The 2008 Readers' Choice Best Of Award Winners

You know your stuff. You know the best way to get around town—by land and by water. You know how to book the most sophisticated entertainment. You know where to find the most elegant ballrooms. You know who to turn to for the tastiest party food.

Let’s face it. Our readers are also the state’s top meeting and event experts. And now, the experts—that’s you!—have spoken. Here are the results of our 2008 reader survey.

Editor's Picks
by Ann Turner
Our readers make the picks in our annual Best Of awards. But this year, the editor is allowed to throw a few more names into the mix. Here are a few favorites that deserve mention whenever the talk turns to “special.”

BEST ATTRACTION
Mill City Museum
From its rough, gutted framework to its state-of-the art technology, this Minnesota Historical Society property embodies an almost-spooky essence of the bustling mills that helped give birth to a major city. In addition to the museum itself (and the outstanding Flour Tower exhibit) and a theater, it has several smaller private conference rooms that are often rented to small groups. The Ruin Courtyard overlooking the Mississippi River is a popular spot for private events and receptions. (704 S. Second Street / Minneapolis, MN 55401 / 612.341.7555 / www.millcitymuseum.org)
 

BEST SPA
Ivy Spa Club
This luxurious spa, located on the second floor of Hotel Ivy, caters to high-end business travelers as well as local folks who want a treat. But the atmosphere is pure down-home and the staff could be your next-door neighbors. It has all the spa amenities along with relaxation rooms with fireplaces and cushy lounging chairs. But it’s the friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back. (201 Eleventh Street S. / Minneapolis, MN 55403 / 612.343.3131 / www.ivyspaclub.com)
 

BEST CASINO
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
From its sumptuous buffet, to its numerous nickel poker machines and spacious meeting areas, this is the place to go if your group is the gambling type. A short 40-minute drive from the metro, Treasure Island caters to groups large and small. The attached hotel recently expanded, so everything you need is under one roof. (5734 Sturgeon Lake Road / Welch, MN 55089 / 800.222.7077 / www.treasureislandcasino.com)
 

BEST ONLINE FORUM
The Meetings Community (MeCo)
This international group of planners has more than 2,400 members, who provide lively debates and information sharing about the industry we love. There’s always something happening on MeCo and it’s easy to see why many planners make it a part of their daily routine. While there are many sites online that cater to planners, this one is special because it was founded by local planner James Louis from Best Meetings Inc. (www.meetingscommunity.org)
 

Readers' Choice Winners
by Megan Tsai

ATTRACTION
Mall of America
Runners-up: Walker Art Center, Science Museum of Minnesota
You can drive all around town to find elegant meeting facilities, exciting teambuilding activities, fine dining, world-class shopping, a 1.2 million-gallon aquarium and an amusement park. Or just visit this year’s winning attraction—the Mall of America. It’s a destination that truly offers something for everyone. (60 East Broadway / Bloomington, MN 55425 / 800.879.3555 / www.mallofamerica.com)
 

AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATION PROVIDER
AVEX
Runners-up: Hoffman Communications, Music General
The best A/V providers prevent problems before they happen, and that’s why you love AVEX. Tessa Pinkstaff of the Minnesota Society of CPAs comments, “We have been consistently impressed with their service and attention to detail. An AVEX event is an anxiety-free event.” (4802 Park Glen Road / St. Louis Park, MN 55416 / 952.929.2839 / www.goavex.com)
 

SPECIAL EVENT VENUE
The Depot
Runners-up: Nicollet Island Pavilion, BayView Event Center
“I know events at The Depot will be first-class, a step above the rest and memorable for all attendees,” says Emily Johnston, a planner with the University of Minnesota. Without fail, this classic and historic venue continues to impress, earning its place at the top of our list. (225 Third Avenue S. / Minneapolis, MN 55401 / 612.375.1700 / www.thedepotminneapolis.com)
 

BOATS/CRUISES/CHARTERS
Al & Alma’s Charter Cruises
Runners-up: Padelford Packet Boat Co., Paradise Charter Cruises
Once again, Al & Alma’s Charter Cruises on Lake Minnetonka is your favorite way to take to the Minnesota waters. What sets this aquatic adventure apart? According to reader Larry Wheelock, it’s the right combination of “delicious fare and professional, courteous service.” (5201 Piper Road / Mound, MN 55364 / 952.472.3098 / www.al-almas.com)
 

