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Special Focus: Planning a successful
Business meetings, conventions spur local economy By Marie Wood Greater Mankato has become a viable community for conventions and business meetings. The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau helps bring businesses in from outside the area and helps local businesses bring their convention and meetings home to Mankato. “We can save you time, which is a hot commodity these days,” Larissa Mrozek said Larissa Mrozek, senior sales director for the Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau. Conventions are usually two-day events while business meetings tend to be one-day events. For business meetings, Mrozek helps planners find the facility that’s a good fit. For conventions, Mrozek helps coordinate hotels, special events, meeting space, and trade shows. “The CVB comes into play when you need multiple facilities,” said Mrozek. “Combining meeting space lets us host larger conventions. It puts us on par with Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud.” The City Center Convention Campus offers accommodations,
entertainment, nightlife and skyways that connect the Verizon Wireless Center, City Center Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn and parking ramps. Hotels in North Mankato and the hilltop area are also convenient options. Still Mankato needs additional convention space. Convention planners keep costs down by bringing in vendors to sell to Anna Thill attendees. That makes trade shows a common component, but the Verizon Wireless Center is often booked with expos, hockey and concerts, Mrozek said. “We turn away opportunities because we don’t have the space. We’re not pursuing some events,” said Anna Thill, president of the Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The great thing about conventions is they come in the middle of the week so bars and restaurants get business during slower times. The benefits domino the more conventions we have in town.” MV
Convention and meeting sites
Visit www.meetinmankato.com for the complete facility directory. Verizon Wireless Center 507-389-3000 www.verizonwirelesscentermn.com Conventions, meetings, banquets and entertainment. Ideal for groups of any size with a 6,500 seat arena, Banquet/Exhibit Hall, conference rooms and the historic Reception Hall. Hilton Garden Inn 507-344-1111 www.mankatodowntown.stayhgi.com Located in the City Center and Entertainment District, the building is connected via skyway to the Verizon Wireless Center. Five meeting rooms, with a maximum capacity of 50 people, 118 guest rooms, full-service restaurant, covered parking. Mankato City Center Hotel 507-345-1234, www.mankatomnhotel.com Connected via skyway to the Verizon Wireless Center. 4,400
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square feet of private meeting space, 151 rooms, full-service restaurant, lounge, indoor swimming pool, and covered parking. AmericInn Hotel & Conference Center 507-345-8011, www.AmericInnMankato.com Within walking distance to Minnesota State University, University Square Mall, and 2.2 miles from Verizon Wireless Center. State-of-the-art audio visual equipment, 101 guest rooms. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson 507-388-3646 www.countryinns.com/mankatomn Located near WOW! Zone and River Hills Mall. Conference center can accommodate up to 500 people or convert to multiple breakout rooms. Audio visual equipment, 101 guest rooms, restaurant attached to the hotel.