Minnesota Meetings + Events Summer 2023

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

THOUGHTFUL EVENTS DESIGNED FOR DYNAMIC BUSINESSES

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

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Mara Restaurant & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis separates compostables from trash and recyclables.

Bonfire at Pier B Resort along Duluth Harbor with Lake Superior beyond

Minnesota Goes Green

» IN MAY, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed into law HF 100/SF73, legalizing adult-use recreational marijuana in the state. So, what will this mean for event and meeting planners in Minnesota? For a time, Minnesota may well be like the Wild West. It will take some time for the state’s citizens, visitors, and government to adjust to legalization, and although use and home cultivation will become legal in the state on Aug. 1 (with dispensaries coming perhaps a year later), there will likely be a lot of limittesting experimentation.

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That said, this is an exciting time to host events in Minnesota—something similar probably hasn’t occurred since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. With legalization, event planners would be wise to plan for the inevitable arrival of cannabis at Minnesota events—in the forms of THC beverages, edibles, and other cannabis consumables, most likely. The state’s newly created Office of Cannabis Management will be an excellent source of information on Minnesota law and on more details about cannabis for those of us not all that familiar with it. One should also plan for alternative activities for attendees who do not want to consume cannabis. Planners will need to think carefully about their marketing messaging, finding a way to promote the cannabis-friendly happenings without turning off some of their audience. Naturally, whether to incorporate marijuana into your event will largely depend on the values and predilections of your attendees—as well as your own. If cannabis isn’t in the cards for your event, a panel discussion on marijuana may well make sense for your programming to offer some insight on the topic.

With 22 states legalizing recreational marijuana before Minnesota, the perceptions surrounding marijuana are dramatically changing in the United States. Be aware of marijuana and its legalities when selecting your destination so you can execute an event that makes attendees happy—whether they consume cannabis or not.

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IT’S TIME TO GET PERSONAL

Customized event experiences encourage happier, more engaged attendees

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

» WHETHER IT’S A LARGE-SCALE CONFERENCE with hundreds in attendance or an intimate teambuilding retreat for co-workers, it’s important to provide personalized meeting itineraries that cater to guests’ preferences, values, and interests. The International Association of Conference Centers reports that there has been increased personalization of attendee experiences in recent years with 80% of meeting planners reporting that their jobs involve more experience creation than two to five years ago.

Attendees not only want to spend their time at a conference learning and connecting, but they also want to engage in sessions and activities that align with what matters to them—from a lecture on branding or mindfulness to activities like hiking or wine tasting during prearranged free time.

Dreamforce, an annual user conference in San Francisco, brings industry pioneers, thought leaders, and internet technology professionals together for a weekend of lectures and networking. The event incorporates guided meditation and mindfulness sessions for attendees to align their mental and physical well-being with their conference goals. After all, a content attendee is a more engaged attendee. salesforce.com

Maritz Global Events, based in St. Louis, Missouri, uses a team of consulting experts to personalize events from a portfolio of 20-plus event attendee personas—created from a combination of event strategy and behavioral research—that helps planners anticipate, visualize, and align with the motives of potential event-goers. maritzglobalevents.com

Mystery Trip, an event-planning company based in Los Angeles creates mystery itineraries that are kept secret from attendees until they arrive for the activity. Each itinerary is custom-made for guests based on a survey taken during the initial kick-o meeting to determine what the group is most interested in doing. Examples include taking a team from Netflix to Gri th Park in Los Angeles to film a mock ’90s sitcom intro. mysterytrip.com

Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

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Meeting attendees enjoy customized activities by Mystery Trip.

FLOATING SAUNA TO LAUNCH IN DULUTH

» FOR SEVERAL YEARS, attendees at events at Duluth’s Pier B Resort have enjoyed saunas on the property, operated by Cedar + Stone Nordic Sauna. Beginning July 26, guests and conference visitors from venues across Duluth can get sweaty in Cedar + Stone’s new floating sauna, the first public barge sauna in the United States.

TUNE IN TO THESE WIRELESS EARBUDS

“Saunas are so intimately connected with water,” says Justin Juntunen, CEO and founder of Cedar + Stone. “Great sau nas from the last hundreds and hundreds of years [always have] three ingredients: wood from the land, rocks from the soil, and fresh water from nearby. And when you put those ingredients together with heat, you have

» WIRELESS EARBUDS ARE PARAMOUNT FOR MEETING PLANNERS have in their toolbox. Features such as active noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and high-quality audio are attractive to many. the best wireless earbuds around.

BEST OVERALL The Beats Fit Pro flies under the radar of its more famous cousin, the Apple Air Pods Pro. At a considerably lower price (under $200) and also manufactured by Apple, the Beats Fit Pro is built on the same platform and offers many of the same features as the Air Pods Pro, including active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and Adaptive EQ. The earbuds offer easy integration with iPhones and Android phones.