UP-AND-COMING CATERING COMPANY
Chowgirls Killer Catering
Runners-up: Create Catering, We Cater to You
New to the Twin Cities scene and our survey is Chowgirls Killer Catering. The company is known for its commitment to local and organic foods. Co-owner Heidi Andermack says Chowgirls offers, “a unique personal touch, whether it is shopping farmers’ markets or working with a client’s family recipe.” (1222 Second Street N.E. / Minneapolis, MN 55413 / 612.203.0786 / www.chowgirls.net)
 

CATERING COMPANY
D’Amico Catering
Runners-up: Three Sons Signature Cuisine, Mintáhoe Hospitality Group
Sure, their ahi tuna is to die for. But it’s more than D’Amico’s delicious food that keeps you voting for this classy caterer—their professionalism and preferred-caterer status at many of the state’s top venues round out the winning package. (275 Market Street, Suite C25 / Minneapolis, MN 55405 / 612.238.4444 / www.damicocatering.com)
 

CONFERENCE CENTER
Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Plymouth
Runners-up: Oak Ridge, a Dolce Conference Hotel, Earle Brown Heritage Center
The Radisson Hotel and Conference Center’s spacious Plymouth location takes the top spot. The complete conference packages help pull off meetings without a hitch. (3131 Campus Drive / Plymouth, MN 55441 / 763.559.6600 / www.rhccmeetings.com)
 

CONVENTION CENTER
Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC)
Runners-up: Saint Paul RiverCentre, Target Center
An annual favorite, when it comes to convenience and sheer square footage, the MCC can’t be beat. Dawn Meyer of Le Cordon Bleu says: “It is close to highways and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels and shopping.” (1301 Second Avenue S. / Minneapolis, MN 55403 / 612.335.6000 / www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com)
 

EVENT PRODUCTION AND DECOR COMPANY
Event Lab
Runners-up: metroConnections, Après Party and Tent Rental
Event Lab focuses on providing a complete event experience from start to finish. Michael Bergman of HelmsBriscoe praises their “expansive inventory and floral design expertise.” (7251 Washington Avenue S. / Minneapolis, MN 55439 / 952.224.8558 www.eventlab.net)
 

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Meet Minneapolis
Runners-up: Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority
Meet Minneapolis tells brides, vacationers, conference planners, hard-nosed reporters, international tour groups and anyone else who will listen about everything the Twin Cities has to offer. You can’t buy that kind of publicity, but, you’ve shown your appreciation by giving these advocates your vote. (250 Marquette Avenue S., Suite 1300 / Minneapolis, MN 55401 / 888.676.6757 / www.minneapolis.org)
 

ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY
G.L. Berg Entertainment
Runners-up: Macken Music, Marsh Productions
What do a hypnotist, a motivational speaker and a jazz trio have in common? You can book these acts (and more than 100 others) through popular St. Cloud-based entertainment agency G.L. Berg. The agency’s memorable entertainers make your event one attendees will talk about for years to come. (325 33rd Avenue N. / St. Cloud, MN 65303 / 888.654.6901 / www.glberg.com)
 

ENTERTAINMENT
Belladiva
Runners-up: The Casablanca Orchestra (CBO), The R Factor
Talk about star power, Belladiva has performed with Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder and Prince. With a song list spanning several decades and myriad musical styles, the band strikes the right note for any type of event, from a country hoedown to a classy cocktail party. (651.260.0417 / www.belladivamusic.com)
 

FLORIST
Richfield Flowers and Events
Runners-up: Bachman’s, Stems and Vines
The masters at Richfield Flowers and Events don’t just arrange flowers, they set a mood. They’ve dreamed up lavish lilies adorning a Hawaiian luau and towering white branches decorating tables at a winter ball. They can also provide props, lighting and draping to tie it all together. (6615 Nicollet Avenue S. / Richfield, MN 55423 / 612.866.8416 / www.richfieldflowers.com)
 

RESORT
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Runners-up: Grand View Lodge, Breezy Point Resort
Madden’s stays at the top thanks to its winning stats: more than 1,000 acres, a mile of shoreline, 63 holes of golf, three generations of family ownership and nearly 80 years in business. With extensive conference facilities and plenty of family activities, the resort offers something for everyone. (11266 Pine Beach Peninsula / Brainerd, MN 56401 / 800.233.2934 / www.maddens.com)
 

