups of all sizes. The venue, located right off two major highways, is only 10 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis. “We’re already booking holiday events for 2019 and 2020,” says Director of Sales Adam Skibek.
Topgolf’s largest event space can fit 250 theater-style and 170 with seated round tables. “We have function rooms on all three floors and we can host a full-floor buyout for 200300 guests,” he says. “We can also accommodate large outings up to 1,000 people if planners are interested in renting the entire venue. For warmer weather, the rooftop terrace accommodates 300 guests.”
If you’re wondering about the ability to golf in one of the coldest major metropolitan areas in the United States, Topgolf already has figured that. “We have high-powered heaters that keep the temperature warm in the winter months,” he says. “Guests are really impressed with the heaters, and it’s made all the difference.”
RISE by Elevation
“Are we having fun yet?” is the tagline for this Minneapolis Northwest hotel. As that cheeky phrase indicates, the property is “a little bit outside the box,” according to Cara Hayes, director of sales for Boxer Resorts. RISE by Elevation is an oasis in the city, surrounded by 500 acres of parks and scenic walking paths. “We’re fresh and off the beaten path. And we offer free parking.”
The 174-room property does things a little differently. For example, guests can enjoy a free locally brewed craft beer or Lavazza coffee at check-in, plus an automatic reward for each visit, which can include items like a free bottle of wine at check-in, complimentary breakfast for two or a free two-night stay at Elevation Hotel and Spa in Crested Butte, Colorado.
“We also have 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space,” Hayes said. “There’s an onsite event planner who can help in arranging events for up to 300 guests.” The hotel has full audio-visual equipment rental and services, catering and videoconferencing.
Topgolf Minneapolis - Brooklyn Center
Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove has 20 miles of bike trails (above); WhirlyBall Twin Cities is a unique group activity (right).
WhirlyBall Twin Cities
For an active team outing that will be a new experience for participants, consider booking the courts at WhirlyBall Twin Cities. “The sport is a combination of basketball, lacrosse and hockey, and it’s played in bumper cars,” says Nick Lambrecht, owner. “Just being in a bumper car is fun, and when you add in the competitive aspect of a game, it elevates the experience to another level. It’s also nice from corporate standpoint because it’s so equalizing. No one goes into it as an expert.”
The facility has a full restaurant with what Lambrecht describes as a “chef-driven kitchen,” and a full bar with 17 beers on tap. Dining options include everything from scratch-made pizzas and sandwiches to steaks and salmon. With capacity for 800 people, the space includes two courts, a laser tag arena, pool table and dart boards. Lambrecht has recently added a new option, the Enigma Adventures: Escape Room Games.
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
This property says it “offers the excitement of the city from the tranquility of the suburbs.” Conveniently located near The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Minneapolis Marriott Northwest has 34 event rooms and 62,203 square feet of meeting space. The largest space, the Northland Ballroom, accommodates 728 guests theater-style. You can also book the Elm Creek Amphitheater, in the only hotel amphitheater in the Twin Cities, which seats 140 attendees.
Get Connected
EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER earlebrown.com | 763.569.6300
MINNEAPOLIS MARRIOTT NORTHWEST marriott.com/hotels/travel/mspnw-minneapolismarriott-northwest | 763.536.8300
MINNEAPOLIS NORTHWEST TOURISM minneapolisnorthwest.com | 763.566.7722
RISE BY ELEVATION rise2200.com | 763.566.8000
TOPGOLF MINNEAPOLIS – BROOKLYN CENTER topgolf.com/us/minneapolis | 763.201.9636
WHIRLYBALL TWIN CITIES whirlyballtwincities.com | 763.657.1555
Find out who our readers have chosen as
the winners and runners-up of the
Minnesota M+E Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards . Written by Megan Gosch & Morgan Halaska
BEST LIVESTREAMING/WEBCASTING SERVICE
EIDECOM INC.
eidecom.com | 763.843.7371 Runners-up: Heroic Productions; Mediapolis, LLC
MNM+E: How can planners benefit from livestreaming a meeting or event? EideCom: Corporations, nonprofits and government organizations alike are taking notice when it comes to the value of livestreaming events. We have livestreamed galas to raise more money from a remote audience, and we have streamed conferences to people who could not be there in person. Remote engagement has become a real player in the social media age. MNM+E: Any tips for planners? EideCom: To make the most out of livestreaming to a remote audience, make sure you have enough budget in the video department of the event. This can mean anything from the right encoders to broadcast trucks, depending on the complexity of the stream. Having plenty of camera angles and interesting camera types is helpful, too. I recommend budgeting to have many more cameras than usual. Having a dedicated team for the livestream is crucial. Your online audience has different needs than your in-person audience and should be treated as such. Having commercials, pre- and post-roll content along with lower third graphics and packages all enhance the remote audience's experience. Don’t settle for consumergrade or prosumer-grade equipment. If you want a true experience for your remote audience, hire professionals with professional-grade equipment. It makes all the difference.
BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE
(300 or More Guest Rooms) JW MARRIOTT MINNEAPOLIS MALL OF AMERICA
jwmarriottminneapolis.com | 612.615.0100
JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America’s location (connected to MOA and a light rail trip to downtown Minneapolis), local F&B offerings and various meeting spaces make the hotel a favorite among planners. It’s also part of the Under One Roof meeting experience that works with the Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America to offer even more event space and entertainment to planners.
F&B: The hotel’s catering looks to Minnesota to influence its cuisine, cocktails, wine and coffee. Cedar + Stone, Urban Table, the on-site restaurant, has private dining space that can seat 14 guests.
Runners-up: Hilton Minneapolis; Radisson Blu Mall of America
BY THE NUMBERS
342 rooms/suites 19,945 square feet of flexible event space 15,350-square-foot Diamond Ballroom with 20-foot ceilings for up to 1,700 attendees 7,000+ square feet of prefunction space 12 breakout rooms 6 event spaces
Best Sports Venue
U.S. BANK STADIUM
usbankstadium.com | 612.777.8700
MNM+E: In April, Minneapolis hosted its fourth NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament. How did the U.S. Bank Stadium team prepare for the event? U.S. Bank Stadium: Our team was in lock-step with the NCAA and community partners in planning all event aspects taking place on the stadium’s footprint. Transforming our football stadium to support basketball operations included adding a temporary basketball court, thousands of additional seats, a center-hung scoreboard and use of a darkening solution to cover the stadium’s 460,000 square feet of glass to ultimately execute a world-class event for fans, staff and athletes alike.
Runners-up: Target Field; Xcel Energy Center
BY THE NUMBERS
~480 events hosted per year 241,000 square feet of stadium floor concourse space 80,000 square feet of club space 16 total event spaces, including six clubs, four cabins, a lodge and a truss bar
BEST EVENT DÉCOR PROVIDER
EVENT LAB
eventlab.net | 952.224.8558
On the design inspiration for a recent event: "Pete Nelson designed an event at the Guthrie Theatre in the Black Box, a venue where colors really pop. Our Scandinavian client, celebrating their 80th anniversary, mentioned Marimekko fabric. We found a fabulous Marimekko fabric that drove the entire design. Custom linens were made for the dining tables and matching graphics to cover high-top cocktail tables. An 8-footby-8-foot-tall “80” was covered with over 1,200 pink and fuchsia ornaments. The ceiling treatment carried out the fabric design and stunning white amaryllis tied in the holiday season celebration."
Runners-up: Bungalow 6 Design + Events; Girl Friday
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
(Performer or Talent Agency) ADAGIO DJAY ENTERTAINMENT
adagiodj.com | 651.437.3344 MNM+E: Do you have tips for planners on how to most effectively incorporate music into an event? Adagio: We love it when clients have a theme for their events. It allows us to match the music to the venue and décor. It’s also very important to know what kind of event you are hosting; some events benefit from a more subtle and elegant approach while others are designed for people to cut loose and go crazy. Having a clear vision going in enables us to seamlessly integrate the music with the overall feel of the event and create amazing outcomes for our clients. MNM+E: What are some options that are best for a nonwedding event? Adagio: Our Premium DJs are ideally suited for our corporate clients as they have a mountain of knowledge and experience working with a diverse clientele. Our new wireless up lighting packages have become very popular for clients looking to wow their guests. We also offer live music/DJ combos for clients looking for something a little different. Runners-up: Brave New Workshop; Acme Comedy Co.
BEST HISTORIC OR CULTURAL VENUE
LANDMARK CENTER
landmarkcenter.org | 651.292.3228
The Landmark Center is packed with history, which makes a stunning setting for meetings and events. Between its four restored courtrooms, auditorium and atrium, groups as small as 20 or as big as 1,000 can enjoy the space.
A look at Landmark Center’s history:
1902: The building opened as a Federal Court House and Post Office for the Upper Midwest after starting construction in 1892. It was the site of many famous “Gangster Trials” in the 1930s.
By 1965: Virtually empty and in disrepair, the
threat of demolition loomed. A group of local citizens spearheaded a campaign to save the building.
