Part I

Q: As the general manager of the city’s largest hotel property, what added responsibility do you feel in helping the city secure events and conventions?

A: The general manager of any size hotel is critical to the sales process. Our customer engagement sends a very clear message about the culture of our team. Engaging with our customers early in the sales process provides a sense of comfort to our customers that “we care about your business and we want to better understand your expectations.” The sales team does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to securing events, but if I can offer support to the process, I’m on board!

Q: Can you give some perspective on the scope of your current renovation and how it will help you to reposition yourself in the marketplace?

A: Hilton’s renovation is the most extensive renovation this building has experienced since we opened in 1992! The lobby has been leveled and is in the process of being completely rebranded, repurposed and reinvented! Our transformation can be described as a modern and sophisticated design inspired by natural stone and textiles unique to Minneapolis.

The open lobby concept welcomes the world-traveler to indulge in lively offerings from the central bar, or retreat to the quiet technology library. For those on the go, the lobby marketplace will satisfy any craving day or night. Hilton’s 77,000 square feet of meeting space is also being redesigned, which will feature modern lighting and artwork, paired with light hues of cream and taupe accenting the hotel’s unique millwork. The majority of the redesigned lobby will be available to our guests by March 15, and most of our function space will be back online by February 24.

The Minneapolis hospitality community has proven to be highly competitive. This renovation will help better leverage the city by way of additional relevant and modern inventory, as well as assist with growing Hilton’s market share.

Part II

Q. Having worked in major markets like New York City, how does the Minneapolis market compare?

A. Minneapolis is not so different from New York City, just on a smaller scale. We have a robust financial community, diverse industries, trend-setting community, fantastic culinary scene, thriving arts community and a state of the art infrastructure. My family and I have quickly adapted to the Minnesota life, the winters aren’t nearly as bad as rumored.

Q. How are established hotels in the Minneapolis market dealing with the new room supply we have seen recently?

A. Speaking on behalf of Hilton, we are fortunate to have a large amount of function space; this is an amenity that we leverage in order to fill our guestrooms. Our size allows us to participate in a handful of market segments.

Q. How does winter play into marketing Minneapolis?

A. Since my arrival, Meet Minneapolis has done an exceptional job of marketing Minneapolis in the winter months, but I think hosting the Super Bowl has helped minimize people’s perception of our winters. Minneapolis has four distinct and beautiful seasons, and winter is another part of the experience. I don’t apologize for it, but rather we embrace this season and explain the different attractions that take place during these months.

Q. If you could wave a magic wand, what one thing would you do to make Minneapolis an even more marketable destination?

A. I would like to wave that magic wand three time as I would like to see more shopping in the downtown area to not only attract those staying for a few days at a convention or those on leisure travel, but it would be great to see the local community enjoying a day in the city. Safety is a concern among the hotel community. We need more police presence so that those traveling to Minneapolis feel safe, as well as those exploring our city during the day or just heading out in the evening to a restaurant or show. And finally, I would like to see our hometown team, the Vikings, make it to the Super Bowl in 2018.

Part I

Q: As the general manager of the city’s largest hotel property, what added responsibility do you feel in helping the city secure events and conventions?

A: The general manager of any size hotel is critical to the sales process. Our customer engagement sends a very clear message about the culture of our team. Engaging with our customers early in the sales process provides a sense of comfort to our customers that “we care about your business and we want to better understand your expectations.” The sales team does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to securing events, but if I can offer support to the process, I’m on board!

Q: Can you give some perspective on the scope of your current renovation and how it will help you to reposition yourself in the marketplace?

A: Hilton’s renovation is the most extensive renovation this building has experienced since we opened in 1992! The lobby has been leveled and is in the process of being completely rebranded, repurposed and reinvented! Our transformation can be described as a modern and sophisticated design inspired by natural stone and textiles unique to Minneapolis.

The open lobby concept welcomes the world-traveler to indulge in lively offerings from the central bar, or retreat to the quiet technology library. For those on the go, the lobby marketplace will satisfy any craving day or night. Hilton’s 77,000 square feet of meeting space is also being redesigned, which will feature modern lighting and artwork, paired with light hues of cream and taupe accenting the hotel’s unique millwork. The majority of the redesigned lobby will be available to our guests by March 15, and most of our function space will be back online by February 24.

The Minneapolis hospitality community has proven to be highly competitive. This renovation will help better leverage the city by way of additional relevant and modern inventory, as well as assist with growing Hilton’s market share.

Part II

Q. Having worked in major markets like New York City, how does the Minneapolis market compare?

A. Minneapolis is not so different from New York City, just on a smaller scale. We have a robust financial community, diverse industries, trend-setting community, fantastic culinary scene, thriving arts community and a state of the art infrastructure. My family and I have quickly adapted to the Minnesota life, the winters aren’t nearly as bad as rumored.

Q. How are established hotels in the Minneapolis market dealing with the new room supply we have seen recently?

A. Speaking on behalf of Hilton, we are fortunate to have a large amount of function space; this is an amenity that we leverage in order to fill our guestrooms. Our size allows us to participate in a handful of market segments.

Q. How does winter play into marketing Minneapolis?

A. Since my arrival, Meet Minneapolis has done an exceptional job of marketing Minneapolis in the winter months, but I think hosting the Super Bowl has helped minimize people’s perception of our winters. Minneapolis has four distinct and beautiful seasons, and winter is another part of the experience. I don’t apologize for it, but rather we embrace this season and explain the different attractions that take place during these months.

Q. If you could wave a magic wand, what one thing would you do to make Minneapolis an even more marketable destination?

A. I would like to wave that magic wand three time as I would like to see more shopping in the downtown area to not only attract those staying for a few days at a convention or those on leisure travel, but it would be great to see the local community enjoying a day in the city. Safety is a concern among the hotel community. We need more police presence so that those traveling to Minneapolis feel safe, as well as those exploring our city during the day or just heading out in the evening to a restaurant or show. And finally, I would like to see our hometown team, the Vikings, make it to the Super Bowl in 2018.