On May 31 at International Market Square, the National Speakers Association – Minnesota Chapter (NSAMN) held its annual gala to celebrate the past year and recognize outstanding members, from those who earned their CSP to those who offered advice and knowledge throughout the year. Awards were presented for Newcomer IMPACT, Chapter Member of the Year, Next Level, Volunteer of the Year, the Mark Leblanc Award, Minnesota Speaker Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award. The incoming board was also introduced. The theme was Be a Pineapple with a Tropical Twist, and mentalist Joe “The MindShark” Curcillo provided entertainment with a thought-driven program.
MNM+E’s annual readers’ choice awards brought 295 meeting and event professionals to the Lumber Exchange Event Center on April 24 to honor the 2019 award winners and Hall of Famers. Frank Maciel was the event’s emcee. Mall of America was the premier sponsor, and Discover St. Louis Park was the event’s Uber sponsor, giving attendees a credit to the ride-share app.