1969: The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and renovation began. The building was renamed Landmark Center.
1978: Reopened as an arts and cultural center. Today, it serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums, and hosts countless special events.
Runners-up: James J. Hill House; Mill City Museum
BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
(in Town/Area 25,00080,000 in Population) VISIT LAKEVILLE
visitlakeville.org 952.469.2020
MNM+E: What are the latest developments in Lakeville? Visit Lakeville: Escape MSP just opened in Historic Downtown Lakeville; Hampton Inn & Suites is opening in fall 2019; and B52’s restaurant will open soon. The Lakeville CVB is marketing our Weddings of Lakeville, as we have become a mecca of weddings with over a dozen area facilities that specialize in making this special day. How the Visit Lakeville Helps: The Lakeville Convention & Visitors Services include providing information and referrals on event facilities, lodging, restaurants, florists, transportation services, photographers, tours and area attractions, team-building activities, and so much more.
Runners-up: St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Visit Mankato
Best Event Rental Provider
APRÈS EVENT DÉCOR & TENT RENTAL
apresparty.com | 952.942.3399
MNM+E: What are some of your eco-friendly practices? Après: The nature of a rental business is eco-friendly! Our products can be cleaned and used again and again. Here are some ways Après goes greener: • refurbishing damaged tables into smaller rentable sizes • printing on paper made of recycled material using black ink, and printing on both sides • using in-house laundry • reusing packaging materials such as bubble wrap, packing popcorn and plastic bags
Runners-up: Ultimate Events; BeThings
BEST AUDIO-VISUAL PROVIDER
ALLIED PRODUCTIONS & SALES
allied.productions 651.451.6846
3 tips from Allied Productions & Sales: 1. You get what you pay for! 2. Learn your tech terminology and know what you are asking for. 3. The further ahead you can plan, usually the cheaper and smoother your event will be.
MNM+E: What new technology are you using? Allied: We have been doing a lot of interesting and fun things with video mapping this year. We did an interactive video of a river of life that moved as guests walked through during a gala.
Runners-up: AV For You; AVEX
Best Transportation Provider
RENEE’S LIMOUSINES
reneeslimousines.com | 763.551.1919 MNM+E: How can Renee's accommodate custom tours? Renee's: All of our tours are customized for each client based on their interests and available time. For our Wine Tours, for example, we’ll establish all of the routing and timing and coordinate with each winery for a VIP experience. If the group wants to incorporate a stop for lunch or another experience, we’ll work that into the itinerary. For groups with out-oftowners, our City Tours are most popular. We often accommodate groups between 100 and 300, but we have yet to turn down a group because they are too large or complex.
Runners-up: Lorenz Bus Service; Premier Transportation
Best Convention & Visitors Bureau
(in Town/Area More than 80,000 in Population) MEET MINNEAPOLIS
minneapolis.org | 888.676.6757
MNM+E: How is Meet Minneapolis marketing the city post-Super Bowl? MM: While the Super Bowl gave us an international platform to shine, our game plan has never wavered: to market, sell and maximize the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community. To that end, we continue working to bring meetings, conventions and events to the city. In 2019, we are welcoming more than 600 meetings, groups and conventions to Minneapolis. We are highlighting Minneapolis throughout all four seasons from the downtown core and into our unique neighborhoods. We are sharing the story of the city as well as our motto: You’ve never met a place quite like this. Meet Minneapolis.
Runners-up: Visit Saint Paul; Explore Brainerd Lakes
Best Brewery/Distillery/Winery with Event Space
SURLY BREWING COMPANY
surlybrewing.com | 763.999.4065
MNM+E: What are the F&B options at Surly? Surly: We offer a full-service, in-house event culinary team and pastry team. We’re a completely from-scratch kitchen, using local vendors and farmers to fill as much of our needs as possible, and focus on creating exceptional menu items that elevate our beer. Scheid Hall is accompanied by its own private bar with 40 rotating tap lines, a seasonal beercocktail menu and house-made N/A beverages. Chef works closely with our event planners and clients to personalize the menu for each event by creating custom food and beer pairing dinner menus, creating custom deserts, and incorporating their logo or brands whenever possible. Runners-up: Winehaven Winery and Vineyard; Indeed Brewing Company
SCHEID HALL BY THE NUMBERS
2,400-square-foot ballroom
Accommodates 136 for a plated meal and up to 175 for a cocktail reception The beer garden is also available to rent June 1-Sept. 30 and can hold 120 guests.
