Back to School Means Back to Planning Minnesota

After a long lazy summer, there’s something invigorating about autumn — cooler temps, cozy sweaters and the satisfaction of getting back to business. It’s also the perfect time to learn new ways to earn an A+ in fall event planning.

The ABCs of CVBs
For a quick education in comprehensive planning, check out Minnesota’s many Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs). They offer an array of options to accommodate your guests’ agendas.  The best part? CVBs are a one-stop, expert resource on everything local, from the finest venues, to the hottest attractions, to money-saving deals on events, lodging, and meeting spaces.

Striving for balance between work and play? Consult with the experts at any Metro area CVB. Just minutes from the MSP Airport and the world-famous Mall of America, and surrounded by parks, restaurants and hotels, either the Bloomington CVB or Burnsville CVB can help you choose the perfect spot for your event. Consulting the Eagan CVB is a real no-brainer. They get top scores for low lodging taxes, while you can’t go wrong asking Visit Lakeville about Minnesota’s premier draws, including the Minnesota Zoo and Valleyfair or the Roseville Visitors Association for the Minnesota State Fair. And if you’re looking for access to sporting events, golf tournaments and more, call on Visit Minneapolis North CVB.

Southern Minnesota CVBs are true scholars on the subject of Minnesota’s most picturesque regions. Ask the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce + Tourism, Greater Mankato CVB, Albert Lea CVB or Red Wing CVB about small town surroundings coupled with big city meeting/convention capabilities.

If you yearn to learn more about Northern Minnesota museums, galleries, and gardens just minutes from a 100,000 square-foot Civic Center, ask the Saint Cloud Area CVB. Of course, your event would be incomplete if you failed to consult with the Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau, located in the heart of Lake Country, in the land of 10,000 lakes.

The Three R’s of Accommodations—Rest, relaxation and ROI
Perfect accommodations are an ideal blend of comfort and amenities that justify time and expense. For places that answer all your needs, look to some of the finest hotels and resorts Minnesota has to offer.

Looking for class? The luxurious Crowne Plaza Bloomington offers guests plush comfort and deluxe meeting facilities along with convenient proximity to the MSP International Airport and the Mall of America. The elegant Saint Paul Hotel provides guests with old-world European inspired charm while offering exquisite catering services and meeting and event spaces, state-of-the-art technology and support, and a professional staff who will passionately see to even the smallest detail.

Don’t know much about history? The Depot Minneapolis, A Renaissance Hotel is a beautifully restored former Milwaukee Road train depot, featuring an award-winning hotel, water park, meeting facilities and an enclosed ice skating rink. For distinctive historic spaces including the Victorian Dining Room, experience The Saint James Hotel conveniently located less than one hour from the Twin Cities in Red Wing.

Need to ace geography? When location is critical, take advantage of spacious facilities, luxurious suites, and all-inclusive accommodations at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America, just minutes from either Minneapolis or St. Paul.

The art of planning? With the sophistication of the Marriot Minneapolis West, its outstanding catering, abundant on-site amenities and close proximity to major corporations and downtown Minneapolis, your conference can be a stylish event.

Remember, fall planning begins now. Explore all the possibilities when you look to Minnesota’s CVBs, or make the grade with any of Minnesota’s magnificent hotels, resorts and attractions.