12th Annual Minnesota Edition

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Tops in the Industry
From the savviest social media to the greatest golf course, our readers have spoken. Heres our lineup of the years meetings and events superstars.
Its been an even dozen years of annual voting for Minnesota Meetings + Events Best of Awards, and our readers continue to enthusiastically cast their ballots and share their views on whats outstanding in the state. As meetings and events professionals, our voters are knowledgeable, critical, opinionated and highly complimentary to those select few who meet their high standards. This years winners include a few returning multiyear champions, some new contenders and even two new categoriesBest Event and Best Social Media Presence. // BY Julie Kendrick
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : F E S T I V I T I E S / R Y U K Y U P H O T O G R A P H Y ; M I N N E S O TA S TAT E FA I R .

THINGS
Anyone whos worked with meetings and events professionals knows they can be a pretty wild bunch at times. So, its no surprise this year voters chose the wildest place in the state, the MINNESOTA ZOO, as Best Attraction. This Apple Valley site hosts many corporate and social events each year, allowing attendees to enjoy exclusive glimpses of animals, or even participate in a private showing of the World of Birds Show to see magnificent birds of prey. Were the Goldilocks audio-visual companynot too small, not too big, says Josh Reitan, owner of AV FOR YOU, the voters choice for Best Audio-Visual/Visual Presentation Provider. Reitans firm, which has won this category for four years running, specializes in 50- to 1,000-person shows, fundraisers and annual benefits. We have incredibly low staff turnover, and many customers who have been with us for years, says Reitan. So, that means that we gain a great understanding of what our customers need. With a fleet of luxury yachts that cruise in three seasons, AL & ALMAS SUPPER CLUB AND CHARTER CRUISES was the readers top pick for Best Boats/Cruises/Charters. Lake Minnetonkas largest and most experienced fleet can accommodate a group as large as 400 on cruises as long as three hours. With expansive lake views and a strong attention to detail, the company promises, exceptional service in an unforgettable setting. The voters choice for Best Catering Company (On- or Off-Site) was MINTHOE CATERING & EVENTS, one of the biggest privately owned catering and event companies in the state. As the operator of some of the most popular venues in Minnesota, the company caters events at locations that include local hot spots like St. Pauls ABULAE and Minneapolis Van Dusen Mansion, as well as more out-of-theway settings like Chteau at Medicine Lake and Saint Croix National. With mouthwatering cuisine, unique event spaces and outstanding customer service, Minthoe makes a memorable mark with clients, and the same can be said for our voters. Its a brand-new category, but an age-old favorite. This year, the MINNESOTA STATE FAIR was chosen as Best Event. For Amy Leyden, director of marketing and sales for the McNamara Alumni Center, her choice as a voter was clear. We go as part of our family traditionits guaranteed food and fun, she says. But since

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The Winners
BEST ATTRACTION

(Fair/Festival, Zoo, Museum, Amusement Park, Etc.) APPLE VALLEY mnzoo.org // 952.431.9200 RUNNERS-UP Mall of America Minnesota State Fair

Minnesota Zoo

BEST AUDIO-VISUAL/VISUAL PRESENTATION PROVIDER

ST. LOUIS PARK avforyou.com // 952.500.8839 RUNNERS-UP AVEX metroConnections

AV for You

BEST BOATS/CRUISES/CHARTERS

Al & Almas Supper Club and Charter Cruises

MOUND al-almas.com // 952.472.3098 RUNNERS-UP Padelford Riverboats Paradise Charter Cruises

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : F E S T I V I T I E S / R Y U K Y U P H O T O G R A P H Y ; M I N N E S O TA S TAT E FA I R .

Festivities Minnesota State Fair

BEST CATERING COMPANY

(On- or Off-Site)

Minthoe Catering & Events

MINNEAPOLIS mintahoe.com // 612.253.0255 RUNNERS-UP A Catered Event DAmico Catering

BEST EVENT

Minnesota State Fair

ST. PAUL mnstatefair.org // 651.288.4400 RUNNERS-UP Basilica Block Party Oktoberfest at Ruttgers

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The Winners

BEST EVENT DCOR

MINNEAPOLIS metroconnections.com // 612.333.8687 RUNNERS-UP Festivities Linen Effects

metroConnections

BEST FLORIST
MEDINA festivitiesmn.com // 763.682.4846 RUNNERS-UP Luna Vinca Sadies Couture Floral & Event Styling