BEST BUDGET OPTION For less than $100, the Anker Space A40 offers excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, an app to customize the audio, and 10 hours of battery life. The lightweight, ergonomic earbuds fit comfortably for lengthy cross-country flights, and with sound on par with much more expensive models, the Anker Space A40 is ideal for those looking for high quality at a low price. us.soundcore.com

BEST SPLURGE FOR AUDIOPHILES The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds II will check all the boxes for those willing to spend a little more ($300). With Bose CustomTune sound calibration, the earbuds use a microphone to measure your ear canal’s acoustic response and tailor the audio to your sensitivities. Weighing less than a quarter ounce and one-third smaller in size than its predecessor, the earbuds also feature a two-piece ear tip system for a comfortable fit. bose.com –Todd R. Berger

Breathtaking Brainerd

Just a two-hour drive from the Twin Cities, Brainerd exudes lakeside charm in northern Minnesota

BY ELIANA KINZER

» NESTLED IN THE HEART OF MINNESOTA’S northern lake country, Brainerd is a vibrant and picturesque event destination that o ers the perfect blend of natural beauty with modern amenities. As the summer season arrives in full swing, the city welcomes groups with its unique charm and plethora of activities, which many meeting planners find appealing.

VIBE: Brainerd radiates a warm and welcoming atmosphere with its friendly locals, relaxed pace of life, and breathtaking surroundings. The town’s rich history and outdoor recreational opportunities make it a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a laid-back get-together.

TRANSPORTATION: Getting to Brainerd is a breeze with convenient access via major highways including Interstate 94 and state Route 371, and the nearby Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, which o ers daily flights. Once you’re there, getting around is easy, too, through a well-connected network of roads and trails. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, renting a bike or taking a scenic drive along the famous Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway are great ways to soak in the beauty of the area.

HOTELS: Brainerd o ers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. From cozy lakeside cabins to upscale resorts and hotels like Grand View Lodge and Madden’s on Gull Lake, there are plenty of options for a comfortable stay. Many of the properties boast stunning lake views, and some o er private beaches and marinas.

MEETING VENUES: Brainerd features excellent meeting venues for corporate events, conferences, and retreats. The town has modern facilities that can accommodate both small and large gatherings, and the serene surroundings provide an ideal setting for productive meetings and team-building activities. Cragun’s Golf Resort o ers 47,000 square feet of function space, and Breezy Point Resort boasts several flexible rooms for events of all sizes.

RESTAURANTS: The culinary scene is a delightful mix of local flavors and international cuisines—from cozy cafes like Coco Moon Co ee Bar to fine-dining restaurants like Ernie’s on Gull. Fresh-caught fish, locally sourced produce, and thick steaks are just some of the highlights—and with several craft breweries and wineries in the area, you can enjoy a refreshing drink after a day of meeting sessions.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: Brainerd is packed with group activities and attractions. One must-see is the Brainerd International Raceway, where attendees can witness heart-pounding action or even try their hand at driving a race car. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is a haven for mountain biking and hiking with its scenic trails and crystalclear lakes. If your group is looking for something a bit more relaxing, take them on a leisurely cruise on beautiful Gull Lake.

visitbrainerd.com

Sunset fishing on Brainerd’s East Gull Lake

INFLATE THE FUN

» MORE AND MORE OFTEN, event planners are incorporating inflatables into their get-togethers. Kurt Wresh, president of USA Inflatables and Events in Dayton, says most go with an obstacle course or giant slide—but he has many more options to offer planners. “For team building and stuff like that, we have human foosball, Zorb ball racing, Zorb wars, and a human billiards game,” he says. Zorb has participants climb inside giant inflatable balls for various activities.

Prices range from $250 for your standard bounce house to $1,800 for the most elaborate inflatables. Mechanical skateboards and surfboards can be rented for $1,300. “We have the largest selection in the Twin Cities,” Wresh says. “We also have face painters, balloon artists, magicians, and characterists. We try to be your one-stop shop when it comes to your event rental needs by [also] providing entertainment.”

–Todd R. Berger

Nature Meets Luxury in Eagan

The suburban city, teeming with green space and posh accommodations, is so much more than the ‘Onion Capital of the United States’

BY CAMILLE LEFEVRE

» SETTLED IN THE MID-1800S by Irish immigrants Patrick Eagan and Margaret Twohy, Eagan grew into a farming community known as the “Onion Capital of the United States.” That legacy of the land lives on, minus the tears. Today, Eagan is a growing meetings and conference destination as it is easily accessible via Interstate 35E and state Route 55. It’s also a quick hop to the MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport, Minnesota Zoo, and Mall of America.

Eagan lies just south of St. Paul on the south bank of the Minnesota River, upstream from its confluence with the Mississippi River. And, at its center, is the Eagan Core Greenway, an ongoing project to preserve the suburb’s environmentally sensitive green space that includes a 2-mile trail connecting the greenway with Lebanon Hills Regional Park. With more than 2,000 acres of outdoor space for walking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, Lebanon Hills Regional

Park also includes park and picnic facilities that can be rented for get-togethers.

Parks, green space, and walkability: Those are just a few of Eagan’s competitive advantages when groups and organizations seek locations for meetings or events. Eagan has more than 20 hotels, over 100 dining destinations, and attractions such as Twin Cities Premium Outlets and Cascade Bay Waterpark. The city is home to the deluxe Omni Viking Lakes Hotel at the heart of the Viking Lakes mixed-use development. The hotel campus features 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, additional outdoor meeting space and hospitality suites, a full-service spa, and a James Beard award-winning, chef-run restaurant, Kyndred Hearth. The hotel campus is also attached to the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings headquarters and training facility.

“We’re not surrounded by concrete and roads,” says Brent Glashan, general manager at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. “There are many walking and biking trails

around the lakes on our campus and along the greenway, and we’re connected to the Vikings facilities. So, whether visitors are here for meetings or events, or just having a leisurely holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside, enjoy nature, take in the shopping and entertainment amenities in the area, and just stretch out and get away from the hotel.”

The 14-story hotel was built in 2020 and features design elements inspired by American-Nordic landscapes. The property includes the full-service Idlewild Spa, which emphasizes thermotherapy with hot treatments (like the steam room or sauna) and cold treatments (including an invigorating ice fountain and deluge shower). The spa also has an indoor lounge with a fireplace; an exterior lounge equipped with a hot tub, lounge seating, and fire pits; and a relaxation room with Himalayan salt lining the walls.

The hotel has four restaurant and bar offerings including an upscale lounge, and

a coffee bar and market. The signature onsite restaurant, Kyndred Hearth, focuses on local, quality ingredients executed with simplicity by Minneapolis-based Chef Ann Kim at the helm.

“We’re really brand-forward,” says Glashan. “Because of Ann Kim and our Kyndred partnership, all of our food, including our catering, is executed at an exquisite level. We also embrace our community’s heritage with subtle nods to our agricultural history, Nordic culture, and the Vikings sports team. Moreover, how we manage our facilities and offerings is respectful of Minnesota attitudes—we’re not just a box of hotel rooms.”

Glashan adds, “More organizations are selecting Eagan because of our outdoor spaces and our hotel because of its luxury amenities. Moreover, we’re close to the international airport, and even closer to St. Paul’s private airfield.”

Brent Cory, president and CEO of Enjoy Eagan, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, emphasizes that the Viking Lakes development “has propelled Eagan’s meeting capabilities to new and exciting heights.” In addition to the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel meeting spaces, the adjoining TCO Stadium and its spacious plaza

FANTASTIC MEETINGS ARE FOUND IN EAGAN

❯ Complimentary meeting planning services provided

❯ Over 20 venues and 20 incredible hotels to choose from including the four-star Omni Viking Lakes Hotel

❯ Home of Twin Cities Premium Outlets® and five minutes from Mall of America®

Elevate your event with unforgettable experiences in the La Crosse Region! Whether your meeting is casual, your convention formal, or your sporting event is sold out, exceed attendees’ expectations between towering bluffs and along the mighty Mississippi River. Erik Sjolander, Director of Conventions: (608) 782-2298

Eagan’s convenient location near two interstate highways, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and Mall of America is optimal for meeting planners.

DESTINATION Eagan

give corporate and nonprofit planners enhanced capabilities for hosting elite events with attendance capacities topping out at 10,000. “Viking Lakes and the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in particular have taken Eagan’s meeting-hosting capabilities to an astonishing new level,” Cory says. “It’s exciting to think about what opportunities will exist once the campus is fully developed.”

Eagan also boasts a variety of conference centers for smaller groups. One of these spaces is the Eagan Community Center, which has nearly 5,000 square

feet of meeting space and is perfect for groups of 50 to 175 people. “The community center has inviting fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking beautiful Central Park,” says Cory. “The park itself has more than 5 miles of paved trails for walking, jogging, and biking, and offers a large playground for children, many picnic areas with tables and grills, and an outdoor amphitheater.”

Other entertainment options in Eagan include Cascade Bay Water Park, the largest municipally owned water park in the Upper Midwest, which has a lazy river, slides, and

pools for attendees and their families to enjoy during their downtime. Eagan’s Twin Cities Premium Outlets offers 80-plus designer and name-brand outlet stores, such as Nike, Coach, Under Armour, and Michael Kors. Bloomington’s Mall of America, a mere five-minute drive away, is home to more than 500 stores and 50 restaurants, along with Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life aquarium, and FlyOver America.

The staff of Enjoy Eagan “are happy to assist meeting planners with obtaining rates from Eagan’s 20 hotels,” Cory explains. “We’re able to make welcome

“More organizations are selecting Eagan because of our outdoor spaces and our hotel because of its luxury amenities.”

–BRENT GLASHAN, GENERAL MANAGER, OMNI VIKING LAKES HOTEL

The elegant Omni Viking Lakes Hotel has a warm environment with expansive views; Below: The prefunction space at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel has room for registration and more.

PHOTOS: OMNI VIKING LAKES HOTEL

bags for attendees, which can include visitor guides, maps, coupons, and information on all there is to see and do in Eagan and the surrounding areas. Our Enjoy Eagan team also offers registration assistance and can have staff on-site to answer questions from conference attendees.”

Denise Olsen, senior sales director at Enjoy Eagan, adds, “Our renowned hospitality, first-class amenities, and location have always propelled Eagan to the top of the list for most meeting planners.”

