(MINNEAPOLIS) Feb. 25, 2011 A successful entrepreneur and a go-to travel trend expert who is a frequent commentator for publications like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Newsweek and featured on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and BBC World television networks and National Public Radio; its Peter Yesawich, and Meet Minneapolis, the Official Convention and Visitors Association, is proud to announce he is the keynote speaker to address partners, civic and business leaders attending the 2011 Annual Meeting to be held Thursday, March 3, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Yesawich is a nationally-renowned thought leader in the area of travel trends. His experience has produced award-winning work via his marketing and communications firm, Ypartnership, which is regarded as one of the most respected sources of insights into the emerging travel habits, preferences and intentions of Americans. These insights will be shared as Yesawich addresses future travel trends and the importance of the industry.

The Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy study released in February 2011 reveals that the U.S. meetings industry directly supports 1.7 million jobs and $263 billion in spending. In Minneapolis alone, the meetings and conventions held in 2010 that were booked by Meet Minneapolis contributed $900 million to the economy of the city.

This economic impact and other results from 2010 will be shared, as well as plans for branding and positioning Minneapolis for the future from Meet Minneapolis Board President Lynn Casey, also president & CEO of Padilla Speer Beardsley. Mayor R.T. Rybak will speak to the importance of the hospitality industry to the City of Minneapolis future goals.

Additionally, Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant will honor recipients of the organizations annual O.D. Gay, Coppertop and Hospitality Hero awards.

RSVP needed for luncheon: Email Kristen Montag by Wednesday, March 2 at noon if you plan to attend the luncheon; all media are welcome to attend any portion of the meeting without lunch after that date. Please check in with Registration and indicate youre a member of the media. You will be escorted to seating.

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 online at www.minneapolis.org.