Festivities

Linen Effects
I work at an event venue for my job, I completely appreciate the logistics of orchestrating an event with so many people. According to Lara Hughes, the fairs communications supervisor, Even though people already love the fair, there are always ways to make things better, she says. The planning never stops, and we work all year long to prepare for the next years fair, with the goal of providing the best family entertainment and complete guest satisfaction. The days of dcor being nothing more than centerpieces are long over, so meeting and event planners rely on Minneapolis-based company METROCONNECTIONS, voted No. 1 in the Best Event Dcor category, for its extensive stock of fixtures, wall treatments, furniture and more. The firms designers and production staff also create custom-designed event environments for customers unique requirements. Known for its consistently full blooms and uniformity from every angle, FESTIVITIES was voted Best Florist this year. Clients actually get more bloom for their dollar with us, says owner Jennifer Braun. Our designs arent just a recipe of a certain number of stems that are then filled with greenery to reach the selected size. Festivities designers guide clients to flower selections that maximize their budget to truly get the look they want. In business for 24 years, LINEN EFFECTS won this year for Best Rental Service Provider. We enjoy a critical mass of very loyal event planners in town who really appreciate our service and selection, says Kurt Silton, general manager. The locally owned and managed company specializes in high-end items to adorn elegant tables. From its beginnings as a supplier of linens, the company now offers everything from a set of custom-made chandeliers to 25 different kinds of candelabras. Plus, promises Silton, You will never see a stainless steel table number holder at one of our events. In the brand-new category of Best Social Media Presence (CVB, Venue or Company), MADDENS ON GULL LAKE proved that even a resort that has been drawing vacationers for more than 85 years can master the nuances of communicating in a new era. A recent success combined a quintessential summer activity, golf, with that Minnesota weather inevitabilitysnow. According to Kathy Reichenbach, Maddens marketing director, We created a video to promote our new caddy program and walking initiative, and it featured our golf pros, dressed as caddies, and standing knee-deep in the snow. The video was picked up and broadcast on the Golf Channel, and then received mentions in Golf Digest and Golfweek. This was METROCONNECTIONS year to shine, claiming Best Transportation as its second winning category. Transportation may not be the most glamorous aspect of meeting and event operation, but it needs to run flawlessly no matter what. Voters clearly enjoy the ride when working with this organization, which recently transported 30,000 people between 90 hotels, a conference center and sightseeing tours for one client in one day.

BEST RENTAL SERVICE PROVIDER

(Tables, Linens, Tents, Etc.)

MINNEAPOLIS lineneffects.com // 612.355.2500 RUNNERS-UP Festivities Ultimate Events

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

(CVB, Venue or Company)

Maddens on Gull Lake

BRAINERD maddens.com // 218.829.2811 RUNNERS-UP Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau Meet Minneapolis

(Limo, Motor Coach, Taxi, Shuttle) MINNEAPOLIS metroconnections.com // 612.333.8687 RUNNERS-UP Minnesota Coaches Renees Royal Valet

BEST TRANSPORTATION

metroConnections

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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : ( T H I S PA G E ) M I C H E L L E A L L E N P H O T O G R A P H Y ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M E T R O C O N N E C T I O N S ; M A D D E N S O N G U L L L A K E ; M I N N E S O TA Z O O ; A L & A L M A S S U P P E R C L U B A N D C H A R T E R C R U I S E S ; AV F O R YO U .

Linen Effects

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : ( T H I S PA G E ) M I C H E L L E A L L E N P H O T O G R A P H Y ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M E T R O C O N N E C T I O N S ; M A D D E N S O N G U L L L A K E ; M I N N E S O TA Z O O ; A L & A L M A S S U P P E R C L U B A N D C H A R T E R C R U I S E S ; AV F O R YO U .

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Al & Almas Supper Club and Charter Cruises AV for You

