Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1356169
B M & T ••• March/April 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 49 M I N N E A P O L I S MINNEAPOLIS IS READY TO MEET YOUR MEETING NEEDS B Y R E G G I E M U R P H Y One-of-a-kind attractions. Tax-free shopping. Nationally praised dining. World-class theater. Museums galore. Green space. In Minneapolis, MN, you get two cities worth for the price of one. Whether you are planning a board meeting for 30, a shareholder meeting for 2,500 or a party for 10,000, the Minneapolis Convention Center is equipped with the amenities and services to ensure your event is successful. Designed to meet your business needs, the MCC is home to a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms and both a 28,000-sq. ft. ballroom and a 55,000-sq. ft. ballroom. And with over 9,000 rooms nearby, downtown Minneapolis hotels provide a range of options for places to stay. Black culture, heritage and history have been instrumental in making Minneapolis the city it is today. The importance of shar- ing the voices and stories of the Black community, is even MORE so now at this pivotal moment in history and always. There are many ways to begin the CHANGE and healing in a nation full of so much divide in its current state. One way to do so is by boosting economic wealth in the African-American communities throughout the city. Black-owned busi- nesses need your support and Minneapolis is filled with plenty of oppor- tunities to do so. Every Friday, May through September, watch for food trucks along West Broadway, featuring cuisine underrepre- sented elsewhere in the city. Look here for barbeque, Jamaican, loaded hot dogs, and more. This is the place to go if your cravings cannot be sated elsewhere in the city, like Wha' Jamaican who serves fiery jerk chicken, handmade Jamaican patties (not the frozen ones many Caribbean restaurants serve) and even ackee and saltfish, Jamaica's signature dish. Show your support to the Black com- munity by shopping at Black-owned bou- tiques and shops that fill the city of Minneapolis. From trendy clothing to quirky comic books, there are plenty of opportunities to support the culture. Minneapolis is lucky enough to be rep- resented by plenty of Black creatives shar- ing their unique perspectives and talents. And in a time where the country is focused on taking a stand against racism, supporting the work of Black artists is one way you can show a commitment to the community and social justice. Experience a Segway on a Magical History Tour of the historic Minneapolis Riverfront! A three-hour guided tour fea- tures stops at St. Anthony Main, Father Hennepin Park, Pillsbury A Mill, Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park, Gold Medal Park, Guthrie Theatre, Mill City Museum, West River Parkway, Hennepin Avenue Bridge, and Nicollet & Boom Islands. Private tours are available upon request for groups of 12 or more, or rent 2-70 Segways for corporate events, parties, and conventions. While in the city stop by the Mixed Blood Theater, a professional, multi-racial company that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence. Also explore the Penumbra Theatre. This theatre creates professional produc- tions that are artistically excellent, and illu- minate the human condition through the prism of the African-American experience. If you are contemplating bringing your meeting or convention to the area, be sure to reach out to Melvin Tennant, presi- dent/CEO of Meet Minneapolis. He and his team will pro- vide you with all the assistance you need to make your event their a mem- orable one. Compared to other metro areas, only one other U.S. city serves more nonstop markets per capita than the Minnea-polis-St Paul Inter-national Airport. The recent arrival of Southwest Airlines offers greater affordability, and MSP's central location offers a speedy trip (15 – 30 minutes) to the city. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 645 Minneapolis Marriott City Center 585 Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown 265 Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown 360 Hilton Minneapolis 821 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Minneapolis Convention Center Total Exhibit Space: 475,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 55,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms: 87 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Meet Minneapolis – (888) 676-MPLS www.minneapolis.org Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (651) 224-4320 AREA GUIDES Minneapolis Convention Center Photo Credit: Minneapolis CVB