BEST GOLF VENUE
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
goldenvalleycountryclub.com 763.732.4100
While the Golden Valley Country Club offers a challenging, yet enjoyable and golfer-friendly course, the club also offers top-notch special event amenities just 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. With more than 10,000 square feet of functional meeting space, the club can accommodate up to 500 seated guests for anything from smaller meetings and board retreats to holiday parties, wedding receptions and more. The property also features a grand ballroom with panoramic views overlooking the club’s world-class course and a striking clubhouse with 60,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling windows, classic chandeliers and wood-framed beams. Planners can also expect club trademarks including stunning décor, exceptional food and beverage options and personalized service at every event.
Runners-up: Grand View Lodge; Madden’s on Gull Lake
Best Convention/ Conference Center
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
minneapolisconventioncenter.com | 612.335.6000
The Minneapolis Convention Center won the 2018 Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). MCC won a Venue Excellence Award in 2014 in a stand-alone category just for convention centers, but the 2018 award put Minneapolis Convention Center in the same pool as arenas, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, casinos, stadiums, etc. “This validates the dedication and effort our entire team puts into providing a world-class hospitality venue for our clients and the community,” says Executive Director Jeff Johnson. “Our employees are among the best in the world and, because of them, we are achieving our mission of serving this community by creating employment opportunities for workers, as well as generating tax revenue for the city.”
Runners-up: Saint Paul RiverCentre; Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
BEST TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY/ORGANIZER
ESCAPE MSP
escapemsp.com 612.424.3845
ESCAPE MSP BY THE NUMBERS
8,785 groups visited Escape MSP in 2018 24-48 Agents can be accommodated at one time (depending on location) 10 unique missions offered 3 locations MNM+E: What sets Escape MSP apart from other teambuilding experiences? Escape MSP: We believe in having unforgettable experiences and that's what we strive to give every Agent who walks through our doors. Each guest is greeted as an Agent as part of our fullythemed spy experience and after each mission, we give the group a debrief and an overall score. The James Bond mission at our Minneapolis location is our most popular and, without giving too much away, there are handcuffs involved.
Runners-up: Kerfoot Canopy Tour; Topgolf
Best Casino
MYSTIC LAKE CASINO HOTEL
mysticlakecenter.com | 866.832.6402
5 need-to-know perks for planning a meeting or event at Mystic Lake Center: Experienced team: The property’s team of event planners, in-house chefs and audio-visual experts work collaboratively to ensure every detail is properly executed. Convenient amenities: A championship golf course, spa, 10 bars and restaurants and one of the largest gaming floors east of Vegas await guests just steps from Mystic Lake’s meeting spaces. Sophisticated space: Inspired by Minnesota's changing seasons, the center combines state-of-theart technology with stunning views and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf course. Immersive branding: An on-site sign shop provides custom on-site branding packages including banners, floor decals, digital signage and more while expert printing and installation are coordinated by the property’s event and in-house marketing team. A dedicated loading area: With a semitrailer overhead door (perfect for boats and RVs), planners can take advantage of convenient loading and unloading directly into the room of an event or expo. Runners-up: Treasure Island Resort & Casino; Canterbury Park and Event Center
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY
LAUREN B. PHOTOGRAPHY
laurenbfalk.com | 612.708.2090
MNM+E: Do you have a favorite photo you took in the last year? lauren b. photography: One is the Bridgewater Bank’s Mississippi Mingle at Nicollet Island Pavilion; I love all the action and color (pictured to the left).
Runners-up: Coppersmith Photography; Graddy Photography
Best New Venue
(Sept. 2017-18) THE ARMORY
armorymn.com 612.315.3965
MNM+E: Tell us about your 2018. The Armory: We closed out 2018 having hosted a record number of sold-out concerts, live shows, and sporting events including FS1 Boxing, AXS TV HeavyWeight Championship, MLK Breakfast, HCMC Light Up The Night Gala, Slayer’s Farewell Tour, Jack White, Greta Van Fleet, Beck, Deadmau5 and more. We were the winner of Best Venue to Open for City Page’s Best of the Twin Cities 2018, a finalists in Growler Magazine’s Kind-of-a-BigDeal awards, as well as nominated for Pollstar’s Best New Concert Venue. The Armory is poised for a full calendar in 2019 and beyond.
