The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) completed the first half of a $25 million renovation project designed to modernize its meeting rooms and better meet the needs of event planners and attendees. This initial stage encompassed updated designs for more modern, comfortable, and technologically advanced spaces in 45 of the MCC’s 87 meeting rooms.
“We are proud to unveil the results of the first half of this project and know these updates will enhance the experience for our clients and their attendees,” says Jeff Johnson, executive director of the Minneapolis Convention Center, in a prepared statement. “This renovation reflects our ongoing investment in maintaining and updating the MCC to anticipate the evolving needs of the meetings and events industry.”
The project blends functionality and style while prioritizing sustainability, comfort, and user experience. Among the highlights of the newly renovated rooms are:
- Enhanced Lighting: New linear LED fixtures with theatrical-grade controls allow for customized ambience tailored to each event.
- Streamlined Technology: Upgraded electrical, data, fiber, and audio infrastructure ensure consistency across rooms.
- Better Airflow & Comfort: New linear HVAC diffusers improve ventilation and temperature control.
- A Warm & Modern Aesthetic: Interiors are light, with wood wall accents, wood-grain metal doors, and wood-grain metal ceiling tiles that add warmth and sophistication.
- Sustainable & Stylish Acoustics: Acoustic wall panels are wrapped in Carnegie’s Xorel fabric, a 100% PVC-free material that is both eco-friendly and durable.
The second stage of the renovation is well underway and includes upgrades to the remaining 42 meeting rooms. Work is scheduled to minimize disruption to events and expected to be completed early next year. The MCC typically invests $10-15 million per year in capital improvements to the award-winning downtown Minneapolis facility.
Beyond meeting room renovations, the convention center continues to strengthen its role as a sustainable leader for meetings and events. For example:
- Recently, the MCC unveiled an innovative Sustainable Event Guide, a valuable resource designed to help clients, planners, and exhibitors host greener events.
- The center now has lobby lighting that uses 62% less energy and a chilled water system that runs on carbon-free power.
“Sustainability has long been at the heart of how we operate at the Minneapolis Convention Center,” notes Johnson. “These latest efforts build on that commitment, providing our clients with the tools they need to host successful events while making environmentally responsible choices. Together, we’re shaping a greener future for meetings and conventions in Minneapolis.”