Minneapolis Convention Center

The Minneapolis Convention Center fills 1.6 million square feet in downtown Minneapolis, with 475,000 square feet of exhibit space in five exhibit halls, a 3,400-seat auditorium, 87 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. Two of the halls, each 99,000 square feet, were added in a 2002 expansion along with 39 meeting rooms whose walls open to combine spaces. The City of Minneapolis owns and operates the center, and Meet Minneapolis markets it. Loading docks handle heavy move-ins, from more than 800 cars for the Auto Show to a Ferris wheel set up inside an exhibit hall. Kelber Catering is the exclusive caterer, and Smart City is the exclusive Wi-Fi and networks provider. The renovated outdoor MCC Plaza in front of the building is available as event space. Interactive maps and downloadable floor plans cover each level, and an events calendar lists upcoming shows. Parking comes from the 3rd Ave. Parking Ramp and nearby ramps, and an enclosed skyway system links the building to multiple nearby hotels, ramps and restaurants. Light rail connects attendees to the walkable downtown and to MSP Airport. Rated 4.5 from 6,064 Google reviews, 3,702 of them five stars.