Eagan’s variety is an asset, too, adds Rebecca Scholz, events and program manager for the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. She notes, “In Eagan, you can find everything from the luxurious to the really down-toearth. Yes, Kyndred Hearth at the Omni is exquisite, but visitors also love the Volstead House Whiskey Bar & Speakeasy,” a brick hideaway with small plates, burgers, innovative cocktails, weekend brunch, and outdoor seating. Andiamo offers authentic Italian cuisine from insalata and zuppa (for starters) to pizza, pasta, and paninis—along with a full bar.

The popovers are a favorite at Jensen’s Food & Cocktails, a classic American steakhouse. Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill & Lounge offers fresh fare along with an outdoor hookah patio with its own flavor menu. “If you’re having a oneday meeting,” Scholz says, “Eagan has so many easy options for catering or deli food whether you’re looking for Mexican, sushi, pizza, Greek, Italian, or American.” Even the A&W Restaurant has plentiful outdoor seating to enjoy root beer and ice cream while soaking up Minnesota’s warm summer weather.

“Eagan is truly an exceptional option for groups and companies looking to hold their meetings, events, and planning retreats thanks to the city’s amazing amenities and absolutely perfect location,” she adds. “It’s a good place to come, as Eagan can be everything you need it to be.” eaganmn.com

Waterfront Wonders

Put these venues with views of Minnesota’s rivers and lakes at the top of your list of places to meet this summer

BY LAUREN PAHMEIER

» AFTER LONG, COLD WINTERS and unpredictable springs, there are few better places to soak up newfound warmth than on the water. As soon as the ice melts and temperatures start to rise, Minnesotans flock to their favorite watering holes to boat, paddleboard, fish, or simply relax along the shores.

While many Midwesterners simply love to participate in their favorite aquatic hobbies during the short warm season, recent studies have shown that there’s a deeper reason we as humans are collectively drawn to water. According to an article by Sarah Jacoby, a health reporter for the Today show, being within sight of water lowers psychological stress levels and mental fatigue. More specifically, the presence of lakes, rivers, oceans, waterfalls, and even water fountains can prompt mindfulness and reflection, a particularly desirable reaction for attendees of association meetings, corporate treats, and more.

Although the 9-to-5 responsibilities don’t disappear during Minnesota’s much-anticipated summer, full-time employees can still reap the benefits of the water while they’re on the clock with a little intentional planning. Booking gatherings at waterfront venues gives attendees a chance to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s blue spaces even before they sign off for summer weekends.

Continued on page 18

Duluth’s Pier B Resort; Above: Meeting at Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens in Brooklyn Park

VENUE R EPO R T Waterfront Wonders

Continued from page 16

LAKESIDE LOCALES

Luckily, the Land of 10,000 Lakes provides plenty of shoreline space and, therefore, waterfront venues. Our biggest lake, Lake Superior, feels more like an ocean—and Pier B Resort in Duluth capitalizes on those views, as the property is surrounded by the lake on three sides. “How often can you take a break from a meeting and see a freighter ship from another country pass by or view the sunrise on the water?” asks Lisa Filzen, director of sales at Pier B.

Both small and large groups can appreciate the breathtaking views of Duluth Harbor, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and more from the resort’s meeting spaces, where capacities range from 22 to 300. One of the most desirable spaces is the Rooftop Harborside Deck, where groups of up to 150 can gather for open-air cocktail receptions when the weather permits. However, if small groups prefer to be closer to the waves when 5 p.m. hits, renting a boat and departing from Pier B’s boat slip is another dreamy way to spend the golden hour. Either way, the outdoor hot tub and lakeside fire pits are satisfying ways to wrap up summer evenings—especially

when you keep the complimentary s’mores in mind. During downtime, guests can rent bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks.

Of course, Duluth isn’t the only lakeside destination in Minnesota. Closer to the Twin Cities is The Hotel Landing in Wayzata, situated near the shores of Lake Minnetonka. “We’re a destination that’s right here in the Twin Cities, where you can host a retreat without having to travel far. That’s really who our primary customer is,” says Diane Reardon, area director of sales and marketing.

Many clients of The Hotel Landing book multiday corporate retreats, often planning half days of meetings followed by afternoons turned evenings spent golfing, biking, boating, and exploring downtown Wayzata. “When you look at how big Lake Minnetonka is and all the different towns it incorporates, there is something for everybody around that lake,” says Reardon. No matter how attendees choose to spend their free time, each is made better because of the peace and relaxation that proximity to the water brings.

“How often can you take a break from a meeting and see a freighter ship from another country pass by or view the sunrise on the water?”

–LISA FILZEN, DIRECTOR OF SALES, PIER B RESORT

PHOTOS: KELLEY BRENNER; THE HOTEL LANDING

Stillwater River Boats on the St. Croix River; Right, above: Taking a break from meetings at The Hotel Landing; Right, below: An elegant tablescape on one of two Mezzanine-level porches at The Hotel Landing

RIVERSIDE SETTINGS

While Minnesota is known for its countless lakes, the state also has several major rivers that provide the same mental and psychological benefits upon exposure. In Brooklyn Park, Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens is another beautiful spot to take in views of the grand Mississippi.

“From virtually any spot on our property, a guest has amazing views of the Mississippi River,” says Erin Hegedus, general manager. “From our ballroom with floorto-ceiling windows on the east side facing the river, to our upper deck and lawn, and then all the way down to the river flats, there isn’t a bad spot to view the incredible gift of nature and the Mighty Mississippi.”

