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MEETING IN THE "TWIN CITIES" IS PERFECT FOR AN EVENT OF ANY SIZE BY REGGIE MURPHY 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. With 30 theater venues, more than 10 dance companies, 30 classical music groups and nearly 60 museums, it's no wonder we've been called the Midwest's cultural capital. And it's not just numbers that impress, but what's inside. If that's not enough to impress you, Minneapolis also has industry icon Melvin Tennant serving as president/CEO of Meet Minneapolis. Be sure to give them a call as you plan your next event in the area. Whether you are planning a board meeting for 30, a share- holder 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. The history, art, culture and beauty of Minneapolis are marvels that must be experienced rather than witnessed. Nature meets skyscrapers, blending together to create unique sights and attractions that can only be experienced in Minneapolis. Tour the city with a knowl- edgeable guide, or venture into an adven- ture of your own; either way, the life of this city will unfold before your eyes. In Minneapolis, spectators become partici- pants, so get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture. Who was Dred Scott? Would the DFL exist if it weren't for Nellie Stone Johnson? Have you used something invented by Fredrick McKinley Jones? Where would we be without the work of Roy Wilkins? You can find the answers out to these questions and many, many more at the Minnesota African-American Museum and Cultural Center (MAAM). The history of African-Americans in Minnesota is rich, varied and sometimes difficult. The future for African-Americans in the region is bright and beautiful. (MAAM) celebrates the contributions made by African-Americans in Minnesota and the Midwest. MAAM educates and ensures that future generations will have the knowledge, skills and information they need to compete and succeed for many years to come. MAAM partners with local schools to host field trips, educational workshops and performances. The historic building serves as community space in which diverse organizations can promote cross- cultural understanding. The museum is an interactive classroom, a first-class gather- ing space and a beacon of hope. 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. Compared to other metro areas, only one other U.S. city serves more nonstop markets per capita than the Minneapolis- St Paul International Airport. The recent arrival of Southwest Airlines offers greater affordability, and MSP's central location offers a speedy trip (15 – 30 min- utes) to the city. B M & T ••• March/April 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 51 • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 645 Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown 265 Best Western Plus Normandy Inn & Suites 199 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The Minneapolis Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 475,000 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 M I N N E A P O L I S Minnesota City Skyline MELVIN TENNANT Photo Credit: Minneapolis CC