Because of the great work our team has done over the past few years, 2018 will be a banner year beyond our community’s Super Bowl success. Here are some of the groups we will host in 2018 that will contribute to even more good news for our hospitality/tourism industry.

Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) 2018 Annual Conference & Expo

This organization just completed its event in the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC). When we confirmed SME several years ago, we had not yet confirmed the Super Bowl. Because of the extensive time the Super Bowl related activities required of the MCC, SME’s dates had to be moved. We are fortunate to have been able to still host them, even after moving the dates.

National Baptist Convention USA (NBCUSA)

NBCUSA last met in Minneapolis in 2001. This is the largest African American denomination in the country and many of our local pastors are deeply involved in the planning of the events. Pastor Billy G. Russell, Senior Pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, is the local lead for this prestigious convention.

Midwest Poultry Federation 2018 Annual Convention

Midwest Poultry starts its run in Minneapolis after decades of success in St. Paul. The growth of their industry required them to seek larger facilities and we were able to form what we hope will be a long-term partnership.

National Education Association (NEA) 2018 Annual Meeting & Representative Assembly

NEA will attract more than 16,000 delegates over the Independence Day holiday period. This major gathering of professional educators will fill the MCC, as well as hotel rooms throughout the metro area.

ESPN Original Entertainment 2018 Summer X Games

U.S. Bank Stadium will be the epicenter of extreme sports, once again, in July as the Summer X Games return. We anticipate nearly 40,000 people for the four event days. And we are hopeful to extend the run of X Games beyond this year. Stay tuned!

The American Legion 2018 National Convention

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Legion’s first convention and Minneapolis also hosted that very first gathering. In the interim, Minneapolis has hosted the American Legion in 1924, 1959, 1975, 1994, and 2011.

Women’s National Basketball Association 2018 All Star Game

No doubt, many members of our four-time world champion Minnesota Lynx, led by head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve, will be on the roster of the WNBA All Star Game. The game will be played at the newly transformed Target Center this summer.

The Super Bowl was a great start to a big year for the hospitality/tourism industry in our community.

Our team continues to work to secure even more new events and conventions not only for the notoriety but for the jobs created and sustained. We will report on more upcoming groups in future editions of the Meet Minneapolis Minute.