While Leopold’s has the 24-foot deck and the riverbank for outdoor spaces, the ballroom inside the venue can hold 330 seated, 500 standing, and up to 1,000 when planners use the indoor and outdoor spaces together. Since Leopold’s only hosts one event at a time, planners can be sure that there will be enough space and time for each attendee to soak in the beauty and benefits of nature— especially knowing that they don’t have to worry about parking, with 190 free spots available for attendees.

While events on the shoreline are surely stunning, planners can take it up a notch by booking events on the water itself. On the St. Croix River separating Minnesota from Wisconsin, Stillwater River Boats hosts events for groups of up to 675 on one of their six boats. Most cruises traverse the St. Croix River between Stillwater and Hudson for 2 1/2 to four hours at a time, covering around 10 round-trip miles per ride. Guests can relax when celebrating team accomplishments, company anniversaries, and more, taking in all of the waterfront wonders and peaceful views the St. Croix River Valley has to offer.

thehotellanding.com

leopoldsmn.com

pierbresort.com

stillwaterriverboats.com

LOVE IT LIKE WE DO

MORE

Every Effort

Counts

by SHELBY DEERING

AS A MEETING PLANNER, YOU CAN SLOW CLIMATE CHANGE— ONE MINNESOTA EVENT AT A TIME

Many are personally “going green” these days, whether it’s setting up a composter in the kitchen, taking public transit, or opting out of paper bills for digital versions. In fact, according to The Global Sustainability Study 2021 from Simon-Kucher & Partners, 85% of people worldwide purchase items with sustainability in mind. But as it turns out, being eco-conscious can go far beyond the home and our everyday lives. It can stretch to the events we attend as well.

St. Paul’s Paikka emphasizes locally grown food and flora, which reduces an event’s carbon footprint.

As a corporate and meeting planner, perhaps you’ve already started thinking green when orchestrating events. Or maybe this is your lightbulb moment to start. Either way, there are myriad opportunities nowadays for groups to be good environmental stewards while gathering in Minnesota. This can include planning events at sustainable venues with employees who take part in conservational volunteer projects in the community or minimizing trash and the use of plastic water bottles. Many hotels, venues, and restaurants across the state are doing more than ever when it comes to eco-friendly practices.

“I’m a firm believer in the Leave No Trace philosophy,” says Mary Carlson, owner and lead planner of Duluth’s Pure Event Planning & Design. “While this is typically applied to exploring the outdoors, it absolutely applies to events as well. Too often, groups leave a venue, and there is a literal dumpster full of trash—one-time-use decor, confetti, boxes that held the decor—left behind. An event lasts a day, a weekend, or a week, but the trash [produced at] events … might last longer than a lifetime. It’s our responsibility to try to reduce our footprint, and events are a simple way to do that.”

Liz Donato, venue director at Paikka, a St. Paul event space with a sustainability program, says it’s particularly easy to host a sustainable event in the state. She says, “Minnesota is lucky to have incredible farms and wholesale floral markets so you and your vendors can prioritize locally grown food and flora. This not only reduces your event’s carbon footprint but [also] gives your guests a unique and impactful experience.”

Even when an effort seems small, it can help to think of it as adding a single line to the story that is our planet. As Ashleyn Przedwiecki, founder and creative director at Minneapolis’ Luum Collective, puts it—remember, if you’re just starting on this journey toward sustainability, it’s OK to start small. Pick two or three focus areas and grow from there. Track your impact and celebrate all the wins along the way, no matter how small.

cutting down waste

Many environmental endeavors start with one main goal in mind: reduce waste—and lots of it— if possible. Mariah McKechnie, CEO and lead planner of Duluth’s Northland Special Events, says that large groups can challenge the environment with large sums of single-use plastic and accumulation of waste “from temporary settings,” as she calls them. If you want to cut down on waste at your event, it can greatly help to plan it at a venue that already has these practices in place.

Take the Saint Paul RiverCentre for example. Kate Setley, executive director and general manager, says it has recycling programs for over 12 different types of materials, encouraging event planners to recycle unusual items such as electronics, construction materials, grease, and pallets. As the only convention center in the world to be LEED-certified (a stringent green building certification), it also happens to be one of the first convention centers to introduce composting in public spaces. Last year alone, it recycled and composted 450 tons of waste.

Through its sustainability program, Paikka doesn’t allow single-use plastic and provides recycling and compost dumpsters. As a hotel, Four

PHOTOS: MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM; DISTRICT ENERGY; DON RIDDLE; (OPPOSITE) NYLON SADDLE

Clockwise from above left: Tables set for a cocktail reception at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; Solar panels on the roof of Saint Paul RiverCentre; Fire Table Terrace on the fourth floor of Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Seasons Hotel Minneapolis separates all compostable products from recyclables and landfill trash, as Samantha Langs, director of purchasing, shares. Catherine Eckert, co-owner of Minneapolis’ event venue The Luminare, says it provides a complimentary infused-water station with each rental to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bottles. And Sue Ellen Moore, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center director of sales, says that in 2019 alone, its compost program diverted 55,000 pounds from the landfill. These venues are definitely doing their part. And it can help to keep vendors in mind, too, if you want to go fully green with your event. Nick Peter, CSEP, event and facility sales manager at the Minnesota Orchestra (the first performing arts venue in the U.S. to achieve LEED certification), says it encourages all its vendors, especially caterers, to use sustainable practices and reusable or compostable service items.

