Unconventional: Complete Guide to Minnesota Conference and Convention Centers

Ever play “20 Questions” as a kid? For the three of you out there who didn’t, it was a word game in which you had to guess an item your opponent was thinking of based on the clues you could gather by asking 20 questions or less. Choosing a Minnesota conference or convention center for your meeting or event can feel like that sometimes. There are so many things to consider and at first glance, every facility is going to seem like a mystery. That’s why we devised this guide to asking all the right questions, so that when you do choose your conference or convention center, it’s exactly what you hoped for and expected. 

1. Is it conveniently located near an airport? If many of your attendees will be flying in, the Minnesota event facility should be close enough to the airport to make that commute convenient.

2. Is there an airport shuttle service available? This could mean all the difference in attendees’ attitudes, relieving them of a sometimes nerve-racking detail of travel planning.

3. Is public transportation close by? Commuter trains that offer a variety of scheduling options may make your guests journey efficient and easy.

4. Are transportation options available 24/7/365? Since your attendees will not all arrive at the same time, transportation options need to be plentiful and round the clock.

5. What kind of Minnesota hotel accommodations are close to the facility? Are there enough rooms nearby to house not only your attendees, but possibly their families or any co-workers or support staff who accompany them?

6. What kind of amenities do the Minnesota conference and convention area hotels offer? Will your guests enjoy a business center, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, restaurant or other full-service amenities they might want or even expect?"

While asking your questions, you might want to consider:

Earle Brown Heritage Center
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
University of St. Thomas Minneapolis Campus
Saint Thomas University - Facilities Scheduling (St. Paul Campus)
Gainey Conference Center
Four Seasons Center
St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center

Located near buzzing metro areas, and conveniently close to many award-winning hotels. For a complete listing of Minnesota conference centers, view our Minnesota conference center guide now. Prefer a convention center? Check out our Minnesota convention center directory.

7. Are there a variety of restaurants in the area? A wide range of choices is always a good thing, especially if they’re within walking distance of the conference center or convention center.

8. What kind of attractions are within close proximity of the facility? Look for a variety of attractions and activities close by for family members accompanying attendees or for after conference or convention hours entertainment.

9. Will local restaurants offer your attendees discounts? Ask your facility coordinator if area eateries will typically offer specials for your attendees.

If you’re looking for facilities located close to famous attractions and fun activities, be sure to check out:

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
Cragun's Conference & Golf Resort
Grand View Lodge
Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge
Superior Shores Resort & Conference Center

10. Does the available meeting space meet your requirements for the number of attendees? Adequate space is critical, so ensure that there’s enough room to comfortably serve all your guests.

11. Can you safely store materials or supplies there overnight? If your meeting spans several days, can you safely secure meeting materials at the facility? This could save a tremendous amount of time and trouble for you.

12. What services does the Minnesota conference or convention center offer? Do they supply meals? Offer refreshments? Will they provide support and wait staff?"

13. Are you getting the best possible price? Make sure you compare prices and services with other facilities to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

14. Does the Minnesota conference or convention center offer an inclusive, per-person daily rate? Referred to as a CMP (Complete Meeting  Package) this will often consist of guest rooms, meeting rooms, basic A/V equipment, three meals and refreshment breaks. You’ll want to ensure that it does.

Reputations for quality service and attention to detail make any number of our Minnesota conference centers or Minnesota convention centers worth exploring for your event.

15. How’s the furniture in the meeting room? Make sure the furniture is ample, sturdy, comfortable and sufficient for your purposes.

16. Are meeting rooms soundproof? The last thing you want is extraneous noise from heating/air conditioning, traffic, other meetings or traffic in the hallways.

17. What is lighting like in conference meeting rooms? Is there natural light or if not, at least adequate lighting in which to comfortably work?

18. Are there separate dining facilities available? It can be very beneficial to have a separate space to which attendees can break away, relax and enjoy a meal.

19. Will a designated conference planner be assigned to your group? Does the facility assign a single point of contact person to answer all your questions and spearhead all arrangements?

20. Is the conference planner experienced? You want to make sure this person is knowledgeable and informed, as well as experienced enough to suggest effective room setups, menu planning, coordination of A/V equipment and other strategies for your conference or convention.