Things to do Near the Minneapolis Convention Center

Are you attending a convention in Minneapolis and looking for some great things to do during your down time? We’ve put together a list of attractions nearby the convention center, along with distance and travel time.

SearchWide Global is looking forward to joining clients, colleagues, friends, and candidates of the destination marketing industry at the 2016 DMAI Annual Convention taking place at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  SearchWide Global, headquartered just a short drive from the convention center in Stillwater, Minnesota welcomes visitors to the Twin Cities and wishes everyone a “Minnesota Nice” experience.

If you are planning to attend the convention please connect with us by stopping by our booth and finding us on Twitter. As a founding sponsor of DMAI’s 30 Under 30 program we are also looking forward to meeting the Class of 2016.

 

1.Dakota Jazz Club – .4 miles / 9 min walk

The Dakota’s inspired menu of innovative regional Midwestern fare paired with the best jazz in the Twin Cities guarantees visitors come for the food, and stay for the music. Offering live music seven nights a week, it’s a great spot for a visitor to get great food and entertainment every night of the week.

 

2. The Local – .5 miles / 10 min walk or 4 min drive

Nominated for the Best Patio in Minneapolis, as well as Voted Best Irish Pub in years past. The Local’s front doors welcome you into an old world feel; with a fabulous Fish and Chips, pub classics, and more than a few ringers for the worldly eater.

 

3. Prohibition – located at the W in the Foshay Building – .5 miles / 10 min walk or 5 minute drive 

Take a step back into the past and head up to the 27th floor of the Foshay Tower to Prohibition Bar. Get a taste of what life was like in the 1920s. Originally intended to be Wilbur Foshay’s private, full-floor retreat, this speakeasy in the sky seduces with superb cocktails, 360º views, and a breathtaking design.

 

4. Minneapolis Institute of Art 1 mile 20 min walk or 5 minute drive 

Home to over 80,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, MIA inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest wide-ranging art collections in the country. General admission is always free.

 

5. The Pourhouse – 1 mile 20 min walk or 5 minute drive 

Signs of the prohibition era saturate your experience from secret passageways to exposed brick and vintage embellishments around every turn. Also the location of the DMAI Annual Convention closing party.

 

6. Minneapolis at U.S. Bank Stadium1.1 miles 22 min walk or 8 minute drive

The new home of the Minnesota Vikings and the 2018 Super Bowl! Catch a game, or if you’re attending the DMAI Annual Convention this is the location of the opening reception!

 

7. Guthrie Theater1.4 miles 31 min walk or 14 min drive

Founded by Sir Tyrone Guthrie and a core of visionary business people, the theater has grown over its three decades to become one of the most respected theaters in the nation.

 

8. Chain of Lakes, Lake Harriet5.2 miles 20 min drive

Stroll through a Japanese peace garden and the country’s second oldest public rose garden, located on picturesque Lake Harriet—on Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes.

 

9. Mall of America 10.6 miles 20 min drive

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the entire world, is located just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. With more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, an indoor theme park, and tons of other family attractions and nightlife options, Mall of America is a must-see in Minneapolis. Check out the Light Rail transportation from Downtown Minneapolis to MOA. 

Looking for more to do? Here’s a list of 150 Things to do in Minneapolis.

 

Just a 20 minute drive from the Minneapolis Convention Center you’ll find the other twin city and the State Capitol, Saint Paul

DMAI Reveals Annual ‘30 UNDER 30’ Recipients

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chair Bob Lander and President and
CEO Don Welsh today announced the 2016 ’30 Under 30’ Class. DMAI received 95 submissions
for the 2016 experience, the largest response since the program’s inception in 2011.

“Selecting 30 recipients from a record 95 submissions is no easy task,” said Lander. “Our
nominating Committee reviewed every submission, and ultimately delivered an impressive
roster for 2016. I look forward to recognizing these 30 future leaders who have already
demonstrated exceptional potential.”

The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will engage in professional development,
volunteer and networking opportunities throughout 2016. The 2016 honorees originate from a
variety of destinations and backgrounds, from National Tourism Bureaus such as Brand USA and
the Bermuda Tourism Authority to local Convention and Visitors Bureaus in Victoria, Texas and
Macon, Georgia.
Now in its sixth year, ’30 Under 30’ is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global, and
sponsored by IMEX and USAE. The honorees will convene for the first time at DMAI’s Annual
Convention August 1‐3 in Minneapolis, MN. Recipients will be recognized Monday, August 1
immediately following the Opening Keynote featuring Abigail Posner.

“Identifying and investing in tomorrow’s leaders is critical for our industry to grow,” said Welsh.
“I am confident that the program we have developed for this year’s Annual Convention will
inspire and further educate this incredibly talented team of future destination marketing
leaders.”

In 2015, the travel and tourism sector supported 284 million jobs, the equivalent to 1 in 11 of
worldwide jobs. By 2026, this number is expected to grow to 370 million, which will equate to 1
in 9 of all jobs in the world according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, underscoring the
need to develop future industry leaders.

“Not only does the program bring incredible value to our industry, but it brings unlimited
opportunity to the recipients,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global.” By
shaping the future industry leaders, we can build an even better future for destination
marketing.”

Class of 2016:
 Ashley Andrews, Lake Placid ‐ Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
 Andrea Barnhill, VISIT FLORIDA
 Kaitie Burger, Discover Lehigh Valley
 Rasheeda Burgess, Bermuda Tourism Authority
 Torri Christian, Destination DC
 Kevin Crowley, Juneau CVB
 Neil Curiel, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
 Christopher Deschenes, San Francisco Travel Association
 Janet Elkins, Meet Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association
 Chris Flor, Providence Warwick CVB
 Evan Foote‐Hudson, Durham CVB
 Veronica Gruber, Macon‐Bibb County CVB
 Brandon Holstein, Madison Area Sports Commission
 Angela LaTerra, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau
 Brittany Lauro, Discover Newport
 Chris Lewis, Tourism Kelowna
 Melissa McClure, Visit Fairfax
 James Namude, Brand USA
 Kathy Nishimura, Visit Anaheim
 Joel Novosad, Victoria CVB
 Megumi Robinson, Experience Columbus
 Sarah Rowan, Visit Knoxville
 Kyle Schatzel, Team San Jose
 Peyton Scheller, Visit Spokane
 Abby Terhark, Springfield, Missouri CVB
 Nick Tolley, Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority
 Rachel Troutman, Visit Indy
 Rachel Volbert, Visit Huntington Beach
 Megan White, Visit Savannah
 Michele Wisnesck, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

For more information contact:

Meghan Risch
R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.
312.388.1174