Runners-up: The Hutton House; Mystic Lake Center
Best Boats/Cruises/Charters
AL AND ALMA’S SUPPER CLUB AND CHARTER CRUISES
alandalmas.com | 952.472.3098
MNM+E: Any tips for planning an on-water event? Al and Alma's: We often recommend keeping things simple with a less-is-more approach. Guests love being on the water and a good boat ride, complemented with the best food and beverage, can make for fast friends and lasting memories. The gentle glide of the boat on the water relaxes guests and the passing scenery can be an organic ice breaker
Runners-up: St. Croix River Cruises; Stillwater River Boats
BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
(in Town/Area Less than 25,000 in Population) VISIT FERGUS FALLS
visitfergusfalls.com 218.332.5425 meetings@visitfergusfalls. com
Visit Fergus Falls' slogan— Find Us, Lose Yourself—is both a challenge and invite to discover all this West Central Minnesota city has to offer planners.
Runners-up: Discover Stillwater; Red Wing Visitors & Convention Bureau
Best Resort/Lodge
GRAND VIEW LODGE
grandviewlodge.com | 866.801.2951
NORTH BY THE NUMBERS
3,100 square feet spread across 65 guest activities available on-property from ice skating and sleigh rides to pontoon rides and kayaking 60 guest rooms 4 creative flexible meeting spaces
This year, this regular readers’ choice awards winner has another accomplishment to celebrate with the opening of North, the resort’s new boutique hotel. Located on the resort’s main property, North will feature the latest in energy efficiency and a style all its own with “an urban take on the traditional guest lodge that’s quite a departure from the cabin-style accommodations at Grand View Lodge,” says Leana Nelson, marketing communications specialist for Grand View Lodge. Planners will also love the hotel’s two new gathering areas, expansive lobby with a grand fireplace, breakfast/wine bar, conference rooms, full-service business center and on-site A/V team. Flexible meeting spaces will also offer plenty of natural lighting, charging stations, large screen monitors/projectors, screen sharing and more.
Runners-up: Madden’s on Gull Lake; Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
Best Florist
BACHMAN’S SPECIAL EVENTS
bachmans.com | 612.861.7620
MNM+E: What trends do you expect to see in floral design in the year ahead? Bachman’s: Floral trends are constantly evolving. From bold protea to fun, unique foliage, our clients will ask for designs that include flowers and greens that they can connect to. It may be the color, it may be the rarity, or it may be the inherent beauty of living décor. Some trends we expect for the next year include the incorporation and obsession with greens. Creating special selfie or photo opportunities is also becoming quite popular. Floral and décor suspensions will also be trending.
MNM+E: What are some of the more unique events Bachman’s has designed for lately? Bachman’s: Some of the recent notable events we’ve had the opportunity to bring to life include the Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium, a garden party held at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, a floral and willow arch for a selfie station and a suspended garden for a special party.
Runners-up: Sadie’s Couture Floral; Indulge & Bloom
BEST RESTAURANT WITH PRIVATE DINING SPACE
CRAVE AMERICAN KITCHEN & SUSHI BAR
(The Shops at West End) craveamerica.com | 952.933.6500 Whether it’s a corporate meeting, company presentation, social celebration or any other type of special event, the staff at CRAVE understand the importance of providing an unforgettable experience to its guests and, ultimately, exceeds every expectation. CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar’s Shops at West End location features two completely private spaces seating up to 54 guests. The eatery’s Executive Rooms A and B can be combined to accommodate groups of up to 48 and divided for confidential meetings or breakout sessions for up to 24 guests each. With full or partial buyout options, planners can also utilize the restaurant’s Martini Lounge, Chef’s Table and spacious outdoor patio.
Runners up: The Bachelor Farmer; 112 Eatery
Best Meeting/Event Venue (No Hotel) MUSE EVENT CENTER
musemn.com | 612.345.8344
BY THE NUMBERS
9,000 square feet of meeting space across 3 levels 1,100 guests can be accommodated reception-style 475 guests can be accommodated for a seated meal 165 events held at Muse in 2018
MNM+E: What are some of the most unique architectural elements of Muse Event Center? Muse: Muse has an open floor plan design with plenty of big, bright windows to bring in natural lighting. Our main ballroom also features grand 28-foot ceilings and our loft and mezzanine spaces on the second floor create a space for guests to look out over the event happenings below. The third-floor Club Room is the perfect area to host guests, volunteers, or members of the wedding party. On the lower level, our “behind the scenes” rooms include the Wedding Suite, which is a gorgeous space for the wedding party to get ready and our Green Room is a great getaway for live entertainment.