SOURCING LOCAL EATS

Sometimes, saving the world can happen one bite at a time—that is, when you’re eating local. Eating local translates to keeping cross-country trucks off the roads and oftentimes savoring organic foods, thereby eliminating pesticide runoff. Przedwiecki also makes the point that by swapping one meat item, you can further reduce your carbon footprint.

With large ballrooms and event spaces, it’s hard to picture hotels and resorts as champions of sticking close to home and eating local, but at many Minnesota locales, it’s true. For instance, the chefs at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd source sustainable ingredients and stay local whenever possible—they even use some herbs grown onsite, according to Kelley Flahave, senior events manager. Radisson Blu Mall of America was the first LEED-certified hotel in the Twin Cities and continues environmental dedication by providing accurate headcounts at events to limit food waste and has “sustainability in its DNA,” as General Manager Alberto Abreu puts it.

“We focus on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and work directly with dozens of growers across Minnesota,” he says. “Our executive chef personally visits farmers markets and local artisan shops

Above: The waterfront Duluth Entertainment Convention Center composts food waste; Opposite: Brainerd’s Madden’s on Gull Lake sources sustainable ingredients.

“It’s our responsibility to try to reduce our f tprint, and events are a simple way to do that.”

MARY CARLSON OWNER AND LEAD PLANNER , PURE EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN

to ensure the best-quality ingredients are used and that they are sourced in a sustainable way.” The hotel even partners with a local pig farm to divert remaining food waste from landfills.

Small event venues and sizeable convention centers have also jumped on the eat-local bandwagon. Through its sustainability program, Paikka provides a preapproved list of caterers and bartenders who have conservation top of mind. Saint Paul RiverCentre has committed to menus full of foods that are sourced locally and grown and raised naturally without antibiotics or hormones.

Area restaurants with events spaces emphasize local as well. For her restaurants, Kim Bartmann, CEO and founder of Minneapolis’ Tiny Diner, says that she started focusing on sustainability in 2000. “We started with local sourcing, like serving 100% grass-fed beef and eliminating harmful seafood choices and kept going from there,” she says, practices that are still in place at Tiny Diner and her other eateries to this day.

SETTING A GREEN SCENE

Being environmentally friendly can come right down to the decor of an event, with trimmings that not only make a space look stunning but are also sustainable. In Minneapolis, Hotel Alma, a restaurant, cafe, and hotel, sticks to reused deco rations, sourced florals from local Twin Cities markets and organic vendors, and house-made beeswax candles for its events, as Gabriela Seidel, events coordinator, shares. Provided decor is made available to planners at The Luminare, focusing on popular visuals like arches, frames, and house greenery, which eliminate single-use items. It also offers projectors for things that would normally be printed, like bar menus, seat ing charts, and timelines.

At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, sustainable decor is built right in. Hailey Fenton, private and corporate events manager, says sustainable features include eco-friendly buildings with indoor venues along with gorgeous outdoor venues. “When you host your event at the arboretum, you’re supporting investments into the natural world,” she says. “That includes our ecofriendly gardening techniques, plant conservation, and habitat restoration.”

MINDING ENERGY USE

At sustainable events, it’s not just about the things that you can see— it’s also about the stuff you can’t see behind the scenes, like energy usage.

Many event venues take energy use very seriously, which pays off for an eco-friendly event. As Abreu shares, Radisson Blu Mall of America has become the first hotel in the world with a CarbinX carbon-capture unit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He explains, “This technology captures carbon dioxide from heating systems and converts it into a nontoxic powder that can be reused in products such as soap and detergent.” Additionally, they have LED lights in 95% of the building, plus its guest rooms are all equipped with smart thermostats.

Saint Paul RiverCentre is powered by Windsource renewable electricity, along with two solar arrays installed on its campus. “Saint Paul RiverCentre’s electricity use is down 37% since our efficiency efforts began over a decade ago,” Setley says.

U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis has an elaborate energy-tracking system. Shannon Kelly, director of events, says, “We have evaluation and monitoring processes in place to track energy use, which allows us to make real-time as well as long-term adjustments to stay on track with our goals.”

And there are other subtle ways to control energy usage, too. Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis has meeting spaces and public areas equipped with motion sensors and timed lighting to minimize energy use. Madden’s on Gull Lake has installed electric vehicle chargers and has switched some property vehicles to hybrids. McKechnie, who often partners with sustainable vendors, perfectly wraps up this relatively new approach to event planning by saying, “When it comes to saving the environment, every effort counts. With a large group, this effort is compounded significantly and can drastically decrease the footprint of the gathering.”

