Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal

Eco Updates and Sweepstakes at the Minneapolis Convention Center

On Friday, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant and Executive Director of the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) Jeff Johnson gathered at the center for a press conference, discussing Minneapolis’ sustainable efforts, announcing a tourism sweepstakes and unveiling a new branding for the MCC. As per usual, there are some pretty great new and continued efforts being made by the city. Here’s what we learned:

About the MCC:

• The building is nearly 20 percent more energy efficient than last year, resulting in a savings of $1 million. This makes the center 30 percent more efficient than similar buildings in our climate region.
• MCC’s water usage has decreased by six percent and additional plans have been put in place to achieve their goal of reducing use by 50 percent by 2015.
• Currently 50 percent of all of MCC’s waste is recycled, making them well on their way to their goal of 75 percent in the next two years.
• Future plans include achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Existing Building and Operations Management status, launching a companion website for the center's eco-focused display and housing public tours.
• Their new logo, created by Preston Kelly, follows Minneapolis’ City by Nature branding.

About Tourism:

• While 2012’s tourism numbers are still being processed, Tennant said indications looked good, sharing that Meet Minneapolis confirmed approximately 474,000 future group room nights, exceeding a goal of 460,000.
• Meet Minneapolis’ goals for 2013 include 475,000 hotel, 60,000 leisure and 474,000 group room night bookings, a revenue of $15.25 million at the MCC, 1.5 million unique website visitors and earned media impressions of at least 400 million.
• In an effort to attract visitors, the “Go Minneapolis Getaway” sweepstakes was launched, offering the grand prizewinner a two-year lease of a 2013 Chevy Volt. An additional eight prize packages will be awarded weekly, each containing a stay at a Meet Minneapolis member hotel, a meal at a local restaurant and an entertainment outing.

--Molly Schelper
Assistant Editor

[Photo courtesy of Nemer Fieger]

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

It's that time of year again, when summer sadly comes to an end, but luckily it never leaves us without an over the top send-off: the Minnesota State Fair. Today is the first day of the get-together, which happens to be the largest 12-day event in North America and the second largest state fair in the country. Each year, nearly 1.8 million people make their way to the grounds to eat food on a stick, people watch, see touring acts on the Grandstand stage and take part in the countless other entertainment options offered. To me, one of the best things about the fair is being able to mix these old traditions with new ones. Here's the scoop on some of the new things to expect this year.

+ The Mighty Midway has seven new rides this year. So whether you want to rotate 360 degrees vertically and horizontally, be flung in a revolving gondala or suspended in a spinning car, there are plenty of new options for adrenaline junkies. For the younger crowd, kids can choose to take a ride on a tractor or be led by a mouse through a parade of flying elephants on the two new rides at Kidway.

+ Also at the Mighty Midway, you can be blasted back to the days of sideshow entertainment at the World of Wonders Palace of Illusions. See sword swallowers, fire breathers, escape artists and more.

+ Explore the state's brewing past and present at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. There will be sample flights made up from more than 15 craft beers, as well as presentations by the brewers themselves.

+ Watch colorful, high-powered aerial laser beams move above you to the beat of classic rock and pop hits. Lasertainment's Laser Hitz Show takes place outside nightly.

+ Let's face it, does it get any better then fair food? With more than 450 foods to choose from (including more than 60 on a stick), there's no shortage of options. In addition to favorites like corn on the cobb, Sweet Martha's cookies and cheese curds, here are just some of the many new options to try.

• Bacon ice cream
• Beef tongue caramelos (tacos)
• Breakfast sliders
• Camel burger sliders
• Cereal killer ice cream
• Cheeseburger sticks
• Chicken nachos on a stick
• Cranberry wontons
• Duke's Poutine
• Eggplant fries
• Grilled wild Alaskan salmon sandwich
• Lamb chop on a stick
• Ole's Cannoli
• Red velvet funnel cake
• Risotto poppers (gluten-free)
• Spaghetti sticks                                                                 

So put on your walking shoes, come well rested and with an empty stomach and say goodbye to summer in an only-in-Minnesota way. 

The fair runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 3.

-- Molly Schelper
Assistant Editor

[Photo by Todd Buchanan]

Top 10 Most Influential Association Leaders

Courtesy of Association Mavens. We're not surprised, are you?

--Amanda Fretheim Gates
Managing Editor

Weekly Roundup: Zoo attendance, Airport iPads and more

Hot enough for ya? Hope you are staying cool and hyrdated and enjoying the holiday week. Here are a few news bits.

+ MSP airport's remodeling of Concourse G includes the installation of about 2,500 iPads for free public use.

+ The Minnesota Zoo is reporting record attendance: 1,369,515 (for the year ending June 30), the highest in its 34-year history.

+ Here are photos of the grand opening of the American Swedish Institute's Nelson Cultural Center. We took a tour before the opening.