SPRING 2014

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Maddens on Gull Lake

metroConnections

Minnesota Zoo

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PEOPLE
Sheree Bochenek, creative director at Aprs Party and Tent Rental, voted for G.L. BERG ENTERTAINMENT, PERFORMING ARTISTS & SPEAKERS as Best Entertainment (Performer or Talent Agency) because of Owner and CEO Gary Bergs knowhow within the industry. Ive been working on a committee for the International Special Events Society (ISES), and Ive gotten to know Gary Berg through that group, says Bochenek. Weve booked him to speak at events, and hes been very willing to offer his expertise and share his knowledge with colleagues, she says. Berg says, Weve won this award four times before, which is fantastic. Its especially great since were celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, which is quite an achievement in our industry. When asked to describe his company, which has a roster of entertainers that includes everything from salsa bands to dueling guitar acts, Gary chooses three words: trusted, dependable and fun. With team-building events that include game shows, giveback events, chili cook-offs and garage wars, its clear why METROCONNECTIONS was voted Best Team-Building Activity/Facilitator/Organizer, completing a three-peat in winning categories. The company, which has offices in Minneapolis and Orlando, also works with customers to create personalized team-building activities that are themed to customer goals and culture. metroConnections strives to create indelible events, which aligns with their tagline: This is where memories are made. Kristen Montag, marketing communications manager for MEET MINNEAPOLIS, knows 2014 is going to be a big year for Minneapolis events, but she is happy to look back for a moment at some reasons why her organization was the top choice for Best Convention + Visitors Bureau (Town/Area More than 25,000 in Population). Were well known for our large and experienced staff, as well as our strong relationships with the City of Minneapolis, convention center, hotels, restaurants, attractions and service partners. Montag adds, We have a huge year coming up, and many events will bring thousands of

G.L. Berg Entertainment, Performing Artists & Speakers

Meet Minneapolis
people and attention to the area. When Richard Polipnick started his position as executive director for VISIT BRAINERD, the convention and visitors bureau had only 850 likes on Facebook. Now, theyre up to more than 10,000. For the second year in a row, the CVB has been named the Best Convention + Visitors Bureau (Town/Area Less than 25,000 in Population). According to Polipnick, the bureaus growth has been achieved through adherence to our strategic plan, quality posts and plenty of interaction, he says. We want to be the go-to source for fun information in the area. Lauren Falk, owner of LAUREN B PHOTOGRAPHY, says she approaches her work with a focus on telling a story, preserving a moment and creating art. This approach earned her recognition as Best Photography/Videography by appreciative voters. I use a variety of styles to bring all the beauty and potential into the images, says Falk. And I help clients look both amazing in a totally relaxed, fun setting.

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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : ( T H I S PA G E ) G . L . B E R G E N T E R TA I N M E N T, P E R F O R M I N G A R T I S T S & S P E A K E R S ; M E E T M I N N E A P O L I S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) L A U R E N B P H O T O G R A P H Y.

The Winners
BEST ENTERTAINMENT

(Performer or Talent Agency)

G.L. Berg Entertainment, Performing Artists & Speakers

ST. CLOUD glberg.com // 888.654.6901 RUNNERS-UP Instant Request Disc Jockey Entertainment Synergy

BEST TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY/ FACILITATOR/ORGANIZER

MINNEAPOLIS metroconnections.com // 612.333.8687 RUNNERS-UP LMC Corporate Fishing Events Type A Events

metroConnections

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : ( T H I S PA G E ) G . L . B E R G E N T E R TA I N M E N T, P E R F O R M I N G A R T I S T S & S P E A K E R S ; M E E T M I N N E A P O L I S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) L A U R E N B P H O T O G R A P H Y.

(Town/Area More than 25,000 in Population)

BEST CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU

Meet Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS minneapolis.org // 612.767.8188 RUNNERS-UP Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Saint Paul

(Town/Area Less than 25,000 in Population) BRAINERD visitbrainerd.com // 218.825.0410 RUNNERS-UP Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce Nisswa Chamber of Commerce

BEST CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU

Visit Brainerd

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

Lauren B Photography
MINNEAPOLIS laurenbfalk.com // 612.708.2090 RUNNERS-UP Graddy Photography Phodot Photography

Lauren B Photography

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The Winners

BEST GOLF VENUE

NISSWA grandviewlodge.com // 218.963.2234 RUNNERS-UP Maddens on Gull Lake Rush Creek Golf Club

Grand View Lodge

BEST MEETING/EVENT SPACE

(No Hotel)

MINNEAPOLIS ariampls.com // 612.342.2742 RUNNERS-UP Lafayette Club McNamara Alumni Center

Aria

Grand View Lodge

PLACES
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : ( T H I S PA G E ) G R A N D V I E W L O D G E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) A R I A ; H I LT O N M I N N E A P O L I S ; T H E S A I N T PA U L H O T E L .

