Education Meetings
Minneapolis is an educational focal point in the Midwest.
Minneapolis is a city of innovation, from our robust business community to our pioneering work in the health field, we have a long history of learning and advancement that continues today.
The University of Minnesota, located in Minneapolis, offers 143 undergraduate and 200 graduate degree programs and ranks in the top research universities in the nation. Multiple Fortune 500 companies were founded in Minneapolis, and these companies have made their mark with innovations that reverberate throughout the world.
In short, we’re an educated place.
Our dedication to education is just one reason Minneapolis is the perfect destination to host your next conference or meeting. We have the history. We have the legacy. All we need is you.
A Network of Learning
Minnesota is home to more than 110 institutions offering 2-4 year associate degrees or higher programs, and 63 of those are located in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, with 13 within Minneapolis itself.
The University of Minnesota is the second largest institute of higher learning in the Midwest, ranking in the top 25 international institutions and is considered a Public Ivy, recognized as one of the top public research universities in the United States.
Notable alumni from the University of Minnesota are abundant. A University of Minnesota diploma has hung in the office of two Vice Presidents – Hubert Humphrey, class of 1939, and Walter Mondale, class of 1956. Eight University of Minnesota alums are Nobel Prize laurates including prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology/Medicine, Economics and Peace. Two Pulitizer Prize Winners called the U of M home, and for those who are a little more into popular culture, Garrison Keillor and Bob Dylan are also graduates of the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota’s Educational Accolades
Ranks 3rd overall for highest math test scores in the nation
Ranks 4th among metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of their population with an associate degree or higher
5th highest average SAT score in the nation
Ranked 8th overall for best state school system in the nation
Rates & Services
When you look at our hotel rates, they aren't classified as "cheap." That's no secret. Our hotels are quality, and the prices reflect that.
But, if we may quote Aristotle, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
When you look at the entire attendee cost (entertainment, food and transportation), what Minneapolis offers as an experience is actually quite lower than similar cities like Chicago, Dallas, Denver and New Orleans. Plus, we've got tax-free shopping on ALL apparel, and Food + Wine called us one of the "Best Cost-Friendly Cities to Visit." Top it off with newly-renovated hotels that are consistently ranked nationally, and you've got an overall experience that gives you some unparalleled bang for your buck.
About Minneapolis
MEETING FACILITIES
Venues like the 480,000-square-foot Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) play host to many events year-round. The MCC alone hosts nearly 500 events per year. Other great local facilities include U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, Xcel Energy Center and Target Center, countless hotels, restaurants, theaters and museums. Minneapolis offers meeting planners a bevy of choices when it comes to choosing venues for any size group. Use one or fill them all, but no matter where your group ends up, it'll be in the middle of everything.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Staying in Minneapolis is just as fun and luxurious as playing in it. Five-star, four-diamond and other award-winning hotels await, opening up the comfort and style of their abodes to you. After a full day of play, let our hotels offer you a place to kick back, relax and unwind. With more than 3,500 hotel rooms connected by 80 blocks of skyways, attendees and visitors can easily access their destination. From high-end to economical, massive to quaint, world-class accommodations await, ready to offer anything you need to make your visit to Minneapolis memorable.
DINING
James Beard winners and nominees head some of our best restaurants. Three local chefs have earned the title Best Chef Midwest: Tim McKee of La Belle Vie, Alex Roberts of Brasa Premium Rotisserie and Restaurant Alma and Isaac Becker of 112 Eatery and Bar La Grassa. In addition, ethnic eats like those along Eat Street in Minneapolis keep world flavors at the forefront, while local pubs and neighborhood joints serve really good food in unique environments for affordable prices. Plus, with a dozen farmers' markets and nearby organic farmers, locally grown and sustainable food is at the fingertips of our chefs.
LOCATION
Minneapolis lies on both banks of the Mississippi River, just north of the river's confluence with the Minnesota River. Known as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis-Saint Paul is the 16th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with approximately 3.3 million residents. The city is abundantly rich in water with over twenty lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi river, creeks and waterfalls, many connected by parkways in the Chain of Lakes and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. And, average flight times to the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area from around the country are just 2.5 hours.
RECREATION
Only in Minneapolis can you step outside your hotel and kayak the Mississippi River, then watch a Broadway-quality show at one of our many renowned theaters. Rent a bike at one of the many Nice Ride stations and conquer "The Most Bike-Friendly City" on two wheels, then shop around at our fashionable stores and enjoy tax-free shopping on all apparel. Enjoy cuisine from James Beard award-winners, then get inspired at our world-renowned art galleries. No matter the season, the City by Nature is the premier year-round destination.
AS A MEETING DESTINATION
More than 18 million people choose to visit Minneapolis each year, and a high percentage of those visitors come here to attend meetings, conventions and events. With a Delta Air Lines hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and light rail that connects the airport and Mall of America to downtown, we're easy to explore. Best of all, in Minneapolis you get more meeting for less cost. Getting here is affordable and our world-class attractions are reasonably priced, making Minneapolis the perfect meeting destination.
