Spring Training — Minnesota Conference and Convention Centers Playbook

It’s that time of year again—spring training! Of course, you’re going to need to find the perfect Minnesota conference or convention center to host your team. This year, we’ve got some real heavy hitters that are sure to make your hall of fame.

Home Field Advantage - Metro

There’s a definite advantage to locating a venue in the metropolitan area. You’re close to all the major players in town (3M, Honeywell, Medtronic, Target, et al) and you’ve got a championship line up of attractions (Mall of America, Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens, the Chain of Lakes, Target Field, etc.) that are the envy of every other location. Just minutes from downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Humanities Center is a restored architectural landmark, surrounded by parkland and manicured grounds. It’s a brand new ball game when your team takes in the variety of gorgeous meeting spaces, lounge areas and overnight accommodations. Or, you could really hit one out of the park when you book at the MSP Airport Conference Center. Conveniently close to the MSP International Airport, this conference center literally lets you conduct business on the fly. Once you hear your team’s cheers for the conference rooms, AV and computer equipment, voice conferencing capabilities, and food and beverage service, you’ll know you hit the sweet spot.

Grand Slam - Northwest Minnesota

Take your team on the road to the northwest part of the state. There you’ll find lakes in abundance, Northwood’s atmosphere, great food for hearty appetites and accommodations that’ll make everyone feel like they’ve slid safely into home. Take Chase on the Lake for example. Located in the heart of downtown Walker, the historic and elegant resort features over 4,000 square feet of meeting space along with an outdoor terrace that offers spectacular views of Leech Lake. Another crackerjack choice in the area would be the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, where your team can meet in more than 28,000 square feet of space, including the Lake Darling Ballroom and Lower Conference Center. Each of those rooms can be divided into separate smaller spaces for breakout groups. Next up to the plate is Breezy Point Resort & Conference Center. Nestled on the shores of Pelican Lake, Breezy Point knocks it out of the park with state-of-the-art conference facilities for up to 450 people. Of course, there’s no way you’d strike out if you booked your bunch at Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake. Your event will be ahead in the count when your guests experience Grand View’s deluxe accommodations, championship golf course, Glacial Waters Spa and full service meeting and event facilities. Then again, there’s been a lot of chatter lately about Ruttger’s Bay Lake where guests enjoy the fresh air of Bay Lake, the area’s spectacular scenery, and a gathering place with professional meeting rooms, boardrooms and luxury event spaces for groups of any size.

Home Run - Northeast Minnesota

No matter the season, you’ll hit a homer when you take the team northeast. Bases are loaded in this part of the country with towering pines of the Superior National Forest, deep blue lakes, fishing, skiing, golfing and year round fun. The first batter up in this neck of the woods is none other than the legendary Lodge at Giant’s Ridge. Your team will want to go extra innings when they experience the Lodge’s gorgeous views, grand meeting spaces, and comfortable accommodations.

MVP - Southern Minnesota

Next on the championship roster is Southern Minnesota, a place of scenic valleys, wooded bluffs, and the winding reach of both the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. When you swing for the fences, you’ll surely land at the Four Seasons Civic Center in Owatonna. Recently expanded, the multi-purpose complex consists of two connected buildings with a combined 50,000 square feet of floor space that can also serve as ice skating rinks. (Threw you a curve ball with that one, didn’t we?) You might also consider another great catch, the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. Currently being renovated and expanded, the Civic Center is southern Minnesota’s largest event center with superior event services, food and beverage services, and capacity for up to 7200!

Pitch any one of these major league conference centers and event centers to your team, and your Minnesota event is sure to be a hit.