Minneapolis Convention Center Will Get $14.5 Million Facelift

June 25, 2014
Minneapolis Convention Center Will Get $14.5 Million Facelift alt

The Minneapolis Convention Center will have a nearly $14.5 million facelift to enhance the “relationship building” for clients and to remain competitive by being more efficient, flexible and better able to respond to the needs of the customers, according to venue officials.

The enhancements will take place during a two-year period, while the MCC prepares for a busy time in its schedule

Some of the improvements include the Visitor Information Center, which is located in the main lobby and is being completely renovated, as well as moved closer to the facility’s main entrance on Second Avenue South to better serve guests.

In addition, a mezzanine level is being added that will add flexible space and can be used to hold events and includes seating and a lounge area for additional networking and meeting space. A bar will be added in the future as well.

The stairs that used to be located in the main lobby are being replaced with an elevator to add accessibility to the front of the facility.

Beyond those more visible changes, further improvements in 2014 are as follows:

•           Carpet replacement on second floor meeting spaces and lobbies

•           New energy-efficient escalators for the lobbies of Halls C, D, and E (Skyway escalators on either end of the MCC were completed earlier in 2014)

•           Color changing LED lights for the exhibit hall interior domes will provide more options for meeting planners to enhance the exhibit hall decor

•           Artwork will be added throughout the building from Corporate Art Force

The MCC is working with Corporate Art Force to provide art from local artists that will be displayed on a six-month rotation.

 “We are using this art to highlight the creative community of Minneapolis to our hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “And doing so will also add some texture and interest to our 1.6 million square feet of space.”

These changes will not only make the convention center more welcoming and convenient for visitors, but also more environmentally friendly, according to venue officials.

The MCC is committed to sustainability and recently achieved level one certification to the ASTM standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact