Minneapolis Convention Center Will Get $14.5 Million Facelift
June 25, 2014
The Minneapolis Convention Center will have a nearly $14.5 million facelift to enhance the “relationship building” for clients and to remain competitive by being more efficient, flexible and better able to respond to the needs of the customers, according to venue officials.
The enhancements will take place during a two-year period, while the MCC prepares for a busy time in its schedule
Some of the improvements include the Visitor Information Center, which is located in the main lobby and is being completely renovated, as well as moved closer to the facility’s main entrance on Second Avenue South to better serve guests.
In addition, a mezzanine level is being added that will add flexible space and can be used to hold events and includes seating and a lounge area for additional networking and meeting space. A bar will be added in the future as well.
The stairs that used to be located in the main lobby are being replaced with an elevator to add accessibility to the front of the facility.
Beyond those more visible changes, further improvements in 2014 are as follows:
• Carpet replacement on second floor meeting spaces and lobbies
• New energy-efficient escalators for the lobbies of Halls C, D, and E (Skyway escalators on either end of the MCC were completed earlier in 2014)
• Color changing LED lights for the exhibit hall interior domes will provide more options for meeting planners to enhance the exhibit hall decor
• Artwork will be added throughout the building from Corporate Art Force
The MCC is working with Corporate Art Force to provide art from local artists that will be displayed on a six-month rotation.
“We are using this art to highlight the creative community of Minneapolis to our hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “And doing so will also add some texture and interest to our 1.6 million square feet of space.”
These changes will not only make the convention center more welcoming and convenient for visitors, but also more environmentally friendly, according to venue officials.
The MCC is committed to sustainability and recently achieved level one certification to the ASTM standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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