Perks! Who doesn’t love them? But if you’re not taking advantage of all the complimentary services and benefits of working with Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) you are literally passing up on hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars’ worth of perks! The next time you are planning a meeting or event, consider enlisting one of these local Minnesota CVB destination experts who can not only help you work within the confines of your “streamlined” budget but also help you pilot the site selection process, arrange group transportation and more.
Home to the world-famous Mall of America, MSP International Airport, over 8700 hotel rooms in over 40 different hotels and more than 350 restaurants, this bustling city is the fourth largest in the state and just a 15-minute drive to the Twin Cities.
Benefits: Bloomington CVB offers a long list of valuable cost-free services for your event such as a welcome and hospitality booth on site, venue recommendations, bid presentation materials, liaison to hotels and customers, coordination of site visits, entertainment options, and discounts on rental cars and vans.
Conveniently located at I-35E and I-494 and only 5 minutes to MSP International Airport and Mall of America® offering complimentary shuttle service from most Eagan hotels. Eagan, Minnesota, is also home of the largest outlet mall and municipal waterpark in the Upper Midwest – Twin Cities Premium Outlets and Cascade Bay. Featuring 18 hotels including the 320 room Omni Viking Lakes Hotel located near Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, training facility for the Minnesota Vikings, over 100 dining options and always free parking.
Benefits: Eagan CVB will help you plan from beginning to end with cost free services including site selection, group “Welcome to Eagan” bags for attendees and assistance with planning attraction and activity area tours.
Head south out of the metro for thirty minutes and you’ll arrive in Lakeville “where nature meets the Twin Cities.” Not far from the tranquility of the city’s parks, lakes, and walking paths, visitors enjoy nearby Canterbury Park, Valley Fair, and the Minnesota Zoo, as well as four championship golf courses. Hotels range from upscale to budget-friendly and extended stay.
Benefits: The team at the Lakeville CVB are happy to recommend event facilities, venues, lodging and vendors such as caterers, entertainers, or photographers. They’ll also help with suggestions of team building activities and assist you in the planning process with their extensive referral network.
Just one hour south of the Twin Cities metro, you’ll be transported to Owatonna, known as the “Jewel of the Prairie.” This tree-filled city built on the shore of the Straight River is teaming with parks and trials, exciting outdoor activities year-round, shopping, entertainment and a downtown listed as a National Register Historic District.
Benefits: Owatonna’s capable and friendly tourism team can help with competitive bid presentations, requests to lodging properties, room block assistance, free welcome bags with visitor guides, maps and coupons, arrange a welcome by local dignitaries, and schedule group tours to local attractions. Additionally, a small grant program can help with the costs of advertising, meeting space, bus tours, and other convention needs.
A quick 30-minute jaunt east of the metro lies Stillwater, a picturesque town nestled up to the scenic St. Croix River and long considered the birthplace of Minnesota. It’s a place where paddle wheel riverboats and gondolas navigate the waters, shoppers hunt for treasures at more than 50 unique independent owner-operated boutiques and shops, and local wineries and breweries encourage sampling. Stillwater boasts over 20 venues and 400 lodging rooms, some of the best cuisine around, and limitless indoor/outdoor activities.
Benefits: Voted best Small Town CVB in Minnesota in 2015 and 2016, the Stillwater CVB team is ready to help you with group activity ideas, venue suggestions, free visitor guides, travel planning assistance, and more.
Known as “Minnesota’s Hometown” this welcoming city is located just one hour west of the metro. Comfortable hotels, dozens of restaurant choices, two golf courses, and the scenic Luce Line State trail that runs right through town makes Hutchinson the ideal spot for your meeting or event.
Benefits: Hutchinson’s online visitor’s guide is an easy-to-use guide developed by the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce with details on lodging, dining, parks and amenities, outdoor recreation, shopping, activities, and meeting and event facilities.
A little over an hour northwest of the metro lies St. Cloud, located along four major highways so it’s easy to get to. Downtown is within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The River’s Edge Convention Center offers 60,000 square feet of exhibit space with 13,000 square feet of breakout space.
Benefits: The team at St. Cloud Area CVB is there to help you through every step of planning including housing arrangements, event promotion, tour programs, collateral material design, as well as assist with locating the ideal event venue. They’ll help with a welcome center, registration assistance, name badges, and digital visitor services, along with dozens more services all available to you at no charge.
For a complete list of Minnesota Convention & Visitors Bureaus, view our directory here to start planning your next meeting or event today!
Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.
Take 5 Event Destinations | By Casey Romano, Publisher | September 20, 2024
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Spotlight | By Casey Romano, Publisher | July 18, 2024
As summer fades and autumn approaches, it’s the perfect time to consider hosting your retreat or conference in one of Minnesota’s stunning event destinations. Here are some inspiring locations that combine beauty, culture, and excellent facilities. Read more...
Take 5 Event Destinations | June 12, 2024
From hotels to restaurants to community and retreat centers, Eagan, Minnesota offers a variety of unique meeting venues with complimentary hassle-free parking and one of the lowest lodging tax rates in the metro area. Read more...
Take 5 Event Destinations | By Casey Romano, Publisher | February 19, 2024
Known as the birthplace of Minnesota, this charming river town is located on the scenic St. Croix River. Historic main street shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment year-round keep visitors coming back again and again. Read more...
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