Runners-up: Machine Shop; Aria
Best Catering Company
CRAVE CATERING & EVENTS
cravecatering.com | 952.562.5620
MNM+E: How does CRAVE craft its new menu offerings? CRAVE: We update our menus annually and release a spring/summer and fall/ winter menu each year. As a team, we stay abreast of consumer trends locally and nationally and incorporate what we're seeing, tasting and learning about into our offerings. The Bang Bang Cauliflower Salad served over red quinoa, mini bao buns and smashed mini potatoes are some of our new menu favorites. MNM+E: What’s coming up for CRAVE in 2019? CRAVE: Going into 2019 we’re paying particular attention to ensure we’re offering plenty of options for our customers with dietary restrictions. We’re currently partnering with The Herviborous Butcher to create some delicious vegan options and we choose to make all of our sauces and dressings in-house so that we can offer them gluten free.
BY THE NUMBERS
15,000 guests served over 4 days for Super Bowl LII (a record for the company)
5-5,000 guests can be accommodated at CRAVE events
1,200 events catered by CRAVE each year
30 Twin Cities venues work with CRAVE as a preferred caterer
Runners-up: D’Amico Catering; Chowgirls Killer Catering
BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE
(Less than 300 Guest Rooms) THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL
saintpaulhotel.com | 651.292.9292
Built in 1910, the historic Saint Paul Hotel has been a local and national favorite for decades. The hotel’s not only a mainstay as a readers’ choice award-winner, but it’s also been named the Top Hotel in Minnesota by Travel + Leisure, landed a spot on the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice list and more.
But what exactly makes this venue a go-to for events? “Our incredible staff is what keeps guests coming back. Regardless of position, they take pride in their work and guests often tell us that our staff treats them so well they feel like part of the hotel family. We’re even starting to see four generations of the same family host their weddings at the hotel and many of our larger groups feel it is their company’s hotel when they’re in town,” says Pete Zellmer, the hotel's director of sales. “We do offer 14,000 square feet of function space, have plenty of off-site catering venues that surround the hotel and provide great attention to detail for groups, but our staff hit it home. They do a great job at asking the right questions and providing impeccable follow-through to ensure all meetings and events are flawless.”
Runners-up: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Paul Downtown; Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis
Best Planning Company
DO GOOD EVENTS
dogoodevents.com | 612-293-9420
MNM+E: What has Do Good Events been up to lately? Do Good Events: From launching our event staffing division, to hosting a Super Bowl party and helping to raise $5 million for our nonprofit partners, 2018 was a great year for Do Good Events and a year of amazing fundraisers. Our clients pushed the envelope with fashion shows, masquerade balls, flannel flings and a festival of lights and our events featured exciting themes, unique locations and a continued emphasis on the attendee experience. Our team also continues to grow and gain skills and insights on topics like event lingo and safety.
Runners-up: Event Lab; BeEvents
Best Speaker/Presenter
NATIONAL SPEAKERS ASSOCIATION - MINNESOTA CHAPTER
nsa-mn.com | 952.994.8356
MNM+E: What should planners know about the National Speakers Association's Minnesota chapter? NSA-MN: To be a member of NSA-MN you must qualify—meaning you are truly a professional speaker (not just wishing, but doing). We’re a community of professional speakers who use our words to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences. We’re also committed to learning and growing so that we can offer each presentation the very best we have. We don’t do gigs. We create powerful, impactful and activational presentations.
MNM+E: What types of events does NSA-MN typically work with? NSA-MN: We have 130 members who are all individual business owners so there are countless presentations done by NSA-MN speakers each year, but our members speak in every industry, organization, association and educational environment that you can think of. NSA-MN also does about 30 events and 10 academy classes a year for our members. Runners-up: MinnesotaSpeakers.com; Élan Speakers Agency
BOLDER BOLDER
THAN YOU EXPECT
Plan Your Meeting at
BloomingtonMN.org/meetings
Exceptional services. Customizable meeting venues. 9,200 hotel rooms. Inspiring and inviting atmosphere. Convenient and stress-free. Fast and easy MSP Airport and hotel shuttles. Oh, and the home of Mall of America® .
It’s not what you’re expecting. It’s bolder.
Meet the seven industry pros who the Minnesota Meetings + Events Editorial Advisory Board selected to honor in the magazine’s Hall of Fame.
As told to Megan Gosch & Morgan Halaska
Photos by Joel Schnell At Lumber Exchange Event Center / The Exchange & Alibi Lounge
Lifetime Achievement
Some of my best memories are just collaborating with my ILEA peeps that I’ve known for 20 years. ... We all work together and pull off some pretty magical stuff.”
On his secret weapon: “On-the-fly problem solving, which is what events are all about. As hard as we plan it, something comes up or a truck breaks down, you know, lights go out, whatever, you have to be flexible and really be able to make decisions.”
