Trade Show News

Minneapolis is experiencing a significant increase in major events, with 44 scheduled for September, more than June and July combined. This activity is boosting business and visitor numbers, with hotels generating over $135 million in room revenue and 66% occupancy during the summer. The city's efforts to attract and support events, including the Minneapolis Community Events Assistance Program, are contributing to this growth.

Meet Minneapolis is actively working to position the city as a premier destination for major events, conducting nearly 80 face-to-face customer engagements across the country in recent months. The organization aims to attract diverse clients and events by showcasing Minneapolis's capabilities and collaborating with local tourism, hospitality, and government partners. This strategic outreach is part of a broader effort to secure business for the city's venues, including the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The Radisson Blu Mall of America has unveiled property-wide renovations. This news is relevant to the trade show industry as updated hospitality options can attract more convention business to the Minneapolis area.

Minneapolis hotels experienced solid performance during Summer 2026, selling over 705,000 rooms with an average occupancy of 66% and generating nearly $13 million in increased room revenue. This data underscores the significant contribution of meetings, events, and leisure travel to the city's tourism and hospitality industry, which supports approximately 30,000 jobs.

Minneapolis hotels sold over 705,000 rooms during summer 2026, with occupancy matching 2025 levels at 66% and room revenue increasing by nearly $13 million. This performance highlights the continued importance of meetings, events, and leisure travel to the city's tourism and hospitality industry. Events like the North American Bridge Championships and Junior Gold Bowling Championships contributed significantly to visitor numbers.

Vistage is hosting the Minneapolis/St. Paul Executive Summit on September 24, 2026, at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America. The summit features keynote speakers on topics such as AI tools and talent pipeline development for CEOs, offering insights for business leaders.

Hospitality Minnesota has opened registration for its 2026 Hospitality Conference and launched a new Hospitality Conditions Survey, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The organization is also accepting nominations for its Stars of the Industry Awards until October 22, 2026.

The National Concierge Association is actively partnering with Minneapolis hospitality and event businesses, fostering a network of professionals who deliver exceptional service. This network provides recommendations for venues, vendors, and experiences, crucial for event planners and hotel professionals. The association emphasizes networking as a vital part of the event planning process.

Meet Minneapolis is actively seeking a National Account Executive to attract visitors, meetings, and events to the city. The organization's mission is to positively impact the economic and social prosperity of the Minneapolis community by supporting jobs and local businesses.

Meet Minneapolis is actively recruiting a National Account Executive to promote Minneapolis as a premier destination for conventions and meetings. The role focuses on achieving room night goals for national association and corporate accounts, directly impacting hotel and Minneapolis Convention Center occupancies. This position can be based remotely in Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, or at the Minneapolis headquarters.

IMPORTEXPO - Minnesota 2026, an automotive and transportation expo, was staged at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event brought together exhibitors and attendees for product displays and industry showcases, leveraging the convention center's status as the Upper Midwest's largest indoor convention space.

MD&M Midwest, described as the Midwest's largest annual end-to-end design and manufacturing event, is scheduled to take place from October 28-29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event will feature sessions on topics such as AI adoption and workforce transformation in smart manufacturing.

MD&M Midwest, the largest annual end-to-end design and manufacturing event in the Midwest, is scheduled for October 28-29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event will feature sessions on topics like AI adoption in manufacturing and workforce transformation. Design engineers, warehouse managers, and HR personnel are encouraged to attend.

The Marine Super Show is taking place at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, United States, on September 17, 2026. This premier event showcases the latest innovations and trends in the marine industry.

The 2027 Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Leadership Conference is scheduled for January 14-15, 2027, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This conference attracts over 2,000 school board members and leaders, offering an opportunity for vendors to reach potential customers.

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has completed a $25 million renovation of all 87 of its meeting rooms, updating over 93,000 square feet of space. This multi-year project includes upgraded electrical, data, fiber, and audio infrastructure, new LED lighting, and improved HVAC systems, aiming to enhance the experience for event planners and attendees. New food and beverage options have also been introduced.

Minneapolis artists are invited to submit two-dimensional artwork for a rotating art exhibit at the Minneapolis Convention Center, scheduled to run from January through June 2027. The initiative seeks large-scale works from artists living or working within Minneapolis city limits, with installation planned for December 2026.

Minneapolis artists are invited to submit original, two-dimensional artwork for a rotating exhibit at the Minneapolis Convention Center, scheduled to run from January through June 2027. Artwork must be between 3 feet by 3 feet and 6 feet by 12 feet. Installation of the selected pieces is planned for December 2026.

The Minneapolis Convention Center will feature a rotating art exhibit from January through June 2027, showcasing original two-dimensional artwork by Minneapolis artists. Art Angels is seeking artists who live or work within Minneapolis city limits, with a preference for those bringing unique cultural or geographic perspectives, emerging artists, and those working on a large scale (artwork must be at least 3x3 feet and no larger than 6x12 feet).

Minneapolis artists are invited to submit two-dimensional artwork for a rotating exhibit at the Minneapolis Convention Center, running from January through June 2027. This initiative seeks to showcase local talent and unique cultural perspectives within the venue.