Divine Destinations — What Makes These Minnesota CVBs Fabulous?

Planners who are planning on planning a destination event this year want to plan something memorable. But all the planning in the world won’t make a happening happen if the destination is undesirable.  This year, why not dare to be different? We know of some pretty prime locations that are practically perfect in every way. \

Metro

Mix things up by meeting in the metro. Just minutes from a thriving downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Northwest CVB has some exciting options to offer. Representing the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Maple Grove, the area possesses versatile meeting venues, sporting facilities, 1900 guest rooms and a helpful CVB staff to assist you in planning your event from start to finish. Twin Cities Gateway will help you make a splash in any of the nine communities it represents, including Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton and Shoreview. Highlights include 22 lodging properties, a diverse selection of meeting venues, plus amazing local attractions, golf, Water Park, shopping, parks, restaurants and more.

Central

Just north of the metro you'll find an area lush with tall pines, verdant farm land, and sparkling lakes. The St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau delivers big city services in an area that prides itself on beautiful surroundings and small town charm. Call on these folks for planning assistance, site inspections, event promotions, housing arrangements, local supplier referrals and more.

Back East

Sophistication, charm or just good old fashioned fun can be discovered when you enlist the complimentary aid of The Roseville Visitors Association. Happy to help, these planning pros will show you how to score some of the east side’s best banquet facilities, community venues, and University of Minnesota campus meeting spaces, as well as the nearby Como Zoo and Conservatory, and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Out west

When you head out west, you’ll discover it’s not as wild and untamed as you may have thought. Ask the good folks at the Willmar Lakes Area CVB. They’ll tell you with multiple event spaces that serve 75 to 750 people, a host of hotels, motels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts, plus area attractions that include swimming, fishing, hiking, biking trails, golf and more, you couldn’t pick a better place to settle down for a great event. The same could be said for Fergus Falls CVB. Just a short trek from Fargo and the Twin Cities, Fergus Falls combines the beauty of amazing lake country with the comfort of rustic and charming resorts, multiple hotels, and a wide range of meeting and event venues.  And since there’s no place like home, you should probably plan to Explore Hutchinson, recognized as “Minnesota’s Hometown.” Check out the Crow River Winery, the Crow River Golf Club, the Hutchinson Center for the Arts or any of the other amazing, entertaining and welcoming attractions and venues. Or give the folks at the Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau a shout. They’ll be happy to tell you about their breathtaking country surroundings that feature more than 400 lakes within 25 miles. Whether you want to plan a large event at the Minnesota State Technical College or a smaller, more team-focused gathering at one of the many nearby lake resorts, Detroit Lakes has the place and the space for you.

Down south

Mosey on down south of the metro to find some of the finest down home/high tech places to stay in the state. The planning pros at Eagan CVB will be happy to help you find the perfect venue or hotel for your conference or training session, whether that’s at the Eagan Civic Arena or the New Horizons Computer Learning Center. The friendly folks at Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism are ready to make you feel right at home with a wide range of free services, including pre-convention bidding assistance, event/program planning, notices and calendar of events, group tours, visitor information and area coupons. Boasting one of the state’s major tourist destinations, the pros at Bloomington CVB have lots to brag about. But MOA isn’t the only thing. Of course, there’s the nearby MSP International Airport, some of the area’s finest hotels and restaurants, and a nightlife with more than 100 venues that make it second to none. But if you’re looking for a fast pace place to host your event, head toward the Lakeville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. They’ll steer you toward the famous ELKO Speedway Champions Event Center for groups of up to 1000. Or, if intimate is more your speed, the Lakeville Arts Center for groups of up to 200 (or any one of dozens more venues.)

The staff at Experience Burnsville CVB makes your convenience a priority with free parking, affordable lodging options, unique meeting spaces and easy access from major interstates and highways. But if you’re focused on the post-event part, you’ll want to call on the crew at the Albert Lea CVB where you’ll find an abundance of year-round recreational activities, comfortable accommodations, beautiful lakes parks, trails and more.

No matter what direction you take, you’re sure to find a fresh place and an interesting space to meet for your event in the great state of Minnesota. Not sure where to start? Try our free Minnesota destination meeting planner guide and request information or a quote from one or all of our destination.