PHOTOS: NICK HOFFMAN; (OPPOSITE) NORTHERN IMAGES/DENNIS O’HARA

Nourishing the Mind in Hospitality

The industry is making strides toward a healthier work culture

In all professional enterprises, workplace stress is a common cause of mental health concerns—and the hospitality industry is no exception. According to the 2021 Mind the Workplace report by Mental Health America (MHA), the hospitality industry ranked as one of the top three unhealthiest industries in terms of overall health, financial health, burnout, supervisor support, and mental health outcomes—no doubt heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s also important to note how the pandemic fostered an uptick in mental health discourse in the workplace and encouraged industry leaders to better support the mental well-being of staff.

Mental Health in the Industry

Hospitality professionals tend to work unusual hours, which can lead to exhaustion and stress (FHE Health).

Nearly two-thirds of supervisors feel their role has become more di cult since the start of the pandemic, and many feel ill-equipped to provide helpful mental health support to team members (Lyra Health).

Six Action Items for Employers to Support Mental Health (Lyra Health)

1 Supervisors need to listen to employees’ concerns and encourage dialogue around mental health.

of survey respondents are comfortable talking about their mental health challenges at work compared to 23% in 2021.

3 Provide easier access to treatment options for major mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2 Ensure e ective care. On-the-job productivity is 27% higher among employees who received evidence-based treatments.

A study by Cohen Veterans Network and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing reports that 74% of surveyed Americans don’t believe reliable mental health services are accessible to everyone due to the following barriers:

High cost and insu cient insurance coverage

Limited options and long waits

Lack of awareness

5 Give managers the training and resources needed to support team members.

4 Support the mental health of employees’ families.

6 Design a positive and supportive work environment to combat burnout.

provide A Well-Rounded Benefits Program

According to MHA, the following perks are associated with the healthiest workplaces across industries:

Open-door policies and relaxed work environments

Pet-friendly o ces, on-site mental health services, and complimentary massage therapy

Opportunities for professional growth

Four out of five employers o er employee assistance programs to support mental health and assist with other issues that impact work and home life (America’s Health Insurance Plans).

Saint Paul RiverCentre Turns 25

» SAINT PAUL RIVERCENTRE CELEBRATES its 25th anniversary this year by honoring, in particular, its wide-ranging sustainability standards by planting a tree for each room booked for events during 2023. RiverCentre’s sustainability certifications include LEED-Platinum, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes, and Events Industry Council Gold certifications. Also, 100% of the energy used by events is powered by Xcel Energy’s Windsource program, providing power from renewable sources. With 250,000 square feet of space and three distinct venues in RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and Xcel Energy Center all under one roof, the complex can accommodate up to 15,000 people within its green

PORTABLE ART FOR TRADE SHOW BOOTHS & EVENTS

» BIG WALL D ECOR challenges the notion that owning large, beautiful artwork is only for the wealthy art connoisseur. With more than 20 years of experience printing for luxury brands, the Big Wall Decor team uncovered a new print and framing solution that makes it easy and affordable to display large-scale, on-trend artwork in trade show booths, at events, in the office, and at home.

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Spring Lake, Michigan, the company works with emerging artists who feature their Instagram handles and signatures at the bottom corner of the fabric prints and are paid based on each piece sold. A big bonus for the meetings and events industry is that the wall art is portable and can be quickly assembled or dismantled. Custom designs also can be printed on the durable, fade-resistant ArtFab fabric to stay in step with rapidly changing marketing campaigns. bigwalldecor.com –Beth

Buehler

bona fides. “No two rooms are ever set up the same [or] look the same, so it can accommodate many different events, which is what we love,” says Kate Setley, executive director and general manager of Saint Paul RiverCentre. “There’s no shortage of variety here.”

But it’s not just the green measures and the flexible spaces that keep groups coming back to RiverCentre. Setley adds, “We hear over and over and over about what’s unique about us … [and] it’s really the level of service that happens here.” Setley says that client survey respondents routinely choose the professionalism of the staff as RiverCentre’s most distinctive feature. “We take a ton of pride in that,” she notes rivercentre.org –Todd

R. Berger

GAMBIT BREWING CO. OPENS IN LOWERTOWN

» GAMBIT BREWING CO. opened a taproom in downtown St. Paul’s Endicott Building in January, within the historic space formerly occupied by 12welve Eyes Brewing, which shuttered in 2019. The Lowertown basement brewpub serves 11 inventive brews—from the West Coast IPA Disco Pony to the Derry Girl Irish Stout with its hints of coffee and chocolate. Seltzer cocktails also grace the menu with flavors such as ginger/lime and berries/thyme. –Todd R. Berger

gambitbrewingco.com

LAKE LIFE DONE RIGHT

Enjoy fresh, fantastic food, fast and friendly service, and the Twin Cities’ best waterfront patio!

Located on the shores of beautiful White Bear Lake, Admiral D’s is the perfect place to enjoy every moment of the summer season!

THE 1893 OPENS IN NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS

» ENTOURAGE EVENTS GROUP opened The 1893 at the Historic Grain Belt Office in late March, an elegant, venerable event venue across the street from the original Grain Belt Brewery in Northeast Minneapolis. Built 130 years ago, the brewery’s one-time business office closed in 2002—and Grain Belt is now brewed in New Ulm. Sensing a golden opportunity, Entourage stripped out the three-level business office’s drywall to expose the brick underneath, uncovered the hardwood floors, and spruced up the building’s three vaults—the latter being particularly memorable features of the venue.

