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Minneapolis is truly a “City by Nature.” Don’t miss exploring the Mississippi River located in downtown Minneapolis — one of the many beautiful parks and trail systems you’ll find in the city. (Nathan Klok/Courtesy Meet Minneapolis)
Minneapolis has everything any group could need or want in a destination — a walkable downtown, an award-winning convention center, and numerous meeting incentives. But these aren’t the only reasons it’s the perfect place to host safe and memorable events — it’s also a city dedicated to becoming “a safe and equitable city for everyone to live, work, and visit.”
Here are the top eight reasons for organizers to make Minneapolis their next event destination:
- A Community Leading the Path Forward
On May 25, 2020, the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis Police Officer “was a moment in time that really reignited a movement across this country and around the world,” Melvin Tennant, CEO and president of Meet Minneapolis, said in a 2020 Convene interview. Minneapolis, he said, is “a place where this movement was reborn, and we take that responsibility and that stewardship very seriously.”
Meet Minneapolis supports the social justice work being done in the city and has worked to help tell the “story of a community embarking upon a healing and introspection process,” Tennant wrote on the organization’s website. The site includes a Support Black Lives page that highlights the community’s Black history, culture, and Black-owned businesses.
The DMO has also begun to create ways for planners and their attendees to partner with the Minneapolis community on the important work being done.
The safety of those visiting Minneapolis for work, fun, or for meetings and events is a top priority for the city. Part of that safety assurance comes from our Downtown Improvement Districts Ambassadors, who make the rounds of 120 blocks of downtown Minneapolis year-round.
- Incentives: Get More For Less
Meet Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and area hotels have pulled together attractive 2021-23 incentive packages for events of all sizes. Get ready to save on room nights, food and beverage, and much more.
- Delta Air Lines Hub and a Compact City That’s Easy to Explore
- Minneapolis Convention Center
The award-winning convention center offers 1.2 million feet of meeting space and important safety protocol. The MCC Client Event Health & Safety Plan including advance filtration, our GBAC STAR Accreditation — and a growing list of successfully hosted, safe events — demonstrate that we prioritize health and safety.
- 9,000+ Rooms Downtown — With 4,500 Connected Via Skyway
Minneapolis has hotels to fit all budgets. With more than 4,500 rooms conveniently connected to the Minneapolis Convention Center via Skyway, attendees are always a quick indoor walk from their meetings and events.
- Unique Meeting and Event Venues
Whether your group wants to be on the water or on a rooftop with breathtaking views, Minneapolis has just the unique venue to ensure your attendees get plenty of Instagram moments.
A visit to Minneapolis is not complete without a visit to Paisley Park — Prince’s home and studio that is now museum. (Courtesy Paisley Park-NPG Records)
- Great Bites, Brews, and Fun
Bring your appetite and an extra bag when exploring Minneapolis’ exciting restaurants, shops, and attractions. The city has no sales tax on clothing and shoes, a top craft beverage scene, and global flavors. So when the meeting ends, the fun begins!
Chef Sean Sherman and his wife and business partner, Dana Thompson, owners of Owamni by The Sioux Chef, are committed to revitalizing Native American cuisine in Minneapolis. Owamni is located in the new Water Works Pavilion on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. (Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board)
- City by Nature: Top Parks, 22 Lakes and the Mighty Mississippi
With one of the top-ranked park systems in the nation, the Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi River, two waterfalls, and more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails just steps from the urban action, attendees will have endless options to enjoy a day of outdoor adventure any time of year.