BEST RESORT WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE

NISSWA grandviewlodge.com // 218.963.2234 RUNNERS-UP Craguns Maddens on Gull Lake

Grand View Lodge

BEST RESTAURANT/BAR WITH PRIVATE DINING SPACE

MINNEAPOLIS 7mpls.com // 612.238.7770 RUNNERS-UP The Bachelor Farmer (tie); Bar La Grassa (tie) CRAVE

SEVEN

egories this year, but its first award was, no surprise, Best Golf Venue. With three top-rated championship courses, the resort offers plenty of variety and flexibility for a golf-focused meeting or event. For the seventh time, the downtown HILTON MINNEAPOLIS was awarded Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space (More than 300 Guest Rooms). John Luke, the propertys general manager, shares one big reason: The property was designed after consultation with local industry leaders. Were a meetings and events hotel that was designed by meetings and events professionals, he says. The largest hotel in Minnesota, it also boasts the largest ballroom, at 25,000 square

GRAND VIEW LODGE came out on top in three cat-

feet, plus a major renovation of all 821 guest rooms is just wrapping up. Where Business Gets Done is the tagline for the meetings team at THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL, voted Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space (Less than 300 Guest Rooms). Minnesotas landmark hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown St. Paul, bordering Rice Park and facing the Ordway. Last year, the hotel hosted more than 800 business meetings, conferences and banquets, and welcomed another 200 groups visiting the Twin Cities. This year, ARIA dominated in the Best Meeting/Event Space (No Hotel) category. Since opening in 2012, its been the go-to location for fun, funky and artsy events, including the Hope

BEST VENUE OUTSIDE OF TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

NISSWA grandviewlodge.com // 218.963.2234 RUNNERS-UP Breezy Point Resort Maddens on Gull Lake

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE

(More than 300 Guest Rooms) MINNEAPOLIS hilton.com // 612.376.1000

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE

(Less than 300 Guest Rooms)

Grand View Lodge

Hilton Minneapolis
RUNNERS-UP Minneapolis Marriott City Center Radisson Blu Mall of America

The Saint Paul Hotel

ST. PAUL saintpaulhotel.com // 651.292.9292 RUNNERS-UP Graves 601 Hotel Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center

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Hilton Minneapolis

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : ( T H I S PA G E ) G R A N D V I E W L O D G E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) A R I A ; H I LT O N M I N N E A P O L I S ; T H E S A I N T PA U L H O T E L .

ARIA

The Saint Paul Hotel

Rocks Concert, Childrens Hospital Starry Night Gala and former Mayor R.T. Rybaks New Years Eve Open House. An eclectic ambiance is a big part of the venues popularity, says Stephanie Guidera, sales manager, who cites the original brick walls, cavernous ceilings, crystal chandeliers, unique artwork and decadent furniture as part of what gives the space Old-World elegance with New-World chic, so our attendees can enjoy a contemporary experience within a historic context. In addition to loving its golf offerings, voters also declared GRAND VIEW LODGE to be the Best Resort with Meeting/Event Space. Frank Soukup, director of marketing, notes meeting and event professionals especially appreciate the resorts year-round appeal. Weve got a wide range of activities for every season, he

says, listing everything from summer favorites like 2,500 feet of sandy beach, golf and pontoon excursions to wintertime dog sledding and ice fishing tournaments. SEVEN takes home Best Restaurant/Bar with Private Dining Space this year, and when asked why he thinks his restaurant was selected, David Koch, chief manager, says, I can only tell you what I hear, and were often told that we have high-quality product, great menu variety and spacious rooms. Most importantly, weve gotten a reputation for exceeding peoples expectations for a great event. He notes planners appreciate the flexibility of a space that has private rooms of various sizes that can accommodate groups of 24, 70, 125 and 150, with 1,500 seats in the entire venue. We just did an event for 800 this past fall, and thats really

something we can pull off with ease, he says. GRAND VIEW LODGE also picked up a nod in the category of Best Venue Outside of the Twin Cities Metro Area. The resort, which has been operating on Gull Lake in Nisswa for 98 years, was the voting choice of Dick Whitbeck, musical director of the band Synergy. I was first there as a guest at a wedding, and thought it was just a gorgeous location, he says. Later, Synergy was booked for a gig at the resort, and Whitbeck found new reasons to appreciate the location. It was a great place to perform, and the staff was so helpful and pleasant, he says. Synergy plays 80 to 100 events every year, and weve performed in just about every venue around the state, but we all really appreciated the wonderfully woodsy, wilderness vibe up there.

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