Meet and Greet: The Best Minnesota Conference and Convention Centers

Congratulations! Last year’s conference was a smash! In fact, you’re still blushing about the guests’ gushing over the event. So why not do the exact same thing this year? If something’s not broke, why fix it, right? Wrong. Simply replicating what you did last year doesn’t ensure success this year. Time, styles, trends … they all change. You should too. So, why not start with the venue? Pull back the curtain and get mp’s insider perspective on best conference and convention centers for your next Minnesota event.

Why it’s one of the best:  This all-season resort combines natural beauty with a lakeside setting, year-round service and activities galore. The conference center offers you more than 28,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Complete A/V support and on-site catering are included in this beautiful northern woods setting.

How it’s unique:  The Arrowwood Resort + Conference Center offers traditional guest rooms and suites, along with exclusive townhomes and cottages. An 18-hole championship golf course, indoor waterpark, marina, stables, and relaxing spa are just a few of the amenities your guests will enjoy.

Why it’s one of the best:  Overlooking the sparkling waters of Pelican Lake, Breezy Point Resort has been a Minnesota favorite for more than 90 years. This four-season get-away caters to your group’s needs with a spacious meeting and convention center featuring the Lakeside Ballroom. The state-of-the-art facilities can accommodate up to 900 people while providing professional staff and on-site catering.

How it’s unique:  Charmingly rustic lodging includes unique retreats, such as the Boat House, the Eagles’ Nest, and the Fawcett House, a log mansion with 19 beds, a huge living room, loft, bar, and field stone fireplace.

Why it’s one of the best:  People from all across the country have been flocking to the historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake for one hundred years now. Whether it’s the championship golf courses, luxurious spa, casual and fine dining, or myriad resort activities, a stay here is never anything but grand.

How it’s unique:  They think outside the conference room here with distinctive meeting spaces and gathering places at Grand View including a luxury yacht, the courtyard, patio, beach pavilion, and vineyard.

Why it’s one of the best:  Another Midwest classic, the Ruttger family opened the resort in 1898. Fresh air, Bay Lake breezes, and natural beauty are the ideal setting for a retreat. Amenities like the beaches, pools, biking trails, and tennis courts offer relaxing and fun downtime options.

How it’s unique:  Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge specializes in providing great ways to engage your guests. Custom designed group activities can range from Human Bingo to Aqua Golf, Horseshoes to a High Ropes Course.

Why it’s one of the best:  Two distinctive locations (Blaine and Fridley) that boast four exquisite ballrooms is the very definition of elegant. This space can accommodate up to 700 attendees and includes A/V equipment, Wi-Fi, and complete food and beverage service.

How it’s unique:  Mouthwatering, full-service catering with both classic and unexpected menu options, including Italian Fare, Mexican Feast, and a Grand Buffet serving up chicken, turkey, ham, roast beef, and prime rib.

Why it’s one of the best:  For more intimate gatherings of between 5 and 150 people, the historic Minnesota Humanities Center offers a variety of meeting space options, catering on-site, and access to nearby golf, parks, and downtown St. Paul, MN.

How it’s unique:  Fifteen beautifully furnished sleeping rooms with private baths means overnight retreats and conferences are possible. Each comfortable room is equipped with coffee maker, work desk, and high speed internet access.

Why it’s one of the best:  The only full-service hotel in Wilmar with meeting space for up to 1000, on-site dining, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, and business center and close to local shopping, restaurants, golf courses, hiking trails, and mini golf.

How it’s unique:  Conveniently located in Wilmar, just two hours west of the metro, Best Western PLUS is close to the MinnWest Technology Campus and Jennie-O Foods, and is attached to the Willmar Conference Center.

Why it’s one of the best:  Recently expanded, the multi-purpose complex consists of two connected buildings with a total of 50,000 square feet of floor space. A hospitality area overlooks both exhibit floors and an additional meeting room is also available.

How it’s unique:  The Four Seasons Civic Center exhibit space can also serve as two ice skating rinks and includes changing facilities.

Why it’s one of the best:  The Verizon Wireless Center consists of an elegant Banquet Hall, historic Reception Hall and eight breakout spaces. Fantastic on-site catering options and connected via skyway to the Hilton Garden Inn and the City Center Hotel with free parking.

How it’s unique:  Opening in the fall of 2016, the new Event Center and Arena will have the capacity to host tradeshows, expos, large banquets, and large company parties.