“We tried to preserve and bring back to life the wood and the trim, and the original stained glass,” says Steve Hark, CEO and owner of Entourage Events Group. “I think this is one of the coolest buildings in our city.”

The main-level ballroom has capacity for 800 standing and 450 seated guests, under a rectangular stained-glass dome that runs the length of the room—which previously served as Grain Belt’s beer-tasting area.

–Todd R. Berger

entourageeventsgroup.com

AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE SELECTS STEENSON AS LEADER

Minneapolis’ American Swedish Institue (ASI) chose St. Paul native Molly Steenson as its president and CEO in March, and she will take the helm of the venerable cultural center in late July. In Steenson, the institute found a leader with vast expertise in academia, architecture, digital design, and user experience. Steenson is delighted about her appointment.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited,” she says. “One of the reasons I applied for this is because of how joyful a place it is for me, and that I notice when I see people coming through [the institute] … that there’s a real sense of warmth and a really happy buzz.”

Currently vice provost for faculty and a tenure-track professor in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—and a former consultant about user experience, digital strategy, artificial intelligence, and social

Pickleball Gains Traction in The Twin Cities

» COMBINING TENNIS, BADMINTON, AND PINGPONG, pickleball is booming as a team-building activity for groups around the country. Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, several top-notch pickleball clubs are available and offer group rentals.

LUCKY SHOTS PICKLEBALL CLUB in Minneapolis boasts eight indoor courts that are open year-round. The club, with its state-of-the-art cushioned court surface, can also create group events focused on team building. luckyshotspickleball.com

LEGACY PICKLEBALL CLUB opened a second Twin Cities location in Woodbury this past April (the other location is in Hopkins). The new club has six outdoor courts and plays host to events and tournaments. legacypickleballclub.com

SMASH PARK will debut in Roseville this fall. The club, which is already popular in Des Moines, Iowa, will provide modern pickleball facilities, equipment, and coaching—in addition to chef-crafted food and unique cocktails. smashpark.com –Eliana Kinzer

media—Steenson believes her background, particularly in the digital realm, will be helpful in her new position.

“I’m looking forward to bringing [digital design of messaging] into the way we tell stories and extend the reach of ASI,” Steenson says. “I’m curious [about] what happens when ASI extends its reach in social media in new and emerging ways. I’m looking forward to amplifying the conversations that ASI has … on mobile devices.”

Steenson, who holds a PhD in architecture from Princeton University, sees the institute’s historic Turnblad Mansion and the Nelson Cultural Center as naturals for events.

“[ASI] is such a community hub, both inside and outside,” she says. “I don’t view this as someplace you simply rent. I think that it’s someplace where you envision gatherings and a really warm sense of belonging.” asimn.org

–Todd R. Berger

Celebrating Live Events in Minneapolis

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) Minneapolis chapter hosted the 2023 Minnesota Star Awards at the end of March at Urban Daisy in Northeast Minneapolis. The annual awards celebrate all aspects of live events, from sky-high floral installations to creative culinary creations. Some 300 people from 45 companies attended this year’s awards ceremony.

1. Mermaid model from Enticing Entertainment 2. Mori Karasov

3. David Kisan and Suzanne Casler

4. Michael Stavredes, Ellaina Cullen, Matthew Trettel, and Erika Blank

5. Polynesian Skewers from Food Gallery Catering 6. Erin Winter, Ephraim Cruz Eusebio, and Paloma Rodrigues

7. Justen Pohl, James Peterson, and Heather McCormick 8. Ashley Cook, Jodi Collen, and Kastina Morrison

Selling Fun Experiences

Mall of America’s Group Sales Manager Sarah Anderson loves the mall’s fast pace for events—and she wants to bring more gatherings to the Bloomington landmark

BY TODD R. BERGER

Mall of America hosts some 400 events every year, and Group Sales Manager Sarah Anderson has a hand in all of them. The Rochester native came to the Twin Cities in 2007 to attend the University of Minnesota, and she got her first taste of working at the mall as a tourism intern. After graduation in 2011, she landed a job as events and marketing assistant at the mall and switched to sales—where she found her home—a few months later. Over the next few years, she held multiple sales roles with progressively increasing responsibility before landing in her current role as group sales manager in 2019.

And the seemingly endless offerings for groups help the mall sell itself with ease. “Mall of America is a great place to hold meetings and events because we have a variety of spaces within the building,” Anderson says. “We’re only 10 minutes from the airport. … There’s also so much to do under one roof … which is really unique.”

Growing up in Rochester with a mother who worked at Mayo Clinic, Anderson credits her mom as the strongest influence on her life. “She raised three children while working full-time and really taught me the importance of getting a good education, working on your own, but also still being able to have a family,” she notes. Anderson keeps busy alongside her work at the mall, too, adding that she’s planning her wedding for this September, as well as upcoming trips to Croatia and Greece next year with her partner. In the meantime, she’s jazzed about her job and looks forward to connecting visitors with the opportunities available at the mall.

“I get to sell fun experiences, which makes my job exciting and never dull,” she says. “We get to work with a wide variety of groups on a daily basis, and it’s fun to help them plan different events.”

PHOTO: ERICA LOEKS

P R OFILE Sarah Anderson

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