At the 2026 Meet Minneapolis Annual Meeting at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Feb. 25, Mayor Jacob Frey told the 700 or so members of the city’s hospitality, meetings, and events community about what he considers the nature of Minneapolis—a city that has been in the national news for much of the winter. “This is a place where we stand up for our neighbors, and where we recognize we [must] collectively care out loud,” Frey said to the crowd. “This is a city of heroes.”
The heroes include an estimated 60,000 peaceful protesters who marched in Minneapolis against the federal immigration operation on Jan. 23. That day, with an overnight low temperature the night before of minus 21 degrees and a daytime high of minus 9 degrees, was downright cold, even by Minnesota standards. YouTube videos document the day, showing crowds listening to speeches, interspersed with thumping rounds of applause, reflecting thousands of leather-mittened hands clapping their approval. The bundled-up protesters were nonviolent, gathering in large numbers to support the Twin Cities’ many immigrant communities. They clapped loudly in support of their neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
That same month, amid it all, major meetings and events pressed on in the Twin Cities, including the Twin Cities Auto Show; Totally Rad Vintage Fest; and the Minneapolis Boat Show, among many others. Meet Minneapolis reported request for proposal volume for future events was up 11% in January, noting also that Minneapolis hosts an average of 600 to 800 meetings, conferences, and conventions annually.
This is a testament to the city’s resilience and prowess in the meetings market. That said, many area hospitality businesses have struggled financially since the federal surge began, with some employees and many customers choosing to stay home. Groups meeting in Minnesota can aid in their recovery by supporting The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund (thesaltcurefund.org), which is collecting donations to help Minnesota restaurants get back on their feet, and planners also can prioritize hiring Minnesota companies for events. For those who have hesitations about bringing events to Minnesota, Meet Minneapolis maintains a regularly updated FAQ web page regarding the federal operation (minneapolis.org/safety-updates/federal-immigration-enforcement).
In Minnesota, planners will find a safe, convenient, and beautiful place to gather. It is a state where all attendees are welcomed and valued, where lifting up area businesses is second nature, and where diverse voices are celebrated. This is a place where citizens care out loud. To gather here makes good business sense, and you can experience the spirit of Minnesota everywhere you go.
