Minnesota Meetings + Events' 2011 Readers' Choice Best Of Finalists

Congratulations to all Minnesota Meetings + Events' 2011 Readers’ Choice Best Of Finalists! We've listed the finalists in each category in random order, so don't get too excited—yet.

Winners will be announced at the Readers' Choice Best Of Party in March and appear in the Spring 2012 issue of Minnesota Meetings + Events. Don't forget to R.S.V.P. in order to help us celebrate the cream of the crop in Minnesota's meetings and events industry.

Best Attraction (fairs/festivals, zoo, museum, amusement park, etc.)
Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota Zoo
Mall of America

Best Audio-Visual/Visual Presentation Provider
Media Loft
AV for You
AVEX

Best Boats/Cruises/Charters
Al & Alma’s
Padelford Riverboats
Paradise Charter Cruises

Best Catering Company (On or Off-site)
Mintáhoe
A Catered Event
D’Amico

Best Up-and-Coming Catering Company (less than five years in business)
Common Roots
Play Ball Catering
GASTROTRUCK

Best Convention + Visitors Bureau – Town/Area 25,000+ in Population
Bloomington Convention + Visitors Bureau
Visit St. Paul
Meet Minneapolis

Best Convention + Visitors Bureau – Town/Area Less Than 25,000 in Population
Alexandria Hotel & Hospitality

Best Entertainment (Performer, Group or Talent Agency)
Synergy
Casablanca Orchestra
Boogie Wonderland

Best Event Décor
Festivities
Bungalow 6 Design
Linen Effects
Event Lab

Best Florist
Zinnia Design Florals
Richfield Flowers & Events
Sadie’s Couture Floral & Events Styling

Best Golf Venue
Burl Oaks Golf Club
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Rush Creek Golf Club

Best Historic Venue
The Van Dusen Mansion
James J. Hill Library
Blaisdell Manor

Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space – More Than 300 Guest Rooms
Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Hilton Minneapolis
Crowne Plaza St. Paul-Riverfront

Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space – Less Than 300 Guest Rooms
The Saint Paul Hotel
Embassy Suites Bloomington
Graves 601

Best Meeting/Event Space (No Hotel)
Nicollet Island
Van Dusen Mansion
McNamara Alumni Center

Best Photography/Videography
Studio Laguna Photography
Austin Images
Noah Wolf Photography

Best Rental Service Provider (tables, linens, tents, etc.)
Linen Effects
Après Party & Tent Rental
Ultimate Events

Best Resort with Meeting/Event Space
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Grand View Lodge
Cragun’s

Best Restaurant/Bar with Private Event Space
Crave
Chino Latino
Seven The Steakhouse

Best Teambuilding Organizer/Activity
LMC Corporate Fishing Events
metroConnections
Event Lab

Best Transportation (limo, motorcoach, taxi, shuttle)
Renee’s Royal Valet
Eclipse
Minnesota Coaches
Premier Transportation

Best Venue Outside Twin Cities Metro
Grand View Lodge
Carlos Creek Winery
Madden’s on Gull Lake