St. Paul

Invite Only

Team Build with Witchcraft and Wizardry

On May 10, the MPI Minnesota chapter celebrated its members and the successes of its 2016-17 year at Union Depot in St. Paul. The theme was “Soirée: An Evening in Paris,” and attendees dined on French-inspired food from Crave. The 2017-18 Board of Directors and incoming president, Jen Ruthig, CMP, were welcomed, and EMPI awards and scholarship recipients were announced.

As 2016 comes to a close, thoughts turn to 2017. We’ll have a new president, a new Star Wars movie will hit theaters, and Minneapolis will host the summer X Games. 

But what can the meetings and events industry expect? Eight experts weigh in on what the New Year will bring (both in and out). Our favorites? Edible spray paint, high-end catering ware, Asian-Pacific cuisine (especially if it involves poke) and an end to pretentious bartenders. 

Sit down, take notes and think about how you can incorporate all of this into your 2017 fetes, retreats and more. 

An old mattress factory is reimagined as a cool, industrial event space.

Saint Paul RiverCentre renamed their Grand Ballroom in memory of the late William Morrissey, owner and operator of the St. Paul-based Morrissey Hospitality Cos., who died in April of this year. The dedication ceremony had more 200 attendees.

The first of its kind in the Twin Cities, Hop21 is a table tennis club and bar that doubles as an ace team-building outing. The 4,500-squarefoot space is fit for 20-125 guests. “Anybody can play; you don’t have to be a super athlete … that’s what’s great about pingpong,” says CEO and Chief Manager Max Vinogradov, a self-deemed pingpong amateur who grew up playing in Russia.

The man behind Duluth’s success, is now working his magic as president and CEO of Visit Saint Paul.

You don’t need a killer arm, a world-class kick or a big league contract to enjoy a meeting or event in one of Minnesota's premier sports venues. These facilities are ready to welcome your group with an experiene that's lively, fun and decidedly out of the ordinary. 

CHS Field, St. Paul

Going to a conference only to leave with a headache from loud speakers can be counterproductive. In a large conference, it can be almost impossible to find a place in the auditorium that doesn’t either leave you with ringing ears or straining to hear from being too far away.