Lions Clubs International Selects metroConnections, Inc. To Provide Event, Transportation Services

Minneapolis-based metroConnections, Inc. has been awarded the contract to manage transportation logistics, shuttle services, group tours and special events for the Lions Clubs International Convention to be held in Minneapolis, Minn., July 6 through 10, 2009. The team working on the services for the Lions Clubs International Convention is led by metroConnections founder and President Sam Thompson.

metroConnections’ Transportation & Tours division will provide shuttle service for more than 18,000 people – including 100 international delegations representing six continents. Shuttle services will run between the Minneapolis Convention Center and more than 20 hotels utilizing at least 200 motor and mini coaches throughout the week.

In addition to assuring smooth, timely and courteous pick-up and drop-off services during the event, metroConnections will offer three kinds of custom group tours for convention attendees - Convention Week tours, DGE (District Governors-Elect) tours and Pre-Post tours. Ten types of tours will be offered, including a gangster tour called Saint Paul’s Notorious Past; and a fireworks cruise called The Big OOH AAAH! on the Mississippi River in St. Paul.

metroConnections’ Event Production division is working on many special events for the Lions Clubs’ attendees including a special Oktoberfest celebration on the Mississippi Riverfront and an awards banquet honoring their Everyday Heroes.
As the founding service of the company in 1984, metroConnections Transportation and Tours division has managed transportation logistics and shuttle service for many of the Twin Cities’ major gatherings and events, including:

• US Figure Skating Championships – In January 2008, metroConnections moved more than 30,000 people, including fans, athletes and coaches, and worked collaboratively with the Twin City Figure Skating Association, Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority, Xcel Energy Center, the United States Figure Skating Association and Saint Paul public officials.
• Andersen Corporation – 100th Anniversary Founder’s Day Celebration, 2003, Harriet Island and Xcel Center, St. Paul, MN. metroConnections handled, registration, pre-event pass delivery, signage, parking and shuttle transfers for 12,000 guests.
• NCAA Final Four – In March and April of 2001, metroConnections moved 7,500 people, including teams, staff and fans, working collaboratively with University of Minnesota, NCAA and public officials.
• Alcoholics Anonymous – The largest convention in Minnesota history, held in 2000 where metroConnections managed 25 shuttle routes, with 200 buses, for more than 50,000 attendees, moving between 96 hotels and the Minneapolis Convention Center and the HHH Metrodome.

About metroConnections, Inc.

metroConnections provides complete conference, event and transportation services for meeting and event planners nationwide. As the leading destination management company since 1984, metroConnections utilizes its expertise and resources to specialize in the design and implementation of theme events, activities, transportation, tours and conference program logistics and meetings.  The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., with additional offices in Bloomington, Minn. and Burnsville, Minn.

About the 2009 Lions Clubs International Convention

Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.

LCI is making plans for an exciting 92nd Lions Clubs International Convention from July 6-10, 2009 in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Lions from across the globe have gathered together annually since 1917 to celebrate the International Convention. For many Lions and their families, attending the convention has become a yearly tradition, synonymous with the excitement of visiting new places and experiencing other cultures. The convention offers an ideal setting for reuniting acquaintances and making new friends. Lions also learn about other club and district projects, participate in the parade and elections, attend seminars and make personal connections with international leaders and representatives from headquarters.