The 2011 Minnesota Meetings + Events Reader's Choice Best Of Award Winners

For the past decade, Minnesota Meetings + Events has polled our readers in search of the best suppliers, venues and services in the state’s events industry. This year was a tight race in most categories, as a handful of nominees jostled for the title of “best.” Some winners are reliable standbys that planners seem to always be able to count on, while others are newcomers who have made a big impression with clients.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Readers’ Choice Awards, we congratulate the winners and offer a sincere thank-you to all who work to make this industry so special.

 

PLACES

Golf Venue

THE WINNER IS:
Burl Oaks Golf Club
Mound

RUNNERS-UP: Madden’s on Gull Lake, Rush Creek Golf Club

 

Historic Venue

THE WINNER IS:
The Van Dusen Mansion
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: James J. Hill Library, Blaisdell Manor

 

Hotel/Resort with Meeting/Event Space (More than 300 guest rooms)

THE WINNER IS:
Hilton Minneapolis
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Crowne Plaza St. Paul- Riverfront, Minneapolis Marriott City Center

 

Hotel/ Resort withMeeting/Event Space (Less than 300 guest rooms)

THE WINNER IS:
Saint Paul Hotel
St. Paul

RUNNERS-UP: Embassy Suites Bloomington, Graves 601

 

Meeting/Event Space (No Hotel)

THE WINNER IS:
McNamara Alumni Center
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Nicollet Island Inn, Van Dusen Mansion

 

Resort with Meeting/Event Space

THE WINNER IS:
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Brainerd

RUNNERS-UP: Grand View Lodge, Cragun’s

 

Venue Outside Twin Cities Metro

THE WINNER IS:
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Brainerd

RUNNERS-UP: Grand View Lodge, Carlos Creek Winery

 

Restaurant/Bar with Event Space

THE WINNER IS:
Seven The Steakhouse
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Crave, Chino Latino

 

Attraction

THE WINNER IS:
Minnesota State Fair
St. Paul

RUNNERS-UP: Minnesota Zoo, Mall of America

 

Audio-Visual/Visual Presentation Provider

THE WINNER IS:
AV For You
St. Louis Park

RUNNERS-UP: AVEX, Media Loft

 

Boats/Cruises/Charters

THE WINNER IS:
Al & Alma’s
Mound

RUNNERS-UP: Padelford Riverboats, Paradise Charter Cruises

 

Event Décor

THE WINNER IS:
Event Lab
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Festivities, Bungalow Six, Linen Effects

 

Florist

THE WINNER IS:
Richfield Flowers & Events
Richfield

RUNNERS-UP: Sadie’s Couture Floral & Events Styling, Zinnia Design Florals

 

Catering Company (on or off-site)

THE WINNER IS:
D’Amico
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Mintáhoe, A Catered Event

 

Up-and-Coming Catering Company (less than 5 years in business)

THE WINNER IS:
Common Roots
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Play Ball Catering, Gastrotruck

 

Rental Service (tents, tables, linens, etc.)

THE WINNER IS:
Linen Effects
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Après Party & Tent Rental, Ultimate Events

 

Transportation

THE WINNER IS:
Renee’s Royal Valet
Plymouth

RUNNERS-UP: Eclipse, Minnesota Coaches, Premier Transportation

 

Teambuilding Organizer/Activity

THE WINNER IS:
LMC Corporate Fishing Events
Victoria

RUNNERS-UP: metroConnections, Event Lab

 

Entertainment (Performer, Group or Talent Agency)

THE WINNER IS:
Synergy
Edina

RUNNERS-UP: Casablanca Orchestra, Boogie Wonderland

 

Photographer/Videographer

THE WINNER IS:
Austin Images
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Noah Wolf Photography, Studio Laguna Photography

 

Destination Marketing Organization (Town/Area 25,000+ in Population)

THE WINNER IS:
Meet Minneapolis
Minneapolis

RUNNERS-UP: Bloomington Convention + Visitors Bureau, Visit St. Paul

 

Destination Marketing Organization (Town/Area less than 25,000 in Population)

THE WINNER IS:
Alexandria Hotel & Hospitality
Alexandria

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