Minneapolis Convention Center Completes Transformational $25 Million Meeting Room Renovation

Minneapolis (July 27, 2026) – The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has completed a $25 million renovation of all 87 of its meeting rooms, transforming more than 93,000 square feet of meeting space into more modern, comfortable and technologically advanced environments for event planners and attendees. The multi-year project reinforces the MCC's commitment to delivering an exceptional meeting experience while ensuring the facility remains competitive in an evolving meetings and conventions industry.
“This transformative project will provide our clients with meeting spaces that reflect the expectations of today's events,” said Jeff Johnson, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Convention Center. “From enhanced technology and sustainability features to improved comfort and design, these renovations position the Minneapolis Convention Center to better serve our clients and their attendees for years to come.”
The renovation blends functionality and style while prioritizing user experience, comfort and sustainability. Highlights include:
- Streamlined technology – Upgraded electrical, data, fiber and audio infrastructure provide consistent and reliable connectivity throughout every meeting room.
- Enhanced lighting – New linear LED fixtures with theatrical-grade controls allow for customized ambiance tailored to each event.
- Better airflow and comfort – New linear HVAC diffusers improve ventilation and temperature control.
- Warm and modern aesthetic – Bright, contemporary interiors feature wood wall accents, wood-grain metal doors and wood-grain metal ceiling tiles that create an inviting atmosphere.
- Sustainable and stylish acoustics – Acoustic wall panels are wrapped in Carnegie’s Xorel fabric, a 100% PVC-free material that is both durable and environmentally friendly.
The completed renovation is part of the MCC's ongoing commitment to maintaining one of the nation's premier convention facilities. The MCC continues to budget approximately $10-15 million annually in capital improvements to ensure it meets the evolving needs of meeting planners, exhibitors and attendees.
For photos of the renovated meeting rooms, go here.
Beyond its newly renovated meeting rooms, the MCC continues to elevate the attendee experience with new food and beverage offerings from Kelber Catering, the venue’s exclusive catering and concession partner. New concepts include:
- Mill City Pizza Kitchen – A new quick-service restaurant serving made-from-scratch New Haven-style pizzas, expanding the MCC's onsite dining options with fresh, made-to-order meals.
- Mill City Market – A convenient grab-and-go outlet in Lobby D offering fresh salads, sandwiches, yogurt parfaits and fruit, allowing attendees to enjoy quality meals without leaving the convention center.
- Portable café concepts – Three new mobile café experiences bring added flexibility to events:
- Dirty Soda Cafés featuring customizable beverages with creative mix-ins
- Acai Bowl Cafés serving made-to-order bowls with fresh fruit and wholesome toppings
- Smoothie Cafés offering handcrafted fruit and protein smoothies for a refreshing, grab-and-go option
“These new dining concepts complement our newly renovated meeting rooms and build on Kelber Catering's outstanding food and beverage program, giving clients an even broader mix of dining experiences to enhance meetings and events of every size,” added Johnson. “It's another example of how we're continually investing in our facility and the overall guest experience to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
For more information on the MCC, visit www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com.
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ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is owned by the City of Minneapolis and marketed through Meet Minneapolis. The 1.6 million square foot facility features 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 87 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. The MCC is GBAC STAR, LEED, SITES and GMIC certified and works to serve its constituencies and stakeholders as the face of Minneapolis to visitors. Learn more about the MCC here.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kevin Kurtt, PR & Communications Manager, o 612-767-8118, c 952-288-9319, kevink@minneapolis.org
