Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1494066
B M & T ••• March/April 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 47 M I N N E A P O L I S AREA GUIDES WORLD CLASS VENUES COMBINED WITH RICH HISTORY MAKE FOR AN IDEAL MEETING DESTINATION B Y D E L R O Y M A S T E R S 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. Include a world-class convention center and a multitude of unique meeting venues and you have got the PERFECT location to hold a meeting or event of any size. The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is prepared and excited to wel- come guests back to the largest conven- tion center in the Upper Midwest. They have implemented a multi-layered health and safety approach for their team mem- bers, streamlined additional parking options, redesigned and enhanced their cleaning protocols, and improved their training processes for all employees. Additionally, they continue to provide attendees with an award-winning user experience through easy navigation, multi- ple on-site food options, and top-notch guest services, available at any time throughout the building. The MCC is accessible through the skyway system from multiple nearby hotels and parking ramps. The skyway also connects visitors to popular restaurants, shopping destina- tions and attractions. As the largest event space in the Upper Midwest the MCC is well equipped with 1.6 million square feet of space including a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, 87 meeting rooms, a 28,000-square-foot ball- room and a 55,000-square-foot ballroom. When your guests break away from meetings they have the option to stroll through the "Broadway" Theatre District and view a building that set the Guinness World Record as the largest structure ever moved on rubber-wheeled dollies. Enjoy VIP service at some of the newest and hottest award-winning restaurants downtown. You will also sample and learn the art of local beer making with a local brewery. The Taste Twin Cities Tour includes seeing the Minneapolis sky- scraper that was modeled after the Washington Monument, and visiting the tallest building in Minneapolis. Along the way you will also visit quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership, including a favorite since 1932. You'll participate in beer sampling and learn the secrets behind the delicious food you are enjoy- ing. You'll leave the tour with a tasty expe- rience of some of the best food finds Minneapolis has to offer, all while learning history of downtown and soaking in the local culture. The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis is the site of George Floyd's death and has become a gathering place for people to pay their respects and remember him. It is an important space for racial healing and justice among many members of the com- munity and visitors from all over. This area, also called George Floyd Square, pays tribute to his life and is a powerful way for the Minneapolis community to rally around the importance of Black lives. Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the site. Historical landmarks, churches, and museums can teach us how Minneapolis became the city it is today and allow us to reflect on the origins of our Black commu- nity. Check out historical sites that honor the stories and contributions to Black cul- ture in Minneapolis like the Lee House, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Moral Hall. If you are planning to bring a meeting or convention here, be sure to contact Meet M i n n e a p o l i s P r e s i d e n t / C E O Melvin Tennant. He and his team will provide you with all the support you need to ensure a successful event. Minneapolis St. Paul Airport is a Delta hub, located with- in a 3-hour flight from almost every- where in the U.S. and the Light rail con- nects attendees straight to the compact, walkable downtown with dozens of entertainment options. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown 290 Tru by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown 99 Home 2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown 203 Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 645 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Minneapolis Convention Center Total Space 475,200 sq. ft. Largest Hall 100,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 28,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 87 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Meet Minneapolis – (888) 676-MPLS www.www.minneapolis.org Minneapolis Convention Center photo credit: Minneapolis C.C