Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1250931
B M & T ••• March/April 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 M I N N E A P O L I S MINNEAPOLIS, MN LAND OF MUSIC, ART AND CULTURE B Y T h e l o n i o u s A b b o r t President/ CEO Melvin Tenant of Meet Minneapolis is letting a well- kept secret out of the bag. There is much to enjoy in Minneapolis and so much culture that any meeting, conference, or gathering will have so many unforgettable experiences. Minneapolis is the largest city in the state of Minnesota and the larger of the Twin Cities, the 16th largest metropolitan area in the United States. As of 2018, Minneapolis has an estimated population of 425,403, making it the 46th largest city in the nation. The Twin Cities metropolitan area consists of Minneapolis, its neighbor St. Paul. The Allianz Field, is a brand new soccer stadium that accompanies the Minnesota Vikings Sports. The Minneapolis Convention Center is fully equipped with proper amenities, size and staff to accommodate meetings, weddings, banquets and social events of any magnitude. The venue is equipped with a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 87 meet- ing rooms, a 28,000-sq. ft. ballroom and a 55,000-sq. ft. ballroom to be exact. The Minneapolis Convention (MCC) is close to the sports, art, music, theater, festi- vals, food and beer that make Minneapolis a vibrant city. Minneapolis has 7,000 rooms down- town of varying price points and types, and nearly 5,000 of those are within half a mile of the Minneapolis Convention Center. Even if one hotel can't hold your whole delegation, it's guaranteed that your attendees won't be more than a quick walk away from headquarters. In all, there are 51 hotels with a total of 11,283 sleeping rooms area wide. The arts district offers a view into the galleries of artists, museums, and classes for the daring. The solar arts building offers access to creatives, and their cre- ations. Visual arts have a large elemental presence. The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery situates African-Americans in the context of Minnesota's development over time The fundamentals of the Minneapolis economy are solid, and should bounce back after the Corona Virus runs its course. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is the third largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago and Detroit. Minneapolis has been a financial center for decades. The economy of Minnea- polis today is based in commerce, finance, rail and trucking services, health care, and industry. Smaller com- ponents are in publishing, milling, food processing, graphic arts, insurance, education, and high technology. Industry produces metal and automotive prod- ucts, chemical and agricultural products, electronics, computers, precision med- ical instruments and devices, plastics, and machinery. As a place to enjoy the great out- doors, Minneapolis located on the banks of the Mississippi River has multiple lakes. Ways to enjoy the water include a Walk across the iconic Minneapolis bridge that overlooks the Mississippi River. or take a ride down the great river on the riverboat Minneapolis Queen Peddlewheeler. In addition, there are 13 lakes in Minneapolis. Voted "Best Airport in America," the (MSP) Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport is a centrally-located travel hub revered for its ease of check-in, security, and amenities. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Millennium Hotel Minneapolis 321 Crowne Plaza Minneapolis 245 Intercontinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport 291 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.mimmeapolis.org AREA GUIDES Minneapolis Convention Center Photo Credit: Minneapolis CVB