(May 25, 2011) Minneapolis Bringing in large national events such as the 2008 Republican National Convention, 2009 Professional Golf Association Tour Championship and 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Adult National Championship will benefit Matt Meunier greatly as the new national account executive for Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention + Visitors Association. Previously, Meunier was the associate director of sports development for the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was a key innovator for the city, growing the sports market by 400 percent in his five years there by bringing in large national events, designing the first-ever comprehensive Bloomington Sports Venue Guide and creating the Bloomington Sports Grant Program.

Matts accomplishments as the associate director of sports development proved his capabilities within this key market, said Scott Romane, vice president of destination sales for Meet Minneapolis. Over the past six years he has developed strong relationships with key local and national event organizers and industry partners. Matts genuine passion for this market will serve him and Minneapolis well in growing the sports market here.

As national account executive, Meunier will be responsible for promoting and selling the city of Minneapolis as a premier destination for conventions and meetings, as well as achieving individual room night goals that will provide a positive impact on hotel and Minneapolis Convention Center occupancies.

In the sports market, its all about the venues that your destination has to offer to your customers, said Meunier. Were extremely fortunate in Minneapolis to have some of the nations premiere sporting venues, from Target Field to TCF Bank Stadium and even the Minneapolis Convention Center. To have those assets to help sell our city makes this job so much easier and fun, and I look forward to the opportunity.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS: Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes the Minneapolis area as a venue for conventions and meetings and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to bring a positive economic impact to the greater Minneapolis area. Visit us online at www.minneapolis.org.