+ Zip lining is growing in popularity. We know this, as Joel enjoyed a zip line adventure on his last vacation. Minnesota Towering Pine Canopy Tours at Gunflint Lodge opened yesterday.

+ The North Star Commuter Rail Line has announced fare reductions.

+ On Minnesota Journeys: I look at boat tours on MN lakes and rivers, Amanda shares ways to cool off and our intern Molly explores Whitewater State Park.

+ Remember to nominate for our Vision Awards before July 20.

Have a great weekend!

--Ellie M. Bayrd
Associate Editor

Venue Highlight: A Preview of the Nelson Cultural Center

This Saturday, June 30, the Nelson Cultural Center will open in Minneapolis. The cultural center is an extension of the American Swedish Institute (ASI), which first opened in 1929 in the historic Turnblad mansion. Today, we were able to tour both the historic mansion and the new cultural center and learn more about the new additions.

Last fall, the ASI debuted its own renovations, which added accessibility to the 104-year-old, 33-room building. The renovations also added classrooms and community meeting spaces, and opened up spaces previously used for the cafe, shop and storage. More of the historic rooms can now be restored and finally become open to the public.

The adjacent Nelson Cultural Center, a 34,000-square-foot, two-story addition, allows the ASI to expand on its programming and provides new space for the cafe and gift shop. The cultural center includes exhibit space and event space, a courtyard and offices. The Folke Bernadotte Conference Room on the main level has a capacity of 66 people. The second level's Larson Hall has a capacity of 300 with plenty of nearby pre-function space. The courtyard and terrace are also available for events. The courtyard's first event was Northern Spark and held a crowd of 500. The Fika Cafe (pronounced fee-ka), earned its name from Swedish slang for coffee (FYI: Fika caters).

The Nelson Cultural Center, designed by HGA Architects and Engineers, was created with Swedish design in mind. Many details call to mind Swedish style, from the designer furniture in the conference room and the single Guardian Tree in the courtyard to the leather handrails on the stairs and the nautical detail on ceiling of Larson Hall (reminiscent of Stockholm's City Hall). The modern building's design flows directly into the historic mansion, even using the same slate tile as the ASI's roof. The cultural center also includes large windows that frame views of the mansions impressive turrets and historic details. A covered link connects the two buildings. The Nelson Cultural Center was designed to be green. The building features green roofs, natural materials and many other environmentally friendly details, which they hope will help it earn LEED Gold certification.

The grand opening for the Nelson Cultural Center will include many activities, such as an ABBA sing-along, the opening of the Helena Hernmarck tapestry exhibit (June 30-Oct. 14), live music, glass blowing and woodcarving demonstrations, a jumpy castle, story time and more. Swedish Ambassador H.E. Jonas Hafstrom, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and others will be on hand to open the cultural center. The celebration runs from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on June 30.

-- Ellie M. Bayrd
Associate Editor

[Photos by Ellie M. Bayrd]

Weekly Roundup: Weekend fun, Duluth and more

Welcome to the weekend. Here's what's happening around town:

+ We're wishing the best to everyone affected by the flooding in Duluth. "Visit Duluth, the city's convention and visitor's bureau, wants to make it clear that Duluth is open for business," says a MinnPost article about the flooding and tourism. Como Zoo has come to the aid of several Lake Superior Zoo animals.

+ The first annual River's Edge Music Festival kicks off tomorrow on Harriet Island in St. Paul. The Great River Shakespeare Festival started this week. Back to the 50s, Twin Cities Pride and other events are happening this weekend too.

+ City Pages says Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak is a finalist for the 2012 World Mayor Prize.

+ Rembrandt in America opens at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this Sunday.

+ Did you hear that the American Swedish Institute asked Stephen Colbert to take over its Twitter account? The comedian has been trying for chance to take over the country of Sweden's account, which rotates between Swedish citizens. "You can tweet in English, Swedish, or in some hilarious, fakey mix of the two. We leave the comedy up to you, sir," reads the ASI's invitation. The ASI will celebrate the grand opening of its Nelson Cultural Center June 30.

+ Remember to nominate someone you admire for a Vision Award. Nominations are open through July 20.

--Ellie M. Bayrd
Associate Editor

Hospitality Around the World

Here are a few links to news items from outside Minnesota.

+ In an effort to grown tourism, the Welsh town of Monmouth has covered itself with QR codes that link to Wikipedia sites and share the town's history.

+ Bruce MacMillan has stepped down as president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International. COO Cindy D’Aoust will served as interim leader.

+ The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) PreCheck trusted traveler program is now at 15 U.S. airports and has screened more than 1.4 million passengers.

