Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal

Why You Should Take Our Survey

We hope that, between our e-blasts (Don't receive these? Sign up here.), Twitter reminders, blog posts and Web site links, you are already aware of our sixth annual State of the Industry Survey. Whether the survey is old news or new to you, we hope you will take the time to participate (10 or so minutes).

Wondering WHY? Well, here are a few good reasons:

+ The data we collect helps us all examine the status of the local hospitality industry and find out what has changed over the past six years.
+ Your contributions inform our annual winter State of the Industry Report (see last year's results) and inspire the topics of conversation at our annual State of the Industry Event (Feb. 2, 2010, at Saint Paul RiverCentre).
+ The data and discussions could help you learn from others in the industry about how they are faring in this economy or help you become a better planner or vendor.
+ By reflecting about the last year of your career and answering these questions, you may learn something about yourself.
+ The information and opinions you share help us better write about the local hospitality industry.

That's not all ...
+ Participants who complete the survey receive $10 off admission to the State of the Industry Event and are entered into a drawing for a weekend getaway "up north."

Convinced? Get to clicking and answering. Remember, this survey is for all of you in the local hospitality industry: full- and part-time planners (even those of you without "planner" in your official title) and vendors (that's anyone who provides services to the local hospitality industry).

Your time and thoughtful responses are very much appreciated.

Thank you,
The Editors of Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal

A Look Back: August

Here's a quick look at what we were talking about during past months of August:

August 2008
+ With the RNC just a month away, I rant about the national media's mix up of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

+ The Westin Edina Galleria, host of the 2009 State of the Industry event, opens its doors, as does the new aloft Minneapolis hotel.

+ Airline fees soar, and Time magazine ranks the stingiest.

+ We launched our 5th annual SOI survey. To take this year's survey, click here.

August 2007
+ We ask you what you would put in an RNC Welcome bag.

+ Are you following proper laptop etiquette in meetings?

+ The CD turns 25 years old. Will it be the last form of entertainment media that will last a quarter century?

August 2006
+ Mid-market hotels enter Manhattan.

+ Is Andy Kaufman's Mighty Mouse skit on SNL one of the best presentations ever?

August 2005
+ In just our second month of blogging, we cover women in meetings, our need (or not) for a convention center hotel, and whether the Internet would be the downfall of corporate travel offices.  

--Amanda Fretheim Gates
Managing Editor

Announcing ... The Vision Awards

This year marks the introduction of Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal's Vision Awards. We feel like this will be a good chance to recognize best practices in the local hospitality industry and celebrate the talented professionals behind some of the great visions in meetings and events this past year. We'll be honoring these planners, vendors and hospitality professionals on Thursday, September 24, 2009, at the Chambers Hotel in Minneapolis.

Before then, though, we need your help. Yep, we want you to tell us who is the most deserving. After all, you are the experts. Think. Who has inspired you this year? Got someone in mind? Nominate! What vendor's work really stood out to you? What event impressed you? You know what to do: Nominate! Did you produce an event you are especially proud of? Go ahead: Nominate yourself! Deadline: July 31, 2009.

Learn more about the seven awards and the nomination process ...

Stage Spotlight: Theater Season '09-'10

Spring is a great time for a theater nerd like me.

Now is when all of our local theater companies announce their seasons, giving me all summer to get excited about what will be on stage in the next year. Just this morning Managing Editor Amanda Fretheim Gates and I visited the Children's Theatre Company (CTC) for a behind-the-scenes tour of the building (pictured, photo by me) and a chat with Artistic Director Peter Brosius about the CTC's 2009-2010 season. This adventure made me think about all the great shows coming up, and since many groups for events or meetings attend the local shows at our theater companies, I thought I'd share a little info about the coming season, pointing out some of the best bets. 

Tomorrow I'll follow up on how these great theater buildings also make for beautiful event venues (just ask Amanda and Assistant Editor Marni Ginther, who attended the ISES Minnesota Star Awards at the CTC in March). UPDATE: Read Part II of Stage Spotlight

Read on for a breakdown of the 2009-2010 theater season ...

Grand Opening: Nickelodeon Universe

Tomorrow is the big day: Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America celebrates its grand opening. The only Nick theme park in the world, Nick Universe presents 18 new Nick-related rides, including SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, Avatar Airbender, and Splat- O-Sphere, The Naked Brothers Crazy Cars.

The grand opening also features special guest appearances by Nickelodeon TEENick stars Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly), Nat Wolff and Alex Wolff (The Naked Brothers Band), Lil’ J.J. (Just Jordan) and Nick personality and DJ J. Boogie, as well as recording artist Ashlee Simpson, who performs at 10:30 a.m. and noon.

Nickelodeon Universe also features four new Nickelodeon-branded retail stores, including the Nickelodeon Store, occupying more than 5,000-square feet with the largest selection of Nickelodeon merchandise in the world. 4U Nickelodeon Universe will feature up-to-the-minute fashions for tweens and teens from hot tees to funky bags featuring some of Nick’s most popular properties. As the largest toy store in the Mall of America, TOYS will be the one-stop-shop for the latest new toy trends for kids of all ages. NU Stuff, is home to park based Nickelodeon Universe souvenir merchandise.

Chicago-based Levy Restaurants will bring a fresh new dining marketplace, EATS, to the theme park. Levy’s innovative culinary team has created healthy dining options and one-of-a kind concepts for guests of all ages, including fresh-carved sandwiches, flatbreads and signature baked goods.

GREEN SCENE: Construction on Nickelodeon Universe was environmentally conscious, with nearly 85 percent of the construction demolition being recycled; totaling 2,179 tons of material or 5,000 cubic yards.

For more information on Nickelodeon Universe, check out the park's Web site.

--Amanda Fretheim Gates
Managing Editor