GOLF VENUE
Rush Creek Golf Club
Runners-up: Interlachen Country Club, Golden Valley Country Club
The founder of Rush Creek wanted to “create a golf course where everyone is welcome.” Now, you’ve welcomed this 18-hole championship golf course and its Scottish-inspired clubhouse and ballroom into the top spot of our survey—and that’s no wee honor. (7801 Troy Lane N. / Maple Grove, MN 55311/ 763.494.0400 / www.rushcreek.com)
 

HOTEL WITH MEETING AND EVENT SPACE, MORE THAN 200 ROOMS
Hilton Minneapolis
Runners-up: Minneapolis Marriott City Center, Crowne Plaza St. Paul
Turn to the Hilton Minneapolis when nothing else will do—literally. This classy hotel boasts the largest ballroom in the state of Minnesota, the nearly 25,000-square-foot Minneapolis Ballroom. Other perks include 24 additional meeting rooms, skyway access and a central downtown location. (1001 Marquette Avenue S. / Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.376.1000 / www.minneapolis.hilton.com)
 

HOTEL WITH MEETING AND EVENT SPACE, LESS THAN 200 ROOMS
St. Paul Hotel
Runners-up: The Hotel Minneapolis, Graves 601 Hotel
Chalk up a win for the incomparable St. Paul Hotel. This historic hotel is consistently named one of the state’s best. A perfect combination of traditional class and modern conveniences, the St. Paul hotel offers the best of both worlds and has been home to spectacular events for decades. (350 Market Street / St. Paul, MN 55102 / 651.292.9292 www.saintpaulhotel.com)
 

MEETING AND EVENT SPACE, NO HOTEL
McNamara Alumni Center
Runners-up: Nicollet Island Pavilion, Blaisdell Manor
The visually stunning McNamara Alumni Center and its professional staff provide the ultimate experience for any event. “Their commitment to customer service is unrivaled, whether it is the quality of the food, the variety of in-house audio-visual equipment or the beauty of the space itself,” says reader Tessa Pinkstaff. (200 Oak Street S.E. / Minneapolis, MN 55455 / 612.624.9831 / www.alumnicenter.umn.edu)
 

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
13twentythree Photography
Runners-up: Jennifer Cress Photography, Olive Juice Studios
13twentythree photographer Rich Peterson has photographed babies, models, corporate galas and everything in between. His work has even appeared in the Pioneer Press. But no matter what he’s shooting, Peterson has an eye for detail and a knack for capturing the special moments of any occasion. (275 E. Fourth Street, Suite 600 / St. Paul, MN 55101 / 612.987.7424 / www.13twentythree.com)
 

RENTAL SERVICE PROVIDER
Après Party and Tent Rental
Runners-up: Midway Party Rental, Linen Effects
You turn to Après for its stunning décor, but say it’s the service that keeps you coming back. Erica Giorgi of the University of Minnesota raves, “They are masters of detail and know the questions you need to ask before you even think of them!” (7625 Cahill Road Edina, MN 55439 / 952.942.3399 / www.apresparty.com)
 

TEAMBUILDING VENUE
Oak Ridge, a Dolce Conference Hotel
Runners-up: LifeSkills Center for Business Leadership, Dave & Buster’s
When it comes to teambuilding, there’s nothing like being stranded in the woods with your co-workers, using only a compass, map and radio to find your way out. The orienteering exercise is one of many teambuilding activities offered at Oak Ridge, the only Midwest conference center with a Teams Challenge Course. (1 Oak Ridge Drive / Chaska, MN 55318 / 952.368.3100 / www.dolce-minneapolis-hotel.com)
 

TEAMBUILDING FACILITATOR
metroConnections
Runners-up: LifeSkills Center for Business Leadership, The Prouty Project
Communication, cooperation and teamwork are the goals of every metroConnections teambuilding activity, but participants might not realize it because they’re having so much fun! Activities like Ultimate Survivor, Garage Wars and Pirate Cruise provide the right mix of entertainment and education. (1219 Marquette Avenue, Suite 110 / Minneapolis, MN 55403 / 612.333.8687 / www.metroconnections.com)
 

TRANSPORTATION
Eclipse
Runners-up: metroConnections, Metro Transit
When a black limo or sleek town car pulls up, you’re looking for a first-class experience. With Eclipse Transportation, clients receive that A-list treatment. “Their drivers treat all travelers as though they are VIPs,” says Mari Kemp of Boston Scientific. (44 East Moreland Avenue / West St. Paul, MN 55118 / 651.293.1111 / www.eclipsecars.com)