Recently, the Meet Minneapolis team met for our annual all-staff planning retreat for 2025. With all the stakeholders we serve and the continued evolution of our local tourism and hospitality market, we need as many bright minds as possible around the table to formulate effective strategies for our organization and industry. You, as our partners, can rest assured in the commitment, creativity, and passion of our team.

Nearly every one of our team members attended, including those living and working on both coasts, in greater Minnesota and Chicago. Each one of them brought unique market insights – both anecdotal and empirical – to the full-day session. We reviewed and validated
many of the existing initiatives for their continued relevance and effectiveness. These include trade shows, client site visits and familiarization tours, and collateral materials.

We also studied new and enhanced initiatives such as targeted meeting planner incentive programs, signature events in key markets, visitor services, and Native American tourism development.

Our team has already been deeply involved in fully leveraging the pre-Broadway world premiere of the musical Purple Rain. This is another example of our ongoing commitment to highlight the authentic tourism experiences that only Minneapolis can offer. Our ability to differentiate ourselves from our competitors is a vital component of our success.

As we work to develop our 2025 plan, we are also keeping in mind the impact of our soon-to-be operational Tourism Improvement District funding that will be generated through hotel assessments. These additive dollars will present broader sales and promotional
opportunities for us to implement. And the final touches are being added to our Destination Master Plan that will launch in 2025. Many of you have already weighed in, formally and informally, on transformational ideas for Minneapolis’ continued competitiveness.

We appreciate your trust and confident in the work our team does on behalf of our community. We encourage your continued engagement and investment in Meet Minneapolis. Thank you.