Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543954
B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 54 MINNESOTA AREA GUIDES MINNESOTA, A STATE PROVING TO BE A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR YOUR NEXT GROUP MEETING BY PATRICE A. KELLY Minnesota, known as the "Star of the North", is a dynamic state in the Upper Midwest of the United States. It's famous for its 10,000+ lakes, diverse outdoor recreation, rich cultural history, and wel- coming inclusive vibe. The state's geogra- phy includes forests, prairies, and water- ways, which makes it a draw for nature lovers and urban explorers alike. Across all seasons, Minnesota blends energetic city life, natural beauty, festivals and cultural events, and a strong culinary scene. These are the perfect parameters for meeting delegates looking to extend stays or mix business with leisure. MINNEAPOLIS Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city, anchors the Twin Cities metro region and serves as a Midwest cultural and business hub. The city's compact, convenient downtown combines urban energy with open space. Attendees can move from sessions to walking across historic river bridges, exploring lakes and parkways, or relaxing along the city's Mississippi River corridor. Minneapolis' meeting core focuses on the 2025 Venue Excellence Award win- ning Minneapolis Convention Center, which hosts mid-size conferences and city- wide gatherings. The facility features 480,000 sq. ft. of show space, a 28,000- sq. ft. ballroom, a 3,400-seat auditorium, and 90 meeting rooms. Downtown Minneapolis hotels like The Royal Sonesta, Four Seasons, and The Westin, plus events, and restaurants are all connected by a climate-controlled Skyway system for winter travel. This design makes scheduling more effective, facilitates evening activities, and simplifies trans- portation needs. Minneapolis' cultural diversity enha- nces activities beyond the meeting room. The Minnesota African American Herit- age Museum and Gallery and the Minneapolis Museum of Art offer exhibits showcasing the art and historical contri- butions of African Americans. Landmark music outlets such as first Avenue and 7th St Entry, the primary local venue for late icon Prince, host live shows, while the- aters, and galleries are great for hosted outings. The North Loop and Warehouse District include great nightlife, live music, and comedy venues. Restaurants in the city, like Pimento Jamaican Kitchen and Cobble Social House, encourage dine-arounds and sponsor-hosted dinners. Another bonus for meeting in Minnea- polis is its accessibility, attracting regional and national visitors. Over 36 million peo- ple pass through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport yearly. Combined with Minneapolis' walkability, bike infra- structure, and a robust park system, the city creates an environment where compa- ny goals and attendee well-being overlap. Be sure to contact Meet Minneapolis President/CEO Melvin Tennant or one of his team members if you a re contemplating taking your meeting or convention to Minneapolis. They will provide you all of the support you need to make your event a success. ST. PAUL Located along the Mississippi River, St. Paul's compact, down- town convention core has a skyway system that makes getting between meetings, hotels, and restaurants easy, especial- ly in winter. The Saint Paul RiverCentre, with over 230,000 sq. ft. of adapt- able event space, has exhibition halls, a ball- room, and multiple breakout rooms for vari- ous-sized conferences. As the center is connected to a larger complex of ven- ues, you can also use the nearby Roy Wilkins Auditorium for general sessions and major performances and its exhibit hall for registration, dinners, sponsor acti- vations, or overflow exhibitions. Downtown headquarters hotels are designed for meetings. The InterCont- inental Saint Paul Riverfront has large meeting space for pre-conventions or executive tracks, while The Saint Paul Hotel is a more traditional venue for lead- ership meetings, receptions, and formal dinners near the conference center. Organizing neighborhood dining is simple. The Downtown and Lowertown districts have close venues. On West 7th, try the international menu at the Afro Deli and enjoy the area's busy bar culture. Nearby Grand Avenue has neighborhood restaurants for relaxing group trips. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Saint Paul – (800) 627-6101 www.visitsaintpaul.com Minneapolis cityscape photo credit: Minneapolis C.C • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown 360 Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis 222 The Westin 214 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Minneapolis Convention Center Total Meeting 480,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 99,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 90 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Meet Minneapolis (612) 767-8000 www.minneapolis.org