On how he unwinds: “Besides bourbon? … I’m not one to dwell and just sit there for hours and hours because you’re onto the next event. You just gotta move forward.”
On his future: “Just keep teaching and training and learning. I’ve got a few years left in me before I retire to the golf course in the sky, wherever that is.”
“I moved here in ‘85, so when I was 28 years old. Since then I’ve had three jobs basically. You see a lot of technology changes, industry changes, and you have to grow and learn and then you teach. It’s just been an evolution, there’s always something new in the events business. You look at even a tent, what it was 20 years ago. compared to today. There’s no comparison.”
On getting the job done: “In the end it just has to go and the doors have to open, right? I’ll do pretty much anything.”
His best advice: “Get involved. Volunteer. It’s a great way to learn different disciplines. Go volunteer at an event and maybe you’ll work with the lighting guy ... and become well-rounded. I can’t do everything, but I can do everything a little bit.”
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS; APRÈS EVENT DÉCOR AND TENT RENTAL
CRAIG OLIVER
ASHLEIGH
ENERGY PROGRAMS DIRECTOR; MEA ENERGY ASSOCIATION
Best Meeting Professional
On her work at MEA: “I work with about 15 different committees, about 150-plus individuals, [planning in-person learning events]. ... It’s a lot of opinions and a lot of perspectives and trying to steer that in a direction where everyone is focused on the same mission and vision is a challenge, but also a good opportunity to get a lot of people involved. … We’re touching on things like safety and regulations and it makes a difference, it impacts their day to day and their successes and their careers and they look to us for that and I think that’s a pretty rewarding role.”
On being overprepared: “I try really hard as I get ready for an event to take into consideration all the possible ups and downs and variables that could come my way so that hopefully by the time the ones that you didn’t think of show up, everything else is managed as well as it can be so those don’t become as rattling and I can take them on with a good sense of composure.”
On how she unwinds: “I do take a couple of days off to be home with my family. I have two little girls at home and the third one [was born in January] and two dogs. My husband is home with them by himself when I’m travelling … it’s always good to settle back into that chaos.”
On her future: “I am pretty happy where I am right now in a lot of ways. I’m a life-long learner so I’m always looking for a new challenge or a chance to grow professionally. … I’m just enjoying the balance of work and life and the people that I get to see every day and the great industry that I work in right now. A lot of it feels very settled in a good way.” ESSELMAN
Up-and-Coming Meeting Professional
On CWT: “CWT has been on my radar since 2008. I was working for a nonprofit at the time and one of my board of directors was this amazing woman and she worked for CWT and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, if they hired this wonderful, smart person, I want to be around more of those people.’”
“My biggest challenge is just that there’s not enough hours in the day to connect with everyone I want to connect with, do everything that I want to do. … The account that I’m on, we’re working on between 75-100 meetings a year and just to keep up with all of those connections and those people is time consuming.”
On work-life balance: “You need to learn your capacity. You need to find a manager that supports you and recognizes the amount of work that goes into meetings and events, and once you find them don’t let them go. My supervisors, my bosses, are fantastic women, they’ve been in the meetings and events industry for years so they totally understand the challenges and how to support me as an individual and as an employee.”
On how she unwinds: “I like to get outside and go for a big hike to either ramp myself up or wind myself down. It’s just peaceful and meditative and gets me in a clearer headspace.”
On her ability to improvise: “You can plan down to the last detail, but when you’re working with weather conditions or a hundred different humans or just the unpredictability of life, you need to have the skills to figure out a resolution to anything that pops up. I love going with the flow. Once you’re on-site and you just need to make things happen.”
MEGHAN LIKES
SENIOR MEETING PLANNER; CWT MEETINGS & EVENTS CMP HMCC
SALES COORDINATOR; U.S. BANK STADIUM – SMG
LATAYA WILLIAMS
Up-and-Coming Supplier
On getting into the industry: “I majored in public relations in college and I did competitive public speaking—I loved that adrenaline rush and I knew I wanted to be in front of and working with people in some way. ... When I interned with Meet Minneapolis I got to spend a lot of time at the Minneapolis Convention Center and that’s where I got to see the events world up close. Seeing that energy and people rushing from room to room or coming out for general session sparked that first idea that this could be a world I want to get into.”
“My biggest challenge has been getting through the busy season. It can mean a lot of long days, a lot of six-day weeks, which is exhausting but remembering my job is such an incredible opportunity gives me the stamina to push through.”
Memorable career moment: “When I joined ILEA, I decided to help with the Star Awards. At the event, Christie Altendorf began describing the Volunteer of the Year Award. She was describing what this person had done and it turns out she was describing me! It was such an unexpected honor that’s really stuck with me.”
On preparing to meet with clients: “I’m always gathering as much information as I can. I want to understand [my client’s] voice, how they promote themselves. Information is power and when I can come in with that information, I bring more confidence, making it easier to make those personal connections. Being in a peopledriven business, that’s crucial.”
On her future: “I love that there are so many possibilities and directions to go in this industry. In my current role I can already see so much growth for myself and I’m not sure where it will take me, but just knowing that excites me for what’s to come.”
Best Supplier
On her role in shaping Machine Shop: “During the renovation of the space, I managed the second half of construction which was great because it gave me influence over a lot of small details and how the space functioned so that it could be set up for events.”
On saying no: “I don’t want to be known as a person who always says ‘yes’ to everything, but I do want to be known as someone who always says, ‘no, but here’s something else that we could do.’”
“I know that it sounds corny when I say it, but I still believe truly that my job is making people’s dream come true and I do take that very seriously.”
“I think one of my biggest [assets] is empathy. I can see all sides of a situation and I might not always agree, but I can usually understand the perspective. Doing that helps me create alternatives for people. … I do have a little bit of know-it-all perspective. I like to know the answers to things. I like to be a resource.”
On her secret weapon: “I have a like worst-case scenario brain but also an inner sense of optimism so I always believe that we can overcome or fix anything … it keeps me grounded.”
On her travels: “I didn’t get on an airplane until I was 19 years old and actually never left the country until I was almost 30 and since then I’ve travelled to 14 countries and I’ve touched every continent now except Antarctica. My goal is to touch every continent before I turn 40, so I’m planning on going on a cruise to Antarctica in 2021.”
JESSICA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; MACHINE SHOP
BARRETT
SARAH
EVENTS COORDINATOR; CHILDREN’S CANCER RESEARCH FUND
OBER
Up-and-Coming Special Events Planner
The ability to plan intentionally is critical. I need to plan in a way that critical. I need to plan in a way that sets our supporters up for generous giving, so every aspect of the event needs to contribute to their experience of our mission. From registration to the way their meal is plated, it all needs to be seamless in a way that won’t distract from the programming and storytelling that highlights our mission.”
Memorable career moment: “I was at CCRF’s annual radiothon at the Mall of America. ... After a day of fundraising we gather in the rotunda to sing ‘Clouds’ by Zach Sobiech. I remember looking up at the 5,000plus people singing and I get chills. It was such a beautiful moment to see all the people that came together to support our mission. It was a big moment for me in just realizing how important the work is that we do.”
“My secret weapon is my team. Really, it’s trusting my team that allows me to be successful. I’m lucky to work with people who are not only experts in their field, but are passionate about our mission and knowing I can trust them to fulfill their pieces means I can focus on my role. This honor is as much a reflection of their hard work as it is mine.”
On how she unwinds: “I love coming home and curling up with my dog to watch a show like ‘The Office’ or ‘Friends.’ ... I’m also a judge for the Minnesota State High School League Dance Team and I dance on an adult team. … It’s such a good stress reliever and I’ve become close to the people I dance with, so it’s a great way to see friends and a fun way to unwind.”
WENDY
OWNER/CHIEF EVENTS OFFICER; WENDY PORTER EVENTS LLC
Best Special Events Planner
On getting into the industry: “I completely fell into events. There was no degree in event planning at the time so it wasn’t on my radar. I was in corporate marketing for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement [a division of UnitedHealth Group] when someone said there was a trade show coming up and they needed someone to take it on. I thought ‘I’ve never done an event in my life, but I’ll figure it out.’ … They ended up creating a position for me.”
“My biggest challenge has been helping management understand the value of a professional planner. A lot of people think anyone can do what we do. ... I’m actually working with another planner to draft a research proposal for Oxford University to gather those concrete metrics and data.”
“My secret weapons are my experience and my network. With my experience I’m able to ask those big questions to find what the client is trying to achieve and translate that to the tactics needed to make it happen. ... And with my network, if there’s something I don’t know how to do I have someone I can call who does.”
On starting her own company: “I was actually working on a United event when I was in an elevator with an AARP exec. ... She said, ‘I’d never miss one of your events. You should start a company and call it Wendy Porter Events.’ That totally surprised me. I’d thought of starting a business, but it didn’t feel real until she gave it a name.”
PORTER
