Know Your Place — 10 Best Trade Show Spaces in Minnesota

As any planner knows, there are a million things to consider when choosing a venue for a trade show. Location, size, accessibility, floor plans, traffic flow, and much, much more. If you’re in the midst of the madness of planning a trade show, stop stressing. We’ve found 10 of the best trade show spaces in Minnesota just for you.

1. Willmar Conference Center, Willmar

Located just two hours west of the Twin Cities metro area, the newly remodeled Conference Center offers up to 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. State-of-the-art AV electronics, an experienced staff, catering, and bar services make this the ideal spot for your trade show. The Best Western Plus hotel is conveniently attached to the Willmar Conference Center and the Holiday Inn Express is just a few steps away.

2. Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center

Newly renovated, Carriage Hall at the Earl Brown Heritage Center welcomes guests to an expansive 13,000 square feet of exhibit space. Fresh updates to carpet, walls, and lighting allow you to let your imagination run wild with possibilities.  AV capabilities, in-house catering and an attached walkway to the Embassy Suites offers guests convenient and comfortable passage to their rooms no matter what the time of day or the weather.

3. Coon Rapids Civic Center, Coon Rapids

Offering both indoor and outdoor space, the Coon Rapids Civic Center allows you to create the perfect atmosphere for your event. The Banquet Room accommodates up to 230 guests and leads directly out to the beautifully landscaped patio and gazebo area. Several area hotels are just a short drive from the Civic Center.

4. Mounds View Event Center, Mounds View

Conveniently located just north of Minneapolis, the Mounds View Event Center offers free parking in their private lot. Planners can easily contract with outside food and liquor vendors, while additional items such as projector screen, microphone, and LCD projector are available for rent. The full event center can accommodate as many as 400.

5. Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch

Pair a great space with the excitement of a casino and you’ve got a winning combination. Treasure Island has up to 50,000 square feet of elegant, functional meeting space with state-of-the art AV equipment, award-winning gourmet catering, valet services, and free parking. There is also a full-service, luxury hotel with 788 rooms and of course, exciting gaming options in the casino.

6. Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, Mounds View

The Mermaid boasts the largest Entertainment and Event Center in the upper Midwest with 100,000 square feet of event space. Come here for elegant catering service, state-of-the-art technology, and a professional staff. Attached bowling alley, game room, bar & grille and 69-room hotel make it the ideal place to hold your event.

7. Verizon Center, Mankato

One of the Midwest’s premiere venues, the Convention Center offers over 70,000 square feet of event space. In-house marketing and promotion agency, experienced planning team, and professional guest services personnel help you with every detail. A skyway connects two hotels and two parking ramps to the Center.

8. Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, Minneapolis

The historic Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is an amazing and unique space. The beautifully converted former train station is one of the metro’s most memorable venues. With more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space, full-service catering, state-of-the-art technology, and deluxe hotel accommodations your event is sure to be a success.

9. National Sports Center, Blaine

If you’re looking for a centrally located venue with amazing, spacious facilities, look no further than the National Sports Center. Multiple venues are available for your event, including the 36,000 square foot Welcome Center and the 58,000 square foot Sports Hall. Also located on the 660-acre facility, the Schwan Super Rink, NSC Stadium, Sport Expo Center, Victory Links Golf Course, Cycling Velodrome, and 180-bed residence hall.

10. North Metro Event Center, Shoreview

Just 10 miles north of St. Paul, the North Metro Event Center has all the amenities you look for in a trade show venue. Featuring WiFi, AV capabilities, wireless microphone, onsite catering, attached Best Western Plus hotel, and up to 4000 square feet in the Grand Ballroom, you can’t go wrong.