Bloomington has for many decades been a welcoming hub for businesses and organizations looking to host meetings, conferences, and corporate retreats. One of the city’s greatest strengths is its ability to blend business with leisure, creating a holistic meeting experience for guests. Attendees flying into the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) can reach their hotel in minutes, thanks to the city’s proximity to the transportation hub. Bloomington’s more than 45 accommodations range from upscale hotels to cozy stays for small groups, many of which cater to business events with sophisticated meeting spaces and on-site catering.
At the heart of all this hospitality is Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism, a valuable resource for planners seeking expert guidance on venues, accommodations, and local attractions. The convention and visitors bureau offers planning guidance for events across 13 different markets, including corporate medical technology/pharmaceutical, sports, and associations.
“Our location at the doorstep of MSP makes it easy for attendees to get to their conference fast, and, with free shuttles to and from most hotels, it is easy,” says Bonnie Carlson, president and CEO of Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism. “I always say, if you’re sourcing Chicago or parts of the Midwest, check out Bloomington. We have the largest concentration of hotels in the state and every major hotel flag, so you can choose from many planner rewards programs if you book your group.”
Beyond its business-minded accommodations and venues, Bloomington’s prime location provides easy access to the thriving cultural and entertainment scene of the Twin Cities. Within a 20-minute drive are several world-class institutions such as the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Guthrie Theater, all of which are inspiring settings for off-site meetings or post-conference outings. Sports fans and music lovers alike will appreciate the proximity to major venues like U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, and Xcel Energy Center, which host everything from professional football, hockey, and baseball games to high-profile concerts and national touring productions. Be sure to see what is on the calendar during your event and take advantage of these convenient group activities.
Under One Roof
A well-rounded event itinerary extends beyond meeting rooms and dinner reservations, and Bloomington boasts nationally known leisure attractions to enhance the attendee experience. Mall of America, the largest retail destination in the country, is more than just a shopping mall—it is a dynamic venue for team-building activities, entertainment, and one-of-a-kind event spaces. Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism’s “Under One Roof” offering showcases this perfectly, helping planners take advantage of the mall’s 83,000 square feet of meeting space, 842 hotel rooms between JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America, and cohesive audiovisual (AV) capabilities. Plus, group bonding is sure to happen over mini golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf or The Fair on 4, an ax-throwing and go-karting experience modeled after the Minnesota State Fair.
Convention and visitors bureau staff also can curate several experiences for event attendees that enhance focus and fun. “One trend we’ve noticed recently is a focus on wellness, with initiatives like mindfulness workshops and healthy food options,” says Carlson. “Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism partners with Lululemon Mall of America on a yoga experience for groups, with a 40-minute beginner yoga class and grab-and-go breakfast at the Lululemon Fuel Space before a meeting or conference starts for the day. It has been a great selling point for us.”
Luxury Meets Function
With a wide selection of upscale hotels, Bloomington ensures both corporate and nonprofit events are executed with style, professionalism, and efficiency. The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, known for its refined ambience and impeccable service, contains many meeting spaces that cater to business functions. Its largest space, the Diamond Ballroom, can host up to 1,725 guests theater-style and includes access to 12 breakout rooms, allowing attendees to exchange ideas in a more intimate setting.
The Radisson Blu Mall of America offers versatile event options, all within steps of the mall’s retail and entertainment, and frequently hosts gatherings ranging from Fortune 500 company conferences to galas. The hotel’s events team often receives feedback that planners enjoy the ease of working with them, as well as the hotel’s stunning spaces, excellent service, and the ability to dine on a gourmet meal or take a roller-coaster ride postsession.
“Sustainability, immersive tech, and wellness-driven events are at the forefront,” says Kate Anastasi, director of sales and marketing for the Radisson Blu Mall of America. “Planners are looking for ways to make meetings more engaging—think interactive AV setups, hybrid experiences, and breaks that go beyond coffee.”
Equipped with up-to-date video conferencing and cutting-edge AV technology, Radisson Blu Mall of America events are executed with precision, for a polished and professional presentation. The hotel’s in-house AV team, Avex, provides full-service support, ensuring engaging presentations and immersive experiences.
Near the airport, the Hyatt Regency Bloomington–Minneapolis offers contemporary facilities made for efficiency and comfort. For groups bringing family along for the ride, Great Wolf Lodge Minneapolis/Bloomington has multiple meeting rooms—plus an indoor water park.
Culinary Excellence
Dining plays an essential role in any event, and Bloomington’s restaurant scene includes a diverse selection of venues suited for corporate receptions and private functions. For on-site evenings, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, located in the Radisson Blu Mall of America, has a warm and modern ambience perfect for networking over regionally inspired cuisine. Give guests a taste of Minnesota’s bounty with wild rice soup, Red Lake walleye, Wild Acres turkey, and more.
If you want to impress attendees with a classic steakhouse experience, Kincaid’s Fish, Chops & Steaks delivers a refined atmosphere with a patio option. Reach out to its events team to coordinate indoor or outdoor private or semiprivate events.
For coastal-inspired options, book a private room at Smack Shack—known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere—for an authentic seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, prawns, and crab. Its Bloomington location offers several private dining spaces, including the Rockport room with space for 50 seated or 65 standing. Team bonding might come easily with an oyster-shucking class, available for attendees over age 21.
Venues & Activities
Beyond boardrooms and banquet halls, Bloomington offers planners distinctive venues that elevate events. The Mall of America is home to several unconventional event spaces, from themed dining areas to entertainment-driven venues, making it a prime location for innovative corporate functions. The Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College introduces a peaceful retreat for networking and wellness-focused meetings.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hyland Hills Ski Area and the Bush Lake Ski Jump provide recreational opportunities that add an edge to corporate events. These properties are popular and have private hosting capabilities, most often for picnics, banquets, fundraisers, and training sessions. Since it began hosting events in the newly renovated ski chalet in 2016, Hyland Hills has attracted many meeting planners seeking an outdoorsy event backdrop.
“The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ski hill are the first thing you see when you come up the stairs, making you feel as though you are outside,” says Suzanne Claseman, sales and events specialist at Hyland Hills Ski Area. “We often draw in meeting groups who are eager to link their events to the great outdoors and also to winter sports.”
