Sometimes a traditional hotel ballroom is just the right solution when planning a meeting or event, whether for reasons of budget, location, or simply client preference. But at other times, a client will challenge meeting planners to provide something a bit more distinctive, and it will be up to them to locate and secure a venue that fits the bill—somewhere with an evocative atmosphere, a dose of fun, and a bit of quirkiness. From Duluth to the Twin Cities, there are many offbeat, extraordinary Minnesota venues to ramp up the adrenaline at your event.
Meeting experts understand that sometimes you need to think differently. “Hosting an event in a unique location helps differentiate it from the typical hotel ballroom or convention center setting, making everything feel more exciting and buzzworthy,” says Hana April Chughtai, owner and self-described “wicked visionary” at Hana April Inc., a global luxury event and design agency based in Minneapolis. (See the profile of Chughtai on page 28.)
“Unlike traditional event venues, which are more expected, unique spaces are well-received by attendees since they often include dynamic setups, activations, interactive installations, or unconventional seating arrangements,” Chughtai says. For corporate events or brand launches, she notes nontraditional venues provide a way to align the space with the brand’s identity. “They open up a world of possibilities, allowing hosts to create one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to their needs and audience.”
Of course, it can be a challenge to find an innovative venue at a moment’s notice, but luckily Minnesota has them in abundance. So, the next time you hear, “Surprise us with something different,” you can feel confident and prepared to put together an event unlike anything your client has seen before.
Cultural Picks
Meetings held in culturally significant spaces can make perfect sense for the right group, Chughtai says. “Choosing a venue that promotes local culture can resonate positively with attendees, particularly those who value culturally rich experiences.”
One such option resides near downtown St. Paul—the Hmong Cultural Center Museum. Minneapolis-St. Paul has the largest Hmong American community in the U.S. Mark Pfeifer, director of programs at the museum, says, “Before, during, or after their meeting, attendees can learn about Hmong history, culture, arts, and the contributions of Hmong people to Minnesota.” The museum can accommodate 50 people for a social event and around 30 for a meeting, and includes educational display panels and iPad video kiosks, as well as galleries of photos and embroidery. “Groups have appreciated the ability to incorporate cultural diversity and education about the community into their events,” Pfeifer says.
In Minneapolis, the American Swedish Institute explores the arts and culture of the country’s Swedish immigrants, and it can host a diverse range of event types. “I have had a great time working on multiple events with the American Swedish Institute team,” says Lucie Ashe, senior event manager at Do Good Events based in St. Louis Park. She has hosted several distinct events there, from a designer fashion show to an international debate hosted with a Minneapolis university. The museum complex includes the Turnblad Mansion, completed in 1908, and the adjoining Nelson Cultural Center, completed in 2012. There is a spacious courtyard for an outdoor option, as well as classrooms and smaller spaces for breakout sessions, conferences, or focused meetings.
Off the Beaten Path
Some venues in the state provide guests with plenty of “I’ve never been here before!” conversation starters. “Guests love having something unique to experience,” Ashe says. “The venue is really their first impression of the event, and using an unconventional space is a great way to show off right from the start.”
Gretchen Culver, owner and creative director of Rocket Science Events in Minneapolis, loves the boundless creativity and possibilities that open up when hosting at Hangar 97 in Forest Lake, a venue born out of a repurposed airplane hangar. “While logistically challenging in a variety of ways, it’s the ultimate blank canvas to be transformed,” she says. “The ability to bring guests in and out via the air, in planes or helicopters, is a unique perk.” The venue’s main level contains 10,000 square feet of space, including a catering kitchen, large mezzanine, bar area, and an outdoor terrace. The space can accommodate 440 people seated and up to 1,000 people standing.
Culver also recommends the Best Jets International aircraft hangar in St. Paul, where she recently held a nonprofit gala. One proviso: “Many hangars don’t have great climate control, specifically air conditioning, so that’s something to keep in mind when planning your event,” she says. “There are huge doors you can open up for a breeze.”
Shifting from the heights of an airplane to the depths of subterranean nightlife, planners will find a historic venue located along the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul that is sure to get attendees chatting. A popular underground nightspot and gangster hideout in the 1930s, the modern Wabasha Street Caves event hall has 12,000 square feet of space finished with brick walls, stucco ceilings, and tile floors in the cocktail area. It accommodates up to 200 for a sit-down dinner. “I had a great time really playing with the venue to act as decor and ambience,” Ashe says. “Attendees loved the use of Prohibition-era theming and speakeasy vibes.”
Also in St. Paul, Can Can Wonderland is one of those places that can bring a smile to the face of even the grumpiest attendee. Located in an old factory where tin cans were once made, the space now features 18 holes of indoor, artist-designed mini golf; an arcade with 150 retro machines; and a tap wall where guests can pour draft beer, seltzers, and ciders. “The beauty of the layout is that groups can arrive together, convene at a muster point within the venue, and then break out into smaller groups to play golf or games, watch live entertainment on stage, eat, drink, and socialize,” says Can Can Wonderland Director of Marketing and Special Projects Jeannie Kenevan. The venue holds up to 1,000 people and has private party spaces for groups ranging from 15 to 150.
A Storied Past
With a perfect combination of history, mystery, and modern conveniences, Glensheen Mansion in Duluth is a terrific option for your next unconventional gathering. The 1908 mansion is located along the northern shore of Lake Superior on a 12-acre estate. “Not only is our venue a historic and iconic location, but we’re also well-equipped to host many different types of events,” says Marketing Manager Mike Mayou. “We accommodate groups of up to 160 in our indoor spaces and 200 to 250 outdoors seasonally.”
If you are searching for a facility that embodies industrial elegance, Duluth’s Clyde Iron Works might be just the ticket. Its team is proud of the vibe they have created there. An active industrial site that originally opened in 1899, the space transformed with a dramatic three-year restoration and now includes event spaces, a restaurant, bar, and brewery. “The craftsmanship and detail that once occurred within these walls have been instilled in this versatile and flexible venue,” says Events Manager Antonia Giuliani Hughes. “Its large and flexible spaces are extremely adaptable.” The entire space is available for up to 2,000 people.
Closer to the Twin Cities, Woods Retreat in Orono, created from a renovated 140-year-old chapel in a forest, opened this spring for events business. “This is a stunning, picturesque event center that features several indoor and outdoor spaces,” Chughtai says. Located on 5 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and grounds, just waiting for your attendees to explore, Woods Retreat seats up to 250 for an elegant dinner. This naturally gorgeous setting is just steps from Lake Minnetonka, one of Minnesota’s most popular and scenic bodies of water.
Tips to Consider
Choosing an unusual venue might be your ticket to an all-raves event, but there are a few considerations to make and chat about during initial calls and walk-throughs. “There can be some challenges, like limited setup time, as some of these venues act as businesses outside of event hours,” Ashe says. “The venues might not have traditional floor plans or layouts that work for a classic setup, and seating sometimes has to be creative. Another thing to note is that sometimes these spaces have unique load-in areas that don’t accommodate larger trucks, and some historic spaces might not be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.”
On the plus side, Ashe notes, you might find a much more open-minded atmosphere at places where events are not part of the everyday routine. “They might have more flexible options and fewer restrictions for things like vendors, allowing you to do things a little more your way or bring some of your favorite suppliers into the mix,” she says.
Ashe is convinced that even if hosting at a nontraditional venue takes a bit more flexibility from client, planner, and venue staff, it can all be very much worth it. “I think broadening your venue mindset to include unconventional options can really elevate attendees’ experiences,” she says. “There will definitely be some challenges, but setting your event apart by hosting in a space guests might not be familiar with is a way to create a memorable experience. It’s also an opportunity to work through creative solutions for challenges and really learn and grow as a planner.”
airplanehangar97.com
asimn.org
bestjetsinternational.com
cancanwonderland.com
clydeironworks.com
dogoodevents.com
glensheen.org
hanaaprilinc.com
hmongculturalcentermuseum.org
rocketscience.events
wabashacaves.com
woodsretreatmn.com