+ Check out this infographic of survival tips for business travelers to the London Olympics. (HT Jennifer Wood, @FamTripTV)

--Ellie M. Bayrd
Associate Editor

Multimedia of the Month: Video Promotion with ISES and The Meeting Guru

In a world of tweets, podcasts, links, hashtags and other technological tools, it’s hard to know the best way to get the word out about events. One promotional trend growing in popularity is the use of video, which Corbin Ball, events and tradeshow technology analyst, calls “the most compelling language of the internet.” In fact, he listed it No. 8 on his list of “12+ Meetings Technology Trends to Watch for 2012,” calling YouTube "potentially one of the most promising event promotion tools around." Here are two examples of how some meeting professionals are using (free) video publishing to promote their events.  

ISES Eventworld

In order to publicize International Special Events Society (ISES) Eventworld 2012, the special events association is showcasing a video that gives viewers an inside look into last year’s event, using footage of past speakers and attendees as a way to increase this year’s attendance. Eventworld will be held August 2-4 in Dallas, Texas.

MPI WEC

St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission took a different approach by creating a fictional persona, The Meeting Guru. The Guru uses tongue-in-cheek humor to promote the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) 2012 World Education Congress. The same technique was used—with mixed results—to promote last year’s annual American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) meeting. Some seemed to find the spoofs brilliantly unique, while others found it humorless or confusing. WEC will be held July 28-31 in St. Louis, Mo.

Which do you think is the more effective approach? What do you want to see in a video promoting an event? Have you used video to promote your own events?

--Molly Schelper
Editorial Intern

Ready, Set, Go! It's Time to Nominate for the Vision Awards

Think back on the past year (July 2011-June 2012). Who amazed you with their leadership and guidance? Who wowed you with an innovative idea or by giving back to the community? What event stood out as amazingly successful? Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal's Vision Awards reward best practices in the local hospitality industry and we're looking for your nominations. Tell us all about your collegues, fellow association members and trusted partners, and what they contribute to this industry. If you're particularly proud of your own accomplishments, go ahead an nominate yourself. This is our fourth year presenting these awards and we've heard some great stories and met many amazing hospitality professionals.

5 Things to Know:

• The Awards Get to know all seven awards: Event of the Year, Inspiration, Innovation, Leadership, Planner's Choice--My Favorite Vendor, Customer Service and Stewardship.
• Online Nomination Forms Click on over and fill out the nomination forms. There's room to go into detail (Hint: we want more than just "He's great" or "That was a cool event."). You can attach pictures and other supporting documents.
• Deadline You have until July 20 to nominate!
• Past Winners Wondering just what these awards are all about? Meet past Vision Awards recipients and read stories of their success.
• Stay Tuned We'll be keeping you updated on the Vision Awards here on the blog, on Twitter (#mnvisionawards) and in the magazine. We'll announce the date and location of this year's awards celebration soon!

If you have questions or any issues with the nomination forms, please contact us and we'll help you out. Reminder: Deadline is July 20.

--Ellie M. Bayrd
Associate Editor

The Science Museum of Minnesota Introduces Project No Waste

Earlier today, I took a tour behind the scenes of the Science Museum of Minnesota's trash facilities. Yes, you read that right. Normally talking trash isn't the most exciting thing, but the Science Museum has a new environmental stewardship project they wanted to showcase.

Project No Waste is the result of two years assessing the space's current waste management program and researching possible strategies for improvement, keeping in mind the conservation ethic of the staff and visitors to the museum. Launched at the beginning of this year, the initiative aims to reduce waste at the Science Museum, which produces 500,000 pounds a year. After just a few months, they reached their first goal, increasing the recycling rate from 18 percent to 51 percent. The next goal is to get to 75 percent by June 2013.

Mike Day, senior vice president of museum enterprises, and his staff, took a group of us on a tour around the museum, from the museum's trash room to the Elements Cafe. "We needed to make it easy," he says, describing their efforts to simplfy the process and eliminate confusion. It all goes toward the museum's plan to battle the "separation anxiety" that both staff and vistors have when figuring out what to do with their trash.

Day says the museum approached the process from the end of the stream first, looking at how they dispose of waste and where it's stored, etc. They built a new area for waste management,  purchased new compactors and hired a new waste disposal company. Then, the focus shifted to staff areas and finally the main exhibit halls. Visitors will now see clearly labeled (with pictures) trash, recycling and composting recepticles in the common areas.

Day says a project like this is not done to save money, though it will in some areas. If you approach it for the money saving, he says, you won't do it correctly. The museum is proud of the initiative and hopes to become a community leader in this area. They plan to use this project as a learning tool for visitors in the future as well.

The museum's partnership with Lancer Catering also comes into play with Project No Waste. Lancer provides durable dishware for attendees and they will take care to compost and recycle waste created at meetings and events on site.

While I was at the museum, I also noticed their new 10 kw solar panels (visable from the Elements Cafe). Installed in fall 2011, the 49 panels were completed this April. The Science Museum already has panels on its Science House, which is totally operated by solar energy.

Learn more about Project No Waste on their website or keep an eye out on your next visit to the Science Museum.

-Ellie M. Bayrd
Associate Editor

[Photos by